Every organisation should have a brand element that helps them stand out from the competition. This is usually the logo. Logos can stand alone as a mark or image or add text to help explain what the brand is, what they do and what it stands for. They help identify products and services and is designed for quick recognition.

In other words, the best logos sum up everything a company is about.

The tricky thing is that this isn’t as easy as it sounds. To create the perfect logo, many companies choose to engage a professional graphic designer. For some, though, this is just too expensive. That’s why they turn to the more popular option, which is creating their logos online.

Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a logo online. So, let’s crack on.

Why Do Companies Need Logos?

Company logos are graphic symbols, emblems, or marks used by businesses to identify and represent their brand. These logos are a key part of a company’s visual identity and are often the most recognisable element of a brand. When companies design logos, they are actually giving people images to see and fully connect with them.

As for why companies spend millions on their logos, that’s because they know that this will offer a return on investment. So, let’s explore how logos do that.

1. Establishing a Unique Identity

Your logo is what gives you a space in the world. It signifies who you are and your intentions to make a statement. This is easily demonstrated by thinking of a couple of major international brands.

For example, McDonald’s or Coca-Cola’s logos are every bit as recognisable as these brands’ actual names. The best logos are instantly recognisable and communicate your brand without spelling it out.

More reading on branding and logos to consider:

• Do’s and Don’ts To Make Your Logo Great
• WIX Logo Maker VS Squarespace
• WIX Logo Maker Tutorial
• What Is A Logo? Standing out From the Crowd
• How to Create a Logo Online
• Brand Positioning Basics
• Why Organisations Use Branding
• Market Segmentation – Why it Matters for Brands Big and Small
• The Importance of Branding for Business
• Amazing Brand Storytelling Examples
• Voice Marketing: How to Create an Amazing Brand for Voice

2. Building Brand Equity

A logo helps a corporation look established and, in some cases, bigger than it really is. Every marketing piece with a well-designed logo on it gives the impression of an organisation that is going places and doing big things.

Your logo helps to shape your brand perception.

Using your logo as a watermark on reports and documents projects a great deal of professionalism.

3. Attracting More Clients

With so many people turning to online information whenever they come across a new brand, having a presence with a logo gives you credibility and helps them make purchasing decisions.

Any business considering venture capital or selling its business must have a complete marketing package. This includes a logo and other elements that suggest the brand is worth investing in or buying.

It’s been well established that having consistent branding across all of your marketing channels leads to growth in revenue.

4. Boosting Brand Awareness

If you take the time to create a logo and brand image, you have invested time and money that need to have some type of ROI. This demonstrates to your customers that you are in it for the long haul and are here to stay. It also helps you to stick in their heads.

Most people remember what they see. They may not remember a name, but they can associate your logo with your brand. When they are seeking services, they will look for your logo as a starting point.

Having an effective and recognisable logo also allows you to maintain a high level of brand awareness so that even if someone isn’t looking for your product right now, you’ll be the first brand they think of. Having a prominent public image by using your logo on branded merchandise and promotional materials helps you to achieve this.

How to Create a Logo

A logo should be used consistently to ensure it becomes a part of your brand identity. It should be on every marketing tool and element of your organisation that will be presented to the public. This includes business cards, letterhead, signage, websites and digital marketing elements. This way, you can maximise the return on investment you receive when you create a logo online.

However, not all logos are created equally. Some are incredibly effective, while others are more or less a waste of time. So, before creating a logo, it is important to understand what a good logo should contain. Here’s what makes an effective logo tick:

• Clear and Readable Text: If text is included in the logo, it should be clear and free from distraction. The fonts used should always convey professionalism at the highest standards. Most people will find this jarring or even irritating when text is hard to read.

• Simple Colours: Your brand’s colours should be simple but impactful enough to make a statement. Depending on your industry, the colours should convey what your brand is, and how you will stand out amongst the competition. For example, many B2B brands rely heavily on blues and greens in their logos to project professionalism, while consumer brands choose to use warmer and more vibrant colours, like reds, oranges and pinks.

• Memorable Imagery: If you are using imagery in the logo, it should be strong enough to tell a story and memorable enough to have a lasting impact on the minds of everyone who sees it. This is even more effective when the imagery relates in some way to your brand name. For example, ProfileTree’s logo is a digital tree.

