How to Know If You Need Custom Branding or If Templates Will Work
"You need a logo and a brand!"
I bet you've heard designers say that all the time. And you've probably rolled your eyes and thought, "I know, I know."
But here's the thing you don't know: Day 1 of your business, you do not need a brand and a logo. There, I said it. I'm a designer, and I stand by it. (And yes, I know you're probably wondering if I've lost my mind - but let's not unpack that in this blog!)
Why I'm Saying This (Even Though I'm a Designer)
Let me be clear:
I absolutely think design is important
I absolutely believe you need a logo
I absolutely believe you need a brand
But not on day one.
Here's why: When you launch your business, you'll quickly discover you're wearing more hats than you ever signed up for. Suddenly, you're the Admin, Social Media Manager, Marketing Director, Sales Rep, Accountant, Customer Service team, and yes - Graphic Designer too.
I'm sure you started this business to do the thing you're brilliant at. You didn't sign up for all this other stuff. And when you start calculating how much it would cost to hire people for each of these roles? That's when the panic sets in: "I can't afford that!"
Take a deep breath. It's okay.
You Don't Have to Be an Expert at Everything
I've been in your shoes. I felt like I had to "do it all" or I was somehow "doing it wrong." But here's what I learned: it's okay to outsource when you can, and it's equally okay to say, "I can't afford that right now, so I'll learn to do it myself."
Why Templates Are Actually Perfect for New Businesses
When you're just starting out, you're still figuring out the fundamentals:
Does anyone actually want what you're offering?
Who exactly are you speaking to?
How do you want to communicate with them?
What's your core message?
You need room to test, tweak, and evolve. The last thing you need is a fixed, rigid brand that doesn't move with you as you grow.
So yes, do a little DIY. Use Canva. Yes, I said it. Use Canva. That's completely okay.
How to Keep Consistency While You DIY
Just because you can't afford a designer yet and your brand needs to stay fluid doesn't mean it has to lack coherence. Here's how to maintain consistency:
Pick a Maximum of 5 Colours
I know it's hard. There are so many pretty colours out there. If you find lots you love, create a "future brand ideas" board in Canva and save them for later. For now, choose colours that inspire you every time you sit down to create something. You're going to be looking at them constantly - they need to energise you.
Pick One or Two Fonts
I know what you're thinking: "But like colours, there are so many good ones!" You're right. But choose something clear and easy to read. The whole point is for people to actually read what you're saying.
Experiment Within Your System
Play with your colours, switch things around, try different layouts. As long as you're using the same fonts and colours, you're building visual consistency. Your audience will start to recognize your content, even as you evolve.
Use Templates as Training Wheels
If you're screaming "But I have no creativity!" at the screen - stop right there. You're building a business, aren't you? That takes creativity. Have some confidence in yourself.
That said, there's nothing wrong with using templates to get started. Find templates that resonate with you, then customise them with your brand colours and fonts. Look at them together. Do they feel cohesive? Do they feel like you? Do they look like they came from the same person?
When You'll Know It's Time for a Custom Brand
Give yourself permission to change and evolve. That's part of the journey.
You'll know when the DIY phase is done. It will start to feel like too much. There'll be a disconnect between your brand and where your business is heading, and you won't be able to put your finger on exactly what's wrong.
What it is, is this: you're ready for the next level.
You're ready for a full brand. A deep dive into everything that makes your business unique and where you're headed. You're ready to work with someone who will listen, collaborate with you, and bring your business vision to life visually.
The Bottom Line
If you're a shiny new business, don't stress about your logo and brand too much right now. DIYing is okay. Learning is okay. Templates are your friend.
But when you're ready to level up? That's when it's time for a custom brand.
Need help right now? I offer industry-specific templates for growing audiences and promoting offers - with limited options to avoid overwhelming you. You can find these in my shop.
Ready for the next level? I can help you create a full custom brand that grows with your vision. You can contact me here.
