What brand audits actually uncover
We detail what brand audits really uncover and how. Why brand audits matter. What audits reveal. Why some find it uncomfortable. The real value of…
Articles about branding, logo design and corporate identity.
In our blog, the Toast team share their experience in all things brand.
Why simplicity in branding is so difficult
So why is simplicity so hard to achieve in branding? Simple is not the same as basic. Simplicity requires clarity, not just design. The more…
Why ego-driven rebrands fail
So, why do ego-driven rebrands fail? It looks new, but feels wrong. The most expensive kind of rebrand. Brands are built for users, not founders….
What clients misunderstand about brand positioning
Many clients treat positioning as a task to tick off, a workshop, a slide deck, a mission statement. But real positioning is not static. It…
The danger of designing brands in isolation.
Let’s get into the danger of designing brands in isolation. Why isolated branding still happens. Designing without context. No buy-in. No momentum. Too much guesswork….
Why most rebrands fail before they launch
Let’s unpack why most rebrands fail before they launch. Rebrands that aren’t brand-led. No strategy. Just visuals. No internal alignment. No customer perspective. Too much…
Logos are not brands and never were
Let’s examine why Logos are not brands and never were. The myth of the all-powerful logo. Symbols don’t build brands. Systems do. Recognition isn’t the…
Brand strategy should make decisions easier
Let’s examine how a Brand strategy should make decisions easier. What brand strategy is really for. Clarity over complexity. Fewer arguments, faster progress. Strategy reframes…
Why Brand Strategy Must Outlive Campaigns.
Let’s examine why brand strategy should outlive campaigns. Why short-term thinking is a problem. What brand strategy actually means. Campaign fatigue is real. Strategy isn’t….
Brand Guidelines are Only Useful if People Use Them.
Let’s outline why brand guidelines are only useful if people use them. The real point of brand guidelines. Why most brand guidelines get ignored. Too…
Brand strategy is not a workshop output.
We unpack why brand strategy is not a workshop output. What workshops are good for. What brand strategy really means. Why the difference matters. How…
Why consistency matters more than creativity
We examine why consistency matters more than creativity. Consistency builds trust. Creativity without consistency fails. Small signals make a big difference. Brand success requires repetition….
Why Brand Clarity Beats Cleverness Every Time
Introduction: Clever Does Not Convert Clever branding can make people smile. It might even win an award. But clever does not always connect. And it…
Branding Is the Business: Why Getting It Right Isn’t Optional Anymore.
Why branding is the business, and why getting it right isn’t optional anymore. By Adam Buttress What branding is. Why it matters. Recognition and trust….
What Is Branding and Why It Matters for Every Business.
We ask what is branding and why it matters for every business. What branding is. Why branding matters. Elements of a strong brand. How branding…
What Is a Branding Specialist and How Do They Help Business Growth?
What Is a Branding Specialist and How Do They Help Business Growth? What a Branding Specialist Does. Why Hire a Branding Specialist. The Branding Specialist…
What Is a Branding Specialist?
Let’s examine what a branding specialist is and how they can help your business’s growth. What is a Branding Specialist. What Does a Branding Specialist…
Why You Don’t Need a Brand Identity Agency (Until You Do).
My opinion on why you don’t need a brand identity agency (until you do). You probably don’t need one. Yet. What a brand identity agency…
Why We Never “Just” Design a Logo
Let’s Discuss Why We Never “Just” Design a Logo Logos never stand alone. You’re building recognition, not a logo. Clarity before creativity. Identity is what…
How to Build a B2B Brand Strategy That Delivers Long-Term Growth.
Want to Know How to Build a B2B Brand Strategy That Delivers Long-Term Growth? Why a B2B Brand Strategy Matters. Start with Clear Positioning. Know…
What a Brand Identity Agency Actually Does, and Why You Might Need One.
Let’s Investigate What a Brand Identity Agency Actually Does. First, What Is Brand Identity? What Does a Brand Identity Agency Actually Do? Why You Might…
What does a design and branding agency really do, and why it matters more than you think.
So, what does a design and branding agency really do? Branding is strategy, not just style. A branding agency builds on purpose. Design without strategy…
Brand Development: Why Growth Starts With Clarity, Not Just Campaigns.
