5 Things Your Logo Should Say About Your Business
Your logo is the front window of your business
It’s probably the very first impression someone will experience with your visual brand.
If your business is to be memorable and sell your services/products it’s really important that the first impression is positive. 😀
But if your logo looks like a mediocre window with an unattractive frame your business is going to be ill-judged…
“But I don’t have a physical storefront” I hear you saying. We don’t either!
Nowadays a logo is your digital window. When a potential client sees it or is window shopping, will they peer in and want to inquire…“Hello?” Ok, enough of the window analogy.
Surveys reveal that how you present your business online is more important than how you present yourself in person, especially with Millennials and Gen Z.
If your visual brand was a person, the logo would be their face. And no surprise here...your face and logo are a BIG part of your visual brand.
What’s a logo?
A logo is a graphic mark made from symbols, colors, and text.
Logos are used to get across messages, ideas, concepts, and thoughts. They’re designed for the recognition of organizations, businesses, and groups.
They’re used to build an identity within a business. The overall identity is a brand.
Although your logo is not your brand, it definitely plays a starring role.
How much are we talking about exactly?… Like when you ask your best friend for a “small bite” of that delicious fancy taco and they really don’t want to share and then you swear “just a teeny-tiny bite” and they finally give in to the begging and you literally bite it in half. That’s how much.
Logos make us remember a company
There are tons of iconic logos that exist in the world.
Imagine a logo right now! Any logo. It doesn’t matter which one. Ok, got it? Good, let us know in the comments which logo you thought of and why.
When you interact with a logo it’s experiential. Remember, it’s the face of your business and very often one of, if not the first interaction someone will have with your company.
A logo can instantly spark thoughts and feelings about that brand. Because a good logo is a visually aesthetically pleasing element it triggers positive (or negative) recall about your brand that the name of your company alone might not.
Some of the most famous companies have extremely memorable logos. Plus, large companies spend big bucks on advertising which means, the more you see it and hear about it (on TV, YouTube, Podcasts, Billboards, Emails, etc.) the more you remember it.
Studies show even toddlers are brand-conscious and can recognize brand names. That’s the power of a professionally-designed symbol. It sticks long and hard. And only erases with time.
Your company needs a strong logo so people can remember you because people aren’t always ready to buy right away. So when they do need to use your services or purchase your products your company name will be at the forefront of their mind (consistent marketing also helps with this!).
Your logo should say these 5 things about your business
We see logos everywhere—from vehicles, ads, website headers, and social media platform profile photos.
That’s why your logo must be versatile and adaptable. Because sometimes it needs to be a printed 10ft metal storefront sign or a digital 100-pixel browser icon (and should be created by a professional designer so you have the correct logo file formats).
A good great logo is appropriate, memorable, timeless, simple, and has an impact.
Logos are symbols that convey a message of a larger brand and a thoughtful, eye-catching logo design will help you establish yourself as a reputable brand in a competitive space.
1. I’m professional and take my business seriously
When first launching your small business, visual branding might not be #1 on your endless list of to-do’s (unless you’re a designer, hello!). But you are wrong. A pro logo is right up top with high-quality services and referrals.
Or, you think hiring a professional designer is too pricey, “I can’t afford it yet” so you say…SO instead you spend hours, days, or months DIYing it (time = money).
Or maybe, you go the cheap route and buy a discounted logo from a freelancer on Fiver or download some average art off iStock and call it done.
What really ends up happening is you spend 1–3 years using that passable logo art, colors, and fonts, building your entire brand around it, and putting it on everything and everywhere.
These aren’t the worst-case scenarios, but ones that we hear far too often from clients.
Our clients have experienced one or both of the two scenarios above and after a few years of using a subpar logo, they finally understand the value of professionally rebranding. They come to us truly ready to invest in their visual brand and take their business to the next level.
Our advice to new business owners: Save yourself time and money and get a professionally designed logo from the start with a designer who understands your company, target audience, future goals, aesthetics and brand strategy.
2. I know what my brand represents
Logos are a point of identification. They’re a symbol people use to recognize your brand and what you stand for.
Your core values are visually represented and communicated through your logo. It is the foundation of your brand identity similar to how your values are the foundation for your business.
It serves as the foundation for the narrative on which the brand is built. This element is so crucial because it gets translated into ALL of your branding materials (newsletters, social profiles, merch, etc.).
Every small business logo we’ve designed tells a story. What does yours represent?
3. I understand the audience that I am trying to reach
Your audience is looking for you with your logo (and your face.)
If you don’t have a logo (or a good logo) you are missing moments to make your business stick in the minds of your audience. Especially if your logo doesn’t resonate with your target audience...
Your logo needs to produce an emotional effect on your audience, especially if you’re trying to foster brand loyalty. Consumers must know, like, and trust you in order to try and buy.
Trust is built on a professionally designed logo. Loyalty will follow. Your logo communicates they’re in safe hands.
After someone uses your product/services and has a positive experience, they will remember you, seek you out, and refer you to others.
4. I am modern and up-to-date
Your logo introduces your company as an authority in your industry from the start.
Human attention spans are incredibly short—one second shorter than a goldfish. You need to grab attention and convince your audience you’re worthy of consideration all in under 2 seconds.
Most of this happens online...which is why it’s so important to create a well-designed presence across all the things you do on the web.
Do your logo and website scream “I’m outdated” to potential customers?
Are you on an antiquated website platform that you can’t manage? Not sure? Read our post to learn 9 Signs it’s Time to Break-Up with your Frustrating Website + Easy to Follow Tips to Help You Move On.
Are you pivoting your service offerings? Or is your business just long overdue for a rebrand? We can help.
Check out our web design projects for visionaries who are changing the world for the better. A lot of these sites are rebrands and you can see before and after photos inside the case studies.
5. I am unique and recognizable
Separate your business from the competition. How? With your logo!
Dare to be different because your business depends on it. What’s your USP (unique selling proposition)? Communicate it in your logo.
Through the right icon, color, font and customizations, you can convey your convictions and show how you are the best at what you do.
Your logo should encapsulate your brand to create an identity that people relate to and can recognize.
Your logo builds brand recognition
We hope your small business logo is saying these five things. We work with industry experts ready to create your personal brand, build authority and launch an impactful business online. Having a logo is an integral part of making your brand stand out.
Design Powers has had several logos. Being graphic designers we can’t help but redesign our logo every 3-5 years. To see some of our logos throughout the past, check out our rebrand posts.
Quick Guide to Logo File Formats
Download our free Quick Guide to Logo File Formats to know what file you need, where to use it, who uses it and why it’s right for the job.
