How to Create a Business Logo

So, you’re about to start a business? Well, it’s time to get started and create a business logo. In this article you’ll learn some tips on how to create a business logo.

A logo is an image that consists of text and illustrations to represent something, whether a business, an individual, a place, or even a concept or idea.

When you create a business logo, it is an overall representation of your brand. For example, if you’re running a web design business and because you’re blonde, you might have a simple illustration with blonde hair in the logo. It’s important to create a logo that gives a good impression, as it’s the first thing that customers see. When you create a well-designed logo, you can potentially stand out from the competition and become memorable to your target audience.

As a note, a business logo doesn’t necessarily convey the actual products and services you sell. The fast food company Wendy’s is a great example of this. You have an illustration of Wendy, and nothing about the burgers and frosty shakes they sell.

If you're not sure how to create a business logo, don't fret. Here are a guide to get you going:

1. Do your research.
2. Keep it simple.
3. Be consistent.
4. Use high-quality images and fonts.
5. Make sure your logo is scalable. It should look good on both large and small scales.

1. Do your research

Before you get started on designing your business logo, you’ll need to take a bit of time to research other logos in your niche. When researching, make some notes on what you like or don’t like about them. This will help you get a better idea of what you’d want to do for your own business logo.

Additionally, when researching, make sure you’re targeting the right audience. You’ll want people to be able to relate to the logo and for them to find it appealing.

2. Keep it simple

Simple is best. People understand and remember a simple logo better. Avoid using too many colors, fonts, or shapes. In fact, 95% of leading brands only use 2-colors in their business logo.

3. Be consistent

When you’ve created your logo and start using it, make sure to use it in everything, whether it’s online or in print. You’ll create a strong brand identity.

4. Use high-quality images and fonts

Make sure both your images and fonts within your business logo are of high-quality. Additionally, they should be legible.

5. Make sure your logo is scalable

It should look good on both large and small scales. Your logo should never be so small that it can’t pass the Squint test. The Squint test is where you look at the logo from arm length and squint. If you can’t read or see your logo well, then people with eye issues won’t be able to see it either. Your business logo should scale to look good on large print items and on smartphones.

If you have an image editor, you can create your own. If you don’t, here are a few free options that you can use to make your own logo:

• Pixlr - free online photo editor
• Gimp - free downloadable image manipulator

When creating a logo, you’ll want to make sure you create it so it can be seen on the web and if needed, on printed materials. For printed materials, find where the resolution option is and set it to 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch). This is the minimum recommended resolution for your images. While the image will be large, it is necessary for print as anything less than 300 DPI will not show up as clear on fabric, paper, or other printed material.

When you create a logo for yourself, it’s the least expensive method, and good for anyone that just needs to get something started, or likes to Do-It-Yourself projects. However, this may not be good down the line when you want to level-up your brand. You can always start out with simple text and any free clip art that is allowed for both commercial and non-commercial use.

If you're still not sure how to create a business logo, or not super creative, then you might want to try a different option. You can hire a professional designer, or use an online logo maker. An online logo maker will generate and go through a straightforward simple process to help you put together a simple well-branded logo. There are some that say they are free like Looka and Smashing Logo, but they may cost depending on your choices during the logo creation process.

When you hire a professional graphic designer, it might be more expensive, but you are getting a better and more customized experience that you shouldn’t run into any logos out there that are nearly the same as yours. Additionally, they can make sure to create logos that will work for print material and for the web, and even give black and white options in case your logo has color.

It’s important to note that whatever method you choose to create a business logo, that in the end, you are proud of the outcome. It’s one of the most important parts of your brand, and what people will remember.

Once you’ve created your business logo, you might want to consider protecting it from other businesses using it. This is called trademarking. A trademark is an intellectual piece of property like a name, a design, a product, a service, expression, or object that distinguishes an individual, organization, or business from others.

You can trademark your business and even logo by registering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In fact, use their Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to make sure the name you choose for your business isn’t trademarked. This is not a free service, but as long as you keep on top of paying your fee for an active trademark, you’ll be protecting your brand.

In conclusion, hopefully you have a better understanding on how to create a business logo.