Branding Cost in India: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
- Kavisha Thakkar
- Dec 4, 2025
- 13 min read
You're ready to invest in professional branding. You reach out to five designers and agencies for quotes.
Designer A (Fiverr): "Logo design - ₹2,500"
Freelancer B: "Complete branding package - ₹45,000"
Agency C: "Brand identity system - ₹1,80,000"
Agency D: "Full branding with strategy - ₹4,50,000"
Same word "branding." 180x price difference. And nobody explains what you're actually getting.
Here's the brutal truth: The branding industry in India has zero pricing transparency. You can spend ₹500 on Fiverr and get a templated logo that makes your business look cheap. Or you can spend ₹5 lakhs with a premium agency and get a complete brand system that transforms your business.
The problem? Most small business owners don't know the difference.
They see "branding" and "logo design" used interchangeably. They don't know what brand strategy means. They can't tell if ₹80,000 for branding is a fair price or a ripoff.
We've analyzed pricing from 52 designers, freelancers, and agencies across India—from solo designers in tier-2 cities to Mumbai's premium branding agencies. The cost to brand your business ranges from ₹3,000 (basic DIY logo) to ₹6,00,000+ (full agency branding with strategy and implementation)—and the results can be dramatically different.
This guide will show you exactly what branding costs in India, what you get at each price point, and how to decide what's actually worth your money.
What You'll Learn:
Complete cost breakdown: Logo only vs brand identity vs full branding
What's included at each price tier (with real examples)
DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency pricing (transparent comparison)
Hidden costs nobody tells you about
How to calculate ROI on branding investment
Red flags in branding pricing (how to avoid getting ripped off)
Real cost examples from Ahmedabad businesses
When cheap is fine vs when you need to invest more
Let's break down what branding actually costs.
Table of Contents
What Are You Actually Paying For? (Branding vs Logo Design)
Before we talk about costs, let's clarify what you're buying.
Most business owners think "branding" and "logo design" are the same thing. They're not.
Logo Design Only:
What you get:
Logo file (usually 2-3 concepts, pick one, get revisions)
File formats (PNG, JPG, maybe vector files)
Basic usage rights
What you DON'T get:
Brand strategy or positioning
Color palette guidelines
Typography system
Brand voice or messaging
Application examples (how to use the logo consistently)
Cost range: ₹3,000 - ₹60,000
Use case: Very early stage, tight budget, temporary solution
Brand Identity (Logo + Visual System):
What you get:
Logo design
Color palette (primary + accent colors with hex codes)
Typography selection (fonts for headlines and body text)
Basic brand guidelines (how to use everything)
Sometimes: Business card design, letterhead template
What you DON'T get:
Brand strategy (positioning, target audience definition)
Detailed messaging framework
Comprehensive brand guidelines
Implementation support
Cost range: ₹30,000 - ₹2,00,000
Use case: Established business, ready to look professional, know your positioning
Full Branding (Strategy + Identity + Guidelines):
What you get:
Brand strategy workshop and documentation
Competitive analysis
Target audience definition
Brand positioning and messaging
Complete visual identity (logo, colors, typography, graphic elements)
Comprehensive brand guidelines (30-50 page document)
Application examples (how branding looks on website, social media, print)
Sometimes: Website design, marketing materials
Cost range: ₹1,50,000 - ₹6,00,000+
Use case: Scaling business, serious growth plans, competing in crowded market
Side-by-Side Comparison:
Component | Logo Only | Brand Identity | Full Branding |
Logo design | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Color palette | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Typography | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Brand strategy | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Brand guidelines | ❌ | Basic | Comprehensive |
Messaging framework | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Application examples | ❌ | Sometimes | ✅ |
Implementation support | ❌ | ❌ | Sometimes |
(For the complete branding framework, see our Branding for Small Businesses Guide.)
