If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a logo must be worth at least 5,000, right? Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic . . . But there is certainly truth to the idea behind it.

Think about it: not only does a logo tell us who a company is, it also creates the familiarity and recognition that is crucial to that business standing out and being remembered by its customers.

A well-designed logo can help your business look:

  • Professional
  • Unique
  • Recognizable
  • Trustworthy

Your customer is more willing to invest money in a business that looks put together and professional. Having a beautiful custom logo is a great way to do that. But with all the advice, templates, semi-custom brands, and ideas out there, it can feel overwhelming to put together a logo that truly works.

If you’re ready for a new business logo, let’s go through some essential do’s and don’ts to make sure your design is the best it can be.

Do:

1. Do make your logo RELEVANT to your business: Any imagery must make sense based on what your business provides to your clients.

2. Do keep your logo SIMPLE: Aim for a clean design that is still unique and easy to recognize. Only include the most important information about your business and leave out the rest.

3. Do make it READABLE! Your audience must be able to read your logo, no matter what size it is. Skip the skinny fonts, scrawling scripts, or complex images that look muddled or faint when your audience tries to read it.

4. Do make your logo VERSATILE: Your logo must be used in a variety of places, both online and in print. It helps to create several versions of your logo that fit in different-sized spaces or on light and dark backgrounds.

5. Do keep your logo CONSISTENT with your brand: Your logo must match all the other visual pieces of your business, such as the colors, fonts, style, and imagery. It should flow seamlessly with the rest of your brand.

Don’t:

1. Don’t make your logo GENERIC: Aim for simplicity without sacrificing a style that is uniquely yours. Think outside the box to create a logo that is compelling and unique.

2. Don’t be CONFUSING: Will a glance at your logo raise more questions than answers? Your logo design should make sense when considering your products and services, target audience, and brand message.

3. Don’t follow TRENDS blindly: Styles come and go, but great design should be timeless. Your logo should have an enduring appeal that won’t look outdated in a few years.

4. Don’t COPY your competitors: You don’t want your business to blend into a “sea of same.” Dig into what makes you and your business special, then make sure your logo and brand reflect that.

5. Don’t forget your AUDIENCE: When someone sees your logo and brand, they will have an immediate emotional reaction to it. Consider who your ideal customer is, and make sure your logo appeals to them and what they want from your business.

Hopefully, this advice helps you design or redesign a fabulous logo for your business.

And be so proud of yourself for pursuing your dream of running your own business! It may not be easy, but you CAN do this. Your dream is worth all the hard work you put into it every single day. Let that confidence carry you toward the success and joy you have always dreamed of.

Branding is my passion. Helping others is my joy. I’m Heidi Slack, founder of Heart Shine Brand Design and passionate believer in the power of branding to elevate businesses of any size. Every day, I create beautiful custom logos and brands for women business owners (like you!) in San Marcos and around the world. With a custom logo, colors, messaging strategy, ideal customer targeting and more, my goal is to connect the heart of your business to those who need you the most.

You are so amazing at what you do. It’s time to be discovered by those who need you the most. Come see how Heart Shine Brand Design can help your business shine with the power of a custom brand: heartshinebrand.com. If you want advice or help with your logo, click here to schedule a free consultation and let’s get you closer to the best logo for your beautiful business!