When I started Studio A as a work-from-home Mom, my goal was simple: make a little money to support my family. Early on, I took on any project I could get through referrals. I didn’t have the budget or the time for marketing. 

I did what many Iowa entrepreneurs do: I bootstrapped my way to Studio A with nothing but a DIY website, a logo made after bedtime, and a dream fueled by way too much coffee. It wasn’t perfect, but it taught me the power of showing up and making the most of what I had.

That same scrappy culture runs deep all over our great state. I’ve seen Iowans turn empty schoolhouses into beautiful wedding venues, old mason jars into charming centerpieces, and cornfields into backdrops for music festivals. That’s the kind of heart and grit it takes to be an Iowa small business owner, and that’s why I love it here.

But when it comes to branding, I’ve noticed something. Entrepreneurs are a little confuzzled (iykyk) about how much branding a small business actually needs. 

Questions like these come up all the time during my complimentary consultation calls.

• When is a logo enough? (Hint: A logo is not a brand)
• When do you need a visual identity beyond a logo?
• And when is it right for your business to have a complete brand strategy?
• How do my website, social media, and everything else fit into the bigger brand picture?

If these questions sound familiar, you're not alone. I’m here to help get some clarity about where your business stands in the branding process.

How Much Brand Strategy Does an Iowa Small Business Actually Need?

Whether you’re bootstrapping through a big idea or finally ready to go all-in, the question isn’t if your business needs brand strategy...it’s how much and when.

Hi, if we haven’t met, I’m Amanda. I’m an Iowa native, solopreneur and the face of Studio A. I empower local entrepreneurs to scale their businesses with intentional & meaningful brand, website, and SEO strategies to develop deeper connections and create unforgettable customer experiences with their audiences.

The DIY Iowa Small Business: When it Works

I admire and encourage DIY or low-cost beginnings. Some of my favorite clients started with a Canva logo, a DIY Squarespace website, or yes, even their cousin who’s “dabbling in the hobby of design.” (Gasp…I see you!😂) If you’re in this stage, it's totally fine...hear me when I say...it’s often the smartest move.

Here are some solid reasons why starting small might be the right call:

• You’re still figuring things out. It’s common to have a general idea of what you want to offer but aren’t 100% sure of the bigger picture, like what is going to work for you long-term. Why invest in big bucks when you’re still testing the waters?
• You are experimenting with offerings. There’s a decent amount of trial and error in the early stages. Maybe you're testing out a few different products or services to see what resonates most. Until you know what sticks, a DIY approach gives you flexibility.
• You don’t fully know the target audience. Figuring this out is a huge part of brand strategy, but sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint when you're just starting. You may have an idea, but it may feel more like a guess than a strategy at this early stage.
• You need something quick. Sometimes, just looking like you’ve got it together is enough. Plus, when you’re launching, there’s a lot to juggle, and you may just need something that looks professional to help you get your name out there.

Starting small with DIY branding can set the foundation to learn and grow at your own pace. Once you've been in business for a few years though and the time comes to level up and invest in professional strategy and visuals, you can be in a stronger position to make those decisions with clarity and confidence.

If the thought of creating your own logo and website makes you break out in a cold sweat, keep reading. My Visual Brand Starter package is a great alternative for businesses that want a polished look from day one without the commitment of a full brand strategy. 

When It’s Time to Invest in Professional Branding

Small business brands often struggle to connect with their audience and grow due to a mix of internal and external factors. Whether it’s playing it safe or lacking emotional connection, your existing (or non-existent) brand might be holding you back from making real progress.

Here are some signs your business might need more than your existing brand or DIY visuals.

