DIY Branding vs. Professional Branding: The Cost of Cutting Corners and Gas Station Hot Dogs
Look, I get it—branding is expensive. So, you decide to save a few bucks, fire up Canva, and whip up something that kind of looks like a brand. Maybe you even throw together a website with one of those “easy” drag-and-drop builders. Boom. Done. You’re officially branded.
Except… you’re not.
Sure, DIY branding is cheaper. And yeah, it might work—just like a gas station hot dog might keep you full (and I don't mean the delicious chicken wings found in southern gas stations–we're talking about those hot dogs on that roller that have been there for days). But will it nourish your business? Will it make you money, or will you just end up getting sick? Will it hold up when your competition rolls in looking like they just stepped off the cover of Forbes?
Let’s talk about why DIY branding might save you money upfront, but professional branding is what actually makes money.
DIY Branding: The Bargain Bin Approach
The appeal of DIY branding is obvious: it’s cheap, it’s quick, and there’s a sense of pride in doing it yourself. But here’s what people don’t tell you—DIY branding is kind of like cutting your own hair. It seems easy in theory, but once you’re in too deep, you realize you have no idea what you’re doing.
Here’s what you’re actually signing up for when you take the DIY route:
- A Hot Mess of Inconsistency – Your colors don’t match across platforms, your logo looks different on every social media site, and your fonts are having an identity crisis.
- Zero Strategy – A real brand isn’t just “pretty.” It’s built with purpose. If you’re just choosing colors you “like” and making a logo that “looks cool,” you’re already off track.
- Missed Opportunities – You don’t know what you don’t know. SEO, conversion strategy, accessibility—these are things professionals think about so you don’t have to.
- Brand Regret? – At some point, you’ll realize your DIY brand isn’t working. And guess what? Fixing it later is way more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Professional Branding: The Power Move
If DIY branding is the equivalent of a gas station hot dog, professional branding is a chef-prepared steak. It’s built to last, strategically crafted, and—most importantly—it works.
Here’s what you get when you let a professional handle your brand:
- Experience – You’re not their first rodeo. Professionals have built hundreds of brands and know exactly what works (and what doesn’t).
- Strategy, Not Just Aesthetic – A real brand isn’t just about looking good—it’s about positioning, messaging, and making sure your brand is actually doing something for you.
- Cohesion – Your website, social media, and marketing materials all tell the same story, making your brand memorable instead of meh.
- A Brand That Makes You Money – Professional branding isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. A strong brand brings in clients, builds trust, and sets you apart from your competition.
DIY Branding Saves Money—Professional Branding Makes Money
You can brand yourself. You can spend hours fumbling through design tools, watching tutorials, and hoping for the best. But here’s the kicker: while you’re busy “saving” money, your competitors—who hired professionals—are making money.
Like I always say:
"Self-branding will save you money, but your competitors’ professional branding is MAKING them money."
So, the question isn’t “Can I afford professional branding?” The real question is “Can I afford NOT to?”