One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Why Custom Websites Make a Bigger Impact

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Website templates can look like an easy win.

They’re cheap, they’re quick to launch, and they give the illusion that you’ve got everything sorted. But here’s the thing — they’re built for anyone, which means they’re not built for you.

Templates are often rigid, generic, and packed with features you don’t need while missing the ones you do. They might look fine on the surface, but once you start trying to tailor them to your business, you realise you’re fighting with the layout more than you’re working with it.

They can be a good short-term fix, but if you want your website to do more than just exist, a custom design will always give you more. More flexibility, more strategy, and a lot more impact.

Here’s why custom websites are worth the investment, and why they’ll keep working long after that template has stopped pulling its weight.

1. It’s Designed to Look and Feel Like Your Business

A custom website is built around your brand from the very start. Everything from the colours and fonts to the layout and tone is chosen to reflect your personality and values. It helps your business look confident, consistent, and trustworthy across every page.

Templates, on the other hand, often force you to jam your brand into a design that was never made for it. You spend more time trying to tweak things than you do creating a site that actually connects with your audience. And no matter how many edits you make, it can still end up looking like dozens of other sites out there.

When your site is built from the ground up, it becomes instantly recognisable. It looks like you, not just a business that happens to share a layout with a stranger on the other side of the world.

2. It Performs Better Because It’s Built Around How You Work

One of the biggest perks of going custom is flexibility. We’re not cramming your content into rigid spaces or trying to make your services fit someone else’s layout. We build everything to suit your needs, your goals, and your audience.

Got an image-heavy portfolio? We’ll highlight your work without slowing down the site. Need to speak to two types of customers? We’ll map out user journeys that guide each one exactly where they need to go.

A custom build takes into account your specific services, your customers, and how people move through your site. It’s made to support your workflow, not fight against it. If you offer quotes, bookings, multiple service categories, or work in stages, we can structure everything in a way that makes sense and keeps users engaged.

A custom site also plays better with future updates. Whether you’re adding new services, sharing blog content, or expanding your business, your site can grow with you instead of needing a full rebuild every time you make a change.

3. It’s Backed by Strategy, Not Just Style

A beautiful website is great. A beautiful website that performs well is even better.

When we build custom, we don’t just focus on how it looks. We start by analysing your competitors, your current traffic, and how your ideal clients behave online. Then we design with purpose.

This tailored SEO approach means we’re not guessing. We know where you sit in the market, where your opportunities are, and how to help you stand out in a crowded space. It’s not just design — it’s strategy. And it’s built right in from the start.

Why Custom Wins Every Time

Templates might seem tempting, especially if you’re just starting out. But over time, they can hold you back, limit your growth, and make your business feel like every other one out there.

A custom website gives you a space that’s built just for you. It’s designed to reflect who you are, speak to the people you want to reach, and grow with your business. It looks better, works harder, and pays off in the long run.

If you’re ready to stop squeezing into a site that never really fit, we’re here to build one that does.

Lets chat about what a custom website could do for your business.

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Our 2025 Wrap Up and What’s Coming for 2026

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Somehow the end of 2025 has arrived already and it feels like the whole year went past in fast-forward.

We have had a steady mix of big website builds, brand refreshes, community projects and plenty of behind the scenes work to help our clients stay visible online.

It has definitely been one of those years where we look back and think, we actually got through a lot!

Here is a quick wrap up of what we have been working on and what is coming next in 2026:

1. A year of major website launches

We designed and developed many websites this year, but here are a few stand out highlights that really show the range of work we delivered.

Chapel Downs Primary School

The new Chapel Downs website was a massive project with multiple learning areas, photography, navigation planning and a full content restructure. The end result is clean, welcoming and easy for parents and new families to use. It is now one of the biggest school sites we have ever built.

Jakaar Industries

We also launched the brand new Jakaar Industries site. This was a complex build with detailed product information, clearer pathways for sales enquiries and visuals that match the scale of their engineering work. The new site finally reflects their size, capability and national reach.

