A business logo is central to your brand identity. It’s a marketable asset that keeps you in the mind of customers and in the conversations of prospects. Designing a logo takes finesse but with the right use of best practices and insights, you can create one that defines who you are while becoming something memorable.
In this article, we’ll share several tips and tricks for developing a business logo you can be proud of. Let’s get right into it and make something great.
The basics of business logo design and development
There are a lot of ways to approach designing your business logo. It doesn’t matter where you start — just that you end up with something you like! That said, there are some insights, tips, and best practices that can guide your efforts.
Elements you’ll want to consider during a logo’s development include:
- Simplicity
- Timelessness
- Negative space
- Color
- Typography
- Scalability
- Professionalism
Now, let’s use these to design a logo for a small business.
Keep things simple
Simplicity is key when it comes to business logos. A busy or complicated logo will be difficult for customers to remember and could even turn them away. That’s why it’s important to focus on creating a simple logo that is easy to understand.
To design a simple logo, consider using basic shapes, colors, and fonts. If you want to add a bit more complexity, use negative space or iconography to add depth without making things too busy. Finally, make sure your logo scales well — it should look just as good on a business card as it does on a billboard!
Create something that’s timeless
When you’re designing your business logo, you’ll want to think about how it will look 10 or 20 years down the line. After all, you want your logo to be just as relevant and recognizable in the future as it is today.
To create a timeless logo, focus on using classic design elements like basic shapes, fonts, and colors. You’ll also want to avoid Trends — they may look good now but will quickly date your logo. And finally, remember that less is often more when it comes to creating a logo with staying power.
Make use of negative space
Negative space is the area around and between the subject of an image. It’s an important element in art and design, and can be used effectively in business logos.
Negative space can help to add depth and interest to a logo without making it too busy or complicated. It can also be used to create subtlety and hidden meanings in a design. When used well, negative space can make a simple logo more memorable and impactful.
Consider the color of your business logo
Color is a powerful tool that can be used to add meaning, emotion, and interest to a logo design. When choosing colors for your logo, think about the feelings you want to evoke and the message you want to communicate.
For example, blue is often associated with trustworthiness and strength, while green can represent growth and nature. Black is often seen as sophisticated and serious, while white is associated with purity and simplicity.
Think about the typography
The font you use in your business logo says a lot about your brand. It should be easy to read and convey the right tone for your business.
For example, a more playful font may be appropriate for a children’s toy store but not for a law firm. Likewise, a modern sans-serif font might work well for a tech company but not for a traditional bank. When choosing a font for your logo, think about the image you want to project and the message you want to communicate.
Make sure your logo scales well
Your business logo should be easily recognizable whether it’s printed on a business card or displayed on a billboard. That means it needs to scale well — which is something you’ll want to keep in mind during the design process.
To design a logo that scales well, start by keeping things simple. Use basic shapes, colors, and fonts that will still be legible when scaled up or down. You’ll also want to avoid intricate details that will get lost when the logo is reduced in size.
Keep your business logo professional
Your business logo is often the first impression customers will have of your company, so you’ll want to make sure it looks professional.
There are a few things you can do to ensure your logo looks professional. First, make sure it’s clear and easy to read. Second, use high-quality graphics that look sharp and polished. Finally, avoid using clip art or stock images in your logo — they will make your brand look unprofessional.
Consider hiring a graphic designer
If you’re not confident in your design skills, you may want to hire a professional business logo designer. A professional can help ensure your logo looks polished and professional — which is important if you want to make a good first impression on customers.
A professional logo designer will also have the experience and expertise to help you create a logo that’s both memorable and impactful. So if you’re looking to create a top-notch business logo, it may be worth the investment to hire a pro.
Start the business logo design process today
With a bit of effort and these insights, you’ll end up with a business logo that fits your brand and connects with your audience. So, get a pen & paper or load up your favorite design program, and get started brainstorming how your small business logo will look (and feel).
For more insights on starting a business and building your presence, check out more of our blog, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on socials!