If you recently started a small business, you may have skimped on hiring a logo designer. Hey, choosing to create a logo yourself or using a generic icon can be tempting. Maybe you found a website advertising “Logo Design for $49” and figured it would suffice. These solutions may come cheap, but they will not help you stand out amongst your competitors.
The return on investment in spending a few hundred dollars for a professional logo designer cannot be underestimated. In fact, using a generic logo will actually cost you money. Every single day.
If you are using a generic logo, it’s never too late to make the change. In fact, as soon as possible, ditch it and pay to hire a professional logo designer. It could be the single best marketing move you can make for your small business. For the cost of a professional logo, your business will enjoy benefits that are very real and impact your bottom line. Here’s why…
Conveys Trust
When a potential customer sees your logo for the first time, they make a snap judgment about your business. If your logo looks unprofessional, it plants a seed in their subconscious that your business may not be trustworthy. It leaves you at a disadvantage, having to prove your trustworthiness right from the beginning. A professional logo designer will create a powerful image that leaves a positive first impression and builds immediate trust. When customers see your logo, they will know right away that you are serious about your business. Your logo helps to convey trust automatically.
Brand Recognition
Does your logo remind people of your business? If not, it will be difficult for customers to remember you. A logo does not just communicate professionalism and trust, it acts as a placeholder in your customer’s mind. Think about a small business you work with that didn’t hire a logo designer. When you think of them, what do you picture in your mind? Perhaps a product you purchased from them or someone who works there. Perhaps nothing at all. Now think of your cell phone carrier. If it’s AT&T, you instantly think of their blue/white ball logo. Think of the NBC network. You likely picture the colorful peacock logo. These instantly recognizable symbols ensure that their image is solidified in your mind. Your small business can take advantage of this powerful image association by hiring a professional logo designer.
Expectation of Quality
A professional logo design communicates the quality of your business and its services. Even if you are the greatest dry cleaning company in the world, if your logo looks like the one below you will have an uphill battle convincing those who drive by your location to come in and try you out. We’ve all heard the phrase “image is everything”. It doesn’t only apply for fashion.
[one_whole centered_text=”true”]
And of course the opposite holds true. Having a nice, clean, professional logo radiates experience and quality service, even if in reality you are just starting out. We recently created the design below for a client. Would this logo lead you to question the quality of service you will receive? Probably not. A professional logo design removes doubt.
[one_whole centered_text=”true”]
[/one_whole]First Impression
Your logo will most often be the first impression people get about your business, and it can make or break your brand. When you are not around, your logo speaks for your business. Make sure that message is a positive one with a professional logo designer you can trust.
Hiring a Logo Designer
What are some things to look for when hiring a logo designer? Know who you are getting. Many logo services display beautiful portfolios but the logo designer you get is not the one who did that work. If you like certain designs, request the artist that created them. If he’s not available, move on. Avoid any logo designer that charges under $200. In this price range, it is very difficult to find an artist that understands the science of marketing – a key component to a successful logo design.
Lastly, hire a logo designer your trust. One that will explain what they want to do for you, and cares about the success of your business.
Greg Brailsford is the owner of Company 50 and decided on blue colored Post-It notes. Company 50 provides logo design, web design, and digital marketing services to small businesses.