6 Tips on Making and Using Your Logo

December 4th, 2009

A logo won’t help customers re-locate you on the web, but it will make you memorable. If you are gifted at graphic design, you have really no excuse not to have one. If you can barely draw a stick person, you really have no excuse not to have one.

Here are 6 tips on making and how to use your logo:

1. Avoid trendy on your logo, unless you are selling to teens, or selling the latest product that will be out of vogue within a year, or you plan only to be in business a year, don’t go with anything that will date the time your logo was created.

2. Try for timeless. Timeless logos evoke stability. Remeber, your customers want to know you are going to be there next year, or even next month.

3. Try to have a logo which evokes feelings that your products give. If you are selling crafts or weight loss products, what do you want your customers to get out of your products? Think it through, including the colors, the shapes, etc. Also check out your competitors, what do you like and not like about their logo? Put some thought and time into this process.

4. Keep your logo simple. Your logo needs to be flexible for all kinds of uses. For example, it will be able to be placed on clothing, decals, magazine ads etc. The less detail the cheaper and easier this becomes.

5. Do communicate with your designers. Be specific as possible and have as much information as possible ready before hand. Before hiring a designer or making a purchase from a logo design company, look at their work, find someone whose work is as close as possible to your ideas.

6. Once you have the logo, use it! Make sure your customers know what it is with their first purchase. You want to be identifiable especially in a crowded market.

Attract New Members With a Unique Dating Logo

December 4th, 2009

Let’s look at one of the most neglected features of a dating website. Well, am talking about a Dating Webite logo. Most dating website owners fail to appreciate the importance logos play in attracting subscribers.

One of the most important roles played by a dating website logo is making potential subscribers recognize your dating site. It also enables users to memorize your site URL. Generally, a Dating Site logo gives your site a unique feel and will attract more users because of its unique design.

Just like in other online businesses, a dating site ought to have a flexible logo that keeps changing to some extent, all through the year to keep members entertained and persuade them to visit your dating site now and again.

You need to change your site logo to reflect the occasion. For instance, it might be your dating site’s anniversary. Tweak your logo a bit to reflect that occasion. You can also change your logo on occasions like Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and public holidays.

However, you should not totally change your logo every time there is an occasion. Leave the basics the way they are, just add few attributes related to the occasion or holiday that is coming soon.

For Halloween it may be something weird, for Valentine’s Day- may be a flower or heart, for the New Year – a New Year present box can do. Another strategy is looking for images that you like. Be honest with the logo change and your users will appreciate it.

One example of great logo management is Google. They put so much attention to their logo. They are constantly changing their logo to reflect the occasion. Perhaps you should take time to do something like that on your Dating Site since the main aim of starting a Dating Business is to attract as many subscribers as you can.

Custom Signs and Logos – Illuminate Your Business

December 4th, 2009

As businesses try to establish themselves among the competition the idea is to try and gain a competitive advantage. This can be done in a number of ways which can include providing better quality than that of competitors, lower costs, greater customer service, or superior advertising. In setting themselves apart companies start to create their company identity.

Company identity sets up a reputation among consumers while at the same time its logo becomes a part of that. Take for example Apple’s logo verse Microsoft’s.

These two symbols or logos distinguish their products from others. Apple has portrayed its products as being fun, entertaining, and creative. While Microsoft promotes its products as business oriented, professional, and advanced. Logos are an easy way for companies to promote their products without even saying anything. They are all around us posted on billboards, displayed in magazines, on TV, portrayed at Bus stops, and presented on websites throughout the Internet.
A well designed logo can add value to a company’s image in the mind of consumers. Taco Bell, for example, spends 20 times more on its permanent media (e.g. signs that carry only its name and logo) than it spends on advertising – (Pamela Henderson and Joseph Cote 1998). Reversely a poor designed logo can affect a company in a negative way, possibly even before customers purchase the product. For example, both Joe the Camel logo and proctor and gamble moon and stars logo have elicited negative reactions that have hurt corporate image.

Companies in the past would have to produce a product, which then would have to become familiar to the public. After and only after it becomes familiar to people would they then associate the symbol or logo of the company to the product. Now in the technological age consumers are gaining the upper hand. With the internet boom which started in the late 90’s and more recently in the 2000’s companies are able to display their logos on multiple web pages to try and create awareness. When a consumer is repeatedly exposed to some form of a company, i.e. logos then it results in added benefits to the company. Social networks are giving power back to the consumer which gives small businesses an advantage. The challenge now is to reverse the process and create familiarity with the product utilizing these social networks in hopes that people associate your logo with a certain product the next time they go to purchase.

