May 2023

As a design firm specializing in branding, you must answer client questions, even if they’re unusual. Client questions ensure that both parties agree on the end goal and that the finished product satisfies their needs. As an online design and marketing firm based in Dubai, you’ll receive tough questions, so prepare to answer them. To provide positive action to strange feedback, follow up and prompt to get to the answers your clients are looking for. Take odd client questions seriously, even if you don’t understand them at first. Here are few common questions you might encounter, how to answer them, and what they mean:

– “Can we make the logo bigger?” Reserve your judgment and provide alternatives. Gently point clients toward helpful resources so that they can get the answers they desire free of embarrassment.
– “I want to add my favorite color.” Get as many questions answered as possible from the outset. Begin and end on the same page to avoid unrealistic expectations and make sure expected results for deliverables are reasonable.
– “Can I have this in 48 hours?” Present clients with the clearest possible timeline of events and when to expect deliverables to avoid unrealistic expectations. Avoid industry jargon when describing the timeline.
– “Can you make the logo pop more?” Decidedly vague questions can be gently coaxed into clearer intentions if you approach them respectfully.
– “Can you provide free services? I’m on a tight budget.” Offering a tiered approach might just be the answer they’re looking for. Be very clear about what they’ll receive should they choose one of your lesser options.

Approach unusual client questions and requests with professionalism and open-mindedness, understanding that it’s all part of the job. Educate your clients while you work your magic. Even difficult clients can get better.

You’re sick of feeling like you’re squandering your gifts.
You’re tired of making somebody else their money.
And you know you’ve got talent and a true passion and a dream.

You might even feel like your whole life has led you to this point, and it’s time to really go for something. You’ve had an amazing idea knocking around in your brain for years now. You’re finally ready to turn one of your life’s passions into a thriving business.

You’re probably feeling excitement (we’re excited for you too!) and a good deal of apprehension. Where do you begin? How do you create a business from the ground up and find success?

Well, because La Mesa just so happens to be a creative online branding agency in Dubai, we’ve got some insights for you beginning with this:

You don’t have to do it alone!

Read on for our breakdown of how to turn your passion into your business.

To fully understand your business goals, first you’ve gotta understand where your passions can lead you. What drives you? What brings you joy? What could you do every single day and never get tired of? You probably already know the answers to these questions, but it’s important to have them written down in front of you. This clear view of your passions is the foundation upon which you’ll be building your business. It’s also a helpful reminder of why you got involved in your business in the first place.

Armed with this clarity of vision, it’s now time to document what it means and what it can do. Note: Working closely with a design firm at this point will help you really hammer out your goals for the future, and help you create a business plan you can rely on. Describe your business goals, target market and the unique value you offer. What sets you apart? What service or product can you provide that nobody else can?

To fully understand your market, your potential clients and the correct first paths to take, it’s best to have a well-researched plan of action. A great marketing and design firm can be instrumental in assisting you with best understanding your target market, their needs and how to tailor your products to exceed their expectations. Through extensive research, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of your competition, and then be able to leave an impression that sets you apart.

If it hasn’t felt real by this point, it will now! Creating your brand identity is where you’ll truly begin to define yourself visually. This stage is especially helpful if you’re setting up your business in a location with an already crowded market, like Dubai. The benefits of such a populous location and market are many, but so is the danger of getting lost in the shuffle if your brand isn’t instantly noticeable. Building a compelling, eye-catching brand identity is of utmost importance, and a great branding agency will make sure your business gets seen by the right people at the right time every time.

you want to get yourself out there quickly and effectively. Once your brand identity is clarified, you’ll want to clearly define your approach to marketing your brand. You’ll want to identify the best marketing tactics to hone in on your target audience and grab their attention. Social media marketing, content creation, email marketing, SEO optimization and advertising are all areas of focus at this point in your journey. Again, if this seems daunting, remember you’re not alone and there are knowledgeable people out there who want to help you succeed.

In a market moving as fast as yours, a professional website is absolutely essential. Luckily for you, a simple and streamlined website is preferred and even trendy, but remember that your website must also be easy to navigate and logically laid out. It must align with your brand identity while also quickly and effectively communicating your products and services. Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines, and accessible across platforms and devices.

From social media posts pointed right at your target audience to blogs that are informative and entertaining, there are a lot of directions you can take your promotional content. Just make sure it’s consistently showcasing your area of expertise and speaking directly to your clients and potentials. Valuable content will help you become a trusted source in your field and build your reputation. While tools like AI programs can streamline your writing process, it is always best to have a content writer at the center of your operation to craft your personalized, human touch.

Finally, exceptional client experiences are half your business. They’re something your clients will want to tell their friends about and, in doing so, build your reputation and bring in more business. You may offer a great product or service, but if your attention to client satisfaction is lacking, unfortunately, potential customers just won’t want it. At the end of the day, you want all of your customers to walk away happy and come back for more. You’re not just building a business, you’re building an experience!

