A strong logo plays a very important role in brand recognition for any business, whether retail or manufacturing. Companies such as Nike, Google, Facebook, Apple and McDonalds are good examples of the power of a logo. A great logo reflects your business and helps create a strong connection with consumers. Here are some things you need to consider when choosing a suitable logo for your business:
1. Consider the competition
When choosing a logo, you must ensure that it is something that will stand out from the competition. Therefore, take time to look at the logos used by other companies in your industry. Which colors have they used? What messages are they communicating through their logos? Are the logos flashy or conservative? The best way of differentiating your logo is to think outside the box. For example, if you sell shoes, you don’t have to have a shoe in your logo. The more unconventional your design, the more memorable it will be.
2. Decide what kind of logo you want
There are three main types of logos you can choose from; graphic logos, illustrative logos and typographic logos. A graphic logo, such as Nike’s, is one which has a design that represents your business. An illustrative logo also uses a graphic that shows what you are actually selling like Melty Burger. Finally, typographic logo is one which contains text only, such as Facebook. However, your logo could also be a combination of two of the above options.
3. Make it functional
The logo you choose for your business should not only be attractive but functional. It should be something that will look good on business cards, letter heads, websites, banners, and even on the side of a car. Therefore, be sure to use graphics that can be enlarged or compressed without losing their quality. It would also be advisable to have a logo that can easily be converted to black and white when necessary.
4. Avoid stock photos
With the readily available stock photos out there, it can be very tempting to simply pick one and use it as a logo. However, taking this shortcut will only make your business appear unprofessional. In addition, you are likely to find yourself using the same logo as another company. It would be advisable to hire a professional designer that will create a tailor-made logo for your business.
5. Choose the right colors
Colors evoke different emotions from people and can therefore help you communicate your brand message effectively. Therefore, you need to take time to understand the psychology of color. For example, blue is usually associated with strength, dependability and trust. Red is a color which signifies passion, while yellow evokes feelings of warmth, positivity or optimism. For example, if your business is environment related, you could use green which is associated with serenity and nature. As a general rule of thumb, it would be advisable to have three colors or less in your logo. This will even help you save on costs involved when it comes to producing stationery.