Brand Development: Why Growth Starts With Clarity, Not Just Campaigns. Not just a logo. You are not selling what you sell. Brands that grow know…
Why Work With a Branding Agency in the UK, And What to Expect If You Do It Properly
So, Why Work With a Branding Agency in the UK? You’re not just paying for logos. It’s not about you, and that’s a good thing….
Why Choose a Brand Development Company in the UK?
Let’s Investigate How to Choose a Brand Development Company in the UK What is brand development. Why your brand needs more than a logo. What…
Strategic vs Tactical Branding in B2B Social Media: Why Both Matter (But One Comes First)
What is Strategic vs Tactical Branding in B2B Social Media? Social is more than a distribution channel. Strategy is your anchor. Tactics are how you…
What to Expect from a Brand Development Company in the UK.
Why do you need a brand development company in the UK? What a brand development company does. Why UK businesses choose Toast. What makes a…
Why Strong Branding Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential.
Let’s discuss why strong branding isn’t Optional, it’s Essential. What Are You Really Selling? The Prime Logo Fallacy. Emotional Connection Builds Loyalty. Build Equity, Not…
Why your brand identity matters (and why you should pick the right branding agency).
Let’s explore why your brand identity is important. What brand identity really means. Branding isn’t about pretty logos. What good branding looks like. Why brand…
Why your brand design should work harder than your logo.
Let’s dig into why your brand design should work harder than your logo. A well-built brand is more than a logo. It’s your best ambassador….
Branding Agency UK: Why the Right Partner Makes All the Difference
Looking for a New Branding Agency in the UK? What branding agencies do. Why branding matters in the UK. What makes a good branding agency….
Why Brand Application Makes Your Promotional Material Work.
Let’s Examine Why Brand Application Makes Your Promotional Material Work. Why consistency matters. What brand application actually means. How merchandise becomes a brand tool. Getting…
Top 5 Things to Consider When Rebranding Your Business.
Here Are Our Top 5 Things to Consider When Rebranding Your Business. Are you solving the right problem? What do your customers actually think? Have…
What Makes a Top Branding Agency?
Let’s Investigate The Top 10 Indicators of What Makes a Top Branding Agency? They get to the heart of who you are. They design for…
Why you need a brand identity design agency
We Investigate Why you need a brand identity design agency. What brand identity really does. How an agency like Toast helps. What Toast delivers at…
Branding Services in the UK: Agencies, Costs & Expert Insights
What Is Branding and Why It Matters. Branding is more than just a logo. It’s how your business looks, sounds and behaves, across every touchpoint….
What is a corporate identity system?
So, what is a corporate identity system? A corporate identity system isn’t just a logo or a colour palette. It’s the complete set of rules…
Beyond the Blueprint: Five Advanced Moves to Elevate Your B2B Brand Strategy.
You’ve covered the basics of brand strategy: positioning, messaging, design, tone, content, data, and internal alignment. That puts you ahead of many. However, to move…
Why Toast is the Go-To Agency for Businesses Who Take Branding Seriously.
Toast is a branding agency for serious businesses that need more than making it look nice. Branding is what makes you stand out in a…
Why Branding Workshops Matter: Build a Brand That Actually Works
What a branding agency actually does. When people think of branding, they often picture logos, colours or fonts. But branding goes much deeper. It shapes…
Why a Brand Refresh Is Often the Sharpest Move
My Opinion On Why a Brand Refresh Is Often the Sharpest Move by Simon Browne Let me be blunt: if your brand still looks like…
B2B Brand Design, Refresh and Application: It’s More Than a Logo.
What branding really does. Let’s be clear, your brand isn’t your logo, and it’s not the mood board your marketing team spent six weeks tweaking….
When a Brand Refresh Beats a Full Rebrand.
Which is best? Refresh vs Rebrand. You don’t always need to tear it all down and start again. A brand refresh lets you keep what…
Why Brand Workshops and Full Branding Projects Go Hand in Hand
This is Why Brand Workshops and Full Branding Projects Go Hand in Hand A common mistake is treating brand workshops and branding as separate, optional…
Why a Brand Workshop at Toast Isn’t Just a Nice Idea, It’s the Start of Business Change
Introduction to a Brand Workshop at Toast Branding is often seen as the fun part of business. Choosing colours, picking fonts, arguing over brand names….
