How to create and manage your brand assets

Once you’ve developed your brand strategy, the next step is to bring it to life visually and practically. Whether you’re working with a designer or doing it yourself using tools like Canva, this article will guide you through the essentials of creating brand assets that support a consistent, professional image across all customer touchpoints.

Working with a designer vs designing your own brand

If you have the budget, hiring a designer or brand agency can be a worthwhile investment. A good designer will ask the right questions, challenge your thinking, and deliver high-quality creative that reflects your brand. They can also supply branded assets and templates (e.g. PowerPoint, Word, Canva) that save you time and ensure consistency.

For early-stage or bootstrapped businesses, it’s common to start with a DIY logo or brand identity using tools like:

• Canva
• Tailor Brands
• Brandmark
• Logo makers offered by website platforms such as Wix or Squarespace

This approach lets you launch quickly and test what resonates with your audience. If you invest in a designer later, you’ll also be better equipped to brief them.

The potential downside of this approach is that many DIY logos can look similar, especially within the same sector. This may confuse customers or create issues if a competitor has a registered trademark. Always check before committing.

In addition, it’s worth checking out the pricing and terms of use for your final design before you spend too long finding just the right one, as some platforms can be restrictive on the versions provided, or how you can use them without paying for higher levels of access.