5 Common Branding Mistakes DIYers Make and How to Avoid Them
Let's be real for a second. The DIY approach is amazing for so many things. Home decor, personalized gifts, furniture... the list goes on. But when it comes to your business branding? Things can get a little more complicated.
I totally get it. Investing in your business can feel overwhelming, and sometimes DIY is the most budget-friendly option. But your brand visuals are more than just a quick fix - they're the first impression of your business. So, read below to find out the five most common branding mistakes that are made when DIYing your brand, and how to fix them.
1. Creating Only One Logo Version
Picture this: You've just designed the perfect logo. It looks incredible on your website header, and you're feeling proud. But then you try to use it on a business card, or a social media profile picture, and suddenly... it looks awkward and unrecognizable.
This is why having multiple logo variations isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity.
Here's Why Multiple Versions Matter:
Different areas of your business require different logo versions
A horizontal logo might not work in a circular space (and vice versa)
Versatility ensures your brand looks consistent everywhere
How to Fix: Create a full logo suite with:
A primary logo (your main, most recognizable version)
Horizontal layouts
Circular or stacked versions
Variations that work across different sizes and formats
This approach increases brand recognition and ensures your logo looks polished and intentional, no matter where it appears.
2. Overlooking Your Target Audience
Here's a truth many entrepreneurs miss: Your brand isn't about what you like, it's about who you're trying to reach.
It's easy to get caught up in making things look pretty, but if your visuals don't speak directly to your ideal client, you're essentially talking to the wrong room. Imagine designing a brand that looks amazing to you, but completely misses the mark for the people you want to work with.
You need to get specific about your ideal client. Go beyond surface-level demographics:
What's their name? (Yes, give them an actual name!)
What does their daily routine look like?
What are their biggest dreams and challenges?
Where do they spend their time online?
Who do they follow on social media?
How to Fix: Create a detailed client avatar including all of their basic demographics, and the answers to the questions above (feel free to add to the list!). The more specific you get, the more your brand can truly resonate with your dream clients.
3. Overcrowded Logos and Graphics
Less truly is more. Think about iconic brands like Apple, Nike, and Spotify - what do they have in common? Simplicity.
When you're passionate about your business, it's tempting to want to include every single detail in your logo. But a cluttered design does the opposite of what you want. Instead of communicating your brand's essence, it overwhelms and confuses your audience.
Why Simplicity is Effective:
Minimal designs are easier to remember
Clean logos stand out
Your brand can communicate through subtle elements
How to Fix: Your logo can tell your story through fonts, color palettes, visual structure, or minimal graphic elements. The simpler the logo, the more memorable your brand will be!
4. Copying Competitors Too Closely
Let's talk about a temptation every entrepreneur faces: seeing a competitor's branding that looks absolutely stunning and thinking, "I'll just do something similar."
I get it. When you're starting out, it's so easy to look at successful brands and want to mirror their approach. What looks incredible for one business might completely fall flat for another. Your brand is like a fingerprint–totally unique to you and your journey.
Instead of Copying, Consider These:
Your unique mission that sets you apart
The core values that drive your business
Your individual business goals and vision
The magic happens when you dive deep into the heart of your business and let those authentic elements guide your visual identity. Your brand should feel like you - not a carbon copy of someone else's success story.
How to Fix: Your differences are your strength. The things that make your business uniquely yours? Those are exactly what will help you stand out in a crowded market.
5. Choosing Trends Over Timeless Design
Trends are like fashion–what's hot today might look dated tomorrow. Remember our statement necklaces and all things chevron phase? (Yikes!)
Designing your brand purely based on current design trends will cause you to run into problems. You'll find yourself caught in a constant cycle of rebranding, spending money you could invest elsewhere, and potentially confusing the audience who loved your previous look.
Think about iconic brands like Coca-Cola or Nike. Their logos have remained remarkably consistent, not because they're afraid of change but because they've designed their brand visuals to go beyond trends.
How to Fix: Use a timeless branding approach. Instead of chasing what's momentarily popular, focus on creating a brand identity that:
Reflects your core values
Tells your unique story
Can gracefully evolve with your business
Your brand should be like a classic piece in your wardrobe… timeless, versatile, and always true to your style.
The Bottom Line
DIY branding isn't impossible–it just requires extra thought and strategy. Take your time, be intentional, and remember: your brand is telling a unique story.
Feeling unsure about the DIY approach for your brand visuals? That's what I'm here for! I can't wait to support you and your business while transforming your vision into a brand that truly reflects what your business is all about. Let's connect and bring your brand dreams to life!
