It’s a very popular (but very untrue) myth that DIY branding can save you money. And, on the surface, it makes sense! By creating your brand yourself, you’re able to save all the money you would’ve otherwise had to pay to a designer. But DIY brands come with their own costs, even if they aren’t specifically dollars given to a designer.

That’s right friend—you’re homemade branding can actually cost you REAL dollars.

If you’re still operating with a DIY brand from when you first opened up shop, I promise you’re not alone! The idea that crafting your own brand will save you money in the long run is a very popular (though false) idea. I’ve seen it discussed by so many talented and tenacious creatives in various Facebook groups and even with the designers in my signature course, the Brand Strategy School.

So today, sweet friend, I want to bust that myth right on open, explaining 4 ways that creating your own visual brand work is actually holding you back in your business. Keep on scrolling to learn all about it PLUS how you can to fix it ASAP!

HOW DIY BRANDING IS REALLY COSTING YOU $$$

Before we dive too deep into this conversation, I do think it’s important to mention there is a time and a place for DIY branding. When you’re brand new to business, facing start-up costs and feeling unsure of whether you’ll even book a client or make a sale (nonetheless enough to create a full-time income), it’s entirely logical to save money where you can. But those homemade visuals and strategy can only serve you for so long; once you’re more established as a business owner, the costs will inevitably start to outweigh the benefits.

As you continue to grow your business and position yourself as an expert in your industry, it is absolutely crucial that your visual identity and brand strategy match up. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into four specific ways that DIY branding holds you back in the long run.

1. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT UPDATES

The first uncomfortable truth about DIY branding is that it often requires constant updates.

Think of it this way: if you’re going the do-it-yourself route, you’re probably basing a lot of your logo or website design on what’s currently popular, what you’re seeing on Pinterest, or what other people are posting about on Instagram. And, because of that, you’re going to see that if you’re designing based on trends, those trends will change quickly.

On top of that, if you’re not a professional designer, going the DIY route requires you to constantly learn new skills about tweaking your website, sprucing up your logo, creating branded visuals on social media, and so much more. As a result, you’ll spend a lot of time and energy tweaking things here and there but never truly being satisfied or done. It’s an endless cycle of updating that I don’t want to see you stuck in, friend.

Think about how many other things you could (or should) be doing with your time to move the needle in your business!

Which leads me straight into point #2: DIY branding is robbing you of precious time.

2. YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS

If we’re being honest, there is a huge amount of value in hiring people who are experts in what they do. These professionals have dedicated years of their lives to becoming an expert so that we don’t have to spend half our days learning from the ground up!

As an example, I personally choose not to do my own taxes because I cannot do it as quickly or as well as my CPA can. The same idea applies when you’re crafting an elevated visual brand to reflect the heart of your life’s work! If you’re not a designer, it’s going to take you much longer to craft a logo, figure out what fonts go together, or whip up a custom website for yourself. And all of that is time you’re losing from the work you’re actually here to do.

Let’s say you’re a photographer. Spending time building a website takes you away from going to shoots, editing photos, and other essential activities that keeps your business running.

The alternative to spending tons of time on your brand? Not spending a ton of time on it, and having the quality suffer as a result. We don’t want that either, now do we, friend?

Bottom line: DIY branding is robbing you of precious, irreplaceable time that is much better spent elsewhere.

3. DIY BRANDING DOES NOT POSITION YOU AS AN EXPERT

When you work with a professional brand designer and strategist, you’ll be guided through a deeply thoughtful experience that delivers a set of assets based on intentional strategy.

If you’re going the DIY route, you’re most likely not going through the process the same way. As a result, you’re not able to create a fully formulated identity that positions you as an expert in your industry. After all, brand strategists have spent years perfecting their workflows and creating a process that will uncover the heart of your brand and produce visuals that align with that heart! It’s their area of expertise, the same way your craft is yours.

4. IT WON’T DRIVE QUALITY INQUIRIES

If you’re not positioning yourself as an expert through your branding, you’ll struggle to drive qualified inquiries from the dreamy ideal clients that you love to serve. And if you’re not able to bring in those dreamy inquiries, then you’re losing out on not only money, but also the work that fulfills you the most.

A brand designer and strategist, however, will be able to create visuals that strategically attract your ideal clients by speaking directly to them AND establishing you as the expert you truly are. Wave hello to all your new, high quality inquiries!

IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO DITCH THE DIY BRAND?

Friend, I don’t want this to sound like this massive cautionary tale about how DIY branding is the worst. But I do want you to be aware of how DIY branding can hold you back once you hit a certain level in your business!

If you’re an established entrepreneur who is looking to present yourself as such, but you’re still operating with that homemade, trend-following, strategy-less logo, then I’d encourage you to break up with all the trial and error and partner with a pro.

If you’re ready to make the jump to a professionally, strategically crafted brand, then friend, I’d love to chat with you! I specialize in crafting elevated visual brands that enable you to connect authentically with your ideal clients. I’m currently booking projects with Fall and Winter 2021 start dates, and it would be an absolute joy to work with you! Get in touch to schedule your free consultation call today.

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