Option 1: DIY Branding Costs (₹3,000 - ₹25,000)
Best for: Pre-revenue startups, solopreneurs, very tight budgets (under ₹30,000)
DIY Logo Design:
Tools:
What you can create yourself:
Basic logo using templates
Color palette (use Canva's color wheel or Adobe Color)
Typography selection (Google Fonts is free)
Simple brand guidelines (DIY document)
Total DIY cost:
Item | Cost |
Canva Pro (annual subscription) | ₹3,000 |
Logo purchase (if using AI generator) | ₹0 - ₹5,000 |
Stock photos (optional) | ₹0 - ₹5,000 |
Domain name (for brand consistency) | ₹800 - ₹1,500/year |
Business cards printing (500 cards) | ₹800 - ₹2,000 |
TOTAL | ₹4,600 - ₹16,500 |
Time Investment (DIY):
Activity | Time Required |
Learning design basics | 5-10 hours |
Logo design (concepts + revisions) | 8-15 hours |
Color palette and typography selection | 3-5 hours |
Creating brand guidelines document | 4-6 hours |
Applying branding to materials | 10-15 hours |
TOTAL | 30-50 hours |
Pros of DIY Branding:
✅ Lowest cost option (under ₹20,000 total)
✅ You maintain complete creative control
✅ Learn valuable design skills
✅ Good for testing/validating business idea
✅ Can iterate quickly (no waiting for designer revisions)
Cons of DIY Branding:
❌ Steep learning curve (design is a skill)
❌ May look amateur (unless you have natural design sense)
❌ Time-consuming (30-50 hours you could spend on business)
❌ Limited strategic depth (hard to be objective about your own business)
❌ Template risk (Canva logos can look generic)
DIY works if: Your budget is under ₹25,000, you're pre-revenue, or you have design experience.
Option 2: Freelancer Branding Costs (₹15,000 - ₹1,50,000)
Best for: Small businesses with revenue, want professional quality, limited budget
Freelancer Pricing Breakdown:
Tier 1: Junior/Entry-Level Freelancer (₹15,000 - ₹40,000)
What you get:
Logo design (2-3 concepts, 2 revision rounds)
Basic color palette
Font selection
Files: PNG, JPG, maybe PDF
Who they are: 1-3 years experience, building portfolio, often students or part-time designers
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Best for: Very small businesses, tight budgets, simple industries
Tier 2: Mid-Level Freelancer (₹40,000 - ₹90,000)
What you get:
Logo design (3-4 concepts, 3 revision rounds)
Complete color palette with codes
Typography system
Basic brand guidelines (10-15 pages)
Business card design
Files: All formats including vector (AI, EPS)
Who they are: 3-7 years experience, specialized skills, professional portfolio
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Established small businesses, service-based businesses, professional positioning
Tier 3: Senior Freelancer/Consultant (₹90,000 - ₹1,50,000)
What you get:
Brand strategy session
Competitive analysis
Logo design (multiple concepts, unlimited revisions within reason)
Complete visual identity system
Comprehensive brand guidelines (20-30 pages)
Business card, letterhead, email signature templates
Implementation guidance
Who they are: 7+ years experience, niche specialization, strategic thinking
Timeline: 6-10 weeks
Best for: Growing businesses, competitive markets, rebranding projects
Freelancer Cost Comparison Table:
Service | Junior (₹15K-40K) | Mid-Level (₹40K-90K) | Senior (₹90K-150K) |
Logo concepts | 2-3 | 3-4 | 4-5 |
Revisions | 2 rounds | 3 rounds | Unlimited (reasonable) |
Brand strategy | ❌ | Basic | ✅ Comprehensive |
Brand guidelines | ❌ | Basic (10-15 pages) | Full (20-30 pages) |
Additional materials | ❌ | Business card | Multiple templates |
Strategic consultation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Where to Find Freelancers:
India-specific platforms:
Upwork India: ₹15,000 - ₹1,20,000 (filter by location: India)
Fiverr: ₹2,000 - ₹50,000 (wide quality range—check portfolios carefully)
Behance/Dribbble: Find designers, negotiate directly
