Online Design Compared to Working with a Marketing Agency You LOVE...

Without all the creative trailblazing of human talent AI and template based design wouldn't exist. In the case of the former it would have had nothing to model its creative algorithms on. Without fresh human thought and ideas it will digitally stagnate.

We don't regard template based design as a catchall for a particular sector. Design and indeed the personality of a brand and its values is far more subtle and nuanced. To get something off the shelf that you feel 'closely' matches your brand is still doing it a disservice. Making it generic rather than memorable. You can’t base your communication on something a designer made available to everyone with no knowledge of your company.

In this age of technology and the internet todays digital environment has seen a rise in the usage of online design tools that are based on templates which are gaining popularity due to their convenience and budget friendly nature, for companies seeking to produce printed materials efficiently and economically. Nevertheless though tempting as they may might be such platforms frequently found lacking when pitted against the skills and knowledge offered by a professional design firm.

Lets delve deeper into why depending on templates might not be the approach.

Design tools that rely on templates offer a selection of made layouts and graphics which can be personalised to a certain extent; however this approach often results in designs that lack individuality and uniqueness. This could potentially lead to businesses unintentionally adopting designs and diluting their brands identity. You can spot them from a mile away.

A design firm with expertise often garnered over many years creates customised solutions that mirror a brands individual values, objectives and character. There's no such thing as a "me too" client with Wodehouse, everything is on brand and bespoke. Our knack for generating one of a kind ideas guarantees that printed materials shine amidst competition in the market leaving a lasting impact, on your audience.

A reputable design firm invests time in grasping a brands core values and goals to cater to its audience needs. We get to know you. This enables us to craft designs that truly connect with people by utilising colour, typeface selection, branding and compelling visual narratives - all harmonising with a brands overarching objectives. We give you a voice that's unique to you.

When it comes to templates designs’ effectiveness in conveying a brands essence to the audience may fall short. Fail to make a connection, with the target viewers and it's a campaign wasted.

Using pre-made design templates can have some technical restrictions that might not be ideal for printing purposes as they could cause problems, like pixelation or inaccurate colour reproduction and dimensions, or fonts dropping out resulting in an unprofessional finish that does not meet industry norms. Can you adjust the tracking and letter spacing, get the correct resolution on the fly? Probably not. Is the design or logo you make ever yours? Well according to the terms and conditions of many (not naming names) - No.

Design agencies with expertise in print are familiar with print requirements. Guarantee that each design meets top quality standards. Grasping details such, as resolution and understanding the maths behind it, bleed and cmyk modes to guarantee the end result is refined and visually appealing. We can advise on the artier aspects of paper stock and print finishing too!

Are you really beating the clock?

Using pre-made templates for design may appear efficient at first glance; however time spent exploring choices tweaking elements and resolving issues can soon accumulate. Companies might discover they are putting in effort than initially planned and end up with a final product that falls short of their expectations.

Hiring a design agency can help businesses save time and concentrate on their tasks as the experts manage the design process efficiently and deliver top notch assets promptly.

Template layouts can sometimes be inflexible. May pose difficulties when adjusting or expanding to meet evolving business requirements For example if a company chooses to refresh its brand or enhance its marketing campaigns the templates may require substantial modifications to accommodate these changes easily.

Professional design firms provide flexibility and scalability, for collaboration and design adaptation as a company expands its operations—a partnership that can result in cohesive marketing campaigns maintaining brand consistency across various platforms. We don't design brand manuals and annual reports for nothing!

Lets look at the market landscape

Design goes beyond looks. It's also about planning and purposefulness. A reputable design firm offers market knowledge and strategic planning. We study trends in the market and consumer habits, as well as the competitive environment to develop designs that are not only attractive but also backed by a solid strategy. In the business world you are judged against your peers.

Designs created using templates often lack the depth needed to truly engage and convert users effectively despite their surface appeal, a firm can look lightweight and somewhat lacking in intent if a brand is not truly owned. Certainly in charity sector marketing where we specialise the appeal message is make or break.

In conclusion

Look we aren’t trying to stand in the way of progress. While online tools that use templates can be cost effective options, for design work they often lack the personal touch and expertise that professional design agencies provide. Customisation options may be limited, brand identity will not be fully understood, and the final designs could potentially lack the quality assurance and strategic insights necessary to create an impactful result. Are you really saving money in the long run? Doesn’t your brand deserve the best? When Drag n Drop, becomes a drag you should drop! Do you really want to your create brand assets on the same platform as a vicar making a poster for a village fete? With a creative design agency we hold all your assets, and react when you need them letting you focus on your core skills.

Hiring a design firm for printed materials not only guarantees top notch and creative designs but also helps establish a stronger bond with the target audience across all channels from a brochure to the web, to a 48 sheet poster to radio that can lead to business growth in the long term, and confidence from an audience in todays world where initial interactions still hold significant weight.

Wodehouse can manage your campaign from the very first pixel to an on-brand printed pack landing on your doormat.

You’ll love us - really love us.

We love good design and aesthetics and don't feel it should cost the earth either. Across all areas of business and the charity sector Wodehouse have delighted our clients with graphic design and direct mail solutions since 2003.