The Ultimate Guide to Design and Branding Services: Boost Your Brand’s Aesthetic and ROI in 2024

Good design does more than just look pretty—it makes your audience feel a certain way. It creates an emotional connection that turns potential customers into loyal fans. Have you ever walked into a store just because it looked appealing? That’s the emotional impact of good design. It’s about creating a vibe or an emotional atmosphere that draws people in. It’s not just aesthetic; it’s psychological.

According to Psychology Today, 93% of buyers focus on the visual appearance of a product. A well-designed website or package can drive conversions like nothing else. Design isn’t just superficial—it’s a critical factor that influences how and why consumers choose one product over another.

Think of some iconic brands like Apple or Nike. Their logos instantly evoke a sense of what these companies represent. That’s brand identity for you—a set of visual and emotional elements that distinguish your brand from the herd. It’s not just about a logo; it’s about creating a unique voice, style, and personality for your business. Companies win at branding when you can remove the logo from any piece of collateral, and people could still tell you what brand it belongs to.

Imagine if Nike suddenly started using comic sans in its branding. It’d be jarring, right? Consistency in branding isn’t about being rigid; it’s about creating a cohesive and reliable experience for your customers. The fonts, colors, textures, mood, and tone of brand you use should align across all platforms, creating a unified brand experience.

When it comes to picking an agency, look for one with a track record of producing work that resonates with their client’s target audience. An agency that’s been around for a while has experienced plenty of success and even failures that have molded who they are and have driven them to perfect their creative process.

Design agencies generally offer a few types of pricing models—fixed project pricing, hourly rates, and unlimited design plans. Fixed pricing is usually project-based and is a good option if you have a well-defined scope of work. Hourly rates are more flexible and are better suited for ongoing work or projects with a scope that may evolve. Unlimited design subscription plans have recently gained popularity in the design world and it’s something we offer here at Visual Soldiers as well.

Subscription design plans allow for consistent, ongoing work, making it easier to maintain a coherent brand image.

Subscriptions can often be more affordable than project-based pricing, providing small businesses with a viable option for top-notch design work.

Freelancers can offer low prices and random availability but may lack the broad skill set, tools, and resources that an agency provides. An agency offers a team of experts but sometimes at a higher cost. When you’re hiring an agency, you’re getting a whole team of skilled professionals. This means more resources, more diverse skill sets, and usually, faster turnaround times. Agencies often have more structured processes and can provide a wider range of services. Startups may find freelancers more affordable, while larger companies might opt for agencies.