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Free Website Content - What Makes a Good Logo
Good Logos
By Sharon Housley
What is a logo?
A logo is a design, graphical representation, image or symbol
that represents a business or organization. Logos were initially
used to distinguish and differentiate products, the logos
assisted purchasers in finding the product they prefer or
have come to trust (or not trust). When product selections
were limited and items were marked with a logo which a consumer
was familiar they would naturally assume a certain level
of quality or value, even if they had not previously used
that specific product from that vendor. Now many companies
not only have a corporate logo, but they have a logo to
represent each of their products or product lines.
The company or product logo typically appears
on all printed media or websites that are associated with
the company or product. The logo appears in all marketing
material and media.
A logo is really more than just a graphic,
a logo design is part of a larger marketing concept. Marketers
take specific care when selecting a logo, and they give
a lot of thought about what they want their customers to
identify with the company or product logo.
Some logos are designed around color. Studies
have been conducted about the psychology of color and how
different colors evoke different emotions. Green is used
to imply wealth or expense, a marketer might use a green
logo to imply an increase in perceived value. Blue on the
other hand has a calming and soothing effect. Multiple colors
can be used to accent and highlight specific parts of the
logo. Accented and highlighted colors should be contrasting
and complimentary.
Regardless of what colors you select, be sure
that you use standard pantone colors and websafe colors.
Also make sure these colors can be easily reproduced in
print mediums.
Logos should be simple, and not overly elaborate
or complex. Newer businesses and technology companies should
have modern logos, while long standing businesses may want
to use a logo that emphasizes their business experience.
That does not mean that an older business cannot freshen
or enhance an older logo, they may just want to retain certain
qualities so their logo is still recognizable. Rarely do
business depart drastically from an established logo. For
this reason businesses should select a logo that has longevity.
Once you establish and build a strong corporate image, you
will want to retain it.
Logos should be designed so that they scale
easily and can be used in a variety of mediums: letterhead,
t-shirts, and more. Always keep in mind that logos are part
of a larger marketing concept. Promotional materials will
require consistency to reinforce the company or product
image.
Taglines incorporated into the logo help reinforce
the underlying message in a logo and can be an easy addition.
Countless memorable marketing campaigns over the years have
associated slogans with a logo to hit a message home.
While logos sound complex, in truth it has
never been easier to locate a logo. Professional graphic
artists are abundant on the web, and can be contracted to
create a custom logo, or business owners can scroll through
thousands of logos in logo directories.
Logo Directories:
Logo Search - http://www.logo-search.com/
Logo Maid - http://www.logomaid.com/
LogoWorks - http://www.logoworks.com/
Logos are the building blocks of a company
or product identity. Be sure to take the time to find a
logo that reflects the values that you, as a business owner,
want associated with your business. Find a logo that is
more than just a graphic.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll
http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource box
is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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