Consultancy Branding

How much should I invest in branding for my new consultancy?

Here's the truth: most consultants spend more on their first month's office rent than on branding – then wonder why they can't charge premium rates. A proper branding investment should be 2-5% of your first year's revenue target. If you're aiming for £200K in year one, that's £4K-£10K on branding. Why? Because consultants with professional branding charge 40-60% more than those with DIY logos from Fiverr. The maths is simple: spend £5K on branding, charge £150/hour instead of £75/hour. You'll recover your investment after just 33 billable hours.

I'm just starting out – shouldn't I wait until I'm more established?

Absolute rubbish. That's like saying "I'll get dressed properly after I become successful." Your brand is your first impression, and you never get a second chance at a first impression. Here's what happens when you wait: you spend 6 months networking with a naff logo, building relationships with the wrong positioning, then have to rebrand everyone's perception of you. That's 10x harder than getting it right from day one. Professional branding from launch means you start every conversation from a position of credibility, not trying to overcome cheap-looking materials.

What exactly do I get for my investment?

No fluff, here's what moves the needle: Complete visual identity system (logo, colours, fonts), positioning strategy that differentiates you from every other "business consultant" in your area, brand guidelines so everything looks professional, business stationery suite (business cards, letterheads, proposals), digital assets (LinkedIn banners, email signatures, website graphics), and presentation templates. But here's the kicker: you also get the strategy behind why each element works. It's not just pretty pictures – it's a system designed to make you more money.

How long does the branding process take?

2-4 weeks for a complete rebrand, depending on how quickly you provide feedback. Here's the breakdown: Week 1 is strategy and concept development, Week 2-3 is design and refinement, Week 4 is finalising all assets. But listen: every day you delay is money left on the table. I've seen consultants lose £20K+ contracts because their proposals looked amateur. The opportunity cost of waiting another month is far greater than any rush fee. Speed matters in business.

Can't I just create something myself or use a cheap online service?

You could also perform surgery on yourself, but would you? DIY branding screams "I don't value myself enough to invest in my business" – and if you don't value yourself, why should clients? Those £50 logo generators give you the same templates everyone else gets. Professional branding isn't an expense, it's the foundation of premium pricing. Consultants with professional brands close deals 3x faster because they look like they belong in boardrooms, not like they're running a side hustle from their kitchen table.

How do I know if the branding is actually working?

Simple metrics: Are you charging more than before? Are prospects taking you more seriously? Are you getting invited to bigger conversations? But here are the hard numbers: professional consultancies see 25-50% increase in conversion rates and 30-60% increase in average project values within 6 months of rebranding. If you're not seeing measurable improvements in your close rate and project values, your branding isn't working. It's that black and white.

What makes consultancy branding different from other industries?

Trust is everything. Unlike product businesses, you're selling your expertise, your thinking, your reputation. Clients are betting their business on you before they've seen results. Your brand needs to communicate credibility, intelligence, and results within seconds. B2B decision-makers judge consultants 67% on professional appearance before they even hear your pitch. Your brand isn't just marketing – it's your credibility multiplier. Get it wrong, and you're fighting an uphill battle in every sales conversation.

What if I don't like the initial concepts?

Then we fix it. Here's how this works: we start with strategy calls to understand your vision, market, and goals. The design follows the strategy, not personal preference. If concepts miss the mark, it's usually because we missed something in strategy – and we'll revisit that foundation. You get unlimited revisions on approved concepts because your success is our success. But understand: effective branding isn't about what you like – it's about what works. Sometimes the logo you love doesn't make you money.

Do you provide ongoing support after the branding is complete?

Absolutely. Your brand grows with your business. We provide 12 months of brand guidance and unlimited file access. Need a new presentation template? Sorted. Want to adapt your brand for a specific sector? We'll help. Most clients need 2-3 additional touchpoints in their first year as they expand. Think of us as your brand's insurance policy – we're invested in your long-term success, not just the initial project.

Why should I choose Inkbot Design over other branding agencies?

Because we understand consultancy businesses. We don't just create pretty logos – we build brands that close deals. Our consultancy clients see an average 45% increase in project values within 6 months. Why? Because we understand that your brand needs to work in boardrooms, not just on Instagram. We've helped over 200+ consultancies position themselves as premium providers. When you work with us, you're not just getting design – you're getting a proven system for premium positioning. The question isn't why choose us – it's how much longer can you afford to look amateur?