Business Logos and Logo Creator Options

Is creating your business logo a small task that you need to get done ASAP? Although you may want to focus more on advertising and sales, creating a logo is essential! Creating a compelling logo is an integral part of branding and developing marketing strategies, especially for a growing small business. A logo represents your company. It's an image, text or combination of both that target customers can recognize. A logo becomes your company's identity and helps increase brand awareness.

What's in a logo?

A logo is more than just a symbol or name of your company in a colorful font. It has the power to become synonymous with your products, services and everything that your company stands for.

A well-designed logo:

• Reflects the culture and personality of your company For example, Coca-Cola's flowing red script reflects the company's classic history and nostalgic appeal.
• Evokes feeling and elicits an emotional response in consumers The Hershey Company's chocolate Hershey's logo is meant to conjure an image of Hershey KISSES, which may remind you of your childhood or holidays. The memory elicits familial or comforting feelings, triggering you to buy the chocolate.
• Builds a relationship with loyal customers Nike's globally recognized swoosh stands for "simple, fluid and fast," which accurately represents the company as a leading sportswear and athletic equipment company. Nike's swoosh establishes brand loyalty and connects customers to the brand. Perhaps you wear Nike apparel that is branded with the swoosh to feel like a part of the athletic community.

Where do I start?

Begin with company introspection. Determine your company's mission statement, values and goals. You'll want your logo to be a visual extension of your business ideals. After you've clearly established your identity, research the marketplace. Know your competitors, their brand and the relationship between their brand and logo. Jot down creative strategies that can separate you from your competition.

The purpose of your logo is to:

• Convey a message
• Establish credibility and professionalism
• Position your business within the marketplace
• Brand your company's image
• Visually guide marketing and promotional campaigns
• Leave a lasting impression on customers

How do I design a logo?

Logo design options include hiring a graphic design company or designing your own using online software programs. Depending on your preferences, both options offer advantages and can effectively help you create a professional-looking logo.

Design Specialist

A professional graphic designer can consult with you one on one and review your company vision and creative ideas. The designer will create a logo based off of your specifications. Typically you'll have a few prototypes that you can edit if you're unsatisfied. The final design should be original, memorable and embody exactly what you want to achieve.

Design Software

A cost-effective alternative to hiring a professional designer is to use an online logo creator. You actually create your logo as the design program guides you through the step-by-step process. You choose the symbol, font, colors and size. Logo creators produce quick results and don't require graphic design experience.