Logo Design 101: 5 Reasons You Need a New One and How to Nail It

A logo is one of the most important aspects of a company’s branding. It’s a visual identifier that helps customers to recognize and remember a business. A well-designed logo can communicate company values, mission, and personality. If your business doesn’t have a good logo design, or your current logo is outdated, it might be time to consider getting a new one. 

In case you’re in doubt, we listed five reasons why it’s essential to have a good logo and five more to help you realize whether you need a fresh start. We’ve also included some head-turning logo design templates to get your creative juices flowing.

Why is a good logo design crucial for your business’s success?

Logos have been around for centuries, and their purpose has always been the same: to identify a business or product. The first logos were simple drawings or symbols that represented a company’s name or product. They were used mainly in advertising, and there wasn’t much thought put into their design. However, as time passed, businesses began to realize the importance of having an eye-catching logo. They noticed that a well-designed logo could help create a strong brand identity and boost sales.

Over the years, we’ve seen the rise of some iconic logos now recognized worldwide. The most noteworthy are Apple’s bitten apple, Nike’s swoosh, and McDonald’s golden arches. These logos are instantly recognizable and evoke a strong emotional response from consumers. As technology has evolved, so too has logo design. Today’s logos are often sleek and minimalist, using negative space to create a visually appealing effect.

With The Golden Age of Advertising behind us, a good logo is even more essential today for creating a solid brand identity and increasing sales. It should be a simple logo design that is memorable and accurately represents your company’s values and mission.

A good company logo should be:

• Simple – It should be easy to read and understand. It should be recognizable even when scaled down to a small size or displayed in black and white.
• Memorable – A good logo will stick in consumers’ minds and help them remember your brand.
• Versatile – A good logo should look just as good on a business card as on a billboard. It should be able to be used in a variety of (digital) spaces.
• Evocative – A good logo should evoke an emotional response from consumers. It should be able to communicate what your company stands for.
• Timeless – A good logo should be timeless and avoid the use of passing design trends. Although your loo still needs updating every once in a while, it should be good to go for a few years after launching.

Now that we know a bit about the background of logos and what a good logo should look and feel like, let’s dive into the benefits of a well-thought-out logo. 

Five reasons why having a new logo can be beneficial for your business:

1. A new logo design will help you to create a more unified brand identity.

If your business is perceived as professional and trustworthy, it’s essential to have a strong and cohesive brand identity. Your logo is a vital part of your brand identity, so it must reflect the values and personality of your business. Customers may get the wrong impression if your values have changed, but your current logo does not reflect them.

2. A new logo can help you to target new markets and audiences.

Your logo is a powerful marketing tool that can help you to reach new markets and audiences. If your current logo is not culturally fit for expanding your business’ reach to other countries or isn’t resonating with your target customers, it may be time for a change. A well-designed logo can help you attract new customers and expand your business.

3. A new logo can help you stand out from your competitors.

In today’s competitive marketplace, ensuring that your business stands out from the crowd is the stepping stone to success. A great logo can help you to achieve this by differentiating your company from your competitors. However, if your logo is too similar to your competitors or fades compared to theirs, it may be time for a change.

4. A new logo can help you to stay relevant and modern.

If your current logo is outdated, it might be time to refresh. A new logo can help you to stay relevant and modern. Outdated logos can make businesses appear rigid and behind the times. If you want your business to be perceived as forward-thinking and stylish, it’s crucial to have a logo that reflects these values.

5. A new logo can help you to boost your business’s bottom line.

A well-designed logo can positively impact your business’s bottom line. It can help you increase brand awareness, leading to more customers and sales. Conversely, a client might prefer your competitor over you with an outdated logo.

If any of these five reasons resonate with you, it might be time for a new logo. But how do you know if your current logo needs an update?

Five signs that it’s time to change your logo design

1. Your logo is outdated or doesn’t reflect your company’s values.

If your logo is more than a few years old, it might be time for an update. As your business evolves, your logo should evolve with it. If your company’s values have changed, make sure that your logo reflects these new values.

2. Your logo is confusing or difficult to understand.

Your logo should be easy to understand and recognize. If customers can’t figure out what your logo is trying to say, it’s time for a change. A great logo is simple and memorable.

3. Your logo is not well-designed.

A poorly designed logo can reflect poorly on your business. If your logo looks amateurish or likes it was created in Microsoft Paint, it might be time for a professional redesign.

4. Your logo is not versatile.

Your logo should be versatile enough to work in various mediums and contexts. If your logo doesn’t look good on your website, business cards, or marketing materials, it’s time to change.

5. You’re simply not happy with your current logo.

If you’re unhappy with your current logo, it’s time to change. On the other hand, if you don’t love it, why should the customers? Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a logo that you love.

If any of these five signs apply to you, it might be time for a new logo. But redesigning your logo can be a big undertaking. We’ve got you covered if you’re unsure where to start!

How to create a new logo design?

So you know you need a new logo but have no idea how to create one? To create a professional logo, you have two options – you can pay a designer or use an online logo designer and a little DIY spirit.

1. Hire a designer

The easiest way to create a new logo is to hire a professional designer. A designer will have the experience and expertise to create a logo that accurately represents your company. They’ll also be able to help you to choose the right colors, fonts, and images to match your new logo design. If there is a need you can also hire a whole team of designers and use mentoring software to provide guidance and feedback. 

The only downside of using designers is the price tag that can go with it. The average price of a logo with a matching brand guideline can set you back from 1000$-5000$.

On the flip side, you can decide to personally take up the design if you’re short on budget and you are quite confident in your skills. For example, you can explore some of the best galaxy brushes for free and use them on Procreate to craft an interactive and intuitive logo that perfectly relays your brand tone.

2. Use logo templates to design your new logo

Since the price can be a significant setback for small businesses or businesses just getting started, it might be a good idea to turn to design platforms. Platforms like Mediamodifier, Canva, and Graphic Springs offer logo templates that can be fully customized to match your business. This is an excellent option for businesses on a budget or those who want more control over their new logo design.

3. Take a look at these Mediamodifier logo templates to get started

Remember, these are just templates; you should always play around with the colors and fonts to make them feel like they represent your company. 

How to know if your new logo design is a great fit?

After you’ve finally decided on a logo, it can be tempting to hit the publish button and never look back. But before you do that, it’s essential to ensure that your new logo is the right fit for your business. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Get feedback from your team

Before settling on a new logo, getting feedback from your team is essential. After all, they’re the ones who will be using the new logo every day. Furthermore, since the logo reflects your company’s values, you must ensure that everyone on your team loves it before you roll it out to your customers. If you need tips on how to present your logo, we’ve written about it here.

2. Test the new logo

Once you’ve settled on a new logo, you should test it out with your target audience. Show the new logo to a few potential customers and see how they react, or create a landing page A/B test to compare the results with your old logo. If the customers love it, you’ve got a winner!

3. Get expert feedback

If you’re still unsure if your new logo is a great fit, it might be time to get expert feedback. Ask a marketing or design professional for their honest opinion, and keep your ears open for feedback from web designers and social media experts working with your logo. If they find it hard to work with your logo, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.

Let’s sum it up!

Creating a new logo can be a big undertaking, but it’s worth it if your current logo is no longer working for you. If you’re unsure where to start, try hiring a professional designer or using an online logo design platform. And before you roll out your new logo, don’t forget to get feedback from your team and customers!

If you’ve just finished designing your logo or have more questions, let us know in the comments or write us a message on Instagram @mediamodifier!