Do You Need a Logo? Maybe Not.

Since we’re a company that prides itself on having the best online logo maker, you probably didn’t expect to hear this from us, but the truth is, there is some controversy around the need for a professional logo.

Really? Are you serious?

Yes, that’s right, we asked the question. It’s true that every day we help thousands of small business create a logo for their new venture. But before you join them, ask yourself, do I really need a logo for my business?

Here are a few things to think about when deciding if you need a logo.

Think about what the primary job of your logo is – a logo helps customers distinguish between products on a shelf, online, or simple one the TV.  It also differentiates you from the competition. For example, take a look at this glass of cola. Can you tell what kind it is?

Does a cup of cola need a logo? Absolutely. Unless you ordered the drink, without a logo, you can’t tell if the contents are Coke, Pepsi, or something else. You don’t know if you’ll like the taste, or what it will cost you, because the product looks exactly like every other brown beverage in the world. In this case, adding a logo to the cup would not be practical but critical for brand recognition.  The logo is the only thing that tells you what kind of cola you’re drinking.

But what about a business like John’s Lawn Service? When starting out, John created a flyer and took it to dozens of houses in neighborhoods where he was interested in working. On the flyer, John listed the services he would provide, a photo of himself, a few testimonials from other customers who use John to care for their yards, and a guarantee. Should John have a logo?

That’s a tougher call. John’s reputation and his relationship with his customers is what sets his business apart. If John wants his business to look more professional or “bigger” than it really is, he might create a simple logo and include it on his flyer along with his contact information. But in this case, a logo doesn’t really represent John or his business in the same way a logo represents a bottle of cola.

What about business cards, websites, and promotional products? If John decides he does want a logo for things like business cards or his website, he certainly doesn’t need a logo that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A simple, inexpensive icon matches with a good font and no more than two colors should do the trick.

What about you? Do you need a logo? Ask yourself how you plan to advertise your product or service. Will you use signs or posters to communicate your marketing? How large will your company get?

Most companies benefit from a simple, professional image that they can use for their logo (like the ones you’ll find here). But some companies won’t see much of a benefit. So do you really need a logo? Maybe, but maybe not.
Image credit: Irochka / 123RF Stock Photo