In today's competitive world of sell, sell, sell, it's no secret that every company wants more than a little piece of the pie. How do you get noticed in a competitive market? How do consumers recognize your company's products and services among competitors? Branding your business with a powerful logo is essential!
A logo is the symbol of your company. There's no question that an effective logo will change how people view your business. It will strengthen your brand and solidify your company image.
The following five C's are guidelines for crafting an ideal logo. Consider the profound effects that developing a compelling logo will have on your audience.
From the onset, your logo design should be timeless. As loyal customers begin to accept, support and identify with your brand, changing your logo and creating a gray-area brand can have a negative effect. Customers vehemently disapproved of Gap's new logo. The backlash stemmed from opinions that the new logo lacked the company's identifiable nostalgic and classic look and feel. Because of the confusing new logo, Gap returned to its original design.
Brand strategist and designer Tim Girvin of Girvin Inc. explains that logos should only be redesigned when "the organization is shifting." He says change should occur "if there's evolutionary or revolutionary change in the strategy of your company." Modernize your logo when it's fundamental and when new marketplace positioning is required.
Starbucks Coffee Company dropped "Starbucks Coffee" from their logo to reflect international market and product expansion. The redesigned iconic siren mirrors Starbucks' new strategies for its branding. Strategies include creating new consumer experiences, "dropping the boundaries of its own business and growing into new areas," Associated Press food industry writer Sarah Skidmore said.
A professional graphic design logo firm can help revise your current logo to reflect changes in your business endeavors or image. Online logo programs include an easy-to-use guide with a step-by-step process. Before revising your logo, make sure that it's fundamental for brand cohesion or to reflect major changes in the direction of your company.