Do You Really Need All That Branding to Start a Website?

You’ve got a logo that people recognize. You’ve been doing business in your community.
Now you’re ready for a website.

But then you hear the chatter:
You need strategy. You need a voice. A brand guide. Fonts. Messaging. UX. SEO. Copywriting.
And a whole lot of things you’re not even sure how to pronounce.

So you ask the question so many business owners do:

Do I really need all that branding stuff right now? Or am I just being sold on something I’ll probably need later but can’t afford at the moment?

The truth?

No, you don’t need it all to launch. But yes, you will need it — maybe even now — and here’s why.

The Perspective: Designer and DIY-er

I’m not just a designer who tells you what to do.
I’m a business owner too — and a DIY queen by nature.

When I started out, I built everything from scratch:

• My own logo
• My own website
• My client portals
• My finance systems
• My project workflows
• My email management
• My admin back-end

I’ve pulled all-nighters learning the tools.
I’ve Googled “how to make a contract” while watching my toddler throw cereal across the table.

So I don’t knock the DIY route.
But I do know where it can lead if you’re not careful.

The “Now What?” Phase After Launch

Let’s say you go ahead and build your own website.
You publish it. You’re proud. You hit the button.

And then… the spiral begins.

• What should go in the main section?
• Is this the right header? Is it tagged properly?
• Should I introduce myself or talk about my offer first?
• Why does the footer look different on every page?
• Why does my logo look blurry here?
• Why is this button a random blue?
• Why is the link underlined but the others aren’t?
• Why doesn’t this feel consistent?

Then you discover:

• You can only have one H1 tag per page
• Your font size and layout affects SEO and accessibility
• Your image file size matters for load speed
• Your call-to-action should be clear and early
• Every element needs to guide the user to something specific

That’s when the fun of publishing becomes the overwhelm of managing.

A Fitness Analogy That Applies

I lift. I go to the gym. I know how to use the machines.

But that doesn’t mean I’m using them well — or building a routine that’s actually effective for my goals.

That’s why I work with a trainer.
Someone who:

• Checks my form
• Builds a strategy around my goals
• Holds me accountable
• Sees things I miss

Branding and web design are no different.

You can DIY your website.
But if you want it to function efficiently, convert consistently, and reflect the level of service you actually offer, you need someone who can see the bigger picture.

The Myth of the Affordable Unicorn Designer

Every business owner I know has thought at least once:
“I found this designer who’s super affordable. They seem great.”

And maybe they are.
Maybe they’re the unicorn—talented, strategic, and temporarily undercharging.

If that’s your experience, celebrate it. Support them. Tell them to raise their rates.

But more often than not, the result is

• Vague processes
• Limited guidance
• A site that looks decent but doesn’t work
• And more stress on your plate trying to fill in the blanks

The truth?
You don’t want someone who just says yes to everything.
You want someone who knows how to say, “Here’s what works—and here’s why.”

What to Do If You’re Not Ready for a Full Investment

That’s okay. There’s a middle ground.

Not every business is ready for a custom brand and site. That’s why I offer a Mini Web Visual Plan — for founders who have:

• A logo
• An idea
• A rough brand direction
• And a budget that needs to be respected

We use what you have and build a plan that works.

This is already included in my Standalone Website Package-The Roots when needed.
We go over what you have—your logo, colors, and general messaging—and I guide you through the layout and structure. I’ll suggest the kind of copy that works best in each section, but you’re always welcome to bring your own or work with a copywriter.

If you need more than that, we can always add on support and customize your plan as we go.

I also offer a Mini Brand Kit if a full branding strategy isn’t in the budget just yet.
It’s a simplified package to help you build consistency across your site and content—without the pressure of a full rebrand.

Bottom line: I bring options that meet you where you are—and grow with you.

Still want to DIY? I support that too.
But I do recommend investing in some copywriting or brand guidance so you can:

• Know what to say and where.
• Create messaging that truly connects with your audience.
• Avoid the trap of “sounding professional” but saying nothing

When You’re Ready to Hand It Over

Eventually, the time comes when the DIY phase isn’t cutting it anymore.

That’s when you want to work with someone who understands

• Where you’re coming from
• Where you’re trying to go
• And how to get you there without the overwhelm

I work with founders who are

• Launching something new
• Growing out of their first DIY site
• Rebranding to reflect who they are now

Even if all you have is a logo and a color you kind of like, we can build from that.

It’s not about having it all figured out.
It’s about being willing to take the next step forward.

So, do you really need the Branding Suite?

No, you don’t need the full branding suite just to start.

But what you do need is

• Clarity in your message
• Structure that guides your user
• Strategy that sets you up to grow

If you’re DIY-ing it, I’m cheering you on. I’ve been there.
And if you’re ready to pass it off to someone who can build something that works for you—I’m here for that too.

Ready when you are.