Instagram: Search #logodesignerindia, #brandingdesignerahmedabad
Local networks: Ahmedabad Design Community, AIGA India
Vetting checklist:
☐ Review portfolio (minimum 10 real client projects)
☐ Check testimonials/reviews
☐ Ask for client references
☐ Request detailed proposal with timeline and deliverables
☐ Clarify revision policy and file ownership upfront
Pros of Hiring Freelancers:
✅ More affordable than agencies (30-50% lower cost)
✅ Direct communication (no account managers, talk to designer directly)
✅ Flexible and personalized (can negotiate scope)
✅ Good quality if you hire well
Cons of Hiring Freelancers:
❌ Quality varies widely (you need to vet carefully) ❌ No team support (if designer gets sick or disappears, you're stuck) ❌ Limited strategic depth (most are executors, not strategists ❌ You manage the project (requires your time and organization)
Option 3: Agency Branding Costs (₹80,000 - ₹6,00,000+)
Best for: Established businesses, scaling companies, competitive markets, high-budget projects
Agency Pricing Tiers:
Tier 1: Small Local Agency (₹80,000 - ₹2,00,000)
What you get:
Brand strategy workshop (1-2 sessions)
Competitive analysis
Target audience research
Logo design (3-5 concepts)
Complete visual identity
Brand guidelines (30-40 pages)
Business stationery design
1-2 months of implementation support
Who they are: 2-10 person teams, regional focus, solid portfolio
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
Example: Ahmedabad-based agencies like Jigsawkraft, local design studios
Tier 2: Established Regional Agency (₹2,00,000 - ₹4,00,000)
What you get:
Comprehensive brand audit
In-depth market research
Brand strategy development
Positioning workshop
Logo and complete visual system
Extensive brand guidelines (50-80 pages)
Marketing collateral design (brochures, presentations)
Website design integration
3-6 months implementation support
Who they are: 10-30 person teams, established reputation, strong processes
Timeline: 12-16 weeks
Example: Top agencies in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi
Tier 3: Premium National/International Agency (₹4,00,000 - ₹6,00,000+)
What you get:
Extensive brand research and audits
Consumer insights and testing
Full brand strategy development
Brand architecture (if you have multiple products/services)
Complete visual identity system
Comprehensive brand guidelines (100+ pages)
Brand implementation across all touchpoints
Training for internal teams
6-12 months of ongoing support
Who they are: 30+ person teams, national/international clients, award-winning work
Timeline: 16-24 weeks
Example: Top-tier agencies in Mumbai, boutique international agencies
Agency Cost Breakdown Example (₹1,80,000 Package):
Component | Cost | What's Included |
Brand strategy | ₹40,000 | Workshops, positioning, competitive analysis |
Logo design | ₹35,000 | 4 concepts, unlimited revisions |
Visual identity system | ₹45,000 | Colors, typography, graphic elements, patterns |
Brand guidelines | ₹30,000 | 40-page comprehensive document |
Business stationery | ₹15,000 | Business cards, letterhead, email signatures |
Project management | ₹15,000 | Coordination, revisions, communication |
TOTAL | ₹1,80,000 | — |
Pros of Hiring an Agency:
✅ Complete solution (strategy + design + implementation)
✅ Team expertise (strategists, designers, writers all collaborate)
✅ Professional processes (proven systems, quality assurance)
✅ Accountability (contracts, timelines, guaranteed deliverables)
✅ Ongoing support (many agencies offer post-launch help)
Cons of Hiring an Agency:
❌ Expensive (₹80,000 - ₹6,00,000+)
❌ Longer timelines (8-16 weeks typical)
❌ Less direct control (you work with account managers, not always designers)
❌ May be overkill for very small businesses
At Jigsawkraft, we offer Affordable branding packages for small businesses in Ahmedabad, with full transparency on deliverables and costs.
