As a business owner, you’ve likely got a lot on your plate. But one of your biggest priorities is probably staying ahead of the competition and IN business. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done and it requires a lot of strategy, dedication, and hard work. One thing that can help, however, is good design.

In fact, figures from the Design Management Institute found that design-led organisations actually outperformed their peers by 228%, during a 10-year period. A survey from Tyton Media even found that nearly half of people say that website design is the number one priority when determining a business’ credibility. So, here, we reveal why great design can differentiate your business from the rest and keep you firing on all cylinders.

1.  1. It highlights your identity

One of the most important uses of design is that it defines who your business is and what it can offer to your customers. It acts like a first impression, and, with good design, that can be a strong first impression. This is essential for differentiating your brand from your competitors and can also help your brand image to remain in the minds of your target audience. It takes 10 seconds for a consumer to make an impression of your brand, but memorable logos are 70% more likely to get a positive response – which, in a crowded market, can be a big difference.

1.  2. It strengthens consumer relationships

Relationships are built on emotion and the same can be said for your consumer relationships. Put simply, if you can connect your brand with the values that your target audience holds, you’ll be taking steps in the right direction. Smart colours, font choices and layouts can connect customers with brands in a purposeful way, highlighting what your brand stands for and represents. This is essential for not just attracting customers but ensuring they stay.

1.  3. It promotes brand consistency

Think about some of your favourite brands. The design of Google, Nike and McDonalds is so much more than just colours and font. It’s part of the branding. It’s the identity of the business and it’s hard to imagine anything else. When consumers choose a brand to invest in, consistency is key because it ties back to the emotional connection between them and a business. On the other hand, inconsistent brands promote disorganisation and chaos and are less likely to be trusted.

1.  4. It supports online success

In today’s ever-digital world, you need a nice-looking and easy-to-use website to succeed as well as a strong online presence. Good design goes hand in hand with this. Research shows that social media posts with images receive significantly higher engagement compared to those that don’t, and companies who use design rather than stock images achieve even better results. Consider what is going to grab attention online – it’s rarely going to be just text.

1.  5. It showcases your innovation

    

   If you haven’t updated your design or branding since the 80s then you’re sending out the wrong message to your target audience. Instead, a willingness to invest in design shows that as a business you’re more innovative and open to change. Not to mention, you foster and value new ways of thinking. This does wonders for your brand perception.
2.  6. It makes you money

Good design boosts your brand perception and value, which increases your customers and ultimately your overall sales. But that’s not all. Just think about the likes of Audi or Apple. Over time, these brands have become synonymous with status, prestige, and authority. Through effective branding and regular communication, these companies have built up a strong following of customers who have come to accept the pricing of any new products or services. While you can’t expect this overnight, these brands wouldn’t have gotten to where they are today without good design.

1.  7. It boosts the user experience

Unfortunately, a nice-looking product, service or website just won’t cut it now. Consumers want something that’s useful and easy-to-use as well as pleasing-to-use. When we talk about design, we’re talking about design that looks and works well. A well-designed logo will grab attention, a well-designed website will convert those all-important visitors into customers. By focusing on design that’s simple, memorable, and easy to understand or use, consumers (who have a much shorter attention span nowadays) are more likely to connect with your business and use you time and time again.

Want to get your brand sorted for the year ahead? Perhaps you’d like a brand audit to evaluate its impact? Drop me an email at studio@foxgraphicsdesign.com or callme on 01625 468038.