I’m currently working on revising my Logo Package(s) to include a few different choices and in the process I’ve just started to work with a few fun business owners/bloggers that I know to work the kinks out of these future offerings. I’m excited to complete the process and report back to you guys my new services!
With that said, I’m taking a short break this week from my Little Tips That Make A Big Difference Series to share some tips on Logos and Branding. Something I hope to be doing more often with you!
Consistency.
We all know it’s important, but how do you achieve it? Here’s an example of a St. Louis Company- Bailey’s Restaurants who achieves this so well, I’ve been impressed since the first time I stepped foot in one of their restaurants. They have opened several different types of restaurants all in downtown St. Louis. (And check out each of thier websites-great design!)
Here’s their branding:
So, what’s Bailey’s doing that you should too?
1. They Know Their Brand
The First Step is deciding what you want your brand to be. This will most likely be determined by your products/services, your ideal client and also, your personal style (this is especially important if YOU are your business i.e. business coach, web designer). Did you see the mass of brands Bailey’s has? They’re not the same, but they all look good together. They all give off the feeling of small, local indie restaurants, right? But they each can stand out on their own.
2. They Make Sure Everything Has The Same Look & Feel
When thinking about your Brand details are important! Think about Step 1 and then consider all those small things- color, style, types of graphics you’ll use, etc. Bailey’s has a rustic, high quality, handmade feel in their restaurant. This is even reflected in the food they sell- made from scratch sauces, grass feed beef, craft beers and THE BEST local soda made with real cane sugar.
3. They Use This Same Feel Throughout Everything
Once you’ve got your Branding details all decided, use those standards on everything! You can see in the above image Bailey’s Range’s Website, Menu, Restaurant and their logos on each. You can tell how everything they put out is cohesive and all fits perfectly together. I even mentioned above how they maintain this consistency with their food as well. Think about how you’re keeping your brand consistent with the product/services you offer too! And I’ll let you in on a little secret, the first time we went to Bailey’s Range, the service was really poor, but everything else was so great I could see past that and came back again and again (this is not to say you should have bad service, of course! BUT, if for some reason you make a mistake this may help you get a second chance!)
4. They Hired a Great Designer to Help Them
I wasn’t actually going to include this on this list, but as I was looking for the logo images, I came across TKOY the design group responsible for creating Bailey’s branding. Some photos above were from their site as well (the rest were from the various Bailey’s Restaurant websites). Isn’t it amazing what they did? Look at the impact! So so so much better than if they had went the DIY route and tried to use Microsoft Word for most of their “designing.” So, this last step is to hire a designer if you don’t have the skills. Branding is NOT something you want to have sub-par!
So, what’s your brand? How do you make it YOU? How do you make it consistent?
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Great post and so very important! I’m currently creating all my marketing materials for my business and consistency is definitely something I’m very strict on!
It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it!
This is a great post! It’s reminded me to keep consistent (and to save up for a decent designer!). Thank you :)
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’m rebranding and I must say this is harder than it seems!
Thanks so much for the reminder.
It IS so much harder than it seems! For sure! But when everything is all put together the result looks so effortless. It’s funny that way :)
OMG, yes! I am not visual at all so I have to hire out like all my design stuff, but consistency is definitely my #1 objective every time. It makes everything look so much more polished and professional. Good stuff! xo
I love this so much! YES! Its not just about the logo- its about the bigger picture, too! I’ll be sharing this post for sure!
Oh, Thanks! Share away!
To answer your question, I think I’m still focusing on my tone of voice and how that is going to play into my visual identity. I agree that consistency is absolutely key. It all comes down to knowing the ins-and-outs of your business. Who are you? What are you providing? How do you want to be perceived? Once you’ve hammered that in, it becomes a lot easier to be consistent.
It totally does! Once you know who and what your business is, it gets MUCH easier. Good luck!
Yes! Love this. I’m an editor but also a former professional photographer — and design enthusiast — and there’s so much to be said about visual consistency that many people just don’t realise. It can be tricky to explain the benefits when this is something you naturally do. Nice job. :-)
You’re right! And I think when people try to DIY your brand I think that’s one of the biggest ways they can go wrong. And simply because they don’t know any better.