Service-by-Service Cost Breakdown
If you want to unbundle services, here's what each component costs:
Service | Freelancer Cost | Agency Cost |
Brand strategy only | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000 | ₹40,000 - ₹1,20,000 |
Logo design only | ₹8,000 - ₹40,000 | ₹20,000 - ₹80,000 |
Color palette + typography | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000 |
Brand guidelines document | ₹10,000 - ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 - ₹80,000 |
Business card design | ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 | ₹8,000 - ₹20,000 |
Letterhead/stationery | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 - ₹25,000 |
Brand messaging/copywriting | ₹8,000 - ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 - ₹60,000 |
Social media templates | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000 |
Website design (brand-integrated) | ₹25,000 - ₹80,000 | ₹60,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
Note: Bundled packages are typically 20-30% cheaper than buying services individually.
Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
Beyond the obvious design costs, here are expenses that catch businesses by surprise:
1. Brand Implementation Costs
The problem: You paid for branding, now you need to actually USE it everywhere.
Hidden costs:
Website redesign: ₹30,000 - ₹1,50,000 (if not included in branding package)
Business card printing: ₹1,500 - ₹5,000 (500-1,000 cards)
Letterhead printing: ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 (500 sheets)
Signage update: ₹10,000 - ₹1,00,000+ (storefront, office)
Vehicle wraps (if applicable): ₹15,000 - ₹60,000
Packaging redesign (product businesses): ₹20,000 - ₹2,00,000
Total potential implementation cost: ₹78,500 - ₹5,23,000+
(For website redesign costs, see our Website Development Cost Guide.)
2. Professional Photography
If your branding requires professional photos:
Headshots (personal branding): ₹5,000 - ₹15,000
Product photography: ₹8,000 - ₹30,000 per session
Lifestyle/brand photography: ₹15,000 - ₹60,000 per day
Stock photo subscriptions: ₹3,000 - ₹12,000/year
3. Brand Asset Creation
Ongoing design needs:
Social media graphics: ₹5,000 - ₹20,000/month (if outsourced)
Marketing materials: ₹5,000 - ₹25,000 per piece (brochures, flyers)
Presentation templates: ₹8,000 - ₹25,000
4. Revisions Beyond Scope
Most branding packages include 2-3 revision rounds. Additional revisions cost:
Freelancer: ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 per round
Agency: ₹5,000 - ₹20,000 per round
How to avoid: Provide clear, detailed feedback in writing during included revision rounds.
5. Trademark Registration (Optional but Recommended)
If you want legal protection for your brand name and logo:
DIY trademark filing: ₹5,000 - ₹10,000
Lawyer-assisted trademark: ₹15,000 - ₹40,000
Full trademark search + registration: ₹25,000 - ₹60,000
How to Calculate ROI on Branding Investment
Branding isn't an expense—it's an investment. But how do you measure return?
ROI Formula:
ROI = (Revenue Attributed to Branding - Cost of Branding) / Cost of Branding × 100
Example 1: Small Retail Business
Investment: ₹85,000 (freelancer branding package)
Results after 12 months:
Average transaction value increased: ₹2,800 → ₹3,600 (+28%)
Customer retention increased: 32% → 51%
Able to charge premium prices (10% increase)
Additional annual revenue attributed to branding: ₹12,50,000
ROI Calculation:(₹12,50,000 - ₹85,000) / ₹85,000 × 100 = 1,371% ROI
Example 2: B2B Service Business
Investment: ₹1,80,000 (agency branding)
Results after 18 months:
Closed 8 clients who cited "professional brand" as decision factor
Average project value: ₹2,80,000
Total revenue from these clients: ₹22,40,000
60% attribution to branding (conservative): ₹13,44,000
ROI Calculation:(₹13,44,000 - ₹1,80,000) / ₹1,80,000 × 100 = 646% ROI
Metrics to Track (Beyond Direct Revenue):
Metric | How to Measure | Brand Impact |
