Creating a business logo is an exciting moment in a startup’s lifecycle. Your logo acts as the visual ambassador of your brand. Customers will be able to identify your company and its offerings simply by seeing your logo. As such, a great logo should be able to match the look and feel of the business.
However, without the proper guidance it can be easy to make common mistakes when creating a logo. Follow the advice from our friends at FreeLogoServices on the general dos and don’ts for creating a fantastic business logo.
Do: Create a Vector File of Your Logo
One of the easiest mistakes to make when first designing a business logo is choosing the wrong file format. The right file type ensures that a logo looks great at any size. (The wrong file type, on the other hand, has the ability to make your logo look like a tiny, pixelated mess!)
The best file format is typically a vector file for your logo. A vector file is made up of lines and shapes. These lines and shapes are scalable and embedded with true colors. This allows designers to stretch and resize the file without reducing the quality in the source file. A vector will scale up or down without any issues and serves as the perfect representation of the logo’s original format.
Ready to create a vector file of your logo? Get started with this helpful step by step vector file creation guide by FreeLogoServices. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your logo will never be blurry or pixelated regardless of whether it’s on a screen or in print.
Do: Think About Color Combinations
The first impression of a logo is everything for a small business. One critical element to focus on when designing a logo is its color combination.
There is a psychology behind color combinations and the ability to evoke emotions in consumers. For example, bold color combinations may inspire feelings of love and excitement. Meanwhile, subtle color combinations may reflect a sense of calm or trust.
There are no hard rules to identify the best color combination for your small business. However, if you need a bit of help identifying the proper color combinations for your business consult the guide from FreeLogoServices. It breaks down color combinations by industry and the important role they play in a business logo.
Don’t: Just Use Your Logo on Business Cards
Logos are a powerful branding tool for small businesses. You do not have to solely showcase it on business cards. Add your logo to the following spaces:
- Your company website and/or blog
- Signs and banners
- Packaging for your products
- Letterhead and email signatures
- Invoices and forms
- Social media accounts
- Promotional merchandise
- Company apparel
The more consistently you use your logo, the more it acts as a unifying symbol that may relay positive messaging for your small business.
Don’t: Rely Too Much on Trends
A classic mistake made when creating a logo is using a design that is popular right now.
Consider the longevity of such designs. Reflect on what was popular a year ago. Does it still resonate with audiences? Or does it feel a bit dated? The best approach is to create a logo that is timeless and classic.
Don’t: Use Multiple Fonts
If you struggle to read your logo, chances are your customers will face a similar dilemma.
Choose no more than two fonts to keep your logo consistent and clean. Make sure each font is easy to read. When possible, pick a font that matches your company’s style too.
Do: Refresh Your Logo
Conduct a logo, and brand, refresh every couple of years. This will allow your business logo to stay current in the market. The brand will retain its existing customer base while attracting new demographics. You may also choose to refresh your logo because you have shifted your product focus or are reinventing your brand.
What should you focus on when refreshing your business logo? You may use this time to upgrade your font or use a slightly darker or lighter shade for your color combination. Once you have refreshed your logo, remember to share the updated logo design across your marketing materials.
Do: Register Logos as a Trademark
Did you know your logo is a piece of intellectual property? A logo is also one of your startup’s trademarks. It is a unique mark that identifies your brand to the world.
After you design it, the next best step is to register the trademark at the federal level. Our team of professionals at MyCorporation are here to assist you in conducting a name search and registering your trademark. Once your application has been submitted and processed, you will receive exclusive rights to the mark. This ensures nobody may use your logo without your permission. It also gives you, the owner, exclusive rights to use the logo as your own trademark.
Ready to register a trademark for your logo? MyCorporation is here to help! Reach out to our team at mycorporation.com or call us at 877-692-6772.