What You Need to Know About Your Company's Logo

Close your eyes and think about company logos you’re familiar with. What are the first three that pop into your mind? Are they logos that you see frequently? What is memorable about these logos?

When I do this exercise, the first three I see are Penguin Press’s little penguin, the Target bullseye, and the Chicago Bears’ roaring head.

All three of these logos are memorable because I come across them often. However, that isn’t the only reason they stand out. They all incorporate the key components of quality logo design. When you’re starting your own business, you want to make sure that your company’s logo stands out and is memorable, just like these famous examples.

Let’s talk about how to do this and why it’s so important.

What Is Your Company Logo?

Your company logo is a design used to represent your brand. It can be made up of one or more of the following:

·         Text

·         Shapes

·         Symbols

·         Colors

·         Images

When utilized effectively, the logo can quickly become the symbol your customers immediately associate with your brand.

How Does a Logo Help Your Company?

Your brand’s logo is more than a nice design. It can be critical to your business’s success by helping you accomplish the following:

·         Stand Out: In every industry, your company will be lined up against competing businesses. Standing out among your competitors is one of the most important challenges you’ll face. An eye-catching logo can help your current and future customers remember your brand.

·         Build Brand Awareness: The more often people see your logo attached to a product or service, the more likely they are to associate your company with that product or service. Repeatedly being reminded that your company does or provides a specific thing helps build trust and brand loyalty.

·         Self-Promote: A company logo is an easy piece of self-promotion that you can add to your company’s website, social media accounts, print collateral, merchandise, slide decks, and more. It’s a simple, accessible way to promote your business and part of your cohesive branding strategy.

A strong logo gives your company a strong start an can give you an advantage over competitors in branding presentation and strategy.

What Might Surprise You About Logo Design?

Before we discuss how to design your company logo, let’s look at an aspect of logo design that might surprise you.

Your company logo doesn’t need to tell the story of what your company does. Think about companies such as McDonalds or Ryanair. The McDonalds logo is shaped like an “M” because the last name of the company’s founders was McDonald. Ryanair uses a harp to signify its Irish roots.

If you were to simply look at the logo of McDonalds, you wouldn’t know it had anything to do with fast food. The same is true of Ryanair – the harp doesn’t tell you that it is an airline.

However, these two brands are recognizable around the world by their logo because they utilize their branding tools effectively.

How Should You Design Your Company Logo?

When it’s time to design your company logo, there are several guidelines you should follow to make the most of your branding power, including:

·         Select a distinctive and unique look. Don’t choose a design that resembles everyone else or your company might get lost in the crowd.

·         Choose no more than 2 to 3 colors from your company’s color pallet. Your logo is a key component of your promotional strategy, and it must fit cohesively with your other branding materials.

·         Use typography appropriate for your brand. The typography you select should be clear and readable. It should also fit your brand’s style and mood.

·         Craft a logo that is adaptable to several purposes. The logo will be used on your website, business cards, promotional materials, and more. A solid logo will look equally appealing across many different uses.

·         Hire a professional designer to create your company logo. While it may cost you a little more upfront than designing it yourself or using AI, that price is worth it. A professional designer knows how to craft a memorable logo that positions your brand for success and growth.

1022 Consulting for Your Logo Design Needs

When it’s time to design a winning logo for your brand, contact 1022 Consulting. We’re here to help with all your branding needs from logo designs to complete branding packages. Contact us today to start your branding journey.