When a Brand Refresh Is the Strategic Move Your Business Needs
How to Evolve Your Brand Without Losing Recognition or Value Too many business owners believe branding must always mean starting from scratch: a new logo,…
Logos Matter More Than Most Businesses Realise
Too many business owners treat logo design like decoration. A new icon, a refreshed font, a “modern” look. If that is where they stop, they are missing the real point.
Good Branding Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Strategic Necessity.
Why I Believe Good Branding Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Strategic Necessity. Too often, branding is misunderstood as something nice to have: a fresh logo,…
Good Branding isn’t a luxury: it’s a strategic necessity.
Too often, branding is misunderstood as something nice to have: a fresh logo, a cleaner colour palette, a more modern typeface.
The Role of Branding in Building Equity, Recognition, and Lasting Impact
If you have ever wondered what branding is or why some companies stand out while others fade away, the answer usually lies in strategy, consistency, and design.
Mastering B2B Brand Strategy: Essential Tactics for Lasting Impact
A strong B2B brand strategy is critical for businesses operating in competitive markets.
Building a Business Logo: Tips for Creating a Memorable Brand Identity
Introduction to Building a Business Logo Building a business logo is the most critical step in shaping your brand identity. A well-designed brand logo is…
Top Strategies for Effective Customer Retention
Businesses spend a fortune getting new customers and then forget to look after the ones they already have.
Top Strategies for Brand Building to Elevate Your Business Success
Building a brand takes time, and getting the initial stages correct is crucial if you want to develop and retain equity in your brand.
The Best Companies Logo Designs and What They Reveal About Brands
A well-designed logo is more than a pretty icon. For B2B companies, especially in service-led industries, a logo is the visual summary of your strategy
Effective Positioning in Marketing: Strategies for Success
Positioning is one of the most important concepts in marketing. It is the process of creating a distinct identity for a product or service in the minds of potential customers.
Creative Naming Company Ideas: 50 Unique Options for Your Brand
Choosing a business name is one of the most important decisions when starting a new business.
Enhancing Business Success Through Effective Branding
In today’s fiercely competitive market, establishing a strong brand image is essential for attracting and retaining customers.
Maximising Business Impact: Mastering the Fusion of Branding and Marketing
This guide aims to unravel the intricate dynamics of branding and marketing, showcasing how they synergise to propel businesses to new heights.
Branding in the Retail Industry: A Comprehensive Guide
Branding for retail involves creating a unique identity to stand out, build trust, and foster loyalty among customers.
How to Decide on a Branding Strategy
When you’re starting out, or in desperate need of a redesign, it can be a little tricky to decide on a branding strategy and the future direction of your brand.
What Are The Different Types of Branding?
When we think of the different types of branding, our minds may lean towards the tactics, not the genres.
Creating an Emotional Connection Through Branding
Forming an emotional connection through branding isn’t just about looking the part, it’s also about what you do.
The Role of Branding in B2B Industries
Branding in B2B is all about building trust, flexing your muscles and proving why you’re the best at what you do.
The Psychology Behind Effective Branding
The psychology behind branding explores how consumers perceive and connect with brands.
How to Design a Personalised Logo for Your Business
When your design a personalised logo for your business, you want to be relatable, professional and showcase the best your have to offer.
The Importance of Local Branding Strategies
Start small and work your way up. If you’re looking to market at the people around you, you’ll need some good local branding strategies to…
The Role of Data in Shaping Brand Strategy
Why data, why now? We have technologically developed a world where we are capable of using data in shaping brand strategy, so we should at…
The Influence of Packaging Design on Branding
What makes people pick you up off the shelf? The influence of packaging design on branding and on our every purchase is insane. From the smallest…
The Role of Branding in Customer Retention
Everything about your brand should be approachable. People don’t always realise that branding in customer retention is as big a deal as it actually is….
