As a business owner, you know that first impressions are everything. Providing excellent customer service and top-notch products and services is, of course, a must. But potential customers decide within seconds whether or not your company is worth their time.
You don’t have time to wow them with your outstanding customer experience, so how do you make a positive impact right away? Well, one of the best ways to do so is with an eye-catching logo design for business.
A well-crafted logo will not only make a good first impression but will also help you stick in potential customers’ minds, increasing brand awareness. Remember, your logo will be on all your brandings, from your website to your business cards to your packaging. It has to be spectacular!
If you’re feeling lost in the design process, we’re here to help. To learn how to create the perfect logo for you and your business, just keep reading!
Identify Your Brand’s Personality
The design process can be overwhelming if you’re starting with a blank slate, which is why it’s a good idea to hammer out a few details before you begin sketching or looking at color choices.
The first step is to identify your brand’s personality, as your logo should communicate who you are as a company at first glance. To achieve this goal, sit down and think about what makes your company unique.
Why did you start your business? What set of values do you hold as a company? What makes you better than your competitors? If your customers were asked to describe your business in three words, what would you want them to be?
Research Other Brand Logos
You never want to copy someone else’s design. There are over 30 million small businesses in the U.S. alone, the whole point of creating a business logo is to set yourself apart from the rest. That said, a great way to begin the design process is to research other brand logos.
In doing so, you can get an idea of what you like and don’t like in a logo. What colors stand out to you? Do you prefer minimalistic logos or more detailed designs? Is your ideal logo whimsical or ultra-modern?
At this point, consider creating a mood board on which to pin your ideas. A digital board is the easiest option, but if you’d rather print out your ideas and pin them on a corkboard, go for it!
Choose Your Type of Logo
Now that you have a rough idea of the design style you’re looking for, you can take the next step, which is finding the right type of logo for you and your company. This will depend on your type of business and preferred aesthetic.
Whether you’re going the DIY route or planning to hire a logo designer, you need to have a type of logo in mind. Here are a few of the most popular types.
Monogram
The simplest type of logo is a monogram. This is a great option for those looking for a way to shorten their company name and those who want a minimalistic design. Keep in mind, however, that because these logos are so simple, it can be difficult to express your brand personality with them.
Pictorial Mark
For a simple logo with a touch more personality, go with a pictorial mark. This is an iconographic image that represents your brand. For example, Apple and Target have iconographic logos.
Since you’re a small business, it’s unwise to use an image without a wordmark. No matter how fantastic your icon is, customers still need to know the name of your brand.
Mascot
If you’re looking to add even more personality to your brand logo, designing a mascot could be the ideal choice for you. Mascots don’t have to be whimsical but often are while adding an approachable, family-friendly vibe to your brand. Again, your mascot should be paired with a wordmark, at least on the majority of your branding.
Emblem
Those looking for a classic, traditional design can do no better than an emblem logo. Emblem logos are typically a badge, seal, or crest. They will add an old-school aesthetic to your brand while conveying both personality and important information, as they’re a combination of both word and pictorial elements.
Pick Your Brand Colors
When it comes to logo design, color choices are more important than you might think. Colors come with a wide variety of different meanings and associations, and choosing the wrong one can give the wrong first impression.
Now, you could spend days researching color theory, but there are a few basics to keep in mind when choosing your brand colors.
There are three different types of color combinations: complementary, analogous, and triadic. Complementary colors create a dynamic effect, as they’re direct opposites of each other on the color wheel. Analogous colors are close to each other on the wheel and will harmonize well with each other when used in your logo.
Going the triadic route means choosing three different colors, each from different sections on the color wheel. This will create the boldest effect of them all.
Educate yourself on the meanings and associations of each color before choosing it, and for most designs, it’s best to stick to 2-3 colors maximum.
Reach New Heights With a Stellar Logo Design for Business
For many business owners, logo design for business is one of the most exciting parts of starting a company. You get the opportunity to tell a story, represent your brand in a positive way, and make a lasting impact on potential customers all with one image.
Don’t be afraid to take your time with logo design. Take a few days to brainstorm, ask a friend for advice, even reach out to a professional for help. With the perfect logo, you’ll give yourself a headstart on the road to success.
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