Your logo is one of the most important components of your business branding. Studies show that people are more responsive to images than they are to text, so it is safe to say that your logo is more powerful when it comes to marketing than anything you may be able to write about your business. Unfortunately, many businesses overlook the importance of the logo and take shortcuts that end up costing them in the long run. If you want to create an effective logo, then be sure to avoid these top five common logo design mistakes:
Using clipart
Clipart graphics are those that come installed with your word processing program, or that you can find in bulk online. What’s wrong with clipart? Anyone who has a computer and/or Internet access can find and use clipart . . . which means that business logos made of clipart are generic, unimaginative, and unoriginal.
Not hiring a professional
Amateur logos are easy to spot, and as your logo is just as important to your branding as your website and advertising, you should hire a professional to create your logo, just as you would hire a professional to handle those other important tasks. Remember that your logo speaks for you. What is it saying? If it is not professional-grade, then it will probably be saying something like, “I’m cheap,” or, “I’m amateur.”
Not being original
The purpose of your logo is to stand out from the crowd and give people an impression that will last. Do plenty of research before you finalize (or approve) your logo design, to make sure that your logo does not look even slightly similar to someone else’s. If you need help with ideas, concentrate on what makes your business unique, and how you can relay that unique quality in graphic form.
Not accounting for scaling
Your logo will have to expand to fit large advertisements, and as well, it will have to shrink to fit on things like business cards and letterheads. If your logo is too complex, it could become just a jumbled mess when you scale it down. If your logo image doesn’t shrink well, you will need a new image.
Being too trendy
Avoid following design and color trends when creating your logo. Remember that your logo should stand the test of time and that you should make changes to it only when absolutely necessary, and as little often as possible.
Don’t skimp when it comes to building your brand.
When it comes to building your brand, your website is one of your most powerful tools. Contact Dr. John Elcik at identityXperts to handle all of your web design needs. We can be reached by phone, at (239) 400-0622, or email: jelcik@identityXperts.com.
