How much does brand identity cost? What it takes to build a successful brand

Your brand is what sets you apart from your competitors and defines how customers perceive you. It gives you direction and purpose, and it's the foundation upon which you build your marketing efforts.

That said, branding is more than just your logo and strapline – your brand encompasses everything from your company's name and mission statement to its visual identity (logo, color palette, typography, etc.). It's the sum total of your company's identity, and it shapes how customers interact with you.

As you might imagine, crafting a successful brand identity is no small feat. It's a complex process that requires research, strategic thinking, and creativity. So how much does branding cost?

There's no simple answer, as branding costs vary widely. A branding identity agency will typically charge anywhere from £2,500 to £250,000 (or more) for a comprehensive branding project. On the other hand, a freelancer on Upwork might charge £50 for a logo design.

Of course, you get what you pay for. A top-tier agency will have the experience and expertise to craft a truly unique and memorable brand identity, while a freelancer might simply provide you with a generic logo that doesn't really capture the essence of your company.

In this article, we'll take a look at what goes into creating a successful brand identity, and what's included in branding packages, and we'll explore how much you can expect to pay for brand identity design services.

We specialise in brand identity and have a proven track record delivering creative for global brands such as Cartier, Westfield, Porsche, and F1. Speak with us today for a free brand discovery call.

Your logo is one of the most important elements of your brand identity. It's often the first thing people think of when they hear your company's name, and it's what they'll see every time they visit your website or social media page.

A well-designed logo can convey a lot about your company. Take, for example, the Nike swoosh which is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The simple design conveys a sense of speed and motion, which is fitting for a company that specializes in athletic gear.

Another example is the Apple logo. Like Nike's, Apple's logo is also simple. It communicates a sense of minimalism and sophistication – two qualities that are often associated with Apple's high-end tech products.

A unique logo can become iconic, giving your company a boost in credibility and perceived value. A professional designer can help you come up with a unique and memorable logo that perfectly captures the essence of your company.

Sites like Fiverr and 99designs offer logo design services starting at just £50. A £50 logo may be fine for a small business or startup, but if you're trying to build a well-recognised brand, it's worth investing in a professional designer or agency.

Brand Identity pricing can range from £50 to £25,000. The difference being, the higher end look at the identity holistically and consider the wider context of how it gets used in print and digital whereas logo designers create something that is unlikely to be robustly tested.

Investing in your website is one of the most important aspects of building a successful brand. Your website is often the first touchpoint potential customers have with your business, so it's important to make a good impression.

That said, the days of a simple website with just your contact information are long gone – today's consumers expect an intuitive, informative website that is easy to navigate.

Your site should be responsive, meaning it looks great and functions properly on all devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone). It should provide potential customers with all the information they need to know about your products or services, and it should be easy for them to purchase from you.

Creating a website that meets these expectations can be costly, and the price will vary depending on the size and complexity of the site. However, businesses should expect to spend at least £3,500 to £150,000 on website design and development.

While the upfront cost of building a website may be high, it's important to remember that your website is a long-term investment. Once it's up and running, your website will continue to generate leads and sales for your business, allowing you to see a return on your investment over time.

Visual design is especially important to communicate exclusivity and superiority in luxury markets. If you are looking to improve your brand, book a call.

Creating a brand identity without a style guide is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. You might get lucky and end up with something structurally sound, but the floors may be uneven, the walls may be crooked, and the overall aesthetic will likely be quite chaotic.

A style guide is a document that outlines your brand's visual identity – everything from your logo and color palette to your typography and photography brand guidelines.

A well-crafted style guide ensures that your brand identity is applied consistently across all touchpoints, from your website and social media accounts to your marketing materials and product packaging.

A style guide can also be a valuable tool for managing your brand identity over time. As your company grows and evolves, you can refer to your style guide to ensure that any new designs align with your brand's core values and aesthetic.

Creating a style guide is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. You'll need to consider everything from your target audience to your competitive landscape when crafting your style guide.

An experienced branding agency will charge anywhere from £6,000 to £100,000 for a complete brand identity package that includes a logo, style guide, and other design assets.

Your brand strategy is what will guide your business decisions and ensure that everything you do is in line with your brand identity. It's a long-term plan that outlines your goals, defines your target audience, and sets the tone for how you want your brand to be perceived.

A brand strategy typically costs around £2,500 to £50,000 and should include the following at a minimum:

• Brand positioning - Where you want your brand to be in relation to your competitors.

• Target audience - Who you want to reach with your branding.

• Value proposition - What makes your brand unique and worth paying for?

• Brand voice and tone - How you want your brand to sound and be perceived.

• Key brand messaging - The key points you want to communicate about your brand.

Your brand identity will be applied to a wide range of physical assets, from business cards and letterheads to product packaging and signage. It's important to make sure that your print designs are consistent with your overall brand identity, as this will help create a cohesive and professional-looking finished product.

Take Gucci, for instance. When you see their iconic dark green and red stripes, you think of beauty and class. Whenever you see that color combination, you instantly think of Gucci. While you may not have the resources of a Gucci or an Apple, that doesn't mean you can't create an impactful brand identity on a smaller budget.

Work with a competent branding consultant to develop printed marketing material that aligns with your brand's unique personality, and you'll be sure to make a lasting impression.

You can expect to pay a about £750-15,000, depending on the size and scope of your project.

As you've probably seen by now, the costs of building a successful brand identity can add up quickly. The different branding elements (brand strategy, print design, website design, etc.) can take significant time and money to get right.

But what if there was a way to get all of these things done without breaking the bank?

At ikon, we specialise in helping businesses create branding that get results. We have the experience and expertise to develop a comprehensive brand strategy, all the way through to your identity and how that looks across web, print and social.

Here's why you should choose us for your branding needs:

We work with a small team of hand-picked creatives who are experts in their fields. This allows us to provide a personal, bespoke service to each and every one of our clients. With an agile team, we can also turn projects around quickly – something that is often not possible with larger agencies.

Working as a collective of creatives allows us to be more cost-effective than bigger agencies. We're able to pass these savings on to our clients, so you can get the branding you need without spending a fortune.

We believe in the power of personal relationships. You're not just a number to us – we'll work closely with you throughout the entire process to make sure you're happy with the final product. You'll always have a direct line of communication with Alex Colley, our creative director, who will oversee your project from start to finish. Alex will keep you updated on our progress and ensure that we're meeting your expectations.

We're meticulous in our approach, making sure that every detail is accounted for. We treat each project with the same level of care and attention, ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.

And this is one of the reasons why some of the world's most iconic brands such as F1, Cartier, and Porsche trust us to craft identities and creative campaigns that cut through the noise and get results.

If you'd like to learn how we can help your brand stand out, book a time for a free discovery call.