Influencer Marketing: Elevating Brand Image in the Digital Age
It’s the new form of advertisement that’s not overwhelming. Influencer marketing is the subtle and relatable way to go about marketing your brand to new…
Importance of Customer Experience in Branding
It’s not just answering phone calls and emails. It is a vital skill to have good customer experience in branding. Not only for the benefit…
How to Manage Brand Reputation Effectively
Brand reputation management is going to be the glue that holds most companies together these days. Not only do you need a cohesive branding strategy, but you also need a team that can pick up the pieces and reinforce your brand values across different channels.
Building Brand Loyalty: Strategies for Success
Building Brand Loyalty: Strategies for Success Brand Loyalty should be relatively straightforward to define, but depending on who you are talking to, it may gain…
Branding for Small Businesses: A Practical Guide
When discussing branding, most people’s first thoughts turn to Coca-Cola, Nike, Gucci and the other heavy hitters. We believe that branding is for everyone, whether…
How to conduct a successful brand audit
A comprehensive brand audit is one of the most effective ways to ensure your brand maintains its edge. A brand audit is more than a…
Brand names and how to choose them
Have you ever had to choose a name for a pet? How about a child? It’s an absolute minefield. You love it now, but will…
The role of rituals in brand positioning
Rituals are a powerful tool in the world of branding and marketing. They can shape a brand’s identity, establish your product as part of your…
The Definitive Branding Glossary for Marketers
A branding glossary is a comprehensive reference guide that provides definitions and explanations of key branding concepts. Why not bookmark this glossary as a valuable…
Creating an emotional connection through branding
What is emotional branding? Emotional branding is a marketing strategy that creates a solid emotional connection between a brand and its target audience. It goes…
The role of brand ambassadors in branding strategy
What is a brand ambassador? A brand ambassador is an individual, usually a well-known figure, celebrity, influencer, or expert in a particular field, who is…
Branding for sustainability: why it matters
Sustainability in branding involves a profound commitment to aligning business practices with a purpose-driven, environmentally and socially responsible mission. According to Business Wire, 60 per…
A marketer’s guide to reputation management
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Benjamin Franklin We regularly tell people that…
Essential elements for building a successful brand identity
Crafting your brand identity depends very much on who you are, what you do and the customer you are trying to reach. Your brand identity…
The Art of Brand Storytelling
Once upon a time… wise marketing and branding gurus recognised that people don’t just buy products or services; they buy into the stories, values, and…
The importance of brand differentiation
Imagine walking into a supermarket, with your stomach growling and your eyes focused on a delicious breakfast treat. You’re standing in the cereal aisle, staring…
Brand consistency and why it matters to your business
What is brand consistency? Brand consistency refers to the practice of maintaining uniformity and coherence in the way a brand presents itself across all its…
Branding trends to watch in 2024
Great design is truly timeless but the latest trends provide us with inspiration and a fresh approach to the way we work. By keeping abreast…
How personal branding can influence your business
What is personal branding? Personal branding refers to the intentional and strategic process of establishing and promoting your unique identity and reputation in your industry…
Exploring the role of AR and VR in design
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have evolved at a rapid pace in recent years, transforming the landscape of various industries.
Creating an Authentic Brand Story: A Guide with Examples
Storytelling is the art of creating a narrative that captures the attention of consumers and increases brand loyalty. In today’s digital age, brand storytelling has…
Brand Colour Accessibility Guidelines: Considerations for Ensuring Inclusivity
Brands That Speak to Everyone Brands should be universal in their appeal to customers, irrelevant of cultural differences or physical disabilities. A lot has been…
Branding for Start-ups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Plan for Success When starting any form of venture, whether it’s a brand-new start-up business being built from scratch or adding a new product or…
Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Branding
Any attempt at investigating the impact of social media on branding should start with defining what we mean by these two terms. Social Media is constantly evolving as new platforms become available.
