Using design to build your business is just like building a house. You start with the foundations and grow from there. Having a high quality, professionally designed logo will also make it easier to create other good-looking marketing elements, such as websites, brochures, e-newsletters and signage.
Your logo is the most important aspect of your brand image, and even if you can afford nothing else, it’s crucial to get it right. Designing a logo is one of the cornerstones of building a strong brand.
Here are some tips for you to consider if you know you need a logo (or anything else) designed, but your budget is limited.
Choose suppliers who are the right fit for your business
When it comes to design, the term ‘budget’ is a matter of perspective. So how do you ensure that you and your designer are on the same page?
My recommendation is that you be upfront and honest about your budget when consulting designers about your project. This will flush out who is a good fit for you and in my experience will also save you time and money in the future.
Finding the right fit can take time, but is worth it in the long term.
Contra deals
I know of many small business owners who successfully swap goods and services on a contra basis.
Personally, I’m not a fan of these types of arrangements, because I’ve seen instances where projects that were business critical to one soloist have been left in limbo for weeks while the supplier they’ve made a contra deal with concentrates their energies on paying work.
If well managed though, a contra deal with the right business could be a great way to get things done that you don’t have the cash flow to fund.
Arrange a payment plan
For large projects, you may be able to arrange a payment plan schedule with your supplier. In fact, the ability to do this could be one of the criteria you use to determine which suppliers are the right fit for your business.
Outlining your cash flow restrictions at the start of negotiations with your supplier makes it more likely you’ll be able to set up payment plan options. Some designers offer credit card facilities, which opens up opportunities to spread payments in weekly or fortnightly recurring cycles. Payment plans do need to be a win-win for both parties, so be aware that you may need to make some compromises.
Protect your logo
Finally, protect your new logo with a registered trademark. IP Australia is the regulatory body that oversees the registration of trademarks and patents in Australia. If engaging an IP lawyer is out of your reach, the IP Australia TM Headstart Program is a low cost method of registering your logo or trademarks.
Using design in your business is a very powerful way to create a distinctive and unique competitive advantage. Just because you have a shoestring budget doesn’t mean your business can’t look good!
Have you got any additional tips for driving your design dollar further? Please share them below.
“ When it comes to design, the term ‘budget’ is a matter of perspective. ”
Jo Macdermott from Next Marketing works with Business Owners in Melbourne who require ongoing Marketing support. If you are a Business Owner with a Marketing budget who is too busy to ‘get around to marketing’ then Jo Macdermott is here to help. Jo specialises in tactical Marketing plans that are pragmatic and make a lot of business sense.
