How to Design a Unique Logo for Your Business
Did you know your logo is an integral part of your branding?
Not only does a high quality logo show your customers that your business is professional, but it also differentiates you from your competitors and creates a powerful memory of who you are. They’ll think of you the next time they need the type of product or service you offer. This is because your logo and branding has been perfectly communicated in just a few seconds. This creates a lasting impression and what is known as brand identity.
3 main reasons why you should have your logo professionally designed.
First Impression
This is usually one of the first brand touch points your customers will see. As I mentioned you want them to remember you. If it's not designed well they may have second thoughts about whether you have a professional business.
Brand Awareness
You logo will appear everywhere! On your website, social media, printed materials, giveaway items and more. This symbol connects you to your brand and what you offer.
Emotional Connection
What does your logo symbolize? What kind of images does it include? What colors and fonts are you using? This where a lot of thought goes into the design. You want it to connect to your customers.
A talented designer will not only design you a professional logo, but they will also make sure that your logo is distinct and unique – just like you! So you may think, do you really need a designer or can you design your own logo? The answer is not that easy. Remember that graphic designers are specialists in their field and are able to produce quality work that is one of a kind. There’s more to it than just choosing the right colors, it’s about creating a symbol that truly represents your business. It can effectively communicate what you offer and your personality. Is your business fun and quirky? Serious and minimalistic? The color combination used should have some feelings or emotion that give some idea about the business and which in turn creates an emotional connection. The reaction of the human mind to color happens in an instant. It happens faster than someone can read. In fact, the mind makes connections and forms opinions based upon color before the conscious mind even determines at what one is really looking at. Pretty interesting huh?
It’s important for it to have a meaning so that it remains in the subconscious mind of your customer and sends a message about your business and reinforces your brand identity. It becomes ineffective if the targeted audience and the focus of the business are not defined clearly in it. What comes to mind when you think of a great logo? Apple… Nike… McDonalds…Adidas…Target just to name a few. These logos have created a deep impact and have successfully established their company’s brand recognition.
Keep in mind the cost for a logo design can vary from designer to designer. It’s best to have your logo created by someone with experience who will understand how people react to certain color combinations and will be aware of how to merge the messages of color psychology and fonts with a keen sense of aesthetics to create a memorable logo.
Now what type of logo should you create?
There are 7 different types of logos. Here they are with some examples of each.
Monogram or Lettermarks - HBO, IBM
Wordmarks or Logotypes - Google, Coca-Cola
Logo Symbols - Twitter, Apple
Abstract Logomarks - Adidas, Pepsi
Mascots - Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) The Colonel
Kool-Aid (The Kool-Aid Pitcher Guy)
Combination Mark - Burger King, Doritos
Emblem - Starbucks, Harvard
A lot depends on the type of business you have and the name of your business. A designer can provide you with a variety of logo designs and work with you to develop one that’s works with your brand.
What Not to Do With Your Logo
Don’t over complicate it. You don’t need to include everything in it. Some of the best logos are the most simplistic.
Don’t automatically add the obvious. You don’t have to have a paintbrush because you’re an artist. Be unique.
Don’t use colors that are too light, too dark or colors that just do not work well together. Your designer can help you choose a color palette that fits your branding.
As you can see quite a bit goes into a logo design. Having a good working relationship and great communication with your designer will make all the difference. Work together and you’ll achieve the best result.
Need help designing a logo that represents your brand?
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I believe can be an asset to your business. I hope you will find them useful!