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Free Website Content
What Makes a Good Logo
Good Logos
By Sharon Housley
What is a logo?
A logo is a design, graphical representation, image
or symbol that represents a business or organization.
Logos were initially used to distinguish and differentiate
products, the logos assisted purchasers in finding the
product they prefer or have come to trust (or not trust).
When product selections were limited and items were
marked with a logo which a consumer was familiar they
would naturally assume a certain level of quality or
value, even if they had not previously used that specific
product from that vendor. Now many companies not only
have a corporate logo, but they have a logo to represent
each of their products or product lines.
The company or product logo typically
appears on all printed media or websites that are associated
with the company or product. The logo appears in all
marketing material and media.
A logo is really more than just a graphic,
a logo design is part of a larger marketing concept.
Marketers take specific care when selecting a logo,
and they give a lot of thought about what they want
their customers to identify with the company or product
logo.
Some logos are designed around color.
Studies have been conducted about the psychology of
color and how different colors evoke different emotions.
Green is used to imply wealth or expense, a marketer
might use a green logo to imply an increase in perceived
value. Blue on the other hand has a calming and soothing
effect. Multiple colors can be used to accent and highlight
specific parts of the logo. Accented and highlighted
colors should be contrasting and complimentary.
Regardless of what colors you select,
be sure that you use standard pantone colors and websafe
colors. Also make sure these colors can be easily reproduced
in print mediums.
Logos should be simple, and not overly
elaborate or complex. Newer businesses and technology
companies should have modern logos, while long standing
businesses may want to use a logo that emphasizes their
business experience. That does not mean that an older
business cannot freshen or enhance an older logo, they
may just want to retain certain qualities so their logo
is still recognizable. Rarely do business depart drastically
from an established logo. For this reason businesses
should select a logo that has longevity. Once you establish
and build a strong corporate image, you will want to
retain it.
Logos should be designed so that they
scale easily and can be used in a variety of mediums:
letterhead, t-shirts, and more. Always keep in mind
that logos are part of a larger marketing concept. Promotional
materials will require consistency to reinforce the
company or product image.
Taglines incorporated into the logo help
reinforce the underlying message in a logo and can be
an easy addition. Countless memorable marketing campaigns
over the years have associated slogans with a logo to
hit a message home.
While logos sound complex, in truth it
has never been easier to locate a logo. Professional
graphic artists are abundant on the web, and can be
contracted to create a custom logo, or business owners
can scroll through thousands of logos in logo directories.
Logo Directories:
Logo Search - http://www.logo-search.com/
Logo Maid - http://www.logomaid.com/
LogoWorks - http://www.logoworks.com/
Logos are the building blocks of a company
or product identity. Be sure to take the time to find
a logo that reflects the values that you, as a business
owner, want associated with your business. Find a logo
that is more than just a graphic.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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