Have you ever worked on a web design project and been super proud only to present it to the client and quickly realize what they said they wanted is nowhere near what they actually want?

I wish I could say that’s never happened to me 🤦🏼‍♂️

When a client comes to you it’s very likely that they won’t really know what they need to be successful with a new website build or redesign or app.

AND, it’s your job as a web designer to help clarify what their goals are, what they’re hoping to accomplish so that what you make actually helps them as a business.

That’s where branding comes in.

A lot of UX designers, product designers, or web designers think that branding is a bunch of touchy-feely nonsense that has nothing to do with our craft. But, nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, every decision you make as a web designer should start with branding. Branding hits the core identity of a company and as a result, directs every single decision the company makes.

A brand defines the identity of the company. Not just who works there and what they have to offer BUT how they want to make people feel and the impression they want to leave people with.

Without that foundation, it’s tough to know what’s best for your web design client.

Should you build them a site or should they work on other things first? Do they need an app? Does their logo need to be redone?

All of those questions can be unearthed by defining the brand.

That’s the topic of conversation in this week's podcast with James Nwobu