DIY Branding vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s Right for Your Business?
Picture this…
You need to create a new ad suite for a product launch and decide to DIY your graphics using Canva.
You place your logo on the ad, but it has a white background. No problem. You use Canva’s background remover tool. Only it removes parts of the logo you need. Disaster number one.
You start building your ad, experimenting with different fonts, colours, and elements. You get carried away, creating something that looks great to you but… nothing like your brand.
You run the ad and put money behind it. No conversions. No engagement. No sales.
You can’t figure out why. Your ad shows your offer, and your logo is there (even if it’s missing some parts).
The problem? Branding is more than just visuals, it’s about strategy, consistency, and trust.
It takes just 10 seconds for people to form an impression of your brand. (BrandMoss)
If your DIY branding gives off the wrong first impression, you’re losing customers before they even engage with you.
The True Cost of Branding Mistakes
Let’s say you upgrade to Canva Pro. You’ve now spent money on a tool you’re still not sure how to use.
Maybe you go all in and buy the Adobe Creative Suite. But just having the right tools doesn’t make you a designer.
Canva is a great tool, and you can create unique, high-quality designs with it, but only if you know how to apply brand strategy.
A professional won’t just make your designs look good, they’ll ensure they align with your brand, resonate with your audience, and work across all platforms.
But the biggest cost isn’t the software. It’s the damage DIY branding does to your business.
35% of companies report that brand consistency added 10-20% to their revenue growth. (DesignRush)
What Happens When Your Branding Is Misaligned?
Inconsistent branding confuses customers, making them unsure of what you offer.
Your messaging is all over the place, leading to lost sales opportunities.
Your business blends in with competitors, instead of standing out.
Your audience doesn’t trust you, because your brand looks unprofessional.
DIY branding often leads to inconsistency and confusion. And if customers don’t know what you stand for, they won’t engage, click, or buy.
Signs It’s Time to Invest in Professional Branding
You have a great product or service, but your branding isn’t doing it justice.
Maybe you:
Created your logo in Canva, only to realize another business has the exact same one.
Feel like you’re blending in with competitors instead of standing out.
Struggle to create graphics, messaging, and visuals that truly reflect your business values.
Your logo matters, but only if it’s done right.
60% of consumers avoid brands with unappealing logos, even if they have good reviews. (StudyFinds)
A DIY logo that looks generic, outdated, or unpolished can cost you customers before they even try your product.
There's Nothing Wrong With Using Canva. But Strategy Matters.
If you want your brand to look unique, polished, and professional, work with an expert who can guide you.
A brand strategist can help you establish a strong foundation, so even if you’re using Canva for your marketing materials, they stay consistent, high-quality, and aligned with your brand.
What you Actually Get When Hiring a Brand Strategist and Designer
Branding is more than aesthetics. It’s about strategy.
A brand strategist and designer doesn’t just make things look good. They create branding that:
Aligns with your audience and builds trust.
Reflects your business values and unique positioning.
Creates consistency across all platforms so you look professional and polished.
Here’s what you actually get when hiring a pro:
Experience
A brand strategist and designer:
Specialises in this work, it’s their full-time expertise.
Uses research-backed insights to craft messaging and visuals that convert.
Knows how to define your business objectives and translate them into branding.
DIY branding is based on gut instinct. Professional branding is based on strategy.
Quality
When you hire a branding expert, you’re paying for quality, because their reputation depends on it.
A professional knows how to create graphics, logos, and messaging that fit your brand identity.
Your branding will be cohesive, polished, and visually aligned across all platforms.
Your investment lasts because high-quality branding will serve your business for years.
Low-quality branding repels customers. High-quality branding builds trust and authority.
A Unique Brand That Stands Out
DIY branding often looks generic because it’s built from templates that thousands of businesses use.
A brand strategist will develop a tone of voice that matches your brand.
Your visual identity will reflect your values, not just another cookie-cutter look.
You’ll have branding that truly represents what makes your business different.
Your business is unique, so why are you trying to blend in?
Ready to Invest in your Brand?
I understand audience and brand connection. It’s what I do best. Let’s take your brand to the next level and create something that rises above the competition.
Book a FREE 30-minute Brand Breakthrough call today, and let’s create a brand that has meaning.