Projects beyond Auckland

Merge has never been limited by distance and this year proved that again.
Selwyn Shuttles in Canterbury now has a beautiful new website with elegant layouts and strong imagery taken straight from their backyard. The design was simple, scenic and focused on storytelling through photos. It was a pleasure to build something that showcases the South Island so well.

Jakaar Site

2. The brands we brought to life this year

It was also a huge year for brand development and we worked with a real mix of businesses, each needing something that genuinely reflected who they are rather than blending in with everyone else. Here are some of our highlights:

Water Management Solutions

WMS wanted a brand that stood out from competitors who mostly use the same predictable corporate blues or blacks.
We designed a sleek, modern logo paired with a textured water pattern backdrop. The bold red and blue lettering represents hot and cold systems in a way that is clean and easy to understand while still feeling technical. The new identity now looks confident, contemporary and industry ready.

Obee’s Restaurant, Waiheke Island

Obee’s came to us wanting a bright, friendly identity that felt fun without being childish and could stretch across both sides of their business, the seafood restaurant and the ice cream shop.
We created a painted curved font with soft movement and added pops of pink to give it that playful island energy. The result is a logo that feels warm, fresh and instantly recognisable whether it is sitting on a beachfront menu or the side of an ice cream cabinet.

Bowls Maraetai

Although we technically designed the Bowls Maraetai logo last year as a community project, this year we rolled out their new uniforms. The colours, layout and placement translated beautifully into apparel, and we even used part of the logo as an overlay on the shirts. Seeing the full team wearing the new kit on the green showed just how well the brand works in real life.

3. Our first year of preparing for the AI curve

Across every industry we are seeing the same shift. AI is changing how people search, choose and interact with businesses online, so this year we focused on helping our clients keep up.

  • We added new FAQ sections to help AI understand what each business offers.
  • We updated blogs, news and tips pages with better keywords and natural question and answer content.
  • We refreshed images and rewrote text so it is clearer, more helpful and more human.
  • We also worked closely with our SEO partners to strengthen organic rankings and prepare sites for AI summaries and conversational search results.

This kind of work will only get more important in 2026.

4. What your website will need to survive 2026

AI is moving faster than any of us expected and we are already seeing tools evolve month by month. HeyGen is developing quickly which means soon you will only need to film yourself once and you will be able to change your script whenever you like. That kind of tech is going to change training videos, social content and even how businesses communicate with customers.

Here is a wild but real statistic. Around sixty percent of online searches are now influenced by AI interpreted results before someone even clicks through to a website! And that percentage is only heading in one direction.

This means websites need to be clearer, more structured and written in a way that helps both humans and AI understand what you actually do.

In 2026 we will be helping clients adapt by focusing on smarter content structure, stronger on page SEO, updated imagery and clearer messaging that AI tools can recognise and match with the right audience.

Where We Go from Here

2025 has been a big year filled with launches, branding, updates and a whole lot of invisible work that keeps our clients ahead of the curve. We are grateful for every business that trusted us with their brand story this year.

As we head into 2026 the focus stays the same, keep adapting, keep improving and help Kiwi businesses show up clearly in an online world that is changing fast.

If your website needs a refresh, new content or a smarter approach for the AI search era, now is the perfect time to get ready.

Get in touch and lets chat about what we can do to make your site AI visible in 2026!

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Business Cards, Brochures, and Beyond: Why Print Design Still Matters

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We all know we live in a digital world — but that doesn’t mean print is dead. Far from it.

The truth is, physical marketing still plays a big role in how people remember your business. Whether it’s a business card slipped into a wallet, a brochure that lives on the kitchen bench, or a branded pen floating around the office, print design gives people a physical reminder that you exist. And when they need your service, you’ll already be in their hand — literally.

Print creates familiarity. It adds extra touch points. And in a world where people are overwhelmed with online options, having something tangible can make all the difference.

