What You’re Really Paying for When You Invest in Branding

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Whether you're a bold startup looking to shake up your space or a seasoned brand director battling a "meh" brand identity, you're likely wondering:

"How much does branding actually cost?"

This guide breaks it all down. No faff. No fluff. Just the real story, with real numbers.

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Why Branding Isn’t Just a Pretty Logo

Branding isn’t just slapping a logo on your letterhead and calling it a day. It’s about storytelling. Personality. A vibe people remember. Think of it as your business’s accent, haircut, and signature dance move rolled into one. Get it right, and your brand sticks.

The cost of branding reflects its depth. It isn’t one-size-fits-all. There’s DIY branding on Canva, and then there’s the strategic, psychology-backed wizardry agencies like ours get up to. You get what you pay for.

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Types of Branding (Including Video Branding)

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Branding can cover a few things:

• Brand Identity: Logos, colour palettes, typography, design assets
  
• Brand Strategy: Tone of voice, audience insight, positioning
  
• Visual Identity Systems: Style guides, templates, iconography
  
• Video Branding: Animated logos, brand films, explainer videos, campaign videos
  
  

Video branding agency, our stomping ground at Simply Thrilled, adds an emotional punch that static designs can’t touch. It’s the difference between reading a book and watching the trailer.

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Read More: Type of Brand Videos For Your Next Video Campaign

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Understanding Branding Costs

Branding doesn’t come with a fixed price tag because no two projects are alike. What you pay depends on what you need, who you hire, and how deep you want to go. Before we get into numbers, let’s unpack what actually drives those costs.

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Factors Influencing Branding Costs

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1. Size of the Agency

Big-name agencies charge big-name prices. A London-based agency with a neon-lit Soho office might charge 2x more than a tight, creative gang in Nottingham (ahem).

2. Project Scope

A new logo? Fairly simple. But if you’re after a full rebrand with strategy, video content, and a tone that turns heads? That’s a full-course meal, not a snack.

3. Industry Experience

Paying for experience isn’t vanity, it’s strategy. Agencies that have worked across healthcare, fintech, fashion, and charities know what works and what doesn’t.

4. How Much Does Branding Cost in the UK?

In plain English:

• Freelancers start around £500 - £2,000 for basic identity work.
• Small to mid-size agencies: £3,000 - £20,000+ depending on scope.
• Larger firms or full-service agencies: £30,000 - £70,000+ for extensive branding and campaigns.

These are just averages - think guide rails, not gospel.

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How Much Does Branding Cost in the UK?

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Freelancers might start at £500 - £2,000. Smaller agencies range between £3,000 - £20,000. And large, full-service outfits can run well into the £70,000+ bracket. These numbers vary based on how deep you go - from logo-only to strategy and full-scale campaigns.

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Branding Agency Costs: A Realistic Breakdown

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Basic Brand Identity Package (£1,000 - £5,000)

Includes:

• Logo design
• Colour palette
• Font selection
• Moodboard

Best for: early-stage startups or side hustlers needing a professional polish.

Comprehensive Brand Identity Package (£5,000 - £20,000)

Includes:

• Brand strategy workshop
• Logo suite
• Style guide
• Tone of voice
• Business card & social media templates
• Brand video elements (intro bumpers, logo stings)

Ideal for: growing businesses wanting consistency across every touchpoint.

Full Branding Campaign (£20,000 - £70,000+)

Includes:

• Market research
• Full rebrand
• Visual and verbal identity
• Campaign strategy
• Launch film + social cutdowns
• Internal brand guidelines

Built for: established brands, charities, or corporates doing a full-scale overhaul.

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Freelancer vs. Branding Agency: Who Should You Hire?

Freelancers can be fab. Especially if you have a clear idea and just need execution. They’re cost-effective, flexible, and great for quick-turnaround jobs.

But if you’re after holistic thinking - someone to challenge your assumptions, build strategy, and roll it out through design and video? A branding agency is your go-to.

Branding agencies bring:

• Strategy-backed decision making
• Cross-disciplinary creatives
• Cohesive rollouts across mediums

You’re not just buying design. You’re buying momentum.

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Hidden Costs in a Branding Project

Branding projects often come with unexpected extras. Things like too many revision rounds, vague briefing, or extra licensing fees can creep up on you. A good agency doesn’t leave you guessing. They talk upfront, flag costs early, and keep things clear.

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Branding Costs for Small Businesses in the UK

If you’re a small business, tight budgets don’t mean bland brands. Many agencies offer modular packages or phase-based approaches. Some start with video branding alone to create immediate impact without committing to a full rebrand.

On average, branding costs for small businesses in the UK range from £3,000 to £10,000. It’s a sensible investment for credibility, recall, and long-term loyalty.

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Is Branding Worth the Price Tag?

Unlike ad spends that vanish the next month, branding pays off over years. It sharpens your positioning, attracts the right people, and earns trust at every touchpoint. Great brands stick, scale, and sell.

It’s not about being the loudest. It’s about being the most memorable.

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Final Take: Branding Isn’t an Expense. It’s an Advantage.

If you want to be remembered, not just noticed - invest in branding. Whether it’s a clean-cut logo, a bold brand film, or a personality that actually connects with your audience, it adds up.

So, how much does branding cost in the UK? Anywhere from £500 to £70,000 depending on your ambition. But in our world, the right idea is priceless.

Book a discovery call with our branding experts. Let’s make your brand unforgettable.

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