Logos are powerful symbols. Successful logos like the Nike “swoosh” or McDonald’s Golden Arches are recognized all over the world and have greatly contributed to the global dominance of those companies. For any small business looking to improve the image of their brand, it’s a good idea to evaluate their logo and determine if it’s doing everything it needs to. Broadly speaking, logos should embody the identity of a business.
Why you might need a logo change
The foremost reason you might want to consider updating your logo, is if it’s confusing or doesn’t really match what your company is doing. Your logo is often the first source of communication that you’ll have with customers. It should be enticing, simple, yet well thought out. Many new businesses tend to create logos without much thought, doing so hastily because they’re concerned with other issues while trying to get the business off the ground. That’s understandable, but if this sounds like your business it’s not too late to revisit and make an upgrade.
Having a logo that is very complex tends not to be very easy on the eyes, not to mention the fact that small details won’t even be visible once the logo is scaled down. It’s about striking a balance between simplicity and adaptability. The logo should have the same affect no matter the size, whether it’s being printed on a huge billboard, the sign at your office, or the side of a pen. Logos with too many colors can also be unsightly and expensive to print.
Changes in Circumstances
Perhaps you’re quite happy with your logo, but the direction of your company has changed or you’ve found a new niche. Or maybe you’ve been in business for a long time, and the logo design is looking a bit antiquated. In these cases, an update of your logo might be the way to go.
Also worth thinking about, is changing your logo if the internal makeup of the company has changed. Whether you’re now under new management, recently undergone a merger, or acquired another company, your logo should reflect the new identity. This well help consumers understand the differences between the old and the new you.
Famous logo Updates
Big companies aren’t stranger to the logo change. Wal-Mart recently changed theirs as to appear more inviting and less corporate. EBay went with a change in 2012, turning their previously wonky logo into a simpler one. The original eventually became a bit too “90s” and didn’t translate well long into the 21st century. Starbucks also recently went with a minor change, removing the word “coffee” from the logo in an effort to communicate to its customers that it offers a variety of other products.
Remember logos are oftentimes the first thing people will see about your company. If it’s not adequately communicating what you’re all about, it’s time for a change. We get that perhaps you’ve had your logo since your business was a baby, but you shouldn’t let sentimentality get in the way of expanding your business! Is it time your logo got an overhaul?
The post When and why should I Update my logo? first appeared on MediaMark Spotlight.
