Consulting•January 15, 2026
What does brand development cost? A transparent guide for SMEs
Investment instead of exploitation.
Transparency in the Branding Jungle
"What does a logo cost?" is often the first question we are asked. But a logo without a strategy is like an expensive suit for someone who doesn't know where they're going. The right question is: "What does it cost us if we don't engage in clear brand development?" Standstill and arbitrariness always end up costing more than professional positioning.
Factors that determine the price of a branding project
The costs for professional branding vary greatly as they are tailored to individual needs. Here are the main drivers:
- Strategic depth: A mere design refresh is cheaper than a deep process including positioning workshops, target group audits, and competitive analyses.
- Scope of brand assets: Do you "only" need a brand manual? Or a complete corporate identity including website, business equipment, social media templates, and employer branding campaigns? Our corporate design service covers the entire spectrum.
- Complexity & Rollout: An owner-managed SME decides faster than a corporation with multiple stakeholders. The more coordination rounds and hierarchies, the higher the effort.
Investment Levels: What do you get for your budget?
| Level | Budget Range | Scope of Services |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Startup | €5,000 – €10,000 | Core design, logo, colors, fonts, simple brand card. Focus on fast market entry. |
| Strategic SME | €15,000 – €35,000 | Complete brand development: workshops, positioning, messaging, extensive corporate design, web design concept. |
| Premium / Corporate | €40,000+ | Holistic support across all touchpoints, brand architecture for multiple sub-brands, employer branding, complex implementation. |
Why branding is an investment, not an expense
View branding like building your foundation. Strong branding:
- Lowers your marketing costs: Because your messages resonate immediately and you have to make less "noise" to be heard.
- Increases your pricing power: Strong brands are not compared by price. Customers pay for trust and status.
- Attracts better employees: In times of skilled labor shortages, your employer brand is your most important recruiting tool.
Let's clarify in a free initial consultation which level makes sense for your current phase.