There are many elements of a business that require design input. From business cards to leaflets to the main company website; they all require the work of a web or graphic designer. The trap that many businesses fall into is buying the roof before they’ve even put the walls up.
If you employ a new member of staff it is only right that you feel you should supply them with business cards. But a business card should act to match your brand design and not vice versa. It is nonsensical to use the issuing of elements such as compliment slips, business cards and other printed literature as the benchmark to redesigning a brand…but many businesses do! If you have decided that your branding needs refreshing, then ensure that you approach this strategically rather than brick-by-brick.
Set aside time with your team to discuss your brand, its history and its personality. Be sure that you know what it is that you want to be depicted on all assets associated with your company. Rather than drip-feeding design changes ‘as you go’, have a clear vision that can then become synonymous with your brand. Use this research and foresight to implement your new website and allow the other material to spill out as a result.
Design your brand before your website, and your website before your literature. Design in the right order.