How to Make Your Finance Company Logo Stand Out
Posted on May 01, 2019 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
When consumers make a choice between competing businesses there are motivations that help them decide.
For business owners, the trick has always been to recognize what their potential customers want ahead of time.
There is nowhere this is more important than in designing a finance company logo. Nearly 30,000 planners exited the business in 2015, a fact that shows how fiercely competitive the industry is.
The right finance company logo can help you attract and retain clients. You will communicate integrity, success, and longevity if you put these design ideas to good use.
Make your logo stand out! Here’s how:
A Finance Company Logo Signals Success
A memorable logo will attract the eye of your clients. It’s not enough to just catch a fleeting glance though.
Your design for a finance company or financial advisor should communicate success. Before you begin to hit the drawing board, ask yourself what signals success to you.
Is it high priced items? Glitter? Gold? Thinking of your symbols of success can help you decide what colors, designs, and textures conjure success in your mind.
Keep Your Clients in Mind
Knowing your audience is a cornerstone of any business. It’s not enough to want more business.
At the center of any marketing campaign is learning to understand your customers and anticipate their needs. This is especially true in financial services.
If your core demographic is younger clients looking to aggressively build wealth, this should inform your logo design. High contrast, warm colors, will signal excitement and strength.
On the other hand, the stability and calming effect of cool tones and stable lines will communicate something different altogether. You may appeal more to older or wealthier customers who require caution.
Would you prefer to attract clients who are drawn to the excitement of wealth building or the assurance of wealth preservation? Knowing what your clients want is important.
Build Your Brand
Companies spend millions of dollars on brand management. They want to control how clients perceive their goods and services.
Every marketing campaign, external outreach, and client interaction affects your brand. And at the heart of brand management is logo design.
A finance company logo should be shaped by what your clients want as well as who you are as a company. A finance company in a tropical paradise could feature a palm tree.
Don’t laugh: Signaling both offshore banking opportunities and a connection to paradise could be a great background to a logo.
Inversely, if you are located in a busy urban area, a skyscraper elevating wealth to new heights could be a key image.
Logo design is about color, line, and image. But just as important is your customer and your brand.
Find the Inspiration
After you spend some time reflecting on the direction of your company, the needs of your clients, and your core principles of success, you are ready to start experimenting.
Finding inspiration is easier than you think.
Online Logo Maker has tools to help you make your own free logo. What could be more simple?
Come try out our tools and find the inspiration you need to make your logo stand out today!
Choosing Business Color Schemes for Logos: A Complete Guide
Posted on July 31, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
When you’re ready to start making some tough decisions about your logo design, we know that the colors you plan to include are one of the things that you’ll think about first.
But what sort of business color schemes will help you to connect with your target market?
And what are the best colors for logos when it comes to evoking emotion in the people who see it?
That’s what this post is all about.
From selecting branded colors to understanding how the associations people have with colors will influence your choice of logo design, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
1. Consider Your Brand First
When you’re trying to come up with business color schemes, the very first thing that you need to consider is the overall message and story behind your brand.
For example, if you’re a consulting company that is goal-oriented, got its start in Silicon Valley, and works primarily with customers within the financial sector?
Then calming colors like light pinks and pastel purples aren’t exactly consistent with the message that you’re trying to send.
However, if you’re running an online boutique dedicated to Kawaii fashions? Then those pastel hues will be the perfect selection.
If you’re stuck on how to choose the right colors for your logo, take a look back at your Instagram feed. Which colors do you see primarily in your photos? If you’re an outdoor company, you’ll likely see lots of browns, blues, and greens.
But if you work in event planning, you might realize that gold, silvers, and classic black are better fits for your brand.
Another awesome way to come up with the right color choices for your logo?
Create a mood board.
Gather together pictures (from anywhere) that you feel best represent your brand. Then, look for color consistencies, and go from there.
Finally, researching the social media accounts of your target market is also an awesome way to make a final decision about your business color schemes. Take a look at the colors they gravitate towards, and make note of any consistencies.
Don’t expect to get things right on the first try, either. You’ll likely need to play around with tons of different color combinations before you commit to the best logo color schemes for your brand.
2. Know the Emotions Colors Can Evoke
Another key element that you’ll need to consider when you’re coming up with logo color schemes?
Make sure that you’ve taken the time to think about the emotions that certain colors can create in the people that interact with your logo.
For example, did you know that the color red has been scientifically proven to elevate blood pressure levels, as well as to increase your overall heart rate?
This is the perfect choice if you’re a discount store that wants to create a sense of urgency, but it’s not exactly a great fit for a bridal gown company, where stress levels are likely already high.
