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How to Brand Your Business... for FREE.

Writer's picture: Jen RafflesJen Raffles

Bet that got your attention 😉


When you're starting a small business, every penny counts. So, the idea of DIY-ing your branding for free is incredibly tempting. Sure technically, yes - you can create a brand identity without spending a single penny. But before you set off on this budget-friendly branding adventure, let’s take a peek into what that really looks like… and why “free” branding might not be as cost-effective as it seems.

A mug that says 'go get em' beside a plant and open notebook, on a desk by a window.

The Free Logo Generator Gamble

There are countless free logo makers online now, promising you a “unique” design in seconds. You click a few buttons, choose a template that looks decent, and voila! You have a logo. The only problem? So do hundreds of other businesses who clicked the same template. It’s not unique, it’s not memorable, and worst of all - it might not even be legally yours to use commercially. Yikes!


Another free option is of course asking that friend who is 'good with computers' 😝


The first mistake you are making with your free branding is believing that a logo is all you need, and that the design doesn't really matter. Unfortunately, your audience will likely think the same and not give you a second glance because that logo you didn't care about did not stick in their minds, and did not instil good vibes that encouraged them to discover more. Oops!


The Font Scramble

You know branding needs a strong visual identity, so you Google “best free fonts” and pick a couple that look nice off of Dafont. But without knowing how typography works in branding, you might accidentally choose fonts that clash, look unprofessional, or are overused to the point of invisibility.


Here be your second mistake. There are millions of fonts to choose from. In your hunt for free branding, you are now losing hours to scrolling for the right font... because you will know it when you see it right? Don't forget to consider how you will customise that font to really make it unique for your business, and how you might also use said font throughout the rest of your brand identity. And you just need the one yeah? 🥸


The Pinterest Colour Palette Rabbit Hole

Ok, on to the all-important brand colours. You find a pretty colour palette on Pinterest and decide to use it, perfect. But have you considered colour psychology? Does it resonate with your audience? Or are you simply picking shades because they look nice to you? Worse, if you’re grabbing swatches from different sources, you might end up with a palette that’s inconsistent and difficult to use across your materials. Uh-oh!


Your third mistake - picking a palette directly off Pinterest. As a brand designer, I use Pinterest a lot to show off my work, along with thousands of other designers, so I do understand there are so many ready-made options just sitting there. We carefully curate a colour palette that will be right for our clients. So not only are you potentially putting off your ideal client with colours that are entirely wrong for your business, but you are now looking just like someone else. Again.


Speaking of Pinterest.... you can check out my profile right here: Magic Feather Designs on Pinterest. I post client work, design inspo, awesome fonts plus business tips and advice.

The Social Media DIY Struggle

Ok. You have got your free generated logo, your free font from the internet and your free colour palette from Pinterest. Sweet. We are looking good! Time to open Canva and throw together some content.


But without a clear brand strategy, your visuals are all over the place - different fonts (BTW do you have a license that allows you to upload them to Canva hmmm?), colours that don’t work, and inconsistent messaging. One day your brand looks playful, the next it looks corporate, and your audience? Confused and disengaged from the get-go my friend!


Finally, your fourth mistake is clear. You completely ignored any strategic thinking when putting together your free brand identity and you are still struggling to make it feel right. With every piece of content you are second-guessing if everything is ok. Time is getting away from you again I fear! 😰



Final Thoughts: The Hidden Cost of “Free” Branding


On the surface, free branding seems like a win. But what happens when you:


👉🏻 Struggle to attract the right clients because your brand doesn’t reflect your business values?

👉🏻 Blend in with the competition because your DIY logo looks just like theirs?

👉🏻 Spend hours fixing inconsistencies instead of focusing on growth and sales?

👉🏻 Have to rebrand in a year because your visuals still just aren’t working?


Suddenly, that “free” branding isn’t so free anymore. It’s costing you time, lost opportunities, and potentially, a lot more money down the line.


The Alternative? A Brand That Works FOR You!

Instead of wrestling with mismatched elements, why not invest from the start in a brand identity that’s strategically designed to attract the right audience, communicate your values, vision and mission, and set you apart from the competition? Oh look, that’s where I come in! Convenient!


At Magic Feather Designs, I create branding that’s unique, personality-packed, and built to help your business thrive - not just look pretty. I put in the hard work, research, time, skills and expertise so you don't have to. You just reap the benefits my friend! Ready to skip the branding guesswork and build something truly magical? Let’s chat. ✨


How to Book Your Future Brand Project!

If you feel ready to take that next step, then firstly - yey! How exciting!


Next, you can head to my contact page or email me directly at jen@magicfeatherdesigns.com or look me up on socials and pop me a DM - Instagram is best www.instagram.com/magicfeatherdesigns . There are no silly or small questions with me, I am here to help!


Check out my portfolio page to see what brand vibes I created with previous clients, and what they had to say about working with me 🥰



Speak soon friend! Jen xx

PS. Ok ok, if you are still hell-bent on creating a free brand identity then let me direct you to my fabulous resources that will help you out. I am too kind 🥰




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Did someone say FREEBIES??

Not sure if you are ready to invest in your brand identity yet but want some friendly advice from a professional brand designer?

Don't miss out on my awesome freebies - fabulous resources for small business owners looking to review their brand design themselves.

Free resources for small businesses by Magic Feather Designs
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