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Daniel Kehrer

Guide to Business Logo Design

How to find great, low-cost logo creation for your small business

By Daniel Kehrer, Editor, Business.com & Work.com

Getting sleek company logos that precisely fit the image small businesses want to portray has never been faster, easier or less expensive. Many entrepreneurs once spent weeks or months and thousands of dollars in a frustrating quest for a business logo design. 

The new way is the Web way. Internet-based logo design services are competing to provide complete menus of logo designs, including letterhead and packaging design, that will blow your socks off. For a few hundred dollars or less, you can have an experienced logo design team delivering a range of business logo design choices - based on your input - within a few days. 

There are three basic business logo design types to choose from:

1.   Font-based or text logo designs use just letters.
2.   Other logo designs consist of just a graphic symbol, like one of the best-known company logos, the Nike "swoosh."
3.    A third variety of logo designs combines both text and symbol elements in a single business logo design.

Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business — including logo design and other marketing resources

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Go online for a complete, low-cost design package for company logos

Top online logo design services offer packages in different prices ranges ($100 to $1,500) to fit every budget. They'll do logo creation for your entire business, for a package design, or perhaps even for a single event.
I recommend: LogoWorks.com has the system nailed. They'll put 2-5 freelance business logo designers on your case and can do logo creation in three business days. Get stationery, brochure and Web site designs for your business logo at the same time. It all works online. Other Web-based logo creation winners include: The Logo Company, LogoBang, Got Logos and Logo Design Creation.

Use do-it-yourself Web tools to create logo designs for under $100

Web services that combine a custom library of logo designs with tools that let you mix and match to create your own look are a great way to get a good business logo, cheap.
I recommend: If you're on a super low budget, need a logo fast and don't mind doing it yourself with online help, LogoYes.com is perfect. View samples and try it before you buy.

Business logo designers you can talk to directly

If your company logo design project requires that you have designers you can talk to directly, select a firm that has its own in-house logo creation staff.
I recommend: The Logo Loft employs a Web-based system, but uses only its own in-house business logo designers.

Get your company logo design trademarked

You may be able to trademark your business name, business logo design and package design.
I recommend: Get the skinny on trademarks for company logos at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Take time choosing and seek other opinions. Your business logo design will be your public face.
  • Choose a look appropriate to your line of business. Accounting firms, for example, might avoid frivolous company logos.
  • Your company logo design helps define your business personality, so tell designers what message you want to communicate. For example, do you want serious, whimsical, classy, high-tech?
  • Consider how your logo will be used. You may end up using it for package design, on clothing, Web sites, billboards or the side of a truck.
  • Keep it clean and simple. Some of the world's most recognized company logos are extremely simple. Too many elements or too much detail makes for a messy business logo design.

The official source of Business Logo Design is the Business Logo Design page at Business.com

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Recommended Solution Providers

Logo Works: Online Logo Design Services
This service promises affordable, high-quality logos with fast turnaround times.

Logo Design Guru: Logo Design
Offers logo design and graphic design services, with online ordering and brochure packages available.

Logo Bee: Custom Logos & Corporate Identity Services
This company supplies professional logo design services designed to portray their client company's philosophy. Stationery design and printing also available.

LogoJeez: Concept Creation
This company provides online design services that include logos, stationery, brochues, catalogs, and labels.

The Logo Creator: Logo Design Software
This software provides the capability to design your own custom logo based on a variety of themed packages, sold separately.

LogoYes: DIY Logos
Provides do-it-yourself logo creation tools, with quick demos and a gallery of sample logos.

Best Sites to Learn More

About.com: Logo Design
A large collection of articles to help you design your own logo.

SmallBusinessBible: Logo Design
Articles related to the importance of logos, how to choose a logo, and how to design a logo.

Best Blogs and Forums

LogoDesign.com: Logo Design
A blog featuring logo case studies and news and articles related to designing and selecting a logo.



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