Here’s why print design is still important:

1. People Hold Onto What Feels Useful or Memorable

Well-designed print sticks around. It doesn’t get deleted or lost in a browser tab. Business cards, flyers, and even a simple magnet can stay in someone’s life for months.

A great print piece acts like a quiet little reminder. Someone might not need your service the moment they receive it, but when they do, it’s already there. It’s much easier to grab a card from the fridge than to scroll through twenty websites hoping one feels right.

And let’s not forget the people who still prefer picking up the phone over Googling. Older generations, especially, often feel more comfortable with a card in hand than digging through websites. Having print materials means you’re not leaving that whole audience behind.

2. It Builds Recognition in the Real World

You know that feeling when you see a logo or name and think, “I’ve heard of them before”? That’s brand recognition at work, and print helps make that happen.

Every time someone sees your logo on a business card, a brochure, a sign on your van, or even a pen in the office drawer, it reinforces your brand. It’s a little reminder that builds familiarity. And people tend to choose what they recognise. When they’ve seen your branding a few times in different places, they’re more likely to trust you when the time comes to make a decision.

Print supports your digital presence too. While your website and social media are working online, your print materials are out there in the real world doing their part. They show up in letterboxes, on desks, in wallets, and on countertops. All these touch points add up to create a sense of trust, professionalism, and consistency.

Even better, when your print design matches your website and other marketing, it all feels connected. People remember you more easily and get a clear sense of who you are, no matter where they see you.

3. It Reflects How You Run Your Business

There’s something about handing someone a well-designed business card or leaving a sharp brochure behind that just feels more personal. It shows you’re prepared, confident in what you do, and that you’ve thought about how your business shows up in the world.

While anyone can fire off a quick email or send a DM, print materials take intention. They create a moment. Whether it’s a card exchanged during a conversation or a brochure you leave after quoting a job, it sticks with people longer than a screen ever could.

Professionally printed materials also speak volumes about your standards. A clean, well-designed flyer or a card with quality paper and bold branding says a lot about how you run your business. It shows that you care about the details, that you take pride in your presentation, and that you’re someone worth remembering.

And let’s be honest — there’s a big difference between handing over a sleek, branded card and scribbling your number on the back of a receipt. One leaves a lasting impression, the other gets lost in a glovebox.

Print Still Packs a Punch

Print design might not be the newest kid on the block, but it still works — and works well.

It gives people something real to hold onto, keeps your brand visible in everyday life, and helps you stay top of mind without having to fight for attention online. It also builds recognition, makes your business feel more professional, and reaches the people who still prefer something they can touch, keep, and refer back to.

Whether it’s a business card, a brochure, or even a branded pen, quality print shows that you care about your brand and the way your business is remembered.

If your print design could use a refresh, or you’re not sure what’s working and what’s not, lets chat and we’ll help you create materials that people want to keep, not chuck in the bin.

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How to Create a Memorable Visual Identity

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In a small community, your neighbours are your customers and your reputation often spreads by word of mouth.

 That means how your business looks is just as important as how it performs.

You want to be recognised, remembered, and trusted. Whether someone sees your van on the road, your logo on a sign, or a post on social media, they should instantly know it’s you. But when your branding is inconsistent or looks like it belongs to two different businesses, it can confuse people or make them second-guess your professionalism.

Your logo, colours, fonts, and overall style form your visual identity. This is the face of your business. When it’s clear and consistent, it builds trust and keeps you top of mind.

Here’s why that matters, and how to make your business stand out for all the right reasons.

1. Be Consistent, or Risk Confusing Your Audience

If your website has one look, your social media has another, and your business cards don’t match either, people might not even realise it’s the same business. Inconsistent branding doesn’t just look messy — it makes your business feel untrustworthy.

A clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms shows that you’re organised, reliable, and serious about what you do. When everything lines up visually, customers are far more likely to trust you and remember you.