• You are not interested in starting small. Small can be good for some businesses when they are ready to launch, so they can get their feet wet and not grow too quickly. But this isn't every business's goal. If you are ready to scale quickly, a professional brand strategy is a great way to establish credibility, clarity and vision right away and leave a fabulous first impression.
• You’re overly confident in DIY solutions. Amateurish branding and cookie-cutter templates that lack personality can feel cheap or unoriginal, undermining credibility.
• You’re afraid of real authenticity. Playing it safe is the quickest way to alienate customers. Your story, values, and unique voice make your brand stand out, but if you’re afraid to embrace them, it’s a missed opportunity.
• You want to grow but feel stuck. If sales and engagement have plateaued, it might not be your offerings—it could be your brand. Without emotional connection and clarity, it’s hard for customers to trust and engage with you.
• People don’t understand what you offer. If your services or products have evolved, but your brand hasn’t kept up, you’re likely confusing your audience. A professional brand can help clarify and communicate what you offer.
• Your visuals are inconsistent. Mismatched visuals, templates from various sources, fonts, and design elements scream inconsistency, which can cause brand confusion. Customers may not trust a brand that looks like it’s still figuring itself out.
• You blend in with competitors. If you act and look just like your competitors or try to be everything to everyone, your brand's impact will be diluted. A strong brand sets you apart in the sea of “sameness” and attracts the right customers.

Recognizing these signs is the first step. If you see your business in any of these scenarios, consider working with a professional to create a cohesive, strategic brand that helps you grow with confidence.

Ways Studio A Can Help Your Iowa Small Business Brand

No matter where your business is on its journey—just getting off the ground or ready to scale to the next level—branding closes the gap between your vision and how the world sees you. 

From professional visual branding to in-depth strategy sessions, let’s find the perfect starting point to tell your story and connect with the right audience.

Option 1: Visual Brand Starter

If you’re just getting started and need polished visuals that scream 'professional' without blowing your budget, the Visual Brand Starter is for you. In just 4–6 weeks, we’ll get your brand up and running with a cohesive, standout visual identity that lays the foundation for future growth.

The Visual Brand Starter includes:  Logo Suite / Logo Icon / Typography / Color Story / Pattern / Mini Style Guide

Here’s a peek inside Studio A’s Visual Brand Starter:

1. We start with a detailed questionnaire and kick-off call to discuss your local business. We will look at some examples of visual inspiration, and I’ll get your feedback to ensure we are on the same page with your visuals.
2. I translate all we’ve discussed into a visual identity that you & your audience will connect with.
3. I send over the concept so you can review it and provide feedback.
4. Once everything is approved and completed, I will send your final package. This package includes your mini guide with color builds, typography specifications, other visual guidelines, and a link to your final art files, which you can start using for your new brand.

Studio A Client Example - Starting Slow

A young mom with a growing Instagram following came to me wanting to represent her brand professionally without rushing her growth. The Visual Brand Starter   gave her the polished identity she needed to feel confident about her next steps. 

Option 2: Signature Brand Strategy

For businesses ready to take it to the next level, the Signature Brand Strategy has a full-service, in-depth approach; this package is for those who want to connect deeply with their audience and build a brand for long-term growth and loyalty.

The Signature Brand Strategy includes: 1:1 strategy sessions / research / analogies / purpose findings / tone of voice / 'local wow factor' / key phrase statements / messaging examples / multipage style & strategy guide / logos / patterns / icons / color story / typography / brand elevations

Here’s a peek inside Studio A’s Signature Brand Strategy:

1. We start with a detailed questionnaire and kick-off call to dig deep into your local business. Before I do any design, some crucial steps must be taken. We all love brand visuals, but phases 1 & 2 are where the *magic* happens.
2. First is the Brand Heart phase, where I’ll help you uncover your brand's soul and the driving force behind its purpose. This includes identifying your local “wow-factor” positioning in the market, values, and emotional connection points for a confident and strong brand foundation.
3. Next is the Brand Messaging phase. I’ll develop a powerful communication strategy to help you attract & retain ideal customers. This phase focuses on defining your brand voice & how you can inject key phrases & personality into real-life examples across various channels.
4. Finally, in the Brand Visuals phase, I’ll translate the brand heart & messaging into a visual identity that you & your audience will connect with. I’ll present two visual design concepts to choose from with logos, icons, patterns, typography & color story.
5. Once you decide which concept you love more, I’ll design brand elevations of your choice, such as social media and email marketing templates.
6. We'll meet one more time for a launch coaching session. We’ll brainstorm ways to get you to see your new brand and strategies for maintaining brand consistency.
7. Once everything has been approved & completed, I’ll send a guide that includes links to files, strategy guidelines & videos walking you through your deliverables.
8. Lastly, we coordinate a launch date so we can celebrate publicly together.

