Visual Brand Identity Across Print and Web Platforms

Start-ups and even established companies may be overwhelmed today with the different places they need to have a presence. It's important to be sure that your visual brand identity and messaging is consistent. So, just start with the basics, and build it out as you go along.

I recommend planning the development in three phases

Phase One
In phase one you would have your logo or wordmark designed. Once that is created, you'd move on to a business card and if you're a product-based company, the products and packaging and have those items photographed. You might also want to invest in headshots of yourself and co-workers.

Next, your website or blog would be created. Now that you have your product photos and your headshots, they're ready to be loaded onto your website. Your business card will be ready to hand out when you meet potential customers, which has your web address on it, so they can learn more about you.

Phase Two
In phase two I recommend having your social media pages created, that includes a company Facebook page and graphic for the sidebar, a Twitter background graphic and template styling, which can also be used for your new YouTube channel. Some of the graphics can be used for other social media sites as well.

Phase Three
In phase three you would have your Email marketing template created for sending newsletters and/or blasts and create a sign-up form to add to your website, so you're collecting new customers' emails.

This is also a great time to think of other support materials, such as brochures, look books, postcards and free pdf giveaways.

Here is an example of visual brand identity across print marketing, Powerpoint, and the web.