2. Stand Out From the Competition

If your logo looks like it was copied from a Google image search, you’re not alone — but that’s kind of the problem. When your branding looks just like everyone else’s, people have no reason to remember you.

If your logo looks like five others in your industry, people won’t remember you. Strong visual identity is your chance to be different in a sea of sameness. Your colours, font choices, and overall look should reflect your personality and values, not just follow trends.

In small towns or tight-knit areas, word spreads quickly — but only if people can tell you apart from the rest. The right branding helps you stick in someone’s mind long after they’ve seen your sign, scrolled past your ad, or driven past your van.

3. People Will Forget Your Name, But They’ll Remember Your Look

Let’s be honest — most people won’t remember your business name after a quick glance. But they will remember your bold orange van, that sharp logo, or the tagline they keep seeing around town.

If your branding feels too fancy, too plain, or just a bit off, it could be sending the wrong message. Your branding should reflect who you are and the kind of clients you want to work with. You don’t need to be over-the-top, just memorable in the right way.

You’ve usually got one shot to make a good impression, so make sure it’s the right one.

Recognition Builds Reputation

Your visual identity isn’t just about looking good — it’s about being remembered, trusted, and recognised wherever you show up. If your branding is giving off mixed signals, blending into the crowd, or just doesn’t feel like you anymore, it might be time for a rethink.

At Merge Media, we help businesses create branding that feels like a perfect match.

Not sure if your branding is doing its job? Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out what’s working and what’s not.

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5 Signs Your Logo Needs a Re-design

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Could your logo be quietly holding your brand back?

It can be hard to tell. Maybe you’ve had the same logo for years. Maybe a friend made it when you were starting out. Or maybe it was part of a package deal and you’ve just stuck with it. But over time, even a decent-looking logo can stop pulling its weight.

Your logo plays a bigger role than most people realise. It helps build recognition, creates trust, and gives your business a professional presence. And when it’s not quite right, it can quietly chip away at all those things — without you even noticing.

So how do you know if your logo is helping or holding you back?

Here are five clear signs your logo needs a redesign, and why fixing it could be one of the smartest moves you make.

Above left is the old G Donaldson Builders logo with the refreshed version on the right. Just by changing the shape of the windows, simplifying the roofline, and updating the font, they now have a high-end, classy looking logo to appeal to a higher calibre of clients, without too much of a major change.

1. It Doesn’t Feel Quite Right Anymore

You can’t always put your finger on it, but something feels off. Maybe it doesn’t match how your business has evolved, or it feels too casual or too corporate for the kind of clients you want now. If you find yourself hesitating to use your logo or cringing when you hand out your card, trust that instinct — your brand might have outgrown it.

2. It’s Sending the Wrong Message

A logo doesn’t need to spell out exactly what you do, but it should feel like it belongs to your industry and speak to the type of clients you want to attract. If your logo looks fun and playful but you’re targeting a corporate market, or it feels too traditional for a modern, innovative business, it could be leading people in the wrong direction. First impressions matter and if your logo gives off the wrong tone, you might not even get the chance to explain what you really offer.

3. It Doesn’t Look Great Everywhere You Use It

Your logo needs to work on screens, signs, uniforms, email signatures, social media — the list goes on. If it starts looking blurry, awkward, or inconsistent in different places, that’s a sign it wasn’t built for flexibility. A modern logo should be clean, scalable, and versatile.

4. You Keep Tweaking It or Avoid Using It Altogether

If you’ve ever adjusted the colours or fonts to “make it work” in certain situations, or you avoid putting it on things because it never looks quite right, that’s a big red flag. A strong logo should be consistent, recognisable, and ready to use, not something you constantly have to work around.

5. It Gets Lost Next to Other Brands

Put your logo next to your competitors’ — does it stand out, or blend into the background? If it looks generic or lacks personality, chances are it’s not helping people remember you. A good logo doesn’t have to be loud, but it should be distinct and meaningful.

