How Much Does Branding Cost?
From budget logos to full-scale rebrands, here’s what you’ll pay—and why it matters.
1. CREATING SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: BUDGET < $2,000
Starting out with a shoestring budget? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s tempting to hit up Fiverr, Squarespace, or Craigslist and snag a logo and website for under a grand. After all, you’ve got to start somewhere, right?
But here’s the kicker: Will that budget option actually build you a brand that gets people lining up at your door? Or are you just slapping some paint on a house with no foundation? What if you could get something more—a real, living, breathing brand identity that pulls in clients and boosts sales? DIY solutions are a great start, but they often focus on design over strategy. Dive into where your time and money are best spent: Building a Great Brand on a Shoestring Budget
2. GENERAL STARTUP & SMALL BUSINESS REBRANDING: $2,000 - $15,000
Got a bit more cash to play with? Awesome, now you can bring in a more seasoned designer. But remember, designers typically focus on making things look good—logo, brand identity, website, the whole shebang. What they might not do is dig into the deeper stuff—like why customers should pick you over the competition or how to craft a brand that screams you.
If you’re a small biz that needs more than just a pretty logo but can’t splurge on a full-blown strategy session, think about an all-in-one branding package. At the lower end of this range, you’ll get visual identity basics; the higher end might include some strategic insights too. These bundles usually mix strategy with design, giving you the best bang for your buck.
3. ESTABLISHED SMALL BUSINESS w/ $1 million+ in Revenue: $15,000 - $60,000
If you’ve been around the block a few times and have some solid revenue coming in, this is where rebranding starts getting real. We’re talking about overhauling your logo, website, marketing materials—the works. Costs vary depending on how big your company is, how complex your website needs to be, and the expertise of the team you hire. Expect to pay more for deeper strategy work and comprehensive brand development. But remember, just because someone charges more doesn’t mean they’re worth it. Do your homework and make sure whoever you hire is going to deliver more than just some snazzy new visuals.
4. MID-SIZED - LARGE BUSINESSES: $60,000+
If you’re running a bigger operation, with layers of decision-makers and a website that needs to do more than just sit there looking pretty, expect to pay up. A lot. At this level, you’re looking at full-scale branding efforts, including market research and extensive brand guidelines. We’re not getting into the nitty-gritty here because, let’s face it, companies at this level aren’t Googling “how much does branding cost?”.
Where Do I Fit In?
At Startwith, my branding package starts at $5,500—crafted to give you a complete brand transformation that’s fast, affordable, and impactful. Not only do I offer a better alternative to the traditional, often slow and pricey, agency route, but I also provide a massive step up from the low-cost creative markets. You're not just getting a logo or a website; you're getting a brand identity that stands out and connects with your audience on a deeper level.
Remember:
Strategy First: Nail down a solid brand strategy before you start throwing cash at design.
Do Your Research: Make sure any agency or designer you consider actually gets your brand and your goals.
Value Over Price: Just because it costs more doesn’t mean it’s better. Find someone who can deliver real value, not just a hefty invoice.
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.
