Something I've noticed working with a few local businesses is that quite a few of them have very poor branding. Maybe they have no logo, or maybe they have several different ones they use. A lot of the time there's no consistent use of colours, with lets say some of their stationery all in blue whilst their business cards are red. Sometimes the colour schemes will change depending on the Office template they like on any given day.

 

How do you deal with this when designing a website for companies like this?

 

I've tried emphasising the importance of consistency and a good, strong logo and some have been very receptive to this advice. Others not so much. In the former case, I can work with them to create a new logo, improve an existing one, alter their stationery to match and then design the website with the new, clear image in mind.

 

In the latter case, I'm left at a bit of a loss. When I'm staring at a blank canvas, I try to think of what the company does, what it's trying to say about itself and what image they already have that I can work from. Sometimes there's a clear lack of some or all of those aspects and any attempts to convince the owner/manager of their importance fall on deaf ears.

 

Take for example one company I've been dealing with. I'll avoid names and any specifics, but in short, they have all the issues outlined above and refuse to accept that making themselves more recognisable and consistent will help in any way.

 

The reasoning behind this is that the owner has a very recognisable surname in the local area, which forms part of the company name. So, the company name stands out in spite of the issues I've mentioned.

 

How would you deal with this?

I'd deal with it by walking away. The client clearly has no respect for you, your judgement or your profession and a nightmare project will follow, likely with many submissions to Clients from Hell.

 

If I was feeling particularly surly I'd prepare a pitch to their main competitor.