When you are starting out your business, there are so many different aspects to consider that it becomes quite easy to be swamped. To help out with one of the smaller but also one of the most important aspects, we’ve compiled some of our top tips for start-ups when you are designing logos, leaflets, websites and more. While a lot of advice you see pretty much states; “just get stuck in”, this is one where taking care and attention can reap benefits in the long run. The way you present your company is often what potential clients and potential business partners will see first, so yours needs to be doing everything in order to make the right first impression.

 

• Passion:

Every aspect of the business you are starting relies on whether your heart is truly committed to the plan. Being able to show this through how your content is designed can be a bit tricky, but when done successfully, can really help to launch your business. Some of the most famous companies excel at demonstrating innovation, passion, handmade or other characteristics through every bit of content which represents their company.

 

• Plan:

The overall aesthetic of your company will stick as the months and years go by, which is why now is the time to consider the kind of design you wish to have. Consider the longevity of the colour schemes, fonts, and images that you use and whether they will remain relevant in the future. One note of warning though, be wary of over planning, as we will get onto as over-thinking and complicating matters will end up doing more harm than good.

 

• Focus:

Create a brand which has a single focus. When you have only a matter of seconds to grab the attention of a potential client, it is crucial that they receive the most important message. A great design will be able to tell them what you do, what kind of company you are and give an indication as to what they can expect.

 

• Keep It Clean:

There is a bit of a science behind designing and one of the tips to take heed of, is that when we look at something, our eyes are instinctively drawn to the most prominent aspect on the page. If you are designing a website or leaflet which is flooded with information, the person viewing it will have no idea where to look and the most important details that you have will be flooded out.

 

• Get Someone Else’s Opinion:

Everyone holds a different opinion on things, and while it is important to include what you want, it’s always worthwhile listening to the voices around you. Another pair of eyes are perfect for picking up mistakes or parts of the design which are not quite working.

 

• Simplify

In any aspect of design, being able to keep it simple will work in so many great ways. For one, by cutting out a lot of the unnecessary information, you can keep the most crucial facts at the top, thereby ensuring that what really matters will be the first thing that a potential client sees. The same applies for leaflets and even your website. Humans can be impulsive creatures, so don’t give them any reason to lose interest in what you have to say.

 

• Consider Colour:

Getting the colour balance right can be a tentative process. Often, what you opt for in your logo will extend to further promotional material, so picking out the right ones now will serve you in good stead for future design work. Remember, bright and strong colours are always overpowering, so pick out a blend which is much easier on the eye.

 

• Don’t Go Crazy Over Fonts:

There are some pretty awesome fonts out there, we will admit, but most of them are completely impractical for the design of your company. Pick out a couple which are modern but most importantly, are legible. There is nothing worse than a great bit of design ruined by a ridiculous font which makes you squint to understand.

 

• Imagery:

The saying goes; “a picture tells a thousand words” and in this case it really does. When you are trying to minimise the amount of information you are throwing at people, clever use of images is a great way of telling more without overpowering your design.

 

• Call to Action:

We have discussed before about how call to actions can become horribly overused, so it is important to be smart about this one. Try to conjure phrases that are less ‘used car salesman’ and more accommodating to your audience. Give them a reason to find out more information about your company and leave it at that.