Brand recognition | Customer surveys: "How did you hear about us?" | Increased word-of-mouth |
Premium pricing acceptance | Compare quote acceptance rates before/after | Able to charge 10-30% more |
Customer lifetime value | Repeat purchase rate, retention | Loyalty increases |
Time to close sales | Sales cycle length | Trust builds faster |
Employee retention | Turnover rate | Strong brands attract/keep talent |
Cost Comparison: What You Actually Get at Each Price Point
Price Tier | What You Get | Best For | Expected Results |
₹3,000-15,000 (DIY) | Basic logo, DIY guidelines | Pre-revenue, testing ideas | Temporary solution, plan to rebrand |
₹15,000-40,000 (Junior freelancer) | Logo + basic identity | Very small businesses, tight budgets | Decent starting point |
₹40,000-90,000 (Mid freelancer) | Logo + visual system + basic guidelines | Small established businesses | Professional appearance, competitive |
₹90,000-150,000 (Senior freelancer) | Strategy + identity + comprehensive guidelines | Growing businesses | Strong differentiation, premium positioning |
₹80,000-200,000 (Small agency) | Full branding with team support | Scaling businesses | Comprehensive brand system |
₹2,00,000-400,000 (Established agency) | Extensive research + full branding + implementation | Competitive markets, serious growth | Market leadership positioning |
₹4,00,000+ (Premium agency) | Enterprise-level branding | Large businesses, rebrands, launches | Industry-leading brand equity |
Red Flags in Branding Pricing (How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off)
🚩 Red Flag 1: "Logo for ₹500" on Fiverr
The problem: These are template logos with minor customization. Hundreds of businesses have similar logos.
Why it's bad: You don't own the concept, looks generic, damages credibility
Fix: If budget is tight, use Canva DIY (₹3,000/year) or save for proper freelancer (₹15,000 minimum).
🚩 Red Flag 2: No Clear Deliverables
The problem: "We'll do your branding for ₹80,000" with no specifics on what's included.
Why it's bad: Scope creep, mismatched expectations, conflicts
Fix: Demand written proposal with exact deliverables: number of logo concepts, revision rounds, file formats, guidelines page count, timeline.
🚩 Red Flag 3: Pay 100% Upfront
The problem: "Pay ₹1,50,000 upfront and we'll start."
Why it's bad: No incentive for quality, risk if they disappear, no leverage for revisions
Fix: Standard payment terms: 30-50% upfront, 30-40% at concept presentation, 20-30% on final delivery.
🚩 Red Flag 4: Prices Way Below Market
The problem: "Full branding with strategy for ₹12,000!"
Why it's bad: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. You'll get templated work or inexperienced designers.
Fix: Understand market rates (use this guide as reference). Quality branding starts at ₹40,000 minimum for freelancers, ₹80,000 for agencies.
🚩 Red Flag 5: No Portfolio or Generic Portfolio
The problem: Designer has no real client work or shows only stock/concept work.
Why it's bad: You're their guinea pig, no proof they can deliver
Fix: Only hire designers/agencies with 5-10 real client case studies. Ask for references.
Case Study: Real Branding Costs from Ahmedabad Businesses
Case Study 1: Cafe in Vastrapur
Business: New specialty coffee cafe
Branding approach: Mid-level freelancer
Cost breakdown:
Logo design: ₹25,000
Brand identity (colors, fonts): ₹15,000
Menu design: ₹12,000
Signage design: ₹8,000
Social media templates: ₹10,000
Total: ₹70,000
Implementation costs:
Signage printing: ₹35,000
Menu printing: ₹8,000
Interior branding elements: ₹45,000
Implementation total: ₹88,000
Grand total: ₹1,58,000
Results after 6 months:
Instagram following grew 420% faster than competitors
Average spend per customer: 18% higher than unbranded cafes nearby
Word-of-mouth recommendations: Primary customer source (67%)
ROI: Brand investment paid back in 4 months through premium pricing and customer attraction.
Decision Framework: What Should You Actually Spend on Branding?
