How Top Brands Use Design to Sell More—And How You Can Too

Bad design can make or break your business.

It’s not just about making things look nice; it’s about grabbing attention, telling your story, and getting people to click “buy now.”

You don’t have to be a mega-corporation with a massive budget to use design to your advantage. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, you can totally steal some tricks from the big players. Let’s dive in.

Why Design Is the Secret Sauce

Think about it: design is basically the first thing people notice about your brand.

It’s how they decide (in like half a second) whether they trust you, like you, and maybe even want to buy from you.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• First Impressions Are Instant: People size up your brand faster than they swipe left on a bad Tinder profile. A killer design helps you nail that first look.

• Consistency Makes You Legit: Ever seen a brand that looks one way on Instagram and totally different on their website? Confusing. A consistent design makes you look like you know what you’re doing.

• Emotions Sell: We buy stuff based on feelings (even if we pretend it’s logic). Good design taps into those emotions and subtly nudges people to hit “add to cart.”

How the Big Brands Do It—and How You Can Too

Here’s a peek at what the pros do to sell more—and how you can copy their playbook:

1. They Tell a Story with Design

Brands like Apple don’t just sell gadgets; they sell innovation and simplicity. Nike? They’re all about action and confidence. Their designs bring those stories to life.

• Your Move: What’s your vibe? Crafty? Fun? Empowering? Figure out what your brand stands for and make sure your colors, fonts, and images scream that story. For example, if you’re all about sustainability, think earthy tones and natural textures.

2. They Make Things Stupid-Easy to Use

Good design is functional, not just pretty. Amazon’s website, for example, isn’t flashy, but it’s insanely easy to use. That’s why people keep coming back.

• Your Move: Check your website or app. Can people find what they’re looking for without getting lost? Test it out on a few friends (or strangers) and simplify where needed. Bonus points if your checkout process doesn’t require an advanced degree.

3. They Use Colors to Influence You

Colors aren’t just random—they set the mood. Coca-Cola’s red feels bold and exciting, while Spotify’s green is fresh and creative. It’s all super intentional.

• Your Move: Pick a color palette that vibes with your brand. Bright, happy colors for a playful brand; calm, neutral tones for something more serious. Do a little Googling on “color psychology” if you want to nerd out.

4. They Show Off Their Products Like Pros

From sleek iPhone shots to drool-worthy food photography, top brands know how to make their stuff look irresistible.

• Your Move: You don’t need a fancy studio setup—just good lighting and a solid camera (even your phone works). Show your product in action, looking its absolute best. Pro tip: natural light is your best friend.

5. They Stay Consistent Everywhere

You know how Starbucks looks the same on your app, their cups, and their ads? That’s not by accident. A consistent look builds trust.

• Your Move: Create a mini style guide for yourself. Pick one or two fonts, a color scheme, and a general style. Then stick to it everywhere—social media, your website, emails, you name it.

Quick Wins to Level Up Your Design Game

Here are a few easy ways to start upgrading your brand’s design today:

• Clean Up Your Website: Get rid of the clutter. Focus on the essentials and add white space—it’s like breathing room for your design.

• Upgrade Your Fonts: Pick something clean and modern. Pair a bold font for headings with something simple for body text.

• Go Mobile-Friendly: Most people are scrolling on their phones, so your site better look good on a small screen.

• Invest in Good Photos: Blurry, pixelated images? A no-go. Take the time to get clear, high-quality shots.

• Play Around with Mockups: Tools like Canva let you test how your designs will look on packaging, ads, or posts.

Here’s the deal: big brands didn’t become big just by luck—they know how to use design to connect with their audience and make more sales. But the magic? It’s all stuff you can start doing too.

Don’t overthink it. Start with small tweaks—maybe spruce up your website, tighten up your branding, or experiment with some fresh colors. Little changes can have a big impact.

And the best part? You’re building something that not only looks good but actually works.

Take the first step toward better branding. Book your free consultation with us now!