Additionally, you’ll need to think about which colors are recognized as a part of a certain industry.
For example, when people see the color green, they’re likely to associate it with the financial industry.
When they see oranges or yellows, they might associate your brand with relating to being outside in the sun (like a tanning salon or a travel agency specializing in beach vacations.)
Talk with your team — and even consider creating a poll on your company social media accounts — to learn more about the kinds of associations that your target market has with certain colors.
3. Ensure Your Colors Keep Things Legible
So, you’ve finally settled on colors that you think resonate well with both your brand and your target market.
But have you taken the time to consider how the choices you’ve made will look with the colors of text and the font that you’re planning on using on things like your website or physical business cards?
If not, now is the time to do so.
In general, if you’d like to keep things as legible as possible, we suggest that you go with no more than three different colors in your logo design — though if you can cut that number down to two, all the better.
If you’re dead set on using more than three colors, then ensure that they compliment each other well. You can use this article on which colors best compliment one another as an excellent starting point.
Finally, keep in mind that when it comes to any images you want to include in your logo design, less is more.
Choose one central image, and ensure that it’s completely in line with your branding strategy. If you can create a secret image or sneak in a hidden meaning into your logo, as these companies did?
It’s an awesome way to generate buzz about your brand — which is especially important if you’re still in the growth stages.
Making Business Color Schemes a Part of Your Logo: What Now?
Now that you’ve finalized your color choices, your font styles, and even made a choice about the central image that you’re planning to use in your logo?
It’s time to start bringing your business color schemes to life.
But as we mentioned earlier in this post, it’s likely that you’ll go through several different re-designs of your potential logo before you decide on “the one.”
Looking to find a free online logo maker tool to help make that trial and error process easier — and even fun?
We’ve got you covered.
Our blog is also packed with continually-updated advice about the hottest trends in logo design and development — so be sure to bookmark this page before you go.
How to Create a Logo for Your Resume Writing Service in 11 Easy Steps
Posted on March 19, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
When it comes to the logo for your resume writing service, you’ll need to go big or go home. Business logos are often the first things potential clients will see, so yours needs to make a statement.
There are lots of details to consider when creating your logo, but happily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of 11 steps from conception to completion, that’ll make designing your logo as easy as pie.
Keep reading to find out how.
1. Think of Your Audience First
Before you do a single thing, get out your notepad (digital or paper, whatever floats your boat), and get into the mind of your ideal client.
To define your target market, you’ll need to ask–and answer–questions like:
- Where do they live?
- How much do they earn?
- What do they do each day?
- How do they find stuff out?
- Do they have a certain way of speaking?
- What kind of vocabulary do they use?
Once you have your answers, it’s time to move on.
It’s All About Them (Like It or Not)
The key thing to remember here is, what your clients would want and like is way more important than your own personal preferences.
For example, you might like the cutesy, kawaii-with-lots-of-fuzzy-pandas-and-smiley-popsicles kind of style. But if you’re marketing to professionals in need of a high-end resume writing service, a cute fuzzy logo isn’t going to cut it.
On the other hand, if you’re reaching out to prospects fresh-out-college, then something cool and a little more laid-back might be just what the doctor ordered.
2. Check Out the Competition
Next thing to do is to go online and check out your neighboring resume writing service websites. There, you’ll be able to take a good look at their logos and the kind of customers they appeal to.
What can you learn from your competitors? Is there a certain pattern in the style they use? Are crisp, clean lines all the rage with your client base, or do they prefer something a little softer?
You’ll also want to focus on who of your competition is the most successful. Chances are, their logo is one that sticks in the consumer’s mind. So, take note and learn from their successes. That could be you, one day.
3. Brainstorm with a Pencil
Now you’ve got an idea of who you’re trying to attract and what’s worked so far, you can start to design your logo for your resume writing service.
Again, take out your pad and pencil (it could be an Apple pencil, we don’t mind), and go to town. You want to get every line and curve, every thought and lightbulb idea onto that sheet of paper.
From steps 1 and 2, you’ll probably have a good idea of what you’re aiming for. Now, the only limit is your imagination, so draw everything that comes to mind.
As you move down through our list, it’ll be easier to narrow down which design is the one for you.
4. Keep It Simple
You want your logo to be memorable, and to make it stick you’ll need to keep it simple.
The best logos use minimal colors, symbols, and text, but make the biggest statement. Love them or hate them, brands like McDonald’s, Apple and Starbucks have got it right.
These 3 brands use just 2 colors in their logo, simple shapes, and no text. Well, unless you count Starbucks, whose instantly recognizable typeface is a logo in itself.