Does Your Logo Still Reflect Who You Are?

Your logo doesn’t have to be flashy or complex, but it should feel like an honest and confident representation of your business today, and not who you were five or ten years ago.

If reading through these signs has made you second-guess whether your current logo is still working, that’s okay. Most brands evolve over time, and your logo should evolve with you. Whether it needs a small refresh or a full redesign, updating your logo can help realign your brand, attract the right clients, and give you something you’re proud to stand behind.

At Merge Media, we design logos that aren’t just good-looking — they’re strategic, future-focused, and built to grow with your business.

If you’re ready to take a fresh look at your brand, Get in touch and let’s create a logo that feels right and works harder for your business.

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Laptop is displaying streaming internet content from various sources

What’s Coming for Web Design in 2025: Trends, Tech, and AI

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Web design is always evolving, and 2025 is set to bring some exciting changes!

With new tech, smarter tools, and fresh ideas, websites are going to be more engaging, functional, and user-friendly than ever. Here’s a look at what’s on the way and how these trends could make websites even better for businesses and users alike.

Laptop is displaying streaming internet content from various sources

1. Websites That Feel More Personal

Thanks to smarter AI (artificial intelligence), websites are becoming better at understanding what visitors want. In 2025, expect to see more sites that adapt in real time. For example, a website might show you products based on what you’ve searched for or customise the homepage to suit your preferences.

This means businesses can offer more relevant experiences, and users won’t waste time scrolling through things they don’t care about. It’s like a website that knows you without being creepy!

2. Stunning 3D Features

Websites are stepping up their visual game with interactive 3D elements. Think of a furniture store where you can spin a chair around and see every angle, or an architect or builder site that lets you zoom in on all the little details of a build.

3D designs will make websites feel more alive and engaging, keeping people interested longer. It’s a big win for businesses trying to showcase their products in a memorable way.

3. Clean and Simple Design That Works for Everyone

Minimalism is still in, but it’s not just about looking sleek—it’s about being easy to use. Websites in 2025 will focus on being super functional. This means larger buttons, designs that work well on any screen, and even voice navigation for hands-free browsing.

Plus, there’s a big push for inclusivity. Sites will be designed so everyone can use them easily, including people with disabilities or limited tech skills.

4. Eco-Friendly Websites

More businesses are thinking about their environmental impact, and websites are no exception. In 2025, expect to see “green” websites that use less energy to run and rely on sustainable hosting solutions.

This might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference. Companies that embrace eco-friendly web practices aren’t just helping the planet—they’re also showing customers they care about important issues.

5. Voice Search and Chat Features

With more people using voice assistants like Alexa or Siri, websites are adapting. Instead of typing out searches, you’ll be able to speak into your phone or computer and get instant results.

On top of that, chat features are becoming more conversational and natural, almost like you’re texting a real person. These tools will make browsing faster and easier for everyone.

6. Websites That Work Great on Phones First

We’re all glued to our phones, and web designers know it. In 2025, expect more websites to be built with mobile users in mind. This means designs that are easy to scroll through, tap, and navigate—all without waiting ages for pages to load.

Mobile-first doesn’t just mean looking good on a small screen—it means thinking about how people actually use their phones to shop, browse, or connect with businesses.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) Will Wow Users

AR is no longer just for gaming. Imagine trying on sunglasses virtually or seeing how a new couch looks in your living room, all through a website.

This tech is going to take both e-commerce and service-based sites to the next level, giving people a way to interact with products in a much more exciting and personal way.

Why This Matters for Your Business

These trends aren’t just cool—they’re practical. Businesses that embrace these changes can make their websites stand out, connect better with their audience, and ultimately drive more sales.

At Merge Media, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re thinking about a new website or just want to tweak your existing one, we’ll make sure it’s ready for whatever 2025 brings.

Let’s create something amazing together. Contact us today and let’s get your website future-ready!

