Logo design

Nice logos can be comprehended, learned and recognized easily. Your logo (usually) is the element of your visual identity that is seen the most.

Once you start developing a logo for your business or organization, there are a few things to consider:

• It is advisable to hire a designer for your logo.
• Your logo should go well with your business/organization and you (and your staff) and of course you should like it.
• Of course, the lgoo should reflect the skills and core features of your company or association.
• It should also fit the target group you want to reach.
• Shapes, colors and fonts should make a unified image and also fit the image your company/organization wants to communicate.
• A high signal effect of your logo would be desirable - in order to increase the recognition value.
• The nicest logo will not help you, if it does not stand out from the logos of your competition. It should also be unique.
• Your logo can be designed to follow a short-term trend or it can be usable throughout a long period. If you wnat to follow a trend consider that what is in today can be out tomorrow.
• As your logo will be used on your business card as well, it should be designed in a way that it is still readable when printed small. Also, it should still look good when printed black and white, for example when sent on a fax.
• Make sure that your logo is recognizable and works when used in different media (internet, print, outdoor advertising).
• To make sure your designer can create good work later on with your logo on it, such as flyers and posters, your logo should be available as a vector (eps file).

Marketing for entrepreneurs – first steps

In the beginning, you won’t have the resources in order to conduct large-scale advertising campaigns. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

What you should definitely spend some money for in the beginning:

• In order to increase the recognition value of your new business, you should have a professional logo.
• Also have a graphic designer make you a business card. These can be used in place of an elaborate and expensive promotional leaflet.
• Get a quote here from a designer for logo and business card together, so you come off a bit cheaper.
  You should get your business card as a PDF file that you can then upload to a supplier on the Internet in order to have it printed.
  Do not forget any important information on your business card, such as company name, logo, your name, phone, fax, email, website, address, and eventually what you sell.
• A web site now belongs to the basic equipment of a company. Here, it is advisable to start small. In the beginning the same information that is on your business card should be enough.
  If you want to update your website periodically, without HTML or other skills, you should switch to a site with a CMS (Content Management System). You will be able to login on any PC - without having to install software - and update your website easily.

Consistent appearance for your business or organization

When looking at the appearance of your business or organization it is important to show consistency. This will help to improve the brand recognition and also provide your appearance with a professional look.

A short, concise and catchy company/organization name is important. This name should differentiate you from the masses and from competitors. Of course, the name should fit your target group and be easy to spell.

Once you have a name, have a freelancer (or an affordable agency) design your logo. The money spent for it will be worth it.
There are different types of logos:
* Logo that consists of a sign, such as single letters, numbers or abbreviations.
* Logo that consists of the company name, product name or a name made up.
* Logo that consists of a picture or illustration.
With this kind of logo it can take a while for the company to be become known for its logo. Therefore, as an entrepreneur you should choose a different type of logo.
* Logos that consist of a combination of graphical and textual elements.
These kind of logos will be recognized fastest and they are easier to remember.

Viewers should be able to identify and recognize your new logo without any problems. It should be easily readable - even from a greater distance or when displayed smaller.

Your logo should consist of only one color, since printing a multicolored logo will be more expensive. Also, your logo should look good when black and white so you can use it universally. Monochrome logos do not have to be boring.

Once you have your logo, have stationery designed and printed, as well as business cards.

Additionally, you should choose a certain font that will fit your company. This will be your 'home font' from now on. You will use this particular font for all your printed matters.

Make sure, all your advertising material shows consistent appearance.

Your logo should always be used in the same way. Always use the same color, the same proportions and place it at the same position. Always use your 'home font' in the same size on your advertising material. If you use colors, make sure they are used consistently as well.

Adjust all your advertising material (logo, stationery, business cards, sign, brochures, website) to make sure the appearance is consistent.