If you are looking to create a logo for your company for the first time, you must be confused and uncertain where to start and how the whole process works. Perhaps you have never even thought about logos as much. They seem like some trivial matter that nobody really pays attention to, at first. However, if you take a look at some of the most famous companies and their logos you will soon realize that the whole world recognizes these. Therefore, logos are extremely important when it comes to building your own brand. Here are some things to take into account when creating a logo for your SMB.

Make an impression

First impressions count and there are many examples that prove it. Our parents always said that we should try really hard in school in the beginning in order to make a good impression. After that part is done, everything will be easier in the future. Indeed, whoever did make a good impression was later always forgiven for minor setbacks. On the other hand, making a bad first impression is insanely difficult to recover from. There have also been examples at school of these unfortunate cases. One needs to try ten times harder than an average grade A student and still end up with a C. Not to put too much pressure on the issue, but first impressions are important and they need to be handled well. This is why you cannot dismiss the work that needs to be put into creating a logo. It needs to be fetching and memorable at a first glance in order for people to like and learn about your company.

Types of logos

Before you actually start making your logo, you need to have a certain idea of what it should look like. There are several basic types of logos and they include textual, graphical, abstract and combined. Textual logos usually include the whole name of the company if it is a short one or its initials. The focus here is on the design of the letters, i.e. the font. For instance, EA Games has this type of logo. On the other hand, graphical logos are more suitable for someone whose brand name is symbolical. Apple has a brand name that is easy to present graphically, for example. If there is a special reason you named your brand the way you did and it can be visually displayed, use it for your logo. Graphical logos are more fetching, in general and easier to relate to, while abstract logos can be a bit confusing. However they could also be inexplicably attractive. If you are looking to expand internationally, abstract logos are awesome in this case as it does not limit you culturally. Every nation understands shapes pretty much the same way. In the end, you can always opt for a combination of two or three types. These can be amazing examples of logos, however, there is also a danger of overdoing it. Try to remember that, in order for people to remember your logo, it needs to be simple. This is why you should not overcrowd it with content.

Build your brand identity based on the logo

Whether you are aware of it or not, your logo defines your whole brand in a way. Brand recognition is definitely based on the logo or any other visual marketing your business has to offer. Most people will encounter your business via logo. They will be able to see it everywhere. The packages, promotional materials, your website and all social media will contain your logo, so it is very likely that most of your potential users will first meet your brand this way. That is another reason why it is extremely important to pay attention to details. The design of your logo is essential, however, the packaging of your products matters, as well. The theme of your social media and your website need to be in sync and pleasant. There should be a certain harmony among all elements concerning your brand. If this is the case, your logo will speak for itself when it comes to your brand.  This is what attracts people and keeps them interested enough to look under the hub when it comes to getting to know a new business.

Consider target audience

Another key aspect to consider when contemplating the logo design is your own target audience. So far, you must have analyzed your audience and categorized them according to age, occupation, interests and other groups. Aside from picking what you personally liked as a logo design, you should take into account what the majority of your audience would like, too. As an entrepreneur, one cannot indulge themselves, but their target audience primarily. If this is a challenge for you, it is better to seek help than risk everything. Control groups can be very helpful in these situations. Hire people that are typical representatives of your target audience, present them a few ideas and see how they respond. Direct feedback from your users is the best you can get in order to make progress. These groups are useful for any new feature or removing an old one, so you might consider keeping them permanently to help you develop.

Actually make the logo

When you have thought long and hard about everything you need to do before making the company’s logo, it is finally time you made it and the main question is how. There are a few ways you can tackle this issue. One very logical option is to hire an external contractor or a service that will make the logo for you. Naturally, you would be behind the idea and their job is to create the logo according to your expectations. This is an easier, but more expensive option. The other option is to make the logo yourself. This is a bit risky if you have never done it before. However, there is a first time for everything and, if you have the will, you could do it. Just use one of those logo generating tools that will make your life much easier. The pros of this approach is the fact that it is more affordable and you get the chance to express your creativity. Moreover, only you can truly know how you imagined something in your head, so it is more likely that the design would depict the exact ideas in your head.

Check the competition

Before submitting the official design of the logo, do some research and try to find similar logos. Explore the competition and check out their logos. The human brain works in mysterious ways. Sometimes, we think an idea is a product of our imagination, while it can be merely a copy of something we had already seen before. This happens subconsciously, of course, but it does happen. So, check your logo for plagiarism. These things happen very often, unfortunately. If your company’s name is popular and there are more companies with similar names, chances are their logos are visual and the symbolism is basically the same. Once you do check this, and it is going to take some time, since you need to do some thorough research, you will be ready to go public.

All in all, the matter of creating a logo is not to be taken lightly. On the contrary, it is quite a significant part of setting up your business and it can even be a defining moment in your career. This is why the issue deserves your time, effort, as well as financial investment to make everything perfectly fit you and your business. If you do this step right, you will be one step closer to running an extremely successful business.

...

Author Byline: Liam Collins is a tech pundit and Web enthusiast working at TuiSpace.com. He spends most of his time reading and writing about the current affairs in the world of information technology. When he isn’t working, he likes going for long bike rides and walks in nature