How to Design a Logo: a Comprehensive Guide

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When you hear the words McDonald's or Apple, what are the first things that pop to mind? You probably imagine a substantial yellow M over a red background and an apple with a bite taken out of it. These are two of the world's most recognizable logos, and you can learn quite a lot from them.

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Perfectly designed logos can do a lot for your business. If you don't have a logo yet — it's time to get to work and develop one.

This job is easier said than done, however. So, take a look at the following logo design tips and create a perfect logo that suits your business.

Do You Even Need a Logo?

Before going into the logo design tips, let's first see if you even need a logo at all. To determine this, there's only one question you need to answer — Do you have a business? If the answer's positive, then yes, you do need a logo.

Even if you're working solo or as a freelancer searching for your next gig online, you can benefit from having a logo. Essentially, your logo will act as the face of your business. It will be your ambassador, and it will be the first thing that your clients notice about your company.

A logo isn't a simple picture – it's your brand identity. It will be stamped on your business cards, your products, the packaging, your website. Everywhere you're present – your logo should be current as well. It's how people will recognize you. So, your logo must convey an image of professionalism, trust, and reliability.

You can always throw some ideas around and make a few sketches for your logo. But if you want it done right, outsourcing logo design services is your best choice. Professional designers can help you create a perfect logo that genuinely suits your brand identity.

Logo Design Tips

Even if you're outsourcing logo design services, you still need a general idea of what your logo should be. Once you start brainstorming, you'll realize how difficult this task is.

The following logo design tips should make it all much easier for you, so take a look.

Match the Logo Design with Your Company Style

It's of utmost importance that your logo makes sense for your company. If you were selling ice cream, for example, you wouldn't use an image of a burger for your logo. So, before you commit to a logo, think long and hard about your business.

What is your business about?
What are you selling?
What's your brand persona like?

All these questions can help you narrow down on your logo design, as the answers will have an impact on the final product. They will impact your color choices, your fonts, and the imagery. A lawyer who wants to be taken seriously shouldn't choose a pink Comic Sans font written over a panda bear.

So, determine how you want your business to be perceived, and make sure that your logo matches this.

Research the Competition

It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on the competition. Doing market research and keeping track of the competitors can teach you a lot. When it comes to logo design, it can point you in the right stylistic direction. You can research the competition to get some ideas, or to avoid some ideas.

You don't want to be guilty of plagiarism, accidental, or not. It can be harmful to a business in more than one way. The first issue is that you can get sued – this is never good press for any business.

The second issue is that you risk having your customers think about your competitor and not about you when they see your logo.

A well-designed logo will help you stand out, not blend in. Researching the competition will tell you how you can make your logo unique and recognizable.

Think About the Scalability

Your logo won't be just a massive banner on your website. It will be included on your social media accounts, in your email responses, on your products and packaging. This means that it needs to be clear and visible, regardless of how big or small it is.

When you're brainstorming about your logo, ensure that it's scalable. It needs to be well visible in black and white print, or as a small icon on your Facebook profile.

The fonts you use will have a significant impact on the scalability of your logo. Make sure that you're using fonts that clear and readable.

Make It Appealing to Your Target Audience

Your logo is created for your customers. If you want your customers to be proud of doing business with you, they need to like your logo.

You can always research your target audience to learn about their preferences, likes, and dislikes. But perhaps a better idea would be to ask them to help you with your logo design.

If you have a couple of different logos that you like, ask your social media followers for their opinion. You can get them to vote in a poll, or ask them to like the design that they want. You can even come up with a contest and ask your fans to make some sketches for you. Of course, always reward the winners.

Including your target audience in creating your logo can be very beneficial for you. Your audience will feel appreciated, and this will boost your engagement rates. It can even help you generate leads and improve your conversion rates.

Conclusion

Whether you're outsourcing logo design services or trying to do it yourself, you'll need to make an effort to make your logo perfect. Communicate with your designers, do your research, and create a logo that suits your business.

These logo design tips will ensure that your brand becomes recognizable and unique.
Until next time, Be creative! - Pix'sTory made by Erica Martin