Branding Opportunity With Christmas Corporate Gifts

December 4th, 2009

With Christmas coming up, now is the perfect time you should be thinking of the giving of corporate gifts from your company. Christmas is a wonderful time to not only show your gratitude to your clients and staff alike, but also a useful time to reaffirm your corporate image.

It is a good member of staff that has spent all year working hard for your company and increasing your bottom line. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity to show them a little bit of appreciation in return? In fact with most members of staff it is a forgone conclusion that they will have some kind of reward at Christmas. Perhaps a Christmas bonus, extra holiday or drinks in the office. To simply let Christmas pass by without anything special you run the risk of being labeled as scrooge from your employees and building up resentment in the working environment.

Your clients are the ones that have made you to where you are today. They are the ones that make your company successful. Don’t you have some long lasting steadfast clients that you want to thank for their continued support? Small touches can not only build up relationships with your clients but also keep your company at the forefront of their mind so they remain reliable clients of the future.

So what is the most effective way of thanking your employees for their hard years work? How is the best way to thank your clients for their continued support? The answer lies in a ingenious method that not only acts as thanks, but also acts as a long lasting brand reinforcement opportunity; the giving of a corporate gift.

There are literally 1000’s of corporate gifts on the market, you have gold pens, wine sets, and corporate watches; bottles of wine, cufflinks and toiletries. All of which can be branded with your company’s logo. Each time the gift is used there after, your logo will be displayed to everybody in the surrounding area, reaffirming the image of your company.

So the giving of a Christmas corporate gift is essential in maintaining relationships with both staff and customers a like. A branded gift not only looks professional, but also reinforces the image of the company everywhere the gift is placed. Choosing something long lasting means you can not only build relations with the very people that make your company successful, you have the perfect advertising tool that will reinforce your company’s image time and time again.

Famous Company Logo Designs

December 4th, 2009

Why are logos so important? Think of some of the most famous company logo designs of our time. Nike is a good example, but what does that internationally recognized “swoosh” symbol coupled with a graphically enhanced depiction of the company name really do for Nike? A logo is a starting point for any form of communication in which the company engages. All marketing materials incorporate the company’s identity. All advertising incorporates the company image. All promotional materials incorporate the company logo. You see the Nike swoosh on shirts, sweatshirts, hats, key chains, and a host of other promotional stuff that has nothing to do with Nike’s core business: shoes. Nike can now use the “swoosh” symbol without the name and people all over the globe know its Nike. How powerful is that? Assuming your company has a positive image; mere recognition of the symbol is enough to get the job done. If it’s from Nike it’s got to be good — no need to read.

Logos Convey the Image of the Company

Nike is a great example of a company that illustrates how company image and logo relate. Today most people think Nike and they have positive thoughts but in the not too distant past Nike got caught up in a bit of a scandal over the child labor practices in some of their international manufacturing locations. For those who were aware of this issue, the Nike logo now evoked negative images. But as many great companies do in the face of trouble, Nike responded and responded effectively. Today most people see the child labor issue as ancient history and once again the image conveys positive images.

In today’s economic climate, banking logos provide more examples of how a company’s overall image and its logo are intertwined. When banks like Bank of America and Chase were increasing credit lines and credit offerings, we all loved them. Spotting the BofA flag logo evoked a positive response. But if you’ve had your interest rates raised by these banks, how do you feel now when you see their identity? The learning point is the greatest identity in the world will not help a company with a negative public image improve that image. Let’s talk about a few other famous logos and see what we can learn from them.

Famous Company Logos: FedEx, Apple Computer, and McDonald’s

Apple is one of the few logos that never included the company’s name. It is a rare, pure symbol only logo. Today, the Golden Arch symbol no longer needs to include the name “McDonald’s” for brand recognition, but it didn’t start out that way. FedEx is an example of a words only logo. The name FedEx is graphically enhanced with color, contrast, and box shapes. Some might argue that the enclosed box is actually a symbol. What we can learn from these three is that they all share common characteristics.

Common Design Characteristics

The characteristics that made these corporate logos famous can be summed up in a single word: simplicity. The value of simplicity is that it breeds functionality. All three of these logos are completely functional. They can be enlarged or reduced and reproduced in black and white without any impact on the message they convey. The evolution of the Apple logo illustrates this point. This image originally appeared with layers of different colors, but this limited its functionality. When the logo appeared on the cover of some Apple laptops, it just didn’t look good. Now it’s a mono color logo. All famous logos follow the most difficult to master design principle: Keep It Simple Stupid!

