So many times this is overlooked or underestimated as part of any online or offline business, so I’ll try to explain why a brand image is important for any business. Sometimes it’s just considered a logo? But this is only part of a very big puzzle. Your brand is ‘who or what you are’ and ‘what you do’ without a brand you have no place or identity. A brand is not just a logo, it’s a name, it’s the fonts or typography you use, the colour pallete, the imagery such as photography, icons and illustration, it may need to convey a feeling, mood or tone to your customer, is it recognisable? Other things to consider are layouts or styles and literature, textures, sound or animation.
A brand image is a complete system, some companies create brand guidelines so they can see how all the different elements work together. But one of the most important things to consider is consistency. Without this, a brand can become disjointed and confusing.
Get my FREE Guide on how to set up a professional domain email using a free Gmail account.
>>>> Click Here
If brand image is so important – where do I start?
Well don’t go into panic mode! Some companies or individuals don’t need to go all out as it’s not always necessary at the beginning. However, there are somethings you may want to consider when starting off. Above all consistency is key. If imagery features heavily in your business this may be something to look at in more detail for example a photographer, fashion shop or artist. You may sell electrical appliances, run a music shop or have an online podcast. Both sound and images will feature in these.
The best place to start is with a logo! It identifies who you are and what you do.
There are many ways to do this but there are certain things to consider when creating your logo. Such as, how are you going to use it? Will it be used on printed material such as stationery, business cards or leaflets. Will it be needed as a sign? What about using it on clothing or packaging? A good logo should have flexibility with the ability to be use in a variety of ways. It should also be able to be used in a mono format (one colour or black and white).
Create and love your brand logo
There are a number of ways to create a logo, some free and some paid. Be very careful about using images that have been taken from the internet. Pretty much all images on the internet will be copyrighted and google has a small but subtle way of reminding us. There are a number of stock image sites that you can use, but again remember there are certain restrictions regarding the use of images, so make sure you read the license agreements thoroughly. Makes sure you love your logo because if you don’t you’ll not use it properly, don’t be afraid of people not liking it – you can’t please everyone. Just as important though, think about your target audience these are the people that count.
Free ways to create a logo
The best way to start is simply with a good old-fashioned ‘pen and paper’. It’s a lot easier to get your ideas jotted down no matter how good your sketching skills are. Then you have got a good starting point to see what you have in mind, quickly deciding on what might work and what really doesn’t.
Creating a logo for your brand, depends on your own abilities and software you have available. I myself use higher end software because I’m a designer and creating logos is something I do. If, you want a free way to create your next iconic brand logo, then look at canva.com! It’s an online graphic design tool that enables you to create all sorts designed items such as logos, flyers, posters. Another site to look at is logomakr.com, it’s basic but allows you to build a free logo.
You can also go to Fiverr.com an online market place for freelance services. Make sure you check peoples reviews and they do what they say they are going to do. Some things I’ve seen are just quickly put together which would make me suggest how original is it? I’m a great believer that you pay for what you get.
Tips to creating the perfect logo
- Make sure your logo is original, some online platforms use a lot of stock images and graphics.
- Create a logo that is clean simple and adaptable
- Make sure the logo represents who you are and what you do – shows you are professional and creates trust
- Create you logo in the correct formats
- If in doubt – call in a professional (They are not as expensive as you might be think)
Pay a designer – your brand image is important
To conclude this post, I would look at the services of an independent designer to create your all important brand logo.
Why? Because I’m a designer and I know how important it is… I generally create bespoke logos for small to medium size businesses, from new start-ups to bigger companies. I normally work on an agreed set cost after looking at whats required, starting with a brief from the client. This outlines the project, what the business is about and what they are trying to achieve, who or what their target might be, including what finished items are required, such as how many different versions are required, stationery, website etc. You get the idea… but I have customers who simply just required a logo and nothing else.
I then sit down and sketch all sorts of ideas, very simple thumbnails to see where my mind takes me. But, all the time considering the brief and the clients objectives. I then work up the ideas to a more finished concept, giving the client about 4 options. During this process fonts would have been considered and colours, both spot colours (Pantones) and CMYK breakdowns.
The final logo is then created to a high digital standard in a versatile format which can be used in many ways. A lot of logos I’ve created, customers still use to this day, some ten years plus and still look as fresh as the day I created them. I don’t charge the rates that the Fiverr website quotes, but what I say to my customers is that you’ll have a logo that you are proud of and you will love.
I go through quite a logical and methodical process, but it’s definitely worthwhile and money well spent.