Saturday, June 20, 2009

5 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Logo

By Riche Goldmann

Your logo"along with your business name"is one of the most important decisions about your business you will ever make. Its important to take your time, choose carefully, and pick a logo that really represents you and your business and that you can live with for a long time. Here are 5 questions you can ask yourself as you consider your logo options"to make sure you make a wise choice!

Does the logo reflect what you want your business to be? A logo will say a lot about your business to a potential customer. More importantly, though, you want to have control over that message to be sure that it is saying what it is that you want for it to say. For example, if you are in the medical business, you might not want a logo that is extremely playful; it may send the wrong message. However, if you are in the entertainment business, playful may be okay. Whatever the case may be, make sure that you are sending the right message to the customer; it can make or break you.

Is the logo similar to anyone else's? You want to be sure that your logo is distinct, one of a kind, and unique among other previously discussed characteristics. This is important primarily because you don't want anyone to confuse your product, service, or company with anyone else's. But secondarily, you don't want to get sued because of any copyright or trademark infringement on your part. It doesn't help you financially to be sued or to look like someone else.

Will it stand the test of time? Once your business identity is solidified and your logo becomes recognized by consumers, the last thing you want to do is change or modify it. That can cause confusion, loss of customers or market base, or even the impression that a new business has replaced you in your location! Be careful to choose a logo that will stand the test of time, even as your business evolves.

Is it easy to identify and recognize - even at a distance? It is most likely that your business logo will be incorporated on print products, in marketing, in promotional items, on signs, billboards, graphics, online, in magazines, and in various venues where old, new, and potential customers will be able to see. The goal is to make so that your logo is quickly and easily identified by these people. Think of this little tidbit when making a final decision. Make sure that your logo will stand out in a herd.

Finally, do you like your logo? Do you like the colors and graphics included in your logo or in a potential logo? Is it something that you can live with for a long time? Are you 100% satisfied? Will it look good no matter where you place it, be it on a billboard or on a business card? If your answer is yes to all of these and the logo meets the criteria from above, then you may have just found your logo. But sleep on it just to make sure that you really are ready to commit. - 16890

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