Inkot Design has just released an article called,

Why Hiring a Graphic Designer is Essential for Your Brand

Inkbot covers some key topics that all brands should consider when thinking about hiring a graphic desingner in-house or freelance. Some of the topics they cover in the article are:

• What is Branding?
• The Importance of Branding
• Benefits of Branding
• Your Company Logo Design
• Your Website Design
• Collateral Materials
• Defining the first impression
• Design can showcase what you do
• Social Media Promotions
• Improved Consistency
• Sense of Unity
• Convert the visitor in a customer
• Saves Money in the long-run 
• Create the difference
• Efficiency

Marie at Inkbot Design does a great job at breaking down each of this key features and I highly recommend reading her article.