Leverage That Logo!

Many companies use their logos in very traditional ways (signage, letterhead, business cards, online branding), but new and exciting ways of using your logo are popping up. You may have heard of Jason Sadler and his I Wear Your Shirt endeavour? Companies are paying him to wear their logos on a t-shirt. It is brilliant concept and certainly a different kind of marketing strategy for a business!

Temporary tattoos have increased in popularity recently. If you have a company with a hip focus or one that markets to children and young people, you can purchase temporary tattoos of your logo and distribute these as a “freebie” for people to wear. Every time someone sees the tattoo, it is free marketing for you.

Stickers have a real cult following! People are putting stickers everywhere as a form of “tagging” like graffiti. Now, we don’t recommend that you break any laws, but offering stickers for convention or seminar attendees (who love “schwag”) can be a great way to get mileage out of your logo. There are also removable window decals for cars.

With Christmas approaching, consider giving away company ornaments. Many businesses put up trees and your logo on an ornament could catch someone’s eye. Another surprising affordable interesting item are jump or flash drives. There are also Swiss Army style tools.

Provide your employees with logo gear as well! Every time they wear that t-shirt or use the umbrella they received, they are marketing your business.

Make sure your logo is fresh and eye-catching. If you need rebranding or a new logo, feel free to contact us.

Before You Hire a Logo Designer

Logo design is an art and a science. The process can seem a bit tedious and like it is lacking a structured process. There is no way to do logo design without a great relationship between designer and client. Lots of communication and tweaking are involved until the client feels fully satisfied. There are a few steps to take in advance of hiring your designer and ways to make the process of logo design smoother.

Talk to your team, if you have one. If not, solicit input and ideas from people you trust and who know you and your business. The more ideas you have upfront, the easier it will be for the designer.

Ask yourself some questions. Do you want a casual colorful image or something more conservative and traditional? Where will you conceivably use the logo? Web, print, uniforms, banners, or additional licensed products to sell? Jot them all down.

Do your homework. Get out there and really look at other business logos. Identify the good from the bad and then save the ones that really speak to you and that seem like something that fits with your company’s culture.

Develop a budget. Most logo designs are bid as a single project, but do keep in mind this isn’t a 1 hour task. There will be lots of conversations, research on the designer’s part, and actual drawing and design. Ask yourself what you can realistically afford.

Once you’ve started the process, make yourself available to the designer. Your logo won’t get done if your designer can’t reach you! Realize that you are a key element of the design and make time in your schedule for phone calls and meetings.

A logo should reach out and visually grab potential customers. Great logos stand out in people’s minds: McDonald’s arches, Nike’s swoosh. Talk to Ratio7 about your logo needs. We’ll work with you to develop your distinctive brand!