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Why an Updated Website and Brand Matters for Established Industrial Companies

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As an established industrial business owner, you’ve worked hard to build a company with a solid reputation. It’s time to unlock your potential and show the world what you’ve built!

Your workshop or warehouse hums with activity, your clients trust your expertise, and your staff delivers results day in and day out. But when it comes to your website and brand, do they reflect the professionalism and innovation of your company—or are they holding you back?

If your answer leans toward the latter, you’re not alone. Many successful industrial companies struggle to see the value of modern branding and websites, but the reality is this: a strong online presence isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s market.

Common Pain Points We See in Established Industrial Companies

We’ve worked with businesses like yours, and here’s what we’ve found:

  1. An Outdated Website That Doesn’t Attract Leads

    • Your website might be over 10 years old, with a clunky design and hard-to-navigate structure.
    • It’s not mobile-friendly, making it nearly impossible for busy customers to browse on their phones.
    • Your competitors are pulling ahead with modern, sleek websites that inspire confidence.
  2. Branding That Doesn’t Represent the Business Today
    • Your logo and marketing materials were designed decades ago and no longer reflect the size and professionalism of your company.
    • They fail to capture attention or resonate with younger clients and employees.
  3. Missed Opportunities in Online Marketing
    • You’re losing out on search engine traffic because your website isn’t optimised for keywords like “industrial manufacturing” or “logistics support.”
    • Potential customers can’t find the information they need quickly, leading them to look elsewhere.
  4. Scepticism About ROI
    • Like many in your industry, you might view websites and branding as unnecessary expenses, rather than strategic investments.
    • Without clear data, it’s hard to justify allocating resources to something you’ve operated without for so long.

How We Can Help

At Merge Media, we specialise in helping established industrial businesses modernise their branding and online presence.

We understand that change can be daunting, but we’re here to make the process simple and effective. Here’s how we can help:

1. Create a Website That Works for You

  • Mobile-Friendly Design: We’ll create a website that looks great on any device, ensuring your customers can access what they need, whether they’re at their desks or on the go.
  • Clear Navigation and Information: Your website will showcase your services, highlight your expertise, and make it easy for customers to contact you.
  • Lead Generation: With strategically placed forms, calls-to-action, and SEO, your site will start working as your 24/7 salesperson.

2. Modernise Your Brand

  • Professional Logo Design: A new logo will reflect your company’s growth and professionalism.
  • Consistent Branding Across Materials: From business cards to brochures, we’ll ensure your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Industry-Specific Designs: Our experience with industrial clients means we’ll create branding that resonates with your target audience.

3. Boost Your Online Visibility

  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): We’ll help your site rank higher on Google, so new clients find you first.
  • Local SEO Strategies: Target nearby businesses and industrial parks to become the go-to provider in your area.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Our hosting and maintenance plans ensure your site stays updated, secure, and functional.

4. Provide Data-Driven Results

  • We’ll track the performance of your website and marketing campaigns, giving you clear insights into the return on your investment.

Why Now?

Your competitors aren’t waiting to upgrade their digital presence…why should you?!

Clients expect more than just quality work—they want a seamless experience from start to finish, starting with your website. A modern brand and website can:

  • Attract higher-quality leads.
  • Improve client confidence in your professionalism.
  • Make your business stand out in a crowded market.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?

Here at Merge Media, we’ve helped companies like yours transform their brands and websites into powerful tools that drive business growth. Let’s show the world the company you’ve built and give you the digital tools to thrive in the years ahead.

Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss how we can elevate your business to the next level.

Your future clients—and your competitors—are watching!

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Merge Media design beautiful branding across all media for brand consistency.

The Importance of Branding Consistency Across All Media

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In today’s highly competitive market, creating a strong and consistent brand is paramount.

Branding goes beyond a mere logo or tagline; it encompasses every aspect of how your business is perceived by customers.

One of the critical areas where branding consistency must be maintained is across all media, particularly on your website.