How to Effectively Rebrand: A pathway to renewed success
Why Rebrand? Rebranding is a strategic move for companies aiming to revitalise their image, stay relevant, and connect with evolving consumer demands. However, rebranding is…
Creating a Brand Voice: Strategies for Success
What is a brand voice? A brand voice is the personality and style of communication that a brand uses to speak and connect with its…
Understanding Brand Transparency and Its Impact
Let’s make it clear In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, brand transparency has taken centre stage. It has become pivotal in shaping consumer perceptions, fostering…
The Impact of Branding on SEO
When we talk about online exposure, branding isn’t always part of the conversation. But it should be! Branding plays a significant role in search engine…
How to Create a Brand Style Guide
So, what is a brand style guide? A brand style guide is an invaluable document that outlines the visual and verbal elements of your brand,…
Why brand positioning matters
Get Into the Best Position Brand positioning plays a significant role in shaping how consumers perceive and differentiate a brand in the marketplace. It refers…
The Power of Brand Personality
What is brand personality? Brand personality refers to the set of human characteristics, qualities, and traits attributed to a brand – much like a human…
The Role of Ethics in Branding
In today’s increasingly conscious consumer landscape, ethical considerations have become a vital aspect of successful brand building. As customers become more discerning and socially aware,…
A guide to branding for nonprofit organisations
Branding for nonprofit organisations involves creating a unique identity and perception in the minds of stakeholders and the public. It goes beyond just a logo…
What you say is equally as important as what you look like
More Than Skin Deep Branding is about far more than making something look good. Although we’re very talented at creating eye-catching visuals, we know that…
10 reasons to do a trademark check before doing anything else
It does no good rushing into marketing for your brand before you even have a trademark…
What to expect during a logo design project
The reason to start with this point is that even though there should be a universal understanding of what a logo is (or isn’t) there is no widely accepted definition.
The difference between designing what you like and what you need
Function follows Form? Which should come first, function or form? This debate has raged for years, and it doesn’t look like a definitive answer is…
10 things you don’t get when crowdsourcing your logo design
Crowdsourcing is as the name suggests getting a solution from a group or a large number of people rather than a dedicated design professional. That isn’t to say that some experienced designers may not be in that ‘crowd’ but as a rule, you don’t really know.
How AI will affect brands
In this blog post, we will discuss how AI affects brands and the future of branding.
Why is a positioning statement important?
Most people are familiar with mission statements, visions and brand strategies, but far less common is the application of a positioning statement.
What does brand recognition actually mean?
It is a measure of how well-known a brand is, as well as how memorable it is to the general public. Brand recognition is vital to building a brand and marketing: it relates to consumer trust, loyalties and sales.
Does Hand-Drawn Typography Make Your Branding Better?
Does Hand-Drawn Typography Make Your Branding Better? Hand-drawn typography is a form of typography where each letter or character is drawn by hand rather than…
Is one logo design better than another?
Annoyingly, there is no objective measure of “better” in logo design. We don’t have a metric for that, I’m afraid. We’ve got a lot of…
The average cost of a branding project in the UK
The average cost of a branding project in the UK can vary widely based on the scope of the project and the services required. The…
Why Ansoff’s Model should be part of your branding strategy
What is Ansoff’s Model? Sometimes referred to as Ansoff’s Matrix due to its layout, the Ansoff Model helps identify opportunities for marketers to grow revenue…
Everyone always has a budget: why it’s important to set this out from the start
Why you don’t want to share your budget In any business deal, the idea of ‘showing your cards’ to the person across the table seems…
A logo is not the solution to everything
A logo is a part of a brand or corporate identity. It is usually the most apparent or predominant visual representation that most people think of when asked to recall a brand.
Branding: Can you do it yourself?
As with any other relationship, what you get out of it depends on what you put in.
What is the difference between Branding, Identity & Logo Design
As with any other relationship, what you get out of it depends on what you put in.
Effective branding agencies are long-term partners, not one-night stands.
As with any other relationship, what you get out of it depends on what you put in.
Should you choose a non-dictionary word for your brand name?
Naming your new company or product is a tricky business. It often feels like all the good names are taken, so entrepreneurs looking to non-dictionary…
How to write a Onliness or VMV statement
Useful statements? Vision, Mission, and Value statements have been around for a while and have their advocates and critics, creating the need for something that…
How to name a brand
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” William Shakespeare The Bard certainly had a…
Branding project charges and burgers
Branding is an art, but with an optional side of science, pricing a branding job is tricky (and we’ll get to the burgers later). When…
10 Tips for Making a Good Brand Even Better
Strong brands are busy brands that can roll with it, and keep up with just how fast the internet and consumer behaviour changes.
