With every new business comes a new brand. Branding is one of the most important (and fun) things you’ll do when starting your business. It’s also often underrated.

A business doesn’t really need to be branded. You don’t necessarily need a logo, a corporate font, corporate colors, etc. to start your business. But when you put your whole heart into starting up a new enterprise why not do it right? Brand recognition is very important. I found an interesting article about the history of branding which you can read here.

Think a logo will cost you a fortune? Think you’ll have to refinance your home to get a professional website designed? Think again. In this day and age you can get a brand for a bargain - without sacrificing quality.

I am not one to brag, I’m quite a modest person actually-but my brand is really great. My logo (my virtual alter ego donned in a Santa hat for the holidays), business cards, website, and blog cost me much less than $1000 and that includes the money I spent to have my web copy proofread. That’s small potatoes for a big brand (big to me at least!).

The first thing you need is your name and tagline. It’s helpful if you have a target market at this point as well so you know who your brand should appeal to. From there your logo is the next logical step. Some free advice…before you jump in and get your logo designed make sure you can use your business name. Check to see if the url you want is available and make sure you can get your name registered. If not, you’re out some money and you’ll just be plain disappointed.

Do you live in an area where graphic design costs more than you can afford to spend on your branding? Are you starting your business on a budget? Look for a virtual assistant that specializes in graphic design. Here at Mann Made Time, with our preferred partner, Signature Worx, we offer lots of economical creative design packages including (drum roll please…) Mann Made Time with The Worx which includes your logo, stationery, brochure, business cards and website!

If you already have a logo and website, a virtual assistant can still help with other graphic design projects. Desktop publishing is something many VAs specialize in and most enjoy doing. You can get yourself a very professional looking flyer, brochure, postcard or almost anything you can think of, for a fraction of what you think it would cost!

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