This article explores the significance of consistent branding and provides insights from industry experts on why it is essential for brand and business owners to establish robust branding before developing their website.

What is Branding Consistency?

 Branding consistency involves maintaining a uniform image and message across all platforms and marketing materials. This means that every piece of content, whether it’s your website, social media posts, signage, or promotional collateral, should reflect the same visual style, tone of voice, and core values. Consistency helps build recognition, trust, and loyalty among your audience.

Why is it important?

It Enhances Brand Recognition

Consistency in branding ensures that your audience can easily recognise your brand across various channels.  According to branding expert Neil Patel, consistent presentation of a brand increases revenue by up to 23% .

When customers see the same colours, logos, and messages repeated, it reinforces their memory and recognition of the brand. Neil Patel

Seth Godin, in “This is Marketing,” noted, “A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” This quote highlights the role of consistency in building and sustaining consumer relationships and expectations.

 Strengthens Marketing Efforts & Supports Customer Loyalty 

Consistent branding creates a unified front for all marketing efforts. When your social media posts, advertisements, and website share the same design and messaging, it amplifies the impact of your marketing campaigns.  It also ensures that all marketing activities contribute to a cohesive brand narrative, making your campaigns more effective.

Branding consistency helps create an emotional connection with customers. When customers know what to expect from your brand, they are more likely to develop a sense of loyalty, leading to more referrals.

Why Consistency is Crucial for Websites

Your website is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. Therefore, it is crucial that your website accurately reflects your brand’s identity.

If you would like some help with your branding or developing a brand guideline, get in touch!

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10 things to consider when setting up your business

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If you’re diving into the business world for the first time, the amount decisions you need to make can feel overwhelming. Where do you start?!

As a web and graphic designer passionate about helping my clients bring their visions to life, I’ve curated a list of 10 essential considerations to ensure your venture starts off the right way. From defining your brand identity to establishing a solid online presence, each step is crucial to laying the groundwork for your success.

When starting your business journey, here are a few things you need to do:

 

 

  1. Define Your Identity: Whether it’s choosing a business name or refining your brand identity, clarity is key. Reach out to Miranda at miranda@mergemedia.co.nz for expert marketing guidance if you’re having trouble!

  2. Check the Companies Office Register: Ensure your chosen business name is available, distinct, and not too similar to your competitors. Click here to check now. If it’s available, register it!

  3. Is your domain name available? Check availability on Discount Domains and secure your online presence. Make sure it’s not too long so it’s easy to fit on your marketing collateral. If it’s available, buy it!

  4. Set up your email address: Now that you’ve purchased your domain name, it’s time to set up your business email address. If this sounds too technical, get in touch and our team can help!

  5. Decide on your budget: We have a range of customisable packages available, check them out here or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your individual requirements.

  6. Gather inspiration: Have a look around at brands and logos you like. What do your competitors look like? While we may be great graphic designers, we are terrible mind readers! It’s our job to find out your likes and dislikes, so we’re heading down the right track from the start. Compile and share a Pinterest board with us or gather images from Google so we can see your preferences and brand vision. Find out more about briefing a graphic designer here.

  7. Do you have a memorable brand and logo? Complete our branding brief form here so we have all the information about your business we need to start. Once that’s designed and finalised, we’ll supply your logo guideline you need for signage and documentation.

  8. Get your website up and running: Starting with your key words in mind, we’ll create a site plan and website that becomes your #1 salesperson. Fill in our website brief form so we’ve got all the info we need!

  9. Write great content: You have the option of either writing web copy yourself, or if you don’t have time (the the know-how), our expert copywriter can help with Google-friendly content.

  10. Set up a Google My Business listing: This allows you to feature on Google Maps and gather client reviews. This is important for search engine optimisation purposes.

 

We’ve done it all before and helped many business owners get set up and on their way to business success!

If you need further guidance, get in touch with Renee for a free consultation.

YES PLEASE! BOOK ME IN!
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