Top 5 reasons why good graphic design is essential for businesses
Why is professional graphic design important for your business?
One of the stand-out things successful businesses have in common is a strong brand identity, not just a nice-looking logo, business cards and website, but the wider approach to how their position and appeal in a busy and often saturated marketplace. Why do people choose Apple over PC, Polestar over Tesla, Cadbury over Nestlé, Costa over Starbucks when, as direct competitors, they deliver very similar products?
Here are IDEAM’s top 5 reasons on how having a strong brand identity can help a business.
1. Never mind who the biggest fish is, be a different animal
Most businesses will tell you that what they offer is unique and while, to a certain degree, that might be the case the reality is that there are doubtless many other similar options out there. Whether they offer the same service, product or are an exact replica of what your company does, you need set yourself apart. USPs aside, a strong identity means your business will carry a professional and trustworthy demeanour which will help instil confidence in customers, letting them know why you should be considered before your competitors.
2. Tone of voice: it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it
Loads of companies will have core values, whether written down or as a clear part of their day-to-day service. These values will undoubtedly sound wonderfully noble, full of extrinsic goodness, but they need to be effectively showcased using a brand and strike a tone that resonates with the audience they want to reach. A great way to communicate tone of voice visually is by using colour, typography and imagery.
While these elements don’t sound like a big deal it’s amazing how a business can be portrayed if these elements aren’t pitched correctly. A very familiar example is, imagine you’re trying to decide between two highly rated electricians you’ve looked up online.
Electrician A has a plain, single-page website containing a handful of images clearly taken using a phone, a small and barely legible, low-resolution logo with content written using a number of different fonts at various sizes and weights making reading mildly stressful including locating their contact details.
Electrician B also has a single-page website, their contact details are clearly visible and accessible alongside a simple and clean logo, they describe their services using consistent font and colour application alongside well-lit and properly thought out photography.
Which one are you going to call first to help with your re-wiring?
3. Consistency, consistency, consistency
One of our favourite sayings! Having marketing material that looks like it all belongs together and is derived from your brand identity whether it is your business card, annual report, PPT presentation, website or exhibition stand is so important. It lets your customers know you mean business, adds to your professionalism and helps with your brand reputation.
4. Brand Reputation, it’s got everything to do with your Vorsprung durch Technik you know
Improving the way your customers perceive your brand will lead to better reviews, higher satisfaction rates, and a more enjoyable experience. The happier customers are, the more repeat purchases you’ll secure and recommendations you’ll get, and higher your long-term revenue will be.
5. Increase Brand Presence – be here and be clear
The more visible your brand is, the more chances you’ll have to reach potential customers. If your marketing material is chopping and changing one week to the next because you don’t have a strong brand identity, then they’re not going to be able to link the dots and recognise that all your efforts are for the same company – see points 1-4 above.
Having that gotcha moment? Need some help with your brand identity? Worried as you’re not sure where to start or don’t have a massive budget? Never fear, we get it, we’re more than happy to cater to ALL your requirements. Get in touch by emailing hello@ideam.co.uk – we’d love to chat!