Yay! You made it to Lessonn 4! Pat yourself on the back! Hope you've been doing the tasks? Are you feeling proud? You should be! Let's continue with this madness!
And...away we go!
Your Logo
A logo is similar to a 'calling card'. It is usually has an image and your business name. Some companies don't put their names on their logos. Nike doesn't always put their name with their logo. Everybody recognizes that tick.
The goal in this lesson is create an image for your business. You want your customers and new visitors to be able to recognize your business and/or products with an image.
It's alright if this part of the course takes a little longer. Creating a great logo is worth the extra time and effort. It will help you succeed with your website. This is what we want, right? Indeed!
A great logo can help define your business. It's also great for marketing! Okay, here's a few guidelines...*gasp* More rules? Yes. Anyway, here they are:
- Make sure that it is appropriate for your niche! Say you have a dog training site. You don't want an image of a cat, do you? Well? I didn't think so.
- Unique & different!
- Doesn't infringe on Trademarks.
- Please, avoid clichés! *shudder!*
- Also, avoid thin lines! You want your logo to show up clearly! Some backgrounds work against thin lines.
- Your logo needs to be versatile. Wait? What does this mean? This means that you should be able to put it anywhere, i.e. cup, keychain, website, shirts, etc. without variation from the original.
- Keep it simple!
More fun...
Now, we are ready to generate ideas for a logo. A corkboard is a great way to start. Look for images that are similar and/or related to your business and brand. Put them on the corkboard. Some people use a separate file for ideas. This can work in a pinch if you don't have a corkboard. Or even a manila envelope! No excuses!
Here is a few ideas on what to look for when hunting down specific images for your corkboard:
- Images related to your niche.
- Other images or logos that you like the way they look.
- A few images that relate to your mission statement.
- A few other logos that you like.
The name of your company can also be used as your logo. Depending on the name, that is. You can incorporate an image in place of a letter or two. Example: If you had a cooking site with the word Kitchen in the title, you can use various utensils in place of the K. You can also use a mascot. Like if I had a dog site about Buddy, he would be the Mascot.
Or you can try brainstorming. I always have trouble with this one. But, it might work for you. This is an elusive activity for me.
Now it's time to create your logo! Yes! We've been waiting for this!
Okay! There are two ways to go about this:
- You can design it on your own. If you're like me, you'd be better off with the second choice. I can draw a reasonable...stick figure...Are you sure that's a dog?! No, that is a rock!
- Or you can go with outsourcing the work for this. I would love to have my nephew create a logo for me but his confidence level is low. No matter how many times I tell him he is great!
Here is a few places where you can outsource for this:
Alright, this should get you started in the right direction for a great logo. Now, please don't ask me about my personal preference regarding these sites. I don't want to say which one I like and then have you not like it. Oh, I am not an affiliate with any of these. If you know of other sites you want to see on this list, Private Message me. I will add it.
One last thing about outsourcing, be clear in your instructions. Explain what your company is about, what you are looking for, etc.
Now, this last item will cost you (hundreds of dollars) if you go this route. If you can afford it I recommend it. I can't at this point in time. I think this is for United States only, not quite sure! Don't yell at me if I am wrong! Please! Anyway:
I am sure there are other sites that will help you with the trademark process, i.e. LegalZoom (for U.S., sorry!).
Onto the next lesson! But, first, a word from our tasks...
Write down five ideas for logos.
Setup a corkboard for your ideas.
Collect at least ten images for your board.
Create at least five images for your logo. *show these images to other people for their honest opinions.
Check outsourcing sites for creating your logo.
Look at Trademark site listed above. *At least look at it, there is a ton of information.
Top Helpers in This Lesson
ReplyI have 3 completely different sites, so I had this question too. Actually, for each of my sites I have a different business brand. But, my personal brand (this is discussed a little bit in a different lesson) is consistent for each one. Well, I share the personal brand with Buddy (my pup, it's his site really) on that one.
If you're a business is like Virgin Mobile (the same niche all across) then you might consider using one brand. Here is an example of consistency in a business brand:
Virgin Mobile. They have a consistent brand all across their sites (all cellphones, I think). Same color of red with white letters, same tone, etc. And Richard Branson put his personal brand on these sites.
