If you’re embarking on a new business journey and asking, "what is a logo?", then you're right where you need to be.
In this article, we delve into what a logo is, why your business needs one, what makes a great logo, and how to create one!
Don’t worry though, we've kept it straightforward because, let's face it, who has time for lengthy reads these days?
Stick around for the essential information and tools you need to craft the perfect logo.
So, what is a logo?
A simple way to define a logo is to think of it as a symbol or design that represents your brand, business or company.
However, the significance of a logo goes much deeper.
Logos are a vital marketing component for any business. They are powerful symbols that play an essential role in establishing a professional and memorable brand identity, fostering lasting connections with your customers.
Recognise this one?
Why are logos important for your business?
Wondering why logos are significant for a business? Here are a few reasons:
The beginning of something big: Your logo is a crucial element in bringing your business to life. It signals to the world (and yourself) that your dream business is becoming a reality, just as you envisioned.
Brand identity: Your logo is your brand’s visual signature, proudly displayed on all marketing materials. A strong logo captures your ‘vibe’ through simple yet impactful design, establishing your identity and embedding your brand in customers’ minds.
Stand out: In a crowded marketplace, standing out is crucial. Having a distinctive logo will help differentiate your brand from competitors, making it easier for customers to identify and persuade them to choose you.
Be consistent: Your logo ensures consistency in the ‘look and feel’ of your brand. This aesthetic is rooted in your brand’s personality and an excellent logo should communicate this.
Gain personality: Can a brand have a personality? Absolutely! In fact, this should help guide the design elements in your logo—such as colour, typography, and imagery. Whether your brand is progressive, traditional, playful or serious is communicated through your logo, which, in turn, influences your customers’ purchasing decisions.
Ready to create your own logo now? Get started by trying out our Logo Maker!
What are the elements of a logo?
It’s time to dive into the specific features of a winning logo. Let’s break it down.
Colours
What colours will your logo use?
Different colours can evoke specific emotions in people, directly affecting their behaviour.
For example, many financial institutions use the colour blue in their branding to help convey trust and professionalism.
Red, meanwhile, can evoke excitement and energy—or panic! While it's not a great colour for, say, a bank, it's good for a bold brand that wants to capture people’s attention. Brands that use red to good effect include Netflix, Marvel and YouTube.
You can explore more about colour psychology and how to apply this to your logo in GoDaddy’s Brand Identity Guide.
Typography
Typography isn’t just about the font you choose; it’s about the design and arrangement of your text. But choosing the right font for your logo is a crucial step.
Is your brand sleek and modern, or bold and unapologetic? The font you choose says it all. You might find yourself enamoured with fonts when you start to experiment with them. The right font can speak volumes.
Images
If you decide to incorporate an image into your logo, it should communicate what your brand is about, both practically and emotionally. Whether it’s an abstract symbol or a literal reflection of the product or service you offer, your chosen image should communicate your brand’s essence. Above all though, keep it simple.
Taglines
Taglines are your brand’s mic drop moment. They’re the short and snappy phrases that stick in your audience’s mind and sum up your whole vibe in a few words. When done right, a tagline isn’t just a phrase—it’s your brand’s battle cry. Think Nike's Just Do It and McDonald's I'm Lovin' It.
Where can you use a logo?
The better question is: where can’t you? Your logo is the face of your brand. Once you’ve got it, you can proudly display it on ALL your marketing materials, including:
Your website
This isn’t complete without having your logo front and centre. It’s the first thing visitors see and it sets the tone for everything else. Don’t hide it in the corner—give it prime real estate and let it shine.
Your social media
From profile pictures to social posts, videos and anything else you choose to share, your logo should be working the crowd on every social platform. Popping it neatly in the corner of your posts is a great way to ensure your content doesn’t look ‘over branded’.
Your business cards
These might be old school, but what is a business card without a logo? That’s just a missed opportunity. Whether you’re networking or just making a good impression, your logo on a business card is a must. Business cards will never die!
Your merchandise
Slap that logo on everything, from T-shirts to tote bags. Branded merchandise turns your logo into a walking billboard, and who doesn’t love free advertising.
Your packaging
Create logo stickers or wrapping paper with your logo marked all over it. It’s your business and you’re the boss. So have fun! Just make sure your logo is on your packaging.
Your email
Every email you send is a chance to remind people who you are. Add your logo to your email signature and turn every sign-off into a brand-building moment. It will make your business go from ‘messing around’ to ‘legit’—just like that!
6 things that make a good logo
A great logo (like the one above) achieves the following:
It’s simple and clear. The best logos are straightforward and easy to understand. There’s no need to make your customers solve a puzzle to decipher your logo.
It’s adaptable to different platforms. Whether it’s on your website, a coffee cup or your business card, a logo must be versatile enough to exist impactfully on all your promotional materials.
The design is balanced and in proportion. Balance in a logo design is key when creating a winning logo.
Colours and typography are aligned with the brand personality. Your choice of colours and fonts should reflect your brand’s identity.
It’s timeless. Don’t be too trendy! A great logo transcends fads, remaining effective and relevant for years to come.
Its design can be scaled to any size. A logo should be scalable, maintaining its clarity whether it’s on a tiny app icon or a large storefront sign. Using logo vectors is key to achieving this scalability, as they allow your logo to retain its sharpness and detail regardless of size adjustments.
Create a logo that stands out
Now that we've covered “what is a logo,” we hope you’re feeling inspired to get your creative juices flowing!
Here’s a simple summary of how to make a logo:
- Let your brand personality inform your logo design
- Keep it simple
- Choose the right colours
- Pick a font that blends perfectly with your logo and reflects your brand personality
- Ensure versatility
- Create balance and harmony in your design
- Be relevant but not ‘trendy’
- Focus on professional execution
Ready to create a logo of your very own? Give our Logo maker a spin!
What’s next?
Creating a logo is a vital step in your entrepreneurial journey. Not only is it an essential component in your business’ brand strategy, but it influences everything from recognition and loyalty to competitive advantage and marketing effectiveness.
Curious about creating your own logo? Check out our full guide on this topic. Or, if you're ready to dive in, try the GoDaddy Logo Maker. Just tell us a bit about your business and your style, and we'll whip up a logo for you in just a few minutes.
