How Much Does Branding Cost in 2026?

This is an expanded version of the pricing data in our Insights article, formatted as a quick-reference guide.

Logo Design

• DIY / AI tools: $0–$100. Generic, template-based. Fine for testing an idea, not for building a brand.
• Junior freelancer: $300–$1,000. Custom but limited exploration. Good for MVPs.
• Senior freelancer: $1,000–$3,000. Research-informed, multiple concepts, professional files.
• Studio: $3,000–$10,000. Strategy-backed design, full file package, brand rationale.
• Top agency: $10,000–$50,000+. Full brand strategy included, extensive exploration.

Full Brand Identity

Logo + color system + typography + visual language + guidelines + applications.

• Freelancer: $1,500–$5,000 (2–4 weeks)
• Studio: $5,000–$20,000 (4–8 weeks)
• Agency: $20,000–$100,000+ (8–16 weeks)

Brand Strategy (Standalone)

• Freelance strategist: $2,000–$8,000
• Studio: $5,000–$15,000
• Agency: $15,000–$50,000+

Includes: positioning, audience research, competitive analysis, messaging framework, brand personality.

Packaging Design

• Single SKU (freelancer): $500–$2,000
• Single SKU (studio): $2,000–$6,000
• Product line (3–5 SKUs): $5,000–$15,000
• Add 20–30% for print setup, structural engineering, and photography.

Website Design & Development

• Template / DIY: $0–$500. Limited customization, fine for landing pages.
• Freelancer: $2,000–$8,000. Custom design, 5–15 pages, CMS.
• Studio: $8,000–$30,000. Full custom, strategy, copywriting, SEO, integrations.
• Agency: $30,000–$150,000+. Enterprise features, custom development, ongoing support.

Amazon Creative

• Listing images only: $200–$800 (basic) / $800–$2,000 (professional)
• Images + A+ content: $1,500–$4,000
• Full suite (images + A+ + storefront + brand story): $3,000–$8,000

Ongoing Creative Retainer

• Light (10–15 hrs/mo): $2,000–$4,000/mo
• Standard (20–30 hrs/mo): $4,000–$8,000/mo
• Full-service: $8,000–$15,000+/mo

The Rule of Thumb

Invest 5–10% of trailing 12-month revenue in brand and creative.

• $250K revenue → $12.5K–$25K/year on brand
• $500K revenue → $25K–$50K/year
• $1M revenue → $50K–$100K/year
• $5M revenue → $250K–$500K/year

Under-investing in brand is the most expensive mistake in business. You pay for it in lost deals, lower margins, and the eventual rebrand that costs 3x what getting it right the first time would have.