Based on Business Stage:
Business Stage | Recommended Investment | Approach |
Idea stage (pre-revenue) | ₹5,000 - ₹20,000 | DIY or very basic freelancer |
Early stage (₹0-10L revenue) | ₹15,000 - ₹50,000 | Junior-mid freelancer |
Growing (₹10L-50L revenue) | ₹50,000 - ₹1,20,000 | Mid-senior freelancer or small agency |
Established (₹50L-2Cr revenue) | ₹1,20,000 - ₹2,50,000 | Senior freelancer or agency |
Scaling (₹2Cr+ revenue) | ₹2,50,000 - ₹6,00,000+ | Established agency |
Based on Industry Competition:
Low competition / Niche market: Can invest less (₹30,000-80,000)
Medium competition: Invest moderately (₹80,000-1,80,000)
High competition / Crowded market: Invest significantly (₹1,80,000-4,00,000+)
Based on Your Goals:
Goal: Just look professional→ ₹40,000-80,000 (freelancer brand identity)
Goal: Stand out from competitors→ ₹1,00,000-2,00,000 (agency with strategy)
Goal: Premium positioning→ ₹2,00,000-4,00,000+ (full agency branding)
Goal: Prepare for sale/fundraising→ ₹2,50,000-6,00,000+ (comprehensive agency branding)
The 5-10% Rule:
A common guideline: Spend 5-10% of your annual revenue on branding.
Examples:
₹20 lakhs annual revenue → ₹1-2 lakhs on branding
₹1 crore annual revenue → ₹5-10 lakhs on branding
Exception: If you're pre-revenue or early stage, invest based on available capital and expected ROI.
Conclusion: Branding Costs in India (The Bottom Line)
Here's what you need to remember:
Branding in India costs:
DIY: ₹3,000 - ₹25,000 + 30-50 hours of your time
Freelancers: ₹15,000 - ₹1,50,000 depending on experience and scope
Agencies: ₹80,000 - ₹6,00,000+ depending on size and comprehensiveness
The right investment depends on:
Your business stage (pre-revenue vs scaling)
Your industry competition (niche vs crowded)
Your goals (look decent vs market leadership)
Your budget (available capital vs expected ROI)
What you're actually paying for:
Logo only = 25% of branding
Brand identity (logo + visual system) = 50% of branding
Full branding (strategy + identity + guidelines + messaging) = 100% of branding
The biggest mistake: Spending ₹5,000 on Fiverr and thinking you're done. You get what you pay for. Cheap branding makes your business look cheap.
The smart approach: Start with what you can afford, but plan to invest more as you grow. DIY at ₹0 revenue. Freelancer at ₹10L revenue. Agency at ₹50L+ revenue.
Branding is an investment that compounds: Good branding lets you charge more, attract better customers, and build long-term equity.
Your Next Steps
If you're doing DIY:
☐ Invest in Canva Pro (₹3,000/year)
☐ Study branding basics (YouTube, free courses)
☐ Plan to upgrade to professional branding within 12-18 months
If you're hiring a freelancer:
☐ Review portfolios on Behance, Dribbble, Upwork
☐ Get quotes from 3-5 freelancers
☐ Check references before committing
☐ Budget ₹40,000-1,00,000 for quality work
If you're hiring an agency:
☐ Book a free branding consultation with Jigsawkraft
☐ Get detailed proposals from 2-3 agencies
☐ Budget ₹1,00,000-3,00,000 for comprehensive branding
☐ Factor in implementation costs (another 30-50% of design costs)
At Jigsawkraft, we offer transparent branding packages.
But here's the honest truth: If you're pre-revenue or just starting, DIY is fine. Invest in professional branding when you have revenue and growth plans.
Hire us if:
You're generating ₹5L+ annual revenue
You're serious about positioning as a premium brand
You compete in a crowded market
You want strategic branding, not just design
Don't hire us if:
You're pre-revenue or bootstrapping
Budget is better spent on product development or marketing
You have design skills and can DIY
Good branding is worth the investment—but only when the timing is right.
About Jigsawkraft
Jigsawkraft is a digital marketing agency in Ahmedabad specializing in Branding, Personal Branding, Website Development, Content Creation, SEO, and Social Media Management.
Want to discuss your branding project and budget? Let's talk.
Related Resources
Branding Guides:
Personal Branding vs Business Branding:
Related Cost Guides:
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📧 Email: letschat@jigsawkraft.com
📞 Phone: +91 79843 32936
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