Studio A Client Example - From Idea to Signature Brand Strategy

A client contacted me because she knew the discovery process would help her understand her business and learn how to emotionally connect with her audience immediately. In fact, she was ready to move forward with her website to ensure her brand reflected well there, too, so she chose to add a website to her brand. She wanted a grand opening for an “all-in” experience to start winning sales and making a profit as soon as she could. 

Studio A Client - From DIY to Rebrand

After years of DIY branding, one client came to me ready to level up. With a store relocation and new services on the horizon, the Signature Brand Strategy gave her the tools to capitalize on these changes and position her business for growth.

Add-ons to Take Your Brand Further

Done For You Website

A website is your brand's coolest sidekick. It is on call 24/7 and reaches new customers beyond your hometown. The right messaging and keywords turn browsers into buyers, making your brand a statewide destination that helps you connect with your perfect audience.

Content Creation Packages   (*NEW*)

*inquire for introductory pricing

Let’s be real—no small business owner has endless hours to churn out content. That’s where my new Content Creation Packages come in. Think posts, reels, and carousels (INCLUDING CAPTIONS) delivered in a polished, ready-to-post form tailored to your brand’s vibe and audience.

Additional Brand Elevations
Brand elevations are like the bonus features for your brand, a custom touch to make your presence even stronger. Templates and marketing materials are designed to work seamlessly with your brand and make implementation a breeze.

Questions to Help You Find the Right Fit for Your Brand

Not sure where to start? These questions will help you figure out what your business needs right now. These yes or no answers will point you toward the best path forward—whether that’s rolling up your sleeves with a DIY approach or working with me for professional branding.

Do you feel your brand is holding you back from connecting with your ideal audience?

• Yes, you’re ready for the Signature Brand Strategy, which will explore strategy, messaging, and visuals that elevate your business.
• No: Consider the DIY approach or Visual Brand Starter to keep things simple while you grow.

Does your business need a polished, cohesive look fast—but you’re not quite ready for a full branding overhaul?

• Yes: The Visual Brand Starter is a quick, cost-effective solution to get your brand off the ground.
• No: If you need the whole package—strategy, messaging, and design—the Signature Brand Strategy is your best fit.

Do you already have a DIY logo or visuals that feel mismatched or inconsistent?

• Yes: The Signature Brand Strategy will reimagine your brand into a cohesive, professional identity.
• No: If you’re starting from scratch, the DIY approach or Visual Brand Starter is the best way to lay the groundwork.

Are you comfortable creating your logo and visuals, even temporary ones?

• Yes: The DIY approach is a great way to start small, save money, and experiment with your ideas.
• No: The Visual Brand Starter gives you a polished, professional look without a huge commitment.

Are you ready to invest in a brand that builds emotional connection and long-term growth?

• Yes, the Signature Brand Strategy provides the tools and guidance to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
• No. The DIY approach, or Visual Brand Starter, offers options for growing at your own pace while maintaining professionalism.

Where Do You Go From Here?

Iowa small business owners are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met. You know how to make things happen, no matter your resources. You have a lot of heart, and your brand should reflect that.

What’s your next move? If you’re ready to take the leap—or even if you just want to dip your toes in—let’s chat. I’d love to hear about your business, your goals, and how I can help you grow.

Book a free consultation by filling out my contact form today. 

Your designer friend always,