Ultimately, passion is the seed that grows into a thriving business, but it must be tended to, watered, fertilized and nurtured. On this journey, if you’re open to change, and have your eyes on long-term goals, there’s no telling how far you’ll go.

But it’ll require a lot of research, knowledge and determination. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. But, if you’re ready to take the plunge and watch your passions grow into a successful operation, if you’ve been sitting on a dream and wondering if it’ll ever come true, think of this as your push to see what you’re capable of.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

The world of design never stops spinning. Last year’s shiny new trends become this year’s old news in a blink. Truthfully, it’s damn near impossible to stay on top of it all without the help of your favorite online creative branding agency in Dubai.

One particular recent design trend has sparked both excitement and debate: logo simplification. Companies are ditching their previously elaborate, intricate emblems for designs that are increasingly minimalistic and streamlined. It’s happening across industries and, like any design evolution, it’s got its advocates and detractors. Some will say that logo simplification increases brand recognition and loyalty, while others will say it can be perceived as lazy and lacking that certain creative spark evident in brands of old.

No matter your opinion on logo simplification, there’s no denying the fact that it’s everywhere! So let’s talk about it and find out if logo simplification is worth your time and money.

1. Simple Truths

Brands need to be memorable from the start, so it’s no wonder that simplification has become as popular as it has. Increased memorability helps viewers remember what they’ve seen, and make instant brand associations. However, oversimplification risks the opposite reaction: simply being too plain to make much of an impression on consumers.

2. Everything Everywhere

The simplified logo is more adaptable across platforms and media and, honestly, in an era of digital devices and ever-shrinking screen sizes, an intricate logo simply won’t be able to communicate as well. When scaled down, your logo should retain its clarity and legibility even at thumbnail size. Consistent branding across mediums often means simplification, quite literally plain and simple.

3. Keeping Trendy

Simplifying your logo may also be a response to evolving trends in branding. Audience tastes shift with time, and younger audiences gravitate toward minimalism. After all, our aesthetic tastes are influenced by our surroundings, and we spend more and more time online and with our smartphones. The slow, steady rise of minimalist design reflects a cultural shift toward visuals that reflect clarity, simplicity and modernity. Of course, the pendulum is ever-swinging and we’ll likely be back to favoring detailed, ornate branding in short order. For right now, simple is where it’s at.

4. Forward or Backward?

Logo simplification has, of course, received pushback from some critics and designers, and certainly not without reason. Simplification can be seen as a form of brand regression that denies the forward progression of technological and design progress. However, the essential goal of a logo is to ably convey a brand’s values, establish recognition and create an emotional connection with consumers. In this way, simplifying your logo shouldn’t represent a loss of that creative spark. Rather, this simplification should be seen as an example of your adaptability to a changing visual landscape, as well as your ability to connect with the widest possible audience.

As the trend of logo simplification has taken hold of the global market, many well-known brands have hopped on the bandwagon. Needless to say, some rebranding efforts have been better than others, but it’s certainly been fascinating to witness, especially when you understand the motivation behind the change.

Here are some examples…

In 2016, Mastercard unveiled their first logo change in twenty years. At this point in their history, the company had one of the more recognizable in the world, thus a cleaner look free of anything potentially seen as unnecessary was kind of a no-brainer. And, in our era of tiny screens, the new logo was readable at any dimension.

Spotify, still the #1 music streaming service globally, has evolved their logo considerably since their inception. From a more immediate shade of green, to a more easily recognizable icon, the brand has changed to fit the times.

By now you may be sensing a theme at work here. Each of the above logos have navigated toward simple, readable designs that can be presented without words and still be understandable. YouTube is no exception. Chances are, you have one or all of these brands on your phone right now, and you can recognize each one of them without batting an eye.

That is the ultimate goal of logo simplification.

As brands aim for adaptability, versatility and memorable designs, simplification has emerged as a powerful tool. Certainly it can be argued that logos are losing their spark, but the truth is… well, simpler. Brands are evolving to capture the attention and loyalty of an ever-growing consumer base. For many, the best way to accomplish this is to edit, simplify and break their logos down to the barest essentials. Simplicity is an art.

As an online creative branding agency in the UAE, La Mesa is all about the powerful nature of branding, and why it’s absolutely crucial to work hand-in-hand with a professional branding company in Dubai. Your image is not to be taken lightly. Your brand is your introduction to potential customers, and what keeps them coming back once you’ve wowed them with your abilities and product.

So let’s talk about the importance of branding for your business.

Your branding represents the personality and image of your business. It can set you apart from competitors, makes you unique and memorable to your customers and keeps them coming back for more. A strong brand can help you establish a loyal customer base, increase your market share, and ultimately, drive more sales and revenue. This goes far deeper than a cool logo and a catchy tagline.