• Uniqueness: The logo should be able to draw the attention of others and make a statement. It should be able to stand out among a crowd of logos. This can be accomplished by doing something different and avoiding frequently used icons or symbols.

• Adaptability: The logo should be used across several elements. It is important to ensure it is scalable and adaptable to any size or use. We’ll talk about the specifics of creating a logo online later, but for now, you’ll need a vector file format.

• Timelessness: Your logo should be timeless and can be used in various ways throughout the years. While it is always standard practice to update your logo after a certain time period, those original elements should still be present moving into the future.

• Appropriateness: There are certain industries where your design should reflect the professionalism associated with the culture. An attorney would not have a neon green logo with a race car on it, and vice versa. Some logos do not need to be fun or playful and should convey what your industry stands for. Researching colours and how they convey meaning is a good step to take when designing logos for international appeal.

Pitfalls to Avoid

When designing a logo, it’s important to avoid certain common mistakes that can diminish its impact and effectiveness. One of the most frequent errors is using too many colours. While it might be tempting to incorporate a wide range of colours to make your logo stand out, a design with more than three colours can appear cluttered and overwhelming. A well-chosen colour palette, limited to two or three colours, can create a strong, cohesive visual identity that’s easily recognisable.

Another mistake to watch out for is using too many fonts. A logo should maintain a sense of harmony and readability, which is difficult to achieve if it includes multiple font styles. Limiting your design to one or two fonts ensures that your logo remains clean and legible, while also reinforcing brand consistency across different platforms and materials.

Logos should also be simple and easy to read, which is why using too much text is a common pitfall. A logo overloaded with words can be difficult to decipher at a glance, especially when scaled down to smaller sizes. Instead, focus on creating a clear and concise design that communicates your brand’s message quickly and effectively.

Another design faux pas is the use of clip art. While it might seem like an easy way to add visual elements to your logo, clip art often looks generic and unprofessional. Because clip art is widely available, it lacks the uniqueness that a logo should have, potentially leading to a design that doesn’t stand out or accurately represent your brand.

Lastly, copying other logos is a significant mistake that can undermine your brand’s identity. Your logo should be a unique reflection of your brand, not a replica of another company’s design. Not only does copying make your brand look unoriginal, but it can also lead to legal issues. Instead, invest time in creating a logo that is distinct, memorable, and truly representative of your brand’s values and vision.

Why Use an Online Logo Maker

Using an online logo maker is a cost-effective alternative to hiring a professional designer. While hiring a designer can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,500 or more, depending on the complexity and expertise required, online logo makers typically charge between $10 and $100, making them an affordable option for businesses on a budget.

Another advantage of online logo makers is the quick turnaround time. Instead of waiting days or even weeks for a designer to complete your logo, you can create and download a logo within minutes or hours. Some platforms boast that users can generate a logo in as little as 10 minutes, offering immediate results that are perfect for those who need a fast solution.

Ease of use is a key feature of online logo makers, which are designed to require no prior design experience. User-friendly features, such as drag-and-drop editors, intuitive interfaces, and guided steps, make it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking logo without needing to learn complex design software.

Online logo makers also provide access to a vast selection of templates and icons. Many platforms offer thousands of design options, allowing users to choose from a wide variety of styles and elements that best fit their brand.

Finally, these tools offer extensive customisation options, giving you full control over every aspect of your logo, including colours, fonts, layouts, and more. This level of customisation ensures that you can create a logo that truly represents your brand identity and stands out from the competition.

Best Tools for Creating a Logo Online

If you are just starting, you may not have the resources to hire a professional designer to create your logo. Using an online logo creator may be the best option in those cases.

Several online logo tools can help create a logo online. These tools will walk you through the process and help establish your brand. Creating logo online software is very popular and can be found simply. Here are a few options to consider:

• Logo Maker: This programme allows individuals to create and design a logo for free using icons located in their database. It helps you decide what colours, shapes and text you like to create a professional logo.

• Online Logo Maker: This software has two versions – free and premium. With a straightforward interface, it has a large font selection and different templates to choose from, and it allows you to save and return to complete the project.

