How much does branding actually cost for a small business?

The need for good branding in small business has increased over the years.

The reason? Online, you’re competing with everyone else, not just the stores in your town. Even if you have a physical store, our spending habits and relationship to brands and attention has changed.

So if you’re a small business owner wondering, “How much will branding cost?” I’d like you to reframe it, not as decoration, but as an investment for building a solid foundation, growing, and staying top of mind for your potential clients.

Because branding is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it’s the heart and soul of how your customers experience and connect with your business.

In other words, it’s gotta be good!

Why does branding cost what it does?

Branding is an investment that sets the foundation for your business’s entire identity. It shapes how people perceive your company, builds trust, and creates a memorable presence that stands out… even (and especially!) in crowded markets.

But what exactly influences the price tag? It’s all about the scope: the strategy behind your brand, the quality of your visuals, and the depth of the story you want to tell. Let’s unpack this.

Typical pricing for small business branding in 2025

In 2025, small businesses can expect to invest roughly between $3,000 and $10,000 (or €2,500 to €10,000) for a solid branding package that includes a professional logo, visual identity elements like color palettes and fonts, and basic brand guidelines. For those who want a more comprehensive approach incorporating brand strategy, messaging, and marketing materials, budgets can scale up to $20,000 or more.

Here’s a practical breakdown, with prices reflecting professional standards today:

Services within BrandingTypical price rangeDeliverables
Brand strategy$2,000 – $7,000 (€2,000 – €7,000)Market research, messaging, positioning
Logo design$500 – $3,000 (€500 – €3,000)Custom logo concepts and revisions
Visual identity & guidelines$1,500 – $5,000 (€1,500 – €5,000)Color palettes, typography, imagery rules, examples
Additional marketing assets$700 – $5,000+Social media templates, business cards, website

Another thing to consider is that, for small businesses, usage rights (property rights) of the creative materials are often included within the package. If the project has a large scope, or wants to operate internationally, for example, the rights to use the creative materials may be more expensive. This is always good to check with the agency, studio or designer beforehand.

Why not just skip the branding?

Some might think, “Why not just get a cheap logo and call it a day?” The truth is, branding is the gateway to how your customers emotionally connect with your business. A well-crafted identity makes your business feel trustworthy and professional, encouraging people to choose you over competitors.

Think of branding as planting a sturdy tree. The investment you make today in quality roots (strategy, design, and clarity) will grow into long-lasting recognition and loyalty. Cheap shortcuts often result in shaky branding that needs fixing later, costing you more in the long run.

The Wild Branch Studio approach: Thoughtful, tailored, collaborative

Like Wild Branch Studio does, the best branding work happens through collaboration and deep understanding. It’s not just about the look but the story: the tone, the voice, the personality that makes you uniquely you.

Investing in branding means:

  • Listening to your vision and values
  • Crafting visuals that feel authentic and memorable
  • Guiding you on how to consistently use your brand across all channels

To wrap it up 📦

So, How much does a branding ACTUALLY cost for a small business? It depends on your goals, but plan to invest smartly between $3,000 and $10,000 (or higher for more premium and strategic work). Remember, branding isn’t a sunk cost: it’s the investment for growth, connection, and lasting impact.

We can talk about your individual needs to give you a more precise idea for your brand. Start by getting in touch today.

Share: 

More articles

Different tea packagings : one in a kraft bag, one in an elegant white box from Versailles, and one from the famous Kusmi Tea brand.

The psychology of packaging design on choice

This little experiment revealed something profound about human behavior and brand perception: when we can’t judge quality by what’s inside, we rely on what we can see. Visual cues like the design, color, typography, and presentation inform our decisions, often subconsciously.

Read more »

Get your free Branding Checklist

For business owners, creating a unique brand is not an easy. We’ll send you our free checklist so you can stay on target and focus on the essentials!

(We send by hand with love, so it might take a few hours to arrive. Make sure to check your ‘spam’ folder just in case!)