Build a bold
Brand Identity
Learn how our women-owned agency helped ApplicantLab realize their vision for a modern WordPress website and an identity all their own.
Drizzle Digital Delivers a Savvy, Sophisticated Brand Identity for ApplicantLab
Typical MBA admissions consultants charge $5,000-$10,000+ for guidance packages, or $400-$500+ per hour. The price is high but so are the stakes: getting into a top-tier business school.
Maria Wich-Vila, a Harvard Business School grad who had spent years helping MBA hopefuls with their admissions prep, saw an opportunity. Instead of offering time-consuming and expensive one-on-one coaching, she launched ApplicantLab, an interactive, on-demand tool based on her years of experience that allowed her to serve more clients at an affordable rate.
As ApplicantLab worked to level the playing field in business school admissions, the company needed a brand identity to match its sophisticated solution.
THE CHALLENGE
Like most start-ups, the initial website was a do-it-yourself affair. And the off-the-shelf WordPress template– while understandable given resource constraints – looked generic and didn’t set the right tone.
“While getting my business off the ground, I was entirely focused on building the product. Once things started growing, I realized we needed a look and feel that wasn’t as cookie cutter.”
ApplicantLab turned to Drizzle Digital for help creating a brand identity and a WordPress website that would position them as trusted experts in demystifying the MBA application process.
“We needed to show our solution in a sophisticated, sleek way that made it clear you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on the traditional admissions guidance to get world-class advice. Drizzle Digital easily made this vision a reality.”
THE SOLUTION
The Drizzle Digital team set about bringing ApplicantLab’s brand to life, taking time to suss out ApplicantLab’s business challenges and goals. ApplicantLab wanted a modern, warm, and approachable look and feel.
“They asked all the right questions. Their team helped me figure out how to convey the ‘trusted older sister’ vibe users were already enjoying, but in a more sophisticated way.”
Drizzle Digital created a complete brand identity package that included a new logo and color palette plus user personas, a tagline, a value proposition, and messaging pillars to help ApplicantLab speak directly to its target audience. At the same time, the website’s navigation, overall architecture, and functionality were enhanced when the new look went live.
They also developed a library of drawings and vivid illustrations of MBA students to bring the brand to life across platforms — whether for the web, email marketing, or social.
“They were able to humanize the site with warm and inviting Illustrations that replaced the stock images I was using before. I loved how the designer’s work was sophisticated, not childish — and showcased the diversity I requested.”
THE RESULTS
“When I looked at Drizzle Digital’s portfolio, I loved what I saw. Then when we met, it was clear they weren’t coming in with any preconceived notions. They listened to my needs and the process was really collaborative. Now I feel like the visuals match my vision for the brand.”
Wich-Vila noted that applications to business schools rise and fall with market dynamics beyond anyone’s control. Thanks to Drizzle Digital, ApplicantLab is well positioned to handle the ebb and flow, experiencing:
57%
increase in organic conversions
15%
increase in new visitors
28%
reduction in bounce rate
Case Studies
We probably can’t help you get an MBA.
But we can do pretty much everything else. Let’s chat.
