Building a Great Brand on a Shoestring Budget.
Free and cheap resources for creating a great brand.
When you’re starting, there are so many things to pay for, and sometimes really beautiful design just shouldn’t be your highest priority.
Here is a list of amazing tools that will allow DIYers to build a professional brand on a bare-bones budget:
SQUARESPACE
Squarespace is like the reliable friend who shows up on time, helps you move, and doesn’t ask for gas money. It’s easy, it’s pretty, and even if you’re allergic to tech, you’ll still be able to put together a killer website. With their gorgeous templates, all you need to do is toss in some sharp photos and smart text, and boom—your brand is live and ready to mingle. No stress, no mess. And despite what you might have heard, Squarespace websites can rank well on Google too!
MOO
Business cards shouldn’t feel like you printed them out in your basement five minutes before the big meeting. Enter Moo. Their cards are thick, smooth, and scream “I know what I’m doing” without you having to actually say it. Sure, Moo offers fancy stuff like foil stamping and ultra-thick paper, but their standard options are already pretty darn classy. Save the splurge for something else—like a celebratory coffee after you’ve wowed your new clients. Head over to Moo and start designing your dream business cards today!
CANVA
Canva is the design tool for those of us who don’t have a degree in graphic design—or the budget to hire someone who does. Its drag-and-drop simplicity means you can create eye-catching visuals without breaking a sweat or your budget. And while it might feel like cheating to use all their pre-made templates and graphics, who cares? Canva’s here to make you look like a pro. Plus, Canva now does for presentations what it did for graphics—making it a breeze to whip up stunning slides with minimal effort. Canva integrates seamlessly with various social media platforms, making it easy to share your creations with the world.
FLODESK
Email marketing, but make it pretty. Flodesk is the antidote to clunky, frustrating email platforms. With its sleek, user-friendly interface, you’ll be crafting gorgeous emails in no time—no coding required. Plus, Flodesk is kind enough not to penalize you for growing your list (unlike some platforms that shall not be named). And yes, they offer a free tier, so you can get started without having to dig into your emergency chocolate stash. While some advanced automation features might require an upgrade, the free tier is perfect for getting your email marketing off to a beautiful start.
FREE STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a bad picture? That's a whole different story. Luckily, free stock photography is here to save the day (and your brand's image).
Unsplash: For artsy, high-resolution images that make your brand look like it hired a pro photographer (without actually doing that).
Pexels: A solid go-to for free photos and videos that won’t get you sued.
Pixabay: With over 1.7 million images and videos, you’re bound to find something that makes your project pop.
These resources are a goldmine for finding visuals that elevate your brand and tell your story without breaking the bank.
Just a heads-up—I’m not affiliated with any of these companies. I use these tools daily because they rock, and I think you’ll find them handy too.
What’s next: If you're ready to explore your business's uniqueness and discover tailored, effective branding strategies, let's connect. Schedule a free 60-minute consultation call.