The point we’re making is, keep fuss to a minimal. Your logo represents your brilliant, professional and easy-to-use service. Unnecessary clutter will take away from that message and put potential clients off.
5. Keep It Clear
When creating a logo for your resume writing service, you need to send a clear message to your clients about what it is you do. So, think about the exact service you’ll be giving your customers, and tailor your logo accordingly.
The Ultimate Medical Academy, for example, has a clear and comprehensive resume-writing guide. The guide tells readers exactly what their resume should look like.
In the same way, write down a clear description of your service, and what your client should expect from it. Now, incorporate that clear message into your logo.
6. Tell Them Your Name
The full version of your logo should include the name of your resume writing service. You want people to know what you’re called, and for your company name to stick in their mind.
After all, before he was The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, Prince was, well, “Prince.” It was his brand name, catchy and memorable and cool. It was only after he got super-famous he could drop the name without a backward glance.
So, if your resume writing service gets so massively famous that the world will already know who you are, then great. But, for now, use your company name.
7. Go Bold and Stand Out from the Crowd
You could stay conservative and use a sheet of paper as part of your resume writing service logo. It’s safe, recognizable and easy to remember, after all.
But, if you’re itching to think outside the box and be a little more daring, then you can do that, too.
Think Outside the Box…
You can still incorporate paper into your logo, but instead of a pristine sheet, maybe turn it into something else. A crumpled ball of paper, a pretty paper airplane or an origami bird all have something in common: they’re made of paper.
Another tool you can use is that of hidden images. Hidden images show intelligence and creativity, which will definitely strike a chord with many in your target audience.
… Or, Go Nuts
If you’re determined to go even bolder, though, then we tip our hats to you. The 3 brands we mentioned before did just that, and with great success.
Apple used a simple logo that seems predictable, except for one thing: the bite mark in that humble apple is iconic. Take a look at it–you’ll see what we mean.
And McDonalds’ logo is just a take off the first letter of their name, but it makes a huge statement.
Starbucks, though, takes the prize for one of the world’s most successful and obscure logos. Who’d have thought of associating a mermaid with a cup of joe? Not us, but it works.
8. Choose Your Colors Wisely
You’ve fleshed out the bare bones of your logo idea, and your resume writing service is getting its mascot. But before you go full-steam ahead, you need to think about colors.
It’s easy to think, I’ll just pick the colors I like. There’s a little more to it than that. For one thing, it’s very likely that the colors you use in your logo will also be used across your website, in your stationery, and any merchandise you might produce.
Another thing you have to think about though is, where will your logo be displayed? If it’s solely web-based, then the colors you use won’t matter as much.
If your logo will be printed, either in color or black and white, though, the colors you choose will make a difference. Pale shades or fainter colors don’t pick up well in black and white and can be difficult to match even for a color printer.
9. A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words…
Now you’re coming to your final choice of logo image, and it’s going to give your resume writing service wings to fly all over the internet.
So, take another look at the ideas you’ve come up with and make sure you’re choosing the right logo for your business. Does the image say what you want it to? Will people look at it and know what it is you do?
Look at your choice critically and get some outside advice. Trusted friends and family will be able to give you the critiquing you need so you can tweak your logo to perfectly reflect your service.
10. …But Your Typeface Makes All the Difference
You’ve got your image locked down and that is a feat, so give yourself a mighty pat on the back!
The last thing you need to choose is the right typeface that’ll bring your image to life and tell the world who you are.
When choosing your final font, it needs to be:
- Extremely readable
- Easy to scale up and down in size and weight
- Well-balanced with your image
- Fits your business ethos
Your font says a lot about you and will provide many of your customers with the first impression of your business.
11. Make It a Vector SVG Graphic
The final step in the process will get you the most beautiful and user-friendly logo of them all.
Once you’ve got the exact design of your logo down pat, you’ll need to make it digital. The way to do that is to make it a vector graphic.
Vector images are different from traditional JPEGs because you can scale them down or scale them up, all the way to infinity. And you won’t lose a single pixel.
With our premium logo-creation pack, you’ll get full branding with VSG graphics, so you can use your logo on absolutely anything.
The Perfect Logo for Your Resume Writing Service
Your business logo is one of the first things potential customers will see, and it speaks volumes about you and your company.
Make your logo say exactly what you want it to so it’ll appeal to the target market you’re aiming at. Go for substance over style, keep it clear and simple, but don’t think it needs to be boring.
Instead, keep our 11 steps clear in mind, and you’ll soon have the perfect business for your resume writing service.
What are you waiting for? Check out our tutorial on how to create your free logo now.
