What is a logo?
What a loaded question!
A logo is more than just a simple text or image we attach to our business. It’s a symbol; a message that says not only what your business is, but who it is.
In this blog, we dig deep into the significance of a logo and why its a necessary part of your brand, no matter how big or small your business may be.
What is a Logo?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a logo as an “identifying symbol” or “identifying statement”. Think about that for a moment… a symbol and a statement.
That’s a lot to pack into a 2D image or text, yet that’s exactly what businesses do. They package their identity, their brand, and their purpose into a small representation of who they are and what they do.
It’s effective, too. Think about the logos that stick into your mind today:
- McDonald’s golden arches
- Nike’s swoosh
- Starbucks’ two-tailed mermaid
- Apple’s half-eaten… well, Apple
You get the point. They stick with you as a mental image of the brands you’ve come to know. It’s a symbol and a statement that embodies the business.
Why Does My Business Need a Logo?
Big or small, corporate or independent, your business needs a logo. It’s used in multiple aspects of your business, from your print collateral to social media, advertisements, and products.
Your logo plays a key role in marketing and branding, including:
- Business cards
- Uniforms
- Letterhead
- Signage
- Banners
- Promotional materials (shirts, mugs, pens, etc.)
- Website design
- Social media accounts
- Email signatures
- And more…
Simply put, it’s everywhere you are: online, on paper, and in person. It’s a first impression packed into a glance.
When done right, people will remember your logo, and, in turn, your business. But if you design a poor logo, it can make your business appear unprofessional or forgettable.
That’s why quality matters. You achieve this by putting conscious thought into your design. Below you’ll find tips on how to create a logo that your customers will keep top-of-mind.
How to Create a Logo
There are two main options for designing a logo: you can hire someone to create one for you or do it yourself. There are pros and cons to each option and deciding which is right for your business depends upon your budget, skills, and tools.
When you hire a graphic designer, you hire someone who is trained in logo design. He or she will have both the expertise to help you choose a color scheme and design that looks professional.
Depending upon the graphic designer’s level of experience, you can expect to pay less than $300 (on average) for a logo design. This includes mockups, proofs, edits, and your final design.
However, if you’re just starting out with a small business or you already have a keen idea of your logo design in mind, you may choose to create a logo yourself. There are several resources available to help you do this.
If you already have experience in design, all you really need is a design program, such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. But if you aren’t a design guru, you’ll need a little more help.
That’s where logo maker programs come into play. These typically easy-to-use programs are complete with stock graphics and fonts. You don’t need any design expertise. Instead, the program walks you through the design process step-by-step.
What to Consider Before Designing a Logo
Whether you hire someone or plan to tackle your logo design yourself, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you hit the drawing board.
1. Aim to Stand Out
Forget what’s trending and what you’ve seen before. Your logo should be unique to your business. Think outside the box.
Start by identifying what makes your business unique from its competition, then expand on that. Drive your special attributes home with a special logo that sets you apart.
Some businesses may use an animal in their logo they feel represents their company’s culture and mission. UC Browser is a great example. They chose a squirrel because it’s fast, smart, and strong.
The animal has a personality, which influences their brand’s voice.
2. Consider How Your Idea Will Look in Black and White
It’s important when designing a logo to make sure it looks good no matter how it’s printed. This includes grayscale formats.
A best practice is to design your logo in black and white first. This will keep you from getting too attached to a color scheme only to realize it won’t work.
You can always add color to a black and white photo, but it’s much harder to fix a color logo when you realize it disappears or doesn’t make sense when converted to a colorless format.
3. Keep It Simple and Scaleable
Simplicity is important in a logo. It should be easy to recognize at a glance. Whether your design is shrunk to fit onto an address label or enlarged to cover a trade show banner, people should be able to read and recognize it.
As you design your logo, take out any excess or unnecessary details. Also, make it a point to test it out in different sizes. This will help you prevent or correct problems before you present your logo to the public.
4. Give It Meaning
All good logos have meaning. That meaning may not be philosophical or life-changing, but it does have to make sense. Before you settle on a logo design, ask yourself what it means to you or your business.
This answer may be as simple as a word or as complex as a narrative. So long as you can explain it, you’re good to go!
Whip Up Your Next Logo Online
If you’ve just discovered the answer to “What is a logo?” and realized you desperately need one of your own, don’t fret! We have the perfect solution. With our online logo maker, you can whip up a custom logo in minutes.
Get started with our free logo making program now and start breathing new life into your brand.
