Branding or rebranding is not a simple process. From the first idea to the finished product, there are many common brand design mistakes that can jeopardize a project. By learning to avoid these missteps, you can have confidence creating a design that resonates with your target audience.
Why Brand Design Matters
Design elements, like logo and color scheme, are crucial to the success of a digital marketing campaign. They contribute to potential customers’ impression of a brand through every stage of the Buyer’s Journey.
While creating a winning brand design is never a perfect science, any business can create a positive impression by avoiding these five common marketing mistakes.
The Brand Design Mistakes No Business Needs to Make
1) Too Busy of a Design
Simplicity is one of the keys to creating a memorable design. Many of the world’s most recognizable logos are also the most basic.
Take for example the McDonald’s logo.
It is a simple representation of one of America’s largest fast food restaurants. When used in any type of marketing materials, these golden arches instantly make potential customers think about McDonald’s.
The simplicity of McDonald’s branding helps make it so memorable.
When branding or rebranding, it can be tempting to think outside the box, but don’t get too carried away. Avoiding cute fonts or busy designs will help you present a cleaner, more professional image.
2) Using Clichés
Designing a brand is all about being creative. It’s about coming up with a unique idea that encapsulates your company. You want your design to help your company stand out from the competition.
Unfortunately, too many small businesses rely on clichés to spread marketing messages. Basic images and phrases that have already been used over and over never help with differentiation.
3) Copying, Stealing or Borrowing Brand Design
Brand design is a tool that can help your company develop a new identity and personality. But in order for it to work, it has to be uniquely your own.
Copying, stealing or borrowing a design is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal, it could cause confusion among consumers and could ultimately cost you sales.
Memorable Brand Designs Last Forever
Designing a brand is a creative process. Business logos are not often developed overnight. In fact, the biggest mistake small businesses make is rushing through design. Although it often takes time to get it right, a memorable brand design can last forever.