As a small business owner, you’ve probably been bombarded with advice about the importance of branding. Everyone says you need “proper branding” to succeed, but what does that really mean? And more importantly, what does it cost?
Is it $500? $5,000? The GDP of a small nation?
Here’s the thing: professional branding isn’t just about how much you’re paying. It’s about value. And that’s where a lot of people get it wrong.
The $500 Logo Disaster
A small business owner called me not too long ago, and here’s what happened:
She hired someone to create a logo for her business. When it arrived, she was already disappointed. Why? Because instead of the feminine and elegant design she envisioned, it looked more like something out of a construction company’s brand book.
I asked her, “Did you have a strategy call before starting the design work? Did you define your values, tone, and target audience?”
Her answer: No.
That’s the problem right there.
What Professional Branding Actually Costs
Let’s cut through the noise and talk real numbers:
DIY Logo Makers: $50-200 You’ll get a template, but good luck standing out from the thousands of other businesses using the same one.
Freelance Logo Design: $500-2,000 You’ll get a logo, maybe some basic guidelines. What you won’t get is strategy or a cohesive brand system.
Strategic Brand Identity: $3,000-15,000 Complete brand strategy, visual identity, messaging framework, and implementation guidelines. This is where the magic happens.
Enterprise Branding: $15,000+ Full brand transformation with extensive research, strategy, design, and rollout support.
Why Cheap Branding Costs More
That $500 logo seems appealing until you realise the hidden costs:
- Lost conversions from unclear messaging
- Confused customers who can’t figure out what you do
- Rebranding costs when you inevitably outgrow the amateur work
- Missed opportunities because your brand doesn’t command premium pricing
Want to see what strategic branding actually looks like?
But What Do I Actually Charge?
My strategic branding projects start from $4,500 ( it varies for the problems we are solving and the deliverables you need) for complete brand identity work. Brand strategy alone is $2,000. Packaging with brand identity, market research and analysis- more in the 8k range.
Here’s why that investment makes sense: I only take on one client at a time. No rushing between calls, no junior designers learning on your dime, no cookie-cutter solutions.
Every colour choice, every font decision, every strategic move is backed by 15+ years of experience and designed to make your brand resonate with exactly the right people. When you’re investing in your business, you deserve more than a template with your name slapped on it.
This one-on-one approach means longer wait times, but it also means getting a brand that actually converts browsers into buyers.
Branding: More Than Just a Logo
Here’s where most people mess up: they think branding is just about a logo. But branding is the entire foundation of how your business presents itself to the world.
Your brand’s colours, fonts, and visuals aren’t random choices. They need to reflect your core values and speak directly to your target audience, triggering emotions that make them want to take action.
But that can’t happen without strategy.
My Approach to Brand Design
At Studio Stoked, I don’t just slap together a logo and call it a day. I build brands that reflect who you are, what you stand for, and what your customers want from you.
With 15+ years of experience, I focus on strategy, design, messaging, and customer experience so you don’t waste time or money on things that don’t work.
When you work with me, I charge by the value I bring to your business, not by the hour.
So, What’s It Worth to You?
Branding is like buying a car. Are you going with a Kia or a Ferrari? Both will get you where you need to go, but one’s going to turn heads while doing it.
If you’re serious about building a lasting business, you need a brand that’s going to make an impact and that’s going to take more than just a quick fix.
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
At the end of the day, branding is an investment. It’s not just about what you’re paying for a logo today, it’s about the long-term impact it’ll have on your business.
Let’s chat about how we can take your brand from ok to OMFG.
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