When you read a book do you start in the middle and read towards the beginning, then towards the end, then start at the beginning, then read the ending, the finish off all the pages you missed? You could, but the book probably won’t make much sense. For that same reason we “try” to get clients to let us develop a brand that will influence everything we do for them.

They need to have a logo (yes you might need a black and white version, and even a horizontal and vertical version in some cases), having a consistent logo allows people to recognize your company when they see it. Ericsson and Texas Instruments both provided me their design standards, prior to the internet (now you get them online) the 3-ring binders were 3 inches thick. ribit still made everything we did for them unique, but we followed their branding/design standards so that everyone knew at a glance that the work was for Ericsson or Texas Instruments.

If a client wants a brochure designed, and they need a logo, we will start with the logo design. If they have come to us for a web site and a brochure, we will start with the design of the web site as that will be the larger project and have the greater implication for design. If you design the smallest project first you might design yourself into a corner for the larger project. The continuity between the projects will help to build your brand.

Don’t forget all the small bits and pieces, your letterhead, your envelopes, your business card – they should all reflect your brand. As we move our clients into Social Media we are making sure that their brand is carried through. Their blog should be a part of their site so the design is seamless. YouTube Channels can now be customized so their appearance can more closely match the branding implemented on your web site. While Twitter and Facebook have limitations, within their framework you should brand yourself as much as possible and as closely as possible to your own corporate standards.

And last but not least taglines. They seam to be making a resurgence. Should you have one? It an be a positive addition to your brand. ribit has used one for the past six years which is quite simple… be interactive. If you need help with that, call us, we’ll be glad to help!