How to Come Up With a Great Tagline Or Slogan

December 4th, 2009

My clients are always asking how I can up with great slogans. The secret is very simple, have a clear idea of who your key market is and what they want. That’s the ground of being for your business, your reason for existing.

Do Your Homework
Once you know exactly who and how you serve them, the slogan almost writes itself. Remember I said almost, next you have to sit down and write about hundred slogans. Try not to judge or fix any of them as you are writing them down, just get as many written down as possible.

Walk Away
Wait at least 24 hours and look at them again (with fresh eyes). Now, pick out the ones that really sound good. The ones that convey the main benefit of using your product or service. And also the extra quality I call rhythm (it sounds good to the ear). Most good slogans are very short, because you want to quickly get the readers attention. And its easier to remember when its very short.

The Art Is In The Details
At this point I’ll settle on about half a dozen slogans to start improving on. Improving a slogan involves fine tuning it, adding a word or even a letter here and there. Or you may need to subtract a word or a letter. Remember a good slogan can help you get a great deal of customers so take some time developing it.

Logo VS Slogan
Your logo, in my opinion is not as important as the slogan. A picture is not worth a thousand words. People will remember and act on a good slogan, but a logo takes time to really make an impression. But I see so many businesses who have nice logos without slogans.

Test, Test, Test
The next step is to take your new slogan out for a ride, show it to a few people and get some feedback. Compare it to the competition and get a feel for how the market will react to it. After doing all this work on it you’ll know when you’ve hit on the right slogan, something just clicks.

Logo Design and Branding – Points to Remember

December 4th, 2009

A good logo design is highly instrumental in establishing a business brand and creating a long lasting impression among its customers. It should be able to create a powerful impact on the viewers and successfully exude the nature and attitude of a business. Ideally, a company logo design should be able to communicate your company ethos, principles, mission and the nature of product/service offered, to the viewers.

A professional logo design would establish a professional image of your company and strengthen your brand. Actually, in most cases the consumer gets the first impression about the company through your logo. Your business logo should build a brand that is strong enough to give your consumer a visual imagery of your company. People should be able to identify your company on sight of your logo.

Trend shows, most of the good logos are simple and often text based. Think of the IBM, SONY or Microsoft logo, even if you view a part of it you will be able to recognize the company. It is extremely essential for a logo to be easy for people to remember.

This principle of simplicity applies n most cases, however, we often see exceptions in Government Organizations, Hotels and Luxury resorts etc because they want to put up a classical exclusive image. This again brings us to a very important point that should be considered for a good logo design — the nature of business.

While simplicity can be the basic principle for any logo design, the designs might vary widely depending on the nature of business. For example, a financial institution might like to use a bold face font to express solidarity and stableness where as a courier service or transport company might prefer italicized fonts to express the speed and movement involved in their business.

In addition, while specifying the design requirements for your logo you should consider the fact that you will probably have to use your logo on your fax cover and other places where it will be in black and white. You should ensure that your logo looks equally good and attractive in black and white.

I would also suggest avoiding a very trendy look for your logo if you are planning for a long-term business because what we concern “modern” today might be backdated tomorrow. It is very important that your logo designer knows how to maintain this balance.

While any professional logo designer should be able to create a Custom Logo Design once you have provided them with your specifications, you should be careful to select an experienced designing company and not land up with some single designer start up venture.

Last but not the least important factor is price. You are paying for your logo – something that is going to be used to establish your brand and represent your business for years, so you should be ready to pay a decent amount while it is also not necessary to pay some big amount like $350 for a logo. With the online logo design firms coming into business, now you have a wide choice of price for your logos and it should not be difficult to find a logo designer that fits your budget. Some logo design sites would even allow you to quote your own price for your logo.

If you have still not got a logo for your business or are not happy with your existing logo, it’s time you get your new logo. Wish you lucked with your logo hunt.

Quality Business Logos – Without a Professional Logo, Your Customers Will Never Take You Seriously

December 4th, 2009

Like it or not, your business logo speaks volumes about your company and plays a major role in determining the type of reputation you have in your customers’ eyes. Based on your logo, what do your customers think about you?

The last thing any business owner wants is to leave a bad impression with their customers. Yet, many are doing exactly that because they aren’t paying careful attention to what their logos are communicating to their customers and prospects.

