Welcome to the Wild Wild West on this episode of Over the Bull. My goodness, the games being played in the world of marketing and design today are something else. In our last episode, I shared an example of an agency that claimed to do extensive work but was merely reselling a product at a premium. Here’s another twist to that story: that company doesn’t even work on Fridays. Why? Because they say they’re focusing on staff mental health.

Now, I’m all for mental health—our company values both mental wellness and client success. But let me be clear: we do real work. We work long hours to provide real value and the best possible opportunity for our clients.

Why Brand Consistency Matters

Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked: branding consistency. Every time your brand comes into contact with your audience, it must maintain the same voice and appearance. If it changes from touchpoint to touchpoint, you break that chain of command—and you confuse your audience.

Imagine driving past a fast-food joint known for its golden arches, only to see green arches instead. You’d probably think it was a St. Patrick’s Day gimmick. But what if the color changed at every location? You’d begin to question the brand itself.

It’s Not Just a Logo

Whether you’re a company of one or a company of one million, branding consistency is non-negotiable. And it’s not just about a logo or choosing a pretty color palette. Branding consistency includes:

• Consistent use of logos
• Color palettes and font choices
• Image styles (don’t go from rounded corners to square edges)
• Layout structures

You need a professional who can take a step back, evaluate your brand, and maintain that consistency across the board. Agencies become gatekeepers of your brand’s visual integrity—and that’s a big responsibility.

The Trap of DIY Design

DIY platforms can be enticing. They promise savings and quick results, and it’s easy to think: “This is just for a small project.” But one inconsistent piece leads to another, and soon, your brand image is broken. Working with someone who understands branding boundaries and layout fundamentals is essential.

There are many individuals who claim to have design expertise but rely entirely on clip art and drag-and-drop tools. These shortcuts might make their life easier, but they compromise the integrity of your brand.

Qualify Your Designer

It’s critical to work with qualified professionals. I’ve seen too many projects come straight out of a template-driven tool that undermines the quality and uniqueness of the brand. Sure, a great artist can create with an eight-pack of crayons—but why would they when Adobe Creative Suite is available?

If your designer is using DIY tools for your projects, that’s a red flag. Take a step back. Review your assets:

• Do the fonts match?
• Are the image styles cohesive?
• Do layouts follow a consistent pattern?

If your answer is no, your brand consistency is broken—and that will hurt you in the long run.

Consistency Isn’t Boring

I once worked with someone who got bored with his brand layout and wanted to change things just for the sake of it. But here’s the thing: while you might get tired of your brand, your audience does not. They rely on that familiarity.

The Takeaway

Your brand is more than a logo slapped on a product. It’s a holistic experience. Consistency in layout, fonts, and presentation builds trust. The more consistent and familiar your brand feels, the more credibility you gain.

So don’t cut corners. Don’t rely on quick fixes. Invest in someone who truly understands branding and is committed to doing it right.

Thanks again for listening to Over the Bull. Stay sharp, stay consistent, and don’t let your brand wander off into the wild west.