DIY branding seems like a good idea, right?
So, you’re thinking about doing your own branding? I get it. When you’re running a small beauty business or building a personal brand, budgets can be tight, and you might feel like, “Hey, I’ll just handle the visuals myself!” DIY branding can seem like an easy fix, especially with tools like Canva sitting right there, just a few clicks away, offering endless templates. And honestly, for some things, like designing some social posts or quick promos, Canva is pretty amazing. I personally create the branded visuals and social posts for my clients first, then upload them into Canva so they can easily edit things later without needing Illustrator or any complicated and paid tools. It’s great for keeping things simple and accessible. If you’re trying to grow your small beauty business, branding isn’t just a “nice-to-have, it’s a core part of how your audience sees and trusts you.
Why DIY branding often fails small beauty businesses (and what to do instead)
But when it comes to creating a brand visuals that truly connect with your audience, DIY branding can only take you so far. Canva logos may feel cool at the beginning, you’ve probably noticed they tend to look not only super similar… but also not that great. They’re kind of like store-bought cookies. Fine in a pinch, but nowhere near as impactful (or memorable) as something freshly baked, custom, and made just for you.
If you want your brand to stand out from the sea of sameness, a more unique, strategic approach is where the magic happens.
Hidden branding mistakes that hurt your chances to grow your small beauty business
DIY branding can work for a while. You’ve got your logo, you’re using your favorite colors, and boom, you’re done. Starting small, it covers your needs for a while. But is it really working in the long run? Is it making the impact you want?
Sometimes, what looks “good enough” today might not help you grow tomorrow. And then every time you want to make tweaks, you’re doing “mini-rebrands”.
And let’s not forget about legal stuff. If you’re using a logo you made in Canva with one of their templates, you can’t legally trademark it. Even if you change the colors or move stuff around, it’s still considered a template-based design, which means other people can use the exact same layout. That’s a big deal if you ever want to protect your brand down the line. Imagine finding another beauty business out there with a logo that looks almost identical to yours… oof.
All of this is no big deal when you have just a few clients and little to no impact in your socials. But when your brand starts growing, then the problem grows exponentially. Now you are stuck with a cheap look that isn’t hitting the mark anymore. Maybe you’re changing your colors or visual style every few months. Your brand identity is really just “something I did that looked cool.” All of this will confuse your audience. And the longer you wait to make the change to something more professional, the more clients you lose.
Strategic tips to grow your small beauty business through professional and strategic branding
One of the most underrated tips to grow your small beauty business? Stop winging it visually and start designing with purpose. Creating a strong, effective brand isn’t just about making something look nice. Like in chess, you need a strategy. If you just make a random move hoping it will work, you’re not gonna get very far (That’s why I prefer Stardew Valley). You need strategic development for your brand. Understanding who your audience is, what they care about, and how you want to come across to them. That’s where investing in a professional comes in handy. We (brand designers, not Stardew Valley players) aren’t just here to pick pretty colors. We go deep into the why behind your brand, your goals, your audience, and what makes you unique. We create brand identities that speak to your people and makes them say, “This is the brand for me”
The exhaustion of DIY branding: Is it worth it?
If you’ve been doing your own branding, you know how exhausting it can be. After all, you’re running a business! Between tweaking your logo, making adjustments to your website, and second-guessing every design choice, you could be using that energy to do what you’re really passionate about. Something Chris Do (Designer guru) mentions is how your goal should always be to outsource anything that you’re not truly passionate about or just not that good at. (And it’s okay to ask for help sometimes) You’ll get all of that energy to spend in what you actually like AND you’ll get quality from the person that actually loves the task you’re outsourcing.
But hey, I get it, it’s not always realistic to spend on stuff like this when you’re starting small. Hiring a designer might feel like a big step. Just keep in mind, as you grow your business, that saving money with a DIY approach should be a necessity, not a solution. A professionally designed brand, on the other hand, gives you a strong foundation right from the get-go.
Final thoughts: how to grow your small beauty business
If you’re ready to go beyond DIY and actually apply tips to grow your small beauty business, investing in professional design is a game-changer. So, if you’re ready to make a change in you business and invest in your brand, know that it’s not just about looking pretty, it’s about connecting with your audience and making your business unforgettable and results-driven. But if Canva’s your thing for day-to-day needs? Go for it! I’ll even help you set up some easy-to-edit templates to keep things consistent and stress-free.
DIY is fine in the short term, but if you want to build something long-lasting and unique, investing in a custom, professionally designed brand will make all the difference. Your business deserves it!
Ready to make the leap to professional design?
Ready to take that next step and build a brand that is truly functional and attractive? I’m here to help make it happen. Let’s chat over coffee (or, you know, virtually), we’ll figure out what works best for your brand and make it a reality.
Meet the writer
Emily Ruven is a brand and web designer who makes it easy (and more fun) for small business owners to grow with pro branding that feels intentional, shows your value, and takes a little weight off your shoulders.