TL;DR: Your branding choices are really, really important!

A great branding agency in the UAE will help you create and define your brand strategy and define and refine your brand identity. They work with you to create a brand strategy that aligns with your business goals and values, and resonates with your target audience. Your brand has a voice that must be defined, and guidelines that should be created and followed to create a sense of consistency.

As an online branding agency in Dubai, UAE, we see the importance of having a strong digital presence in today’s world. Our increasingly globalized society is connected by ones and zeroes, and our presence there should be unparalleled. And it requires a great deal of knowledge and research. At La Mesa, we have a unique perspective on branding in the UAE, and what works and what doesn’t for the region. You have to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace while also resonating with your target audience.

But why work with branding companies in the UAE instead of going it alone? The truth is, creating a strong brand is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of marketing, design and psychology. When you partner with a professional branding agency in Dubai, you benefit from their expertise and experience, potentially avoiding costly mistakes that could harm your brand in the long run.

And, by choosing a local branding agency, your regional needs will be met by a company that keenly understands the marketplace, and what is required to succeed.

Branding is of crucial need for any business, and it’s important to work with a trusted creative branding agency in Dubai to ensure your brand is consistent, compelling, memorable and regionally sound. A strong brand and solid brand guidelines will bring you to a larger audience, set you apart from the competition and help you confidently stand on your feet and loudly proclaim, “I am here!”

There’s nothing like a good ad war to get an audience going, and you’ve seen it many, many times. In an ad war, a brand throws their marketing money behind a campaign that name checks a competitor, or competitors, with the goal of depicting themselves as the better choice. It’s designed to be a fun public airing out of dirty laundry, real or fabricated, that amuses viewers while also helping them make up their minds about your product.

And we, as an audience, can’t help but love watching the big guns battle it out for market dominance. When directly comparing your product or services to that of your competitors, highlighting your strengths when compared to their weaknesses, you’re creating a potential rivalry for the ages. Comparative advertising can be highly effective in the right situation, although there are risks involved.

To truly understand the allure of ad wars, let’s take a look at a couple examples….

Burger King Vs. McDonald’s
Perpetual fast food runner-up, Burger King, has long been playing up their scrappy, competitive underdog persona for more than half a century, and they’ve been McDonald’s main competitor for just as long. In that time, both companies have crafted plenty of comparative ad campaigns, often jokingly pointing out the flaws in their main competitors’ product. In positioning themselves as the underdog, Burger King has benefited from a more innovative approach to fast food advertising, while McDonald’s advertising benefits mainly from the nostalgia factor.

Most recently, Burger King created a sale for their popular Whopper, only charging one cent if purchased through the app within 600 feet of a McDonald’s location. The campaign was smart, funny, and more than a little bitchy.

The “Whopper Detour” campaign was a resounding success that ably swiped attention from competitors while offering a deep discount and not trash talking so much as jovially having a laugh.

Burger King is still #2, and the pandemic hit them harder than McDonald’s, but their marketing is still just as fun as before.

Samsung Vs. Apple
Another example of ad wars can be seen in the world of smartphones, where Samsung and Apple are constantly battling for dominance. Samsung’s “Ingenious” campaign is a perfect example of how comparative advertising can be used to highlight the strengths of your offering. The campaign features a series of ads where Apple store employees are portrayed as less-than-knowledgeable, the iPhone depicted as far from cutting edge, while Samsung’s offerings are portrayed as superior.

Whether you agree with the message or not, there’s no denying that the ads got people talking.

Coca-Cola Vs. Pepsi
And, of course, there’s one of the most memorable ad wars of all time: The Pepsi Challenge. A blind taste test in a public space, people were asked to taste unmarked glasses containing Pepsi and Coca-Cola to decide which one tasted better. The ad war took hold and became a cultural touchstone that is remembered fondly all these years later.

Comparative ad wars can’t be waged against just anybody, but there are a few rules to follow…

• It’s important not to appear to be punching down, that is picking on a competitor not equal or more established than you. More often than not, you’ll want to wage an ad war against a larger company. They can take it.
• Don’t attack another company directly, attack their features. No need to take your attacks deeper than superficial. You’re not picking on their reputation or brand, just their similarities and differences to you, and what sets you apart from your competitors.
• Be clear! If you’re creating an “us vs. them” scenario, make sure each party is clearly defined so there is no confusion in the market. You’re advertising yourself, but it’s a fine line. The campaign must be about you first and foremost.
• Know your market! For example: If your audience skews younger, male and less educated, then they’ll likely eat up an ad war, and view it as a competition wherein they’ll feel compelled to choose sides.

Comparative advertising can be a powerful tool to help you win customers in a crowded marketplace, but it’s important to use it wisely and ethically. So, next time you see a brand taking shots at their competition, just remember that it’s all part of the game.

Let’s have a nice clean fight.