What’s better value for a business – cheap design or effective design?

Cheap design will cost less than effective design as going down the route of making sure design is effective, means it takes a little longer to create. I’m passionate about creating effective design because it means it’s going to bring better results for our clients.

But it also offers exceptional value too. Whilst I’ll be the first to admit we are not the cheapest design or branding company around (but also not the most expensive), our work lasts a long time. Sometimes a surprisingly long time. And this means that our work offers that exceptional value.

A lot of the projects I’ve undertaken over the last 18 years of running TENT have involved recreating or refreshing an existing brand or website because it was not designed for that client’s needs correctly in the first place. The phrase “Buy cheap, buy twice” could not be more applicable here. And suddenly that cheap design option is looking quite a bit more expensive. Plus, if you consider the business lost due to it not effectively communicating the correct message, it’s not just getting expensive, it could actually be losing the business money!

This is the logo, brand and website that we created for Deccan Tiffin back in 2014 and it still looks as fresh as a mango lassi today as it did nearly a decade ago.

The packaging and recipe cards also look particularly up to date too. It just goes to show that good design can really be timeless.

 

Effective graphic design lasts longer and will provides better value for money in several ways:

Longevity: a well-designed graphic piece that stands the test of time offers better value as it doesn’t require frequent updates or redesigns. This longevity means you can continue to use the same design assets for an extended period, saving on the costs associated with constant revisions and rebranding.

Consistency: when your design remains consistent over time, it helps maintain a cohesive brand identity. This consistency is vital for brand recognition and trust-building, as customers become more familiar with your brand, resulting in better long-term value. The best way to maintain consistency? Keep coming back to TENT!

Reduces redesign costs: constantly changing your design can be costly, as it requires new creative work, revisions, and the reprinting of marketing materials. Long-lasting design reduces these ongoing expenses, making it a cost-effective investment. Plus we’ll always be on board to advise when things need to be changed – and if we don’t think they do, we’ll explain why.

Enhances brand equity: a design that lasts and becomes associated with your brand over time can increase brand equity. As customers grow more attached to familiar visuals, they may become loyal to your brand, further increasing its long-term value.

Time savings: long-lasting designs save you time that would otherwise be spent on overseeing redesigning and rebranding efforts. This time can be redirected toward other strategic initiatives in your business, improving overall efficiency and value. It also allows you to spend your budgets where they will get the best returns – we don’t like creating work that is unnecessary, even if it means more money for us.

Adaptable for different mediums: design assets that remain effective across various marketing channels and materials offer better value. They can be repurposed without the need for substantial modifications, reducing the cost and effort associated with adaptation.

High-quality perception: a design that lasts is often perceived as high-quality. This perception can justify higher pricing and attract customers who seek value and quality, resulting in increased revenue and better value for your initial investment. We often are able to help our clients increase their fees or product prices simply by creating the right branding for their market.

To sum up; the longevity of effective graphic design can lead to significant cost savings over time, increase brand recognition and trust, and contribute to a positive brand image. While the initial investment might be slightly higher, the long-term benefits in terms of cost-efficiency and brand value make it a better value for your money.

So if your brand can consistently help you to target your market more effectively and improve your sales, then is it not worth paying a little more for?

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Another example is McNally & Thompson’s logo and brand which was created back in 2012. I think the brochure especially looks great still – good enough for a reprint without any design refreshes. Not bad for a brand that’s well over a decade old!