You don’t need 20K to build a great brand.
But you also can’t afford to look like a clone of every other AI-generated site.
Here’s the good news:
if you’re smart about it, you can build a startup brand that feels credible, intentional, and sharp — without draining your runway.
This post is your no-fluff guide to branding on a budget.
Real moves, not just “pick a nice color.”
1. Keep it stupid simple
Complex brands cost more because they require systems, documentation, and execution across multiple teams.
You’re not there yet.
You need speed, clarity, and focus.
Pick:
One logo
One typeface for headlines, one for body
A 3-color palette
One clear tone of voice
That’s enough to feel consistent without being rigid.
2. Start with your own clarity
Before asking a designer to "make something cool," figure this out first:
Who is your product really for?
What are they frustrated with?
Why should they care you exist?
Your answers shape everything — from the vibe of your visuals to the tone of your homepage copy.
Good branding doesn’t start in Figma. It starts with focus.
3. Use good tools, not cheap ones
Budget branding isn’t the same as lazy branding.
There’s no excuse to use Comic Sans or Canva templates from 2017.
Here are a few tools that help you punch above your weight:
Fontpair.co for clean Google Fonts
Fiverr is a money trap
Coolors.co for color palettes
Streamline, Lucide, or Iconoir for icon libraries
Framer or Webflow templates for sites that don’t scream “MVP”
Take a good base and tweak it.
Just changing the font and icons already sets you apart from 90 percent of AI sites.
4. Don’t obsess over the logo
Founders waste weeks arguing about logos.
No one cares about your logo at launch.
Get a simple, readable mark that works small. Use a good typeface. Done.
You can evolve later — when the brand means something.
5. Invest in the one thing people touch first
If you can only afford to invest in one place, make it your website.
It’s your first impression. Your pitch. Your credibility filter.
Your homepage should:
Say exactly what you do
Show exactly who it’s for
Be skimmable in under 30 seconds
Feel intentional, not like a Notion doc
Even a small design investment here pays off in trust and conversions.
Final thought
Most early-stage startups don’t need big branding.
They need smart branding — branding that removes doubt, builds trust, and doesn’t distract from the product.
If your brand is clear, consistent, and human, you're already ahead of most seed-stage companies.
Ready to invest in your brand properly?
You’ve already built something incredible, now it’s time for your brand to reflect that. Let’s work on an identity that tells your story and grows your impact.
Let’s get started: Book a call today.
by
Ismael Branco
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