• Shopify: Shopify helps businesses brand themselves with their online logo maker. It’s free and helps those business owners who are getting started with Shopify present a more professional image.

• Designmantic: Touted as the easiest and fastest way to design a logo for your business, companies can also use this platform for website design and other services. Designmantic also offer custom design if you feel as if you need assistance with your logo design.

• FreeLogoCreator.com: FreeLogoCreator is an AI-powered logo design tool. It effortlessly elevates your brand with industry-specific logo templates. Customise your business logo with ease – choose colours, fonts, and icons. Craft professional brand identity for your business, unleash creativity with simplicity.

• LogoWiz: LogoWiz is an AI Logo Generator! This innovative tool simplifies logo creation. Whether you’re launching a startup or seeking a personal logo, this is the solution for you. Just input your brand name and desired style, and it generates numerous logo options. Customise them until they’re just right. You don’t need design expertise – let the AI handle it all. It’s like having your own personal logo designer at your fingertips!

How to Choose the Right Online Logo Maker

When choosing an online logo maker, there are a few key factors to check for.

First off, you must consider the price, as these tools vary in cost. Some are free, while others charge a fee that typically ranges from $10 to $100. Your budget will play a significant role in determining which option is best for you.

The features offered by different online logo makers can also vary greatly. Key features to consider include the number of logo templates available, the level of customisation allowed, and the ability to download logos in various formats. These factors will affect the flexibility and uniqueness of the logo you create.

Ease of use is another critical aspect, especially if you’re not familiar with graphic design. Some online logo makers are more user-friendly than others, so it’s important to choose one that you find intuitive and easy to navigate.

It’s also a good idea to read reviews. This can provide valuable insights into the features each platform offers and the experiences of other users, helping you make a more informed choice. Make sure you try out a few different online logo makers before making a final decision. Doing so allows you to find a platform that you’re comfortable using and that offers the specific features you need.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with various logo templates and customisation options. Taking the time to create a unique logo that accurately reflects your brand identity is essential for establishing a strong and memorable brand.

Different Types of Logos

There are three main types of logos:

• Wordmarks: A wordmark is a logo that consists of the company name in a stylised font.
• Letter marks: A lettermark is a logo that consists of the company’s initials in a stylised font.
• Pictorial marks: A pictorial mark is a logo that consists of a symbol or icon.

Each type of logo has its advantages and disadvantages. Wordmarks are easy to read and remember, but they can be difficult to stand out from the competition. Letter marks are more compact and versatile than word marks, but they can be more difficult to remember. Pictorial marks are unique and eye-catching, but they can be difficult to design and may not be appropriate for all businesses.

Examples of Great Logos

Here are some examples of great company logos that have become iconic and widely recognised:

• Apple: The Apple logo, a simple, stylised apple with a bite taken out of it, is one of the most recognisable logos in the world. Its sleek, minimalist design reflects the company’s focus on innovation, simplicity, and elegance.

• Nike: Nike’s “Swoosh” logo is a perfect example of a powerful, simple design. The swoosh represents movement and speed, aligning with the brand’s athletic identity. It’s a logo that is instantly recognisable without any accompanying text.

• FedEx: The FedEx logo is celebrated not just for its clean, modern look but also for the clever use of negative space. The arrow hidden between the “E” and the “X” subtly communicates speed and precision, qualities that are central to the brand’s identity.

• Google: Google’s logo is a great example of a wordmark that is simple, colourful, and playful. The use of primary colours with a touch of green on the “L” symbolises the company’s unconventional approach to business.

• Amazon: Amazon’s logo features a simple yet effective design with a smile-like arrow connecting the “A” to the “Z,” symbolising that the company offers everything from A to Z. The smile also suggests customer satisfaction, reinforcing Amazon’s customer-centric philosophy.

• Adidas: Adidas’ logo, characterised by its three parallel stripes, is a strong visual identity that is simple yet effective. The stripes symbolise a mountain, representing the challenges and goals athletes face, aligning with the brand’s mission to empower athletes.

• BMW: BMW’s logo, with its blue and white quadrants, reflects the brand’s heritage in aviation, with the colours representing the Bavarian flag. The circular design is sleek and professional, embodying the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and performance.

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