If you haven’t taken an objective look at your business logo recently, maybe it’s time for you to do so. Your logo is one of the most important parts of your business image. It is a representation of the essence of your company. Potential customers will judge your business by your logo. If your logo looks unprofessional, people will think you are too. If your logo looks cheap and generic, consumers won’t place much value on your products or services. If your logo is less appealing than those of your competitors, people will be more inclined to do business with your competition.

A logo may seem like an insignificant part of your business, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In actuality, it is an ambassador for your company and speaks volumes to your prospects before they ever enter your door. Make sure your logo is communicating good things about your business and leaving a positive impression. If its message is weak or uncomplimentary, give your logo a face lift before it does any more damage! The last thing you want is for your customers not to take you seriously!

Create Logos For Hungry Businesses & Reap The Money

December 4th, 2009

If you are handy with a graphic design package and have software to create fancy looking writing then you could make very good money creating logos for people. Offer your services on elance for dirt-cheap rates to get some feedback and a portfolio, and then raise your fees. You should expect £75 per logo. Typically you create three different options based on their criteria, then they choose one and tweak it until them are happy, you then provide them with jpeg and bitmap files of various sizes for them to use.

If you are not proficient with graphic design packages, or just want to brush up your skills, then there are a variety of classes both online and off that cater for all skill levels. In no time you will be able to create pictures you thought impossible just weeks before!

Creating logos is an artistic sort of thing to do. You can do this in your spare time while working out of the home, or work creating logos full time and create your own business with it. You will need various software packages, such as Adobe Photoshop and others like it. This will help you create the different types of logos people will be asking for. Often times, when people are asking for a logo for their own business they have only a faint idea of what they really want. This is because once they actually see the logo created they might realize that this is not what they want their logo to look like at all. This is why it is good to have some general questions to ask each client. Here are some example questions you could use -

  • Who is your audience?
  • What do you want your logo to “say”?
  • What colours do you think would be best for your logo and why?
  • Will you be using this particular logo on other websites, and if so, do you want other types created?

These questions will help your client by making them answer the hard questions about the basic purpose of a logo and what they specifically want out of it. This will also help you in the long run by having more satisfied clients first time. You will need to offer revisions until they are happy, some companies offer just one, but if you really want word of mouth to spread about how great your customer service is and how great your business is, then I would suggest giving unlimited revisions until they are happy.

Pre-Made Logos – Advantages And Value For Money

December 4th, 2009

Pre-made logos or logos that are already made and available on the site are becoming very popular and capturing a wider market with each passing day. Pre-made logos are at the same time unique, original and imaginative and what’s more… they are available on the spot… you just go on the logo site, select a logo that you like, order it and get it ASAP.

As the name suggests, Pre-made logos is that category of logos that have been designed before keeping the various industries and businesses in mind. Thus, people who are in urgent need of logos can get pre-made logos within no time. You just select the logo, register or make an account with the site, make payments and voila… here’s your logo!

You can always count on pre-made logos to provide you with the same premium quality and boost in business that comes with customized and high priced logos. Considering the instant availability and the supreme quality logo that will do wonders to boost your business, pre-made logos are available at very reasonable costs. The reason being that a customized logo has to be created within a deadline and thus, the artist needs to work under pressure and within a limited time frame utilizing all his energies to focus on one logo and thus for this tedious job, the artist will definitely change more.

As compared to this, pre-made logos are designed at a much steadier pace when the artist is free from all tensions and gives his best shot to every logo. Thus, after working at his own pace and without any tension, the artist does not charge much, providing pre-made logos at very affordable rates.

These features of pre-made logos not only make them available within a very short time but also deliver value for money. Small businesses can take full advantage of pre-made logos. Pre-made logos help small business in getting established; as they cannot afford renowned logo companies that charge exorbitant fees to custom design a logo. Secondly, small businesses need logos at the drop of a hat to start their business and services while big logo firms take time to design a logo as they are very busy with their extensive business schedules and large number of orders.

In such a case, pre-made logos are the best choice for small business and people who are just starting their business and do not want to wait for days and weeks to get their logo and spend more than what is absolutely necessary.

Pre-made logos are very easily available at any logo site that offers such. Just go and browse in the desired category, choose a logo, make payment and tell the designer what you want. The designers will incorporate your company name, your preferred colors and anything else you want to add or change in the logo and your logo is ready to face the world!

Thus, it can be rightly said that pre-made logos not only offer numerous advantages and benefits but value for your money too. Your hard earned money will not go wasted; instead you will get a logo that is at once customized according to your business needs, delivered at the drop of a hat and has all the right ingredients to make your business a roaring success!