How much should branding cost?

When it comes to branding, the question on every founder's mind is: how much should this actually cost?

It’s a fair question. Branding can feel abstract. Unlike manufacturing or stock, it’s not something you can physically hold. But make no mistake—your brand is one of the most valuable assets in your business. And getting it right is worth the investment.

So, what’s the ballpark?

For a full brand strategy and identity project with an experienced, strategy-led agency like Slow, you're typically looking at £30,000–£40,000. That includes everything from discovery and research, to strategy workshops, brand positioning, messaging, visual identity, and rollout support.

You might find freelancers who charge significantly less. Or larger agencies that quote double (or triple) the price. But here’s what really matters:

  • The value you get

  • The depth of the process

  • The attention you receive

At Slow, we only work with one founder at a time. That means no juggling, no generic trends, and no shortcuts. You get our full focus from start to finish.

Why does branding cost that much?

Because you’re not just paying for a logo. You’re paying for clarity. Consistency. A brand that connects with the right people and reflects who you really are. You're paying for confidence—in your pitch, your team, your growth.

And you’re building something that lasts.

What affects the cost?

Every project is different, but some of the things that impact pricing include:

Business complexity (e.g., multiple product lines or sub-brands)

Number of decision-makers (committee-led decisions can drag things out)

How prepared you are (strategy takes longer when the fundamentals are unclear)

The more alignment and clarity you have internally, the smoother (and more efficient) the process.

The real cost?

Not investing in branding when you need it.

The cost of looking inconsistent. Of missing opportunities. Of not standing out. Of confusing your customers. Of feeling like something’s off but not knowing how to fix it.

A strong brand makes everything else easier. Marketing. Hiring. Pitching. Selling. Decision-making. It’s the foundation everything else sits on.

So, how much should branding cost?

Enough to do it properly. Once.