Learn how to build a lasting brand for your startup without spending much.
Branding should matter to every startup.
After all, setting up your office space with touches that highlight your company’s brand will:
- Make a great first impression
- Instill confidence into everyone walking through the door
The problem:
Most startups feel that in order to achieve strong office branding, they need to drop huge budgets on design agencies and consultants.
They overlook hundreds of low-cost, intentional branding wins along the way.
Without taking the time to intentionally brand your startup office, you’re letting your space send whatever message it wants about who you are.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. This guide will walk you through exactly what affordable branding touches every startup office needs.
Including all of them will transform your space from drab to inspired without spending much.
Ready?
Let’s go!
What you’ll learn:
- Why You Should Care About Office Branding
- How Startup Branding is Different
- 9 Affordable Branding Touches That Actually Work
Why Office Branding Matters More Than You Think
Office branding isn’t something most startups spend time thinking about. Yet, your physical space is how people will interpret your brand when they walk in the door.
Here’s the thing…
Visual factors account for 55% of first impressions. If almost half of someone’s first impression is based on what they see, you better believe your office aesthetic is speaking volumes about your startup.
Before your team even says hello, your office is communicating who you are to every guest that enters.
An office that carries through on brand elements like color scheme, logo and design aesthetics will build trust with your audience. It shows that you pay attention to detail and helps strengthen your brand image.
So why should you care?
Startup branding should start with small entryway details, like personalized welcome signs for offices. Sending a clear visual message that your business is professional and legitimate sets the tone for the entire office space.
It’s the little things that start to make a difference.
How Startup Office Branding is Different
Startup office branding doesn’t have the same rules as your typical corporate office.
Unlike large corporations, startups are scrappy.
They need to be intentional about where they spend their money but big on making an impact.
Startup office branding includes all of the same spaces including:
- Entryways/reception areas
- Conference rooms/meeting areas
- Common spaces/break rooms
- Workstations/desk areas
Yes, even tiny startups should consider these things when branding their space.
While larger companies can spend money they likely don’t have on branding every square inch of their office… Startups need to focus on branding the important areas.
9 Affordable Branding Touches That Work
Alright. Now that we’ve gone over the whys. Let’s talk about what you can actually do.
Below are some of the most effective affordable branding touches that every startup office needs.
Choose one or a few that fit your brand and start branding!
Brand Your Entryway
This can’t be stated enough. First impressions are everything.
Here’s why: Someone walks into your office. What do they see first? That’s right. Your entryway.
Make sure you brand that space first.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere with a personalized entryway decor setup that showcases your business name, logo or even a custom sign helps establish who you are as soon as someone steps foot in your office.
This can be as simple as an acrylic sign, vinyl lettering or hallway poster that says who you are. Just make sure it’s visible.
Start with your sign at the main entrance that includes your company name and logo prominently. Match the colors and fonts you’re already using in your brand guide.
Brand Consistent Wall Art
Want to easily spruce up those blank walls?
Wall art that represents your brand values is an inexpensive way to bring some intention to your office space. Whether that’s inspiring quotes that align with your mission statement or framed prints that match your brand colors.
Consistency is key.
Studies show that by having consistent branding across your platforms, you can increase revenue by up to 23%. That includes walls in your office.
Print out your company values and throw it on a canvas in your common workspace. It’s simple but meaningful.
Custom Stationery & Desk Accessories
You’re going to love this one…
One of the most inexpensive ways to brand your office space is by using branded desk accessories. Think notebooks, pens, coasters, mousepads.
These may seem small and insignificant, but hear this out.
Your team will see these items every day which will help strengthen your company brand. Not to mention, when someone notices these details, they instantly create a great impression.
Pro-tip:
- Pick one or two desk accessories that you would normally use on a day-to-day basis
- Keep the branding simple and consistent with your brand colors
- Buy in bulk to save money
It’s worth the effort.
Personalize Your Meeting Rooms
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people skip this step.
Creating custom names for your meeting rooms is an easy way to not only brand your space, but add personality to your office.
Some brands will name their rooms after company values, while others may choose product names or something fun that represents their team.
No cost here folks.
Window/Glass Decals
Does your office have glass walls or cubicles?
Using window decals is an easy way to add your logo, motto or brand pattern to your office space. It also helps block out anyone inside the meeting room if there is some privacy needed.
Decals are one of those inexpensive startup costs because most vinyl types come in sheets that you can easily cut to whatever size you need.
Pro-tip: Use your logo or brand colors to create a beautiful and seamless window design everyone will notice.
Create a Branded Break Room
One of the most underutilized areas for startup office branding is the break room.
Stocking your break room with branded coffee mugs, a chalkboard showcasing your mission statement or fun personalized pieces like branded snack containers can help build brand affinity with your team.
When your team walks into that office every day and sees your brand behind objects they use regularly, they start to build that brand loyalty mentioned earlier.
Visitors will notice these details too.
Wrap Up
Remember, branding your startup office doesn’t have to be expensive. It takes small, intentional touches to create a space that represents your brand.
Some of the best branding wins can be had by layering in multiple elements.
By just using one of the ideas above, you’re only telling part of your brand story. Combine a few and watch how your space transforms from bland to branded.
To Recap:
- Brand your entryway and signage
- Add some brand consistent wall art
- Get creative with your meeting room names and usage of decals
- Use custom stationery and desk accessories
- Don’t forget about your break room!