The Top Ten Questions I Get Asked as a Branding and Website Designer

I get asked a lot of questions from potential clients and my instagram pals about being a branding and website designer - I wanted to share the most common queries in case you were wondering the same. (I have left out the chocolate orange questions for relevancy purposes!)

1. How do I start the branding process?

Starting the branding process can feel overwhelming, but I am here to guide you through it all! It’s essentially all about understanding your vision and values so we start things off with a detailed discovery session where we dig deep into your business goals, target audience and personal aesthetics. Alongside a detailed questionnaire that you can complete, this information helps me to create a brand that truly resonates with your audience (because contrary to what you might believe, we’re designing your brand for them, not you!) Branding and website design begin with a clear understanding of your brand story, your uniqueness and your audience’s needs. 

2. What’s the difference between a logo and a brand?

A brand is more than just the logo, and includes both tangible and intangible elements. A logo is the visual symbol or design that represents your business, while branding encompasses the entire experience your business offers. It includes your logo, sub logos, colour scheme, typography system, tone of voice, brand values, identity, market positioning and overall aesthetic. Think of your brand as the personality of your business! All these branding elements will influence how customers interact with your business, and done correctly, will affect how people feel about your brand. And when people feel something, they connect and invest! 

3. How long does it take to create a brand identity?

The timeline can vary based on the scope of the project. Generally, a full branding package takes about 4-6 weeks. This includes initial consultations, design drafts, revisions and finalising the brand elements. One of the main reasonsI don’t currently offer a ‘design in a week’ kind of package is because high end branding and website design need time and attention to detail to ensure everything aligns perfectly with your business goals. 

4. Can you help with rebranding?

Absolutely! Rebranding is something I love to do.  Whether you’re looking to modernise your existing brand or completely overhaul your business look and feel, I can help create a fresh and impactful new look. Rebranding involves revisiting your brand values and mission to ensure they reflect your current vision and market position and to ensure you are connecting with the right audience with your visuals and communications.

5. What platform do you recommend for my website?

For most small to medium-sized businesses, I recommend Squarespace for its intuitive interface. Most founders I work with on website design are keen to take over the day-to-day upkeep of the website themselves, and Squarespace is by far the most simple and user-friendly platform I’ve experienced meaning you’re not reliant on your website developer (me!) updating your site because you can easily do it yourself. It’s also got great integrations for blogging (crucial for good SEO!), in-built courses, e-commerce and marketing. Their support is second to none and it’s one of the most affordable options in terms of website hosting. 

6. How much does a website design cost?

Website design costs can vary widely based on the complexity and functionality you need. At Monroe Creative, I offer two basic packages to suit different needs, which can be made fully bespoke by adding on or taking off what you do or don’t need. The ‘Petite’ website package is perfect for emerging brands or those who don’t need a lot of pages - this starters from £1800. The ‘Fully Custom’ website design package is a more comprehensive offering and starts from £3200. Investing in professional branding and website design is crucial for creating an online presence that reflects your brand’s quality and values and more importantly, connects with your dream customers!

7. What’s the benefit of custom coding in a website?

Custom coding allows for greater flexibility and functionality, ensuring your website stands out (no cookie-cutter website designs here!) and meets all your specific needs. It’s particularly beneficial for unique features that standard templates can’t accommodate such advanced and bespoke styling, custom fonts, great user experience boosts like mega menus and extra functionality. Custom coding in website design ensures that your site not only looks unique but also performs optimally.

8. How do I maintain my website after it’s built?

As mentioned above, the reason I use Squarespace for website design projects is that it’s super simple and intuitive for you to maintain yourself. I offer a full website handover training and manual which gives you all the information you need to be able to update and maintain your site post handover. I do offer maintenance packages to keep your website running smoothly if this is something you’d rather outsource and this can include updates, minor edits and troubleshooting. Regular maintenance is a critical aspect of website design, especially from an SEO perspective (Google loves fresh content!) ensuring your site continues to function well and represent your brand accurately.

9. What are the latest trends in branding and web design?

Trends are always evolving, but currently, I’m seeing a rise in minimalistic designs with bold typography, earthy colour palettes and interactive web elements - like one of my most recent website design projects for the Femme Flow brand.  At Monroe Creative, I like to blend a little of the contemporary trends with timeless aesthetics and your brand essence at the core -  this helps ensure longevity.

10. How can I ensure my brand stands out?

Standing out is all about authenticity. I focus on creating brands that are true to your values and resonate with your audience - by telling your unique story and consistently delivering your message, your brand naturally stands out. Effective branding and website design are about highlighting what makes your business unique and communicating that consistently across all platforms.

Got more questions? Ask them in the comments or follow along on Instagram where I’m regularly (over)sharing!