What's In A Logo?
What separates a generic logo from a great one? Read on to find out how to create the perfect logo for your business.
Every day we are surrounded by logos. Some of these logos are generic, leaving almost no impression on us. Others are much too busy and unattractive. However, there are a few logos that catch our attention and never seem to leave.
When you got your coffee this morning did you by chance notice the Starbucks logo? Th
is is a perfect example of a simple yet interesting logo. What makes this logo even more unique is the intriguing story behind it.
Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a Starbucks, we can guarantee that you could distinguish Starbucks’ logo from other chain coffee restaurant logos. This is a great indicator that Starbucks has managed to find the perfect balance of a logo.
So what makes a great logo? Isn’t it hard to come up with something original and recognizable? We’ve come up with 8 ways to help you design that perfect logo for your business:
- Keep it simple. There is no mistaking that a simple logo is the best logo. Simple logos are easier to remember and stick with your customer. Nike, Amazon and Pepsi are all examples of simple logos that everyone recognizes and knows well.
- Allow for ubiquity. Design a logo that can be used everywhere. We’re talking t-shirts, pens, banners, stickers, business cards and anything else that you could tag. Ubiquity is the idea of having your logo or brand everywhere. Make sure your logo would fit and be recognizable anywhere that it may be placed.
- Know your audience. In marketing, it’s always about your audience. Your logo design shouldn’t be any different. Think about who will be seeing your logo. Will they easily remember your design? Will they understand it? Know your brand inside and out and convey that message to your targeted audience.
- Be original. As mentioned above, this can be a daunting task considering how many logos we see every day. In fact, it’s hard enough to even sit down and draw up a prototype without it being influenced by some of your favorite logos. However, it is worth getting creative. Including the name of your business in your logo may help you stand out from the competition. Whatever you do, don’t try and pass off someone else’s logo as your own. Your targeted customers will notice and go elsewhere.
- Use your budget wisely. Don’t take this personal, but you may not be creative enough to come up with a perfect logo. There, we said it. Hiring a sterling graphic designer may be worth the money in the long run. Make sure you do your research beforehand as there are thousands of designers out there and not all of them produce good work.
- Work with your designer. If you decide to take the route of hiring a designer, be specific with what you want. You are their client and they should listen intently in order to create the logo that you want. An experienced designer’s first goal should be to meet the client’s goals, not to be overly creative and forceful.
- Don’t overlook the meaning of color. Psychologists aren’t lying when they say that our minds perceive colors in ways that we don’t consciously realize. Red may send a bold and energetic message, whereas blue can be seen as more professional and tranquil. Green and brown are a little more “earthy” and purple conveys wisdom. Take a look at this infographic to see the meaning of more colors and what they do for your logo.
- Plan for the future. Trends change as fast as seasons and there is no real way of predicting what will be the next big thing in design. However, this doesn’t mean that your logo should stay as traditional as possible. Find the common ground between traditional and contemporary. What will your audience find intriguing now and five years down the road?
Creating a logo may not be the easiest part of branding, but it’s up there with the most important. Using these tips should help you create a logo to work for your business!
When you have your logo make sure you upload it to your site using WestHost’s easy-to-use Website Builder.