Using a brand refresh to boost your business
A brand refresh is not a rebrand. A brand refresh aims to shape your brand’s identity, not change it entirely. A brand refresh is tidying…
Discovering your brand
Your first goal was to create a fantastic product – a new spice blend or a revolutionary piece of software – and get it out…
Visual identity, everything you need to know.
This is a commonly asked question. The simplest way of looking at it is that comprehensive brand identity will cover how to apply the core elements such as your logo, colour palette, typography etc. Still, your visual identity covers every aspect of how your identity is projected and includes the use of photography & film, illustration, animation, and iconography.
How to improve your brand identity
Need to improve your brand identity? We can help: we do everything from small changes to complete overalls!
What does brand positioning mean?
Brand positioning As with most branding & marketing terms, there is quite a lot of different opinions on how Brand Positioning is defined or categorised….
Five examples of great illustration in branding projects.
In a sea of stock photography and generic corporate imagery, illustration stands out as a way to separate your brand and connect with customers.
What is a visual identity?
In contrast to dolphins or dogs, who rely on hearing and scent, people communicate with the outside world through visual cues.
What is a stylescape and what are they used for?
Stylescapes can help explore any project’s visual direction. If you want to establish a solid and future-proof visual identity, style scapes are the place to…
Why top brands invest in brand strategy
It is all too easy to get this the wrong way around and think that successful brands can afford to invest in branding, when in fact, they are successful brands because they invested in branding.
What is branding, and why is it important?
Branding can mean different things to different people, but we all know it’s essential: here’s why.
How to commission a branding agency
How do you select the right design agency for your logo, visual identity or branding project?
How to improve your branding
A strong brand makes a strong business. We have collated our Top Ten strategies for you to build a stronger brand and an even stronger business.
What to expect when you’re expecting (a new logo)
If you’ve decided to take on a designer to create or redesign your logo, here’s some information on what you can expect as you travel through the design process.
How to grow your brand
Getting your brand to your target audience is key to generating more revenue and profits. Let’s look at the strategies to increase brand awareness. Here…
What are the different types of logo?
The breadth and variety of logos today can be a confusing realm to navigate…
How to write a creative brief
Creative briefs are usually written in collaboration with an advertising agency, a design firm, or someone else working on the project. The creative brief provides…
How colour theory should be used for your branding
Coca-Cola, Cadburys, Apple, McDonald’s and Barclays: These are just a handful of the brands whose colour palettes form part of our perception of them.
How investing in Corporate Identity Guidelines can save you money in the long term
What some might consider nice to have is essential if you want to maximise your marketing spend and avoid wasting the money spent on creating the identity in the first place.
A history of branding – made clear
The History of branding is an incredible journey through civilisation itself, but if you want to delve deeper and get more than a timeline, read on.
Four of the world’s bravest brands
Bravery comes in many forms, from radically standing out from their competition to fearlessly standing up for what they believe in.
Do you need more than a logo to launch your new business? A creative perspective.
Do you need more than a logo to launch your new business? A creative perspective.
20 ways great branding can improve your business
Is it a logo, design, slogan, or name of your favourite company? Well, that’s all part of branding.
6 reasons your business needs corporate identity guidelines
If the answer to the above is no, then your organisation and its values could be compromised and project the wrong messages to your various…
What makes a bad logo?
Whenever a big company, in particular, has a rebrand or releases a new logo, there’s always an immediate reaction. And sometimes it’s not at all good.
5 Reasons to Invest in Expert logo design
Sites such as Fiverr and UpWork are becoming far more popular with quick results for work and, usually, cheap prices. However, when it comes to logo design, why is it worth spending a little more to make sure you work with a professional?
We know what we are good at.
As a branding agency, knowing what you are good at is crucial for both your team and your clients.
What makes a great logo design?
A good logo design is essential for your business, so how do you make sure you have the best logo design?
What is the difference between logo design, branding and identity?
Logo design, branding and identity are often used interchangeably – what do they actually mean?
Building a brand made easy
Brand building 101 is making sure you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and a plan to get there, in short,…
Why brand consistency is important
Brand Consistency is key to success. Success isn’t guaranteed, but you can make it far more likely if you ensure your brand is presented to…
Rebrand or promote what you’ve already got?
There are many reasons why you might want to consider rebranding your company; from simply updating your logo in line with more modern trends to…
