Logos for small businesses

Logos are very important. A logo is often the first thing a potential customer will see so it’s really important that this sets the right tone. We spoke to Lucy Smith, from Small Business Logos, who gave us a few hints to think about when choosing a logo. Have a read because she came up with some really interesting information. I would highly recommend using Small Business Logos – they have designed my PR Toolbox logo, which I love! You can brief in your logo here: www.smallbusinesslogos.co.uk?id=SUPR

 Stay consistent

Before you launch your new logo, make sure you’re happy with it. If the look of a business keeps changing this suggests instability – Is it in financial difficulty? Ask the designer to give you a note of the colours, style etc so images are consistently reproduced, on websites, brochures and press material.

Keep it simple.

Complicated logos can be confusing. Simple and bold designs are easier to remember. Think about how your logo will translate to different formats – will it work on an exhibition stand as well as scaled right down to fit on your business card?

Look at the competition

Research your competitors’ logo . What they’re doing right, and wrong, and consider what their logos say about them. Sectors usually follow certain rules – ‘green’ businesses, often use green (of course), while the IT industry favours silver/grey, to signifying technology.

Images are powerful

Whether you use an image or symbol alongside your company name, or have a purely graphical logo remember that a well-chosen image could be your most powerful tool. Images relay meaning, from obvious things like books for a publisher, or a tap for a plumber, to less literal associations – for example the University of Rotterdam recently found that logos which are planet-shaped suggest social responsibility.

Do it properly

With ‘do-it-yourself’ logos offered cheaply, it may be tempting to save a few pennies and have a go yourself. But designing a logo is not easy- simplicity is often the hardest thing to achieve. I’d say call in the experts – and let them do what they are good at.

To see what Small Business Logos can do for you, go to their site: www.smallbusinesslogos.co.uk?id=SUPR . Great price and really fab designers.