Starting a new business is a whirlwind of excitement and stress. Between logistics, legalities, financials and product development, “branding” and marketing often gets pushed to the side, or worse, rushed.
We sat down with Jes Darmanin, the creative force behind Storm, to discuss why their Startup Branding Package is beneficial for Maltese entrepreneurs.
Q: Jes, you’ve been in this industry for over 25 years. Why create a specific package just for startups now?
Jes: We actually built the Startup Branding Package about two years ago, but we didn’t really shout about it. Even without active promotion, our existing clients started using it for their projects and sending their networks our way. The demand was there before we even made it official.
The real reason we’re pushing it now is that we are seeing a massive wave of generic, uninspired branding. A lot of local businesses are leaning on basic AI tools that make their brand look cheap. It’s obvious when there’s no strategy or “soul” behind a website, and it kills a business before it even gets off the ground. Startups deserve better than that.
You only get one shot at a first impression, especially in a tight market like Malta.
If a potential customer lands on your page and it looks dated or “DIY,” they’re going to a competitor. Startups often think they can’t afford professional design, but appearing untrustworthy is much more expensive in the long run. We designed this package to give them a high-end foundation immediately, without the usual complexity.
Q: What exactly is included in the Startup Branding Package?
Jes: We wanted to cover the essentials so the business owner can focus on their operations. It’s a three-pillar approach:
- Identity: A professional logo design, brand guidelines and if they need it, we can also create the office stationery such as business cards, letterheads and envelopes.
- Web Presence: A clean, mobile-friendly website that clearly explains what the business is there to help their clients with.
- Technical: We will also take care of the technical elements such as domain registrations, email services, cloud services as well – so you won’t need to think about that bit at all.
Q: Does a new business really need a website right away? Can’t they just use Social Media?
Jes: Social media is amazing for a great reach, but relying only on social media is dangerous. You’re building your business on rented land. If Facebook changes the rules, gets flagged or your account gets hacked, you’re invisible. I’ve had business owners call me in a panic because their primary way of reaching customers vanished in a day.
Beyond that, social media is noisy. It’s fine for catching someone’s eye, but a website is where you actually close the deal. It’s the difference between a business that looks like a hobby and one that looks like a professional operation. In today’s market people are skeptical. They’re going to Google you. If they don’t find a proper site, they’ll probably just move on to the next person who has one. You don’t need a 50-page site on day one, but you do need a professional anchor that you own.
Q: You’ve mentioned that Storm “knows the Maltese market.” How does that influence the design?
Jes: Local context is everything. We know what resonates with Maltese consumers, we understand the balance between traditional trust and modern innovation. Whether you’re opening a boutique hotel in Valletta or a financial advisor operating in Malta with international aspirations, we tailor the aesthetic to fit the local landscape while keeping it world-class.
Q: Many founders are intimidated by the “tech jargon.” How does Storm handle that?
Jes: I actually started out in IT training, so I spent years learning how to explain technical stuff without being “that guy” who talks down to people. It’s a skill I’ve brought into Storm. I know exactly how it feels to be on the receiving end of a jargon-heavy pitch (That’s the same way I feel when I speak to lawyers) that just leaves you more confused than when you started.
We keep the “tech talk” to ourselves. We don’t bore you with talk about code or server protocols. Instead, we talk about what the site is actually going to do for your business. My goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with the process, not overwhelmed by it. You handle the passion for your business, we handle the technical heavy lifting, and we keep the conversation focused on your results. Just a site that works.
Q: If a startup owner is reading this and feeling overwhelmed, what’s your one piece of advice?
Jes: Honestly? Just get started. Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good.” I’ve seen so many founders get stuck trying to build a massive site that covers every possible scenario. It’s a waste of energy.
Day one isn’t about having a thousand pages; it’s about making sure that when someone looks you up, they trust you. If you look amateur, you’re dead in the water. Focus on a solid, professional presence that tells people exactly what you solve. You can build the rest of the “dream site” once the revenue starts coming in. Don’t let the technical details stop you from actually launching.
Ready to give your business the professional start it deserves? Explore our Startup Branding Packages here or get in touch for a free audit of your current ideas.