Branding FAQs
+ What is the difference between branding, a secondary logo, and a submark?
A submark is a similar but usually simplified variation of the logo, used in situations when the main logo is not the best fit. It's paired back style makes it easier to use on things like social media, as a sticker or stamp and any other applications your specific industry might require.
A secondary logo is another version of the main logo, with a slight difference - usually either horizontal, or centred depending on what the primary is. Just so you have all bases covered!
Your branding is never just your logo, it is the total presence that makes up your business. From your logo, website, colour palette, right through to your tone of voice, marketing, messaging, copywriting and photography.
+ What is a moodboard?
A moodboard includes colors, image inspiration and the brands 'mood'. You are invited to create a Pinterest board with all things that you think identify with your business (colors, fonts, images, styles) This gets the project rolling, but please note all images, fonts, colours, textures etc. in the moodboard will not be part of your final design. We will build upon this 'mood' and direction to make sure your design is unique and authentic to your business.
+ What is included in the Brand Style Board?
Your Brand Style Board will include your logo variations, colour palette with color codes, buzzwords, visual inspiration, font selection and hierarchy. This is useful for you as the owner to utilise your new brand suite, as well as passing on to a future designer/web developer/anyone using your brand.
+ What do I need to have ready before the project start dates?
Before branding projects can begin, I will need your design strategy questionnaire returned with your business details. You must have a solid idea of your target audience, business mission, products and services, a general idea of styles you like/appeal to your target audience (or exactly what you dislike), for that you can use a pinterest board and of course, your business name!
+ What if I only need a logo?
Your branding is more than just a logo, and so for that reason I don’t typically offer just a logo. I specialise in crafting full brand identities. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.
+ What happens if I am still not happy with my branding after 2 rounds of refinements?
If for some reason you are still not happy after two rounds of refinement (which happens very rarely!), we will continue the refinement process at my current hourly rate.
We go through an in-depth questionnaire and discovery process in the beginning to make sure we are on the same page, so 99% of the time 2 refinement rounds are plenty!
+ Do you print any marketing materials for me?
No. I don’t provide a printing service. I can however work with you and recommend print companies that I have worked with before, depending on your card needs.
+ Is my initial deposit refundable?
No. All deposits are non-refundable as it is my way of securing your spot in the queue. I book projects ahead of time, and scheduling ensures that I give all of my clients the proper amount of time that a project deserves. As a result, I turn away clients for your reserved time slot. If you back out of the project, you may leave an empty spot that could have been given to another project. The deposits ensure that clients are serious about moving forward with the project.
Web Design FAQs
+ Why Squarespace?
I truly believe that Squarespace is the best platform for most small to medium sized businesses. It is both beautiful and functional and has the flexibility, mobile responsiveness and ease of editing needed for those with any level of website content editing.
+ Do you design websites on other platforms?
I am open to discuss the use of other platforms, though my preferred platform is Squarespace.
+ Do I need to have my content and images ready before the project starts?
Yes. You must have all website content (imagery and text) ready to go by our agreed upon start date, unless investing in web design and branding.
The best projects are well thought out and prepared before any designs are conceptualized. When the project goals are finalised before the project, you and I are working with a clear direction, purpose, and mission.
+ Do you purchase the hosting plan/domain name for me?
No. For hosting, you will need to purchase a Squarespace hosting plan (I always recommend the Business plan as it allows for more customization) separately and we go through this process when you are ready to launch your site.
For domains, you will need to purchase your own domain name and provide me with the permissions to access the account (if you do not purchase your domain through Squarespace).
With that said, Barden Creative is not responsible for server downtime, software issues or any other compatibility issue that may arise after the launch of the site from your hosting or domain provider.
+ Will you write my website copy?
No. At this time, I do not offer copywriting for the website only package. However, copywriting is offered as an extra service (at an additional cost) with the brand & web design package.
+ Can you take my website photos for me?
No. I am in charge of the design of your website and the look and feel of the visuals. However, I collaborate with multiple photographers that take beautiful and professional photos, so please get in touch if your business needs hi-res photographs to do your new website justice!
+ Will you maintain my site after launch?
I do offer ongoing maintenance. A ‘work order’ form is provided to you so you get the most out of editing rounds. Work will be quoted on an hourly basis.
+ Do you provide SEO for my site?
Yes. Included in all my website packages is basic SEO set up to optimize your website to the best of my ability. If you require additional, specific or on going SEO services I would recommend getting in touch with an SEO expert who can give you specialist help.
+ Do you provide wireframes before we begin the site process?
In the traditional web design process, there are sometimes wire-frames involved, but for Squarespace and within my process, they aren’t needed so we go straight to on-platform design with the full page content. This just gives you a full idea of the site with working buttons, images and a responsive layout (instead of flat wireframe). However, we will create a loose sitemap (a plan for where content is to be placed on the site) during our strategy call.
+ Is there anything Squarespace doesn’t do?
While Squarespace is robust and powerful, there are times that it isn’t the best fit for your needs. Squarespace isn’t currently built to support:
Memberships, paywalls, or restricted content areas. (The exception is Customer accounts for Commerce plans. We can also work around this with Memberspace)
Inventory management software or point of sale systems.
+ What happens if I am still not happy with my branding after 2 rounds of refinements?
If for some reason you are still not happy after two rounds of refinement (which happens very rarely!), we will continue the refinement process at my current hourly rate.
We go through an in-depth questionnaire and discovery process in the beginning to make sure we are on the same page, so 99% of the time 2 refinement rounds are plenty!
+ Is my initial deposit refundable?
No. All deposits are non-refundable as it is my way of securing your spot in the queue. I book projects several months ahead of time, and scheduling ensures that I give all of my clients the proper amount of time that a project deserves. As a result, I turn away clients for your reserved time slot. If you back out of the project, you may leave an empty spot that could have been given to another project. The deposits ensure that clients are serious about moving forward with the project.