How to Provide Helpful Feedback on Your Brand & Website Design

This process works best when we’re both bringing our expertise to the table. You as the leader and expert of your business, me as the strategist and designer. Clear, constructive feedback helps us co-create a brand that truly feels like you, while making sure you get your final designs as soon as possible so you can put them into action!

Below are some do’s and don’ts to help us arrive at a meaningful final design as efficiently and effectively as possible.

1. Be Specific & Actionable

❌ DON’T: “I don’t like it.”
✅ DO: “I love the typeface you’ve used, but I don’t feel like the layout fully represents my brand. Could we explore [specific idea] instead?”

Why? Vague feedback makes it difficult for your brand and web designer to understand what’s not working. Instead, describe what you don’t like and why, and offer any suggestions you have.

2. Consider Your Brand as a Whole

❌ DON’T: “This isn’t what I want.”
✅ DO: “I appreciate the time and thought behind this design! I had envisioned something a little different, like [example]. Could we explore that direction?”

Why? While I absolutely want you to love your brand, I also encourage you to consider it as a separate entity—something that speaks to your audience and business goals, not just personal preference. Every design choice is made intentionally to align with your brand strategy.

3. Avoid Overly Prescriptive Requests

❌ DON’T: “Can you move this text underneath, center it, and add a little line here?”
✅ DO: “I love the direction so far! Could we explore a slightly more balanced layout in the primary logo? Maybe something with a more linear feel?”

Why? Instead of directing specific placement, it’s more helpful to describe the feeling or effect you’re looking for. This allows me to solve the problem creatively, rather than simply executing edits that may not be the best solution.

4. Trust the Process & the Strategy

❌ DON’T: “I made this in Canva—can we just use this instead?”
✅ DO: “I sketched an idea that I feel connected to. I trust your expertise, but I’d love to see if there’s a way to incorporate an element of this into the final design.”

Why? You hired me for a reason! My job isn’t just to execute as a brand and web designer. It’s to create something with depth, meaning, and long-term impact for your brand. I welcome collaboration, but I also ensure every element is aligned with your brand strategy, not just aesthetics.

5. Expand on Adjectives & Abstract Requests

❌ DON’T: “Can I see something more modern?”
✅ DO: “Could I see a version that feels more modern? I’ve attached a few reference images—maybe something with a thinner font and simpler layout?”

Why? Words like “modern,” “bold,” or “elevated” mean different things to different people. Providing examples, references, or specific details ensures that we’re on the same page. It’s very helpful if you share any visual examples of what you mean, so if you’ve found something on Pinterest, then by all means please send it my way so we can continue the conversation knowing we’re speaking the same language.

Keeping the brand and web design process efficient and enjoyable

• Consolidate your feedback into one document or email whenever possible. This helps avoid back-and-forth changes and ensures everything is addressed at once. It also helps me to make sure all feedback gets taken into account during the next round of edits.
• Be kind. I pour a lot of thought and intention into every project, and constructive feedback makes the process enjoyable for both of us!
• Trust the strategy. While your personal taste matters a lot, the final design is ultimately about what resonates with your audience and brand goals.

At the end of the day, this is about making sure your brand works. Not just for you, but for the people it’s meant to reach. The clearer and more intentional we can be with feedback, the stronger and more enduring the final result will be.

P.S. If we’re not working together (yet), I’ve still got you covered.

For more brand strategy, storytelling, and design resources to grow your business in 2025, click here to visit my Freebies page where you can snag the free storytelling guide for brands. This page is full of free downloads, design recommendations, the best business tools for running your business, as well as curated playlists for brands I’ve built. (Playlists are kind of my thing.)

For more support with the strategy and intention behind your business, visit the Brand Strategy & Design Shop and connect with me on Instagram for all the latest storytelling tips, brand features, and untamed studio behind the scenes.