A Logo Designer’s Guide to Logo Development
Posted on March 14, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Every business needs a logo. Sometimes a business is just starting out and building out their marketing collateral. Other times, the business is rebranding and looking for a fresh take.
No matter who your client is or how old the company, the logo development process is fairly consistent. There’s always some competitor research involved. There are brand-related questions you’ll ask every client.
That said, there are some tricks that speed the process along and leave your clients happier in the long run.
So let’s dig deep into some areas of logo development and see if we can help to streamline your process.
Start Logo Development with Competitor Research
Before you draw your first sketch, you must research your client’s competitors. It won’t matter how great your design is if it resembles an existing logo.
This isn’t just a question of avoiding confusion, though that matters. A new logo that resembles an existing, better-established logo just works as a marketing tool for another business. You don’t help your client by advertising for someone else.
There’s also a legal issue at play. Many businesses trademark their logo. Give your client a logo that looks like someone else’s and you create a potential legal problem.
No one will thank you for opening up that can of worms.
Of course, you can’t possibly research every logo in existence. There’s just too many of them. The best you can offer is a good faith effort at not recreating a competitor’s logo.
Make Sure You Understand Your Client’s Brand
You can’t design an effective logo if you don’t get what your client’s brand is about. That doesn’t mean you must read their mission statement, but it does warrant a conversation. Make sure you ask a few key questions, such as:
- What are your brand values?
- How do you communicate those values to customers?
- Do customers perceive your brand that way you intend?
The answers to those questions will inform almost all of your design choices. A company that aims for a light, cheery brand isn’t well-served by a heavy font or dark colors. A business with a reputation for cool professionalism is best served by capitalizing on that reputation.
Simplicity
There is no greater friend in logo development than simplicity. There are a few important reasons for that.
Remembering simple things is easier than remembering complex things. For example, almost everyone knows that 2 + 2 = 4. On the other hand, how many people remember the Quadratic Equation from their high school math classes?
It’s more complicated and that makes it harder to remember.
Think of any images you create as symbolic. You’re trying to evoke an idea, rather than paint a scene.
You can see a great example of simplicity at work in a logo over at The Marine Battery. The anchor image is incredibly simple, but it evokes the idea of the sea.
Play Around with Several Ideas
Another key element of good logo development is not getting hung up on your first idea. Coming first doesn’t make an idea good or even viable. On the whole, first ideas are either vague or overly ambitious.
The brain is pretty lazy when you get right down to it. If it can work less in reaching a goal, it will.
Say your new client is a self-employed bricklayer. Your brain probably jumped straight to a picture of a brick or brick wall.
What about a freelance writer? Your brain probably conjured an image of a keyboard or a pen.
The problem is that you almost certainly share most of the same cultural and social touchstones as your competitors. That means their brains also went straight to some variant of those images.
Think of your first few ideas as cobweb clearing exercises. They let you deal with the obvious and the derivative. Once you get through those, you can start the real creative work.
Color
There is always the temptation to avoid color in logo development, but don’t go there too fast. Color is a primary reason around 85% of customers choose a product.
Again, the goal here is simplicity. Limit your palette to a few colors. If the business already uses specific colors for it’s marketing collateral, most of the decision is made for you. Consistency in branding more or less requires you stick with those colors.
If the business is new or hasn’t settled on a color scheme, reference their answers about what their brand represents. Choose colors that dovetail with their intentions.
If all else fails, look at broader industry trends. Is there consistency in color choices? If so, start with those colors.
The client can always ask for different colors if they aren’t happy.
It Must Scale
You can’t predict where a client will use a logo these days. For now, it might just go on their business cards and letterhead. It could turn up almost anywhere down the road, such as:
- The client’s website
- Social media accounts
- Product packaging
- Billboards
- Television ads
- Brochures
That means the logo must scale and still look good. The less complicated the image is, the better it scales. So there’s another argument for simplicity.
The real trick here is making sure you give the client the logo image in a scalable file type, like Scalable Vector Graphics. That lets them use it at any size without any grainy pixelation.
Parting Thoughts
Good logo development is about striking a balance between conflicting forces.
You must balance creativity against the practical reality of existing logos. You must balance your own view of a brand against the company’s stated brand values.
You should strive for simplicity, even when your imagination takes you toward complexity. Developing multiple ideas is more difficult, but first ideas are often stale.
Using color requires some restraint because it’s easy to go overboard. Yet, it also helps drive sales when done well.
The one straightforward part is that you should always use a file format that lets the image scale. It simplifies your clients’ lives in the long run.
Looking for another way to streamline your logo development process? Instead of building logos from scratch on your own computer, try out our free logo maker.