Small Business Logos

Everything you need to know about the logo design process

Logos are more than just pretty text and graphics slapped together – they’re the visual cornerstone of your brand. One glance at iconic logos from heavyweight brands, such as Nike or Coke, gives you strong brand associations. You know exactly who they are and what they stand for, simply through their branding.

For smaller businesses, logo designs are just as important, if not more, as corporations can pump big bucks into marketing. Logos can make or break that first impression and build a foundation for lasting recognition. Having a strong logo and branding can also play a leading role in representing your business’ unique identity and value.

In this article, we deep-dive into why you need a stellar logo, and the ins and outs of the logo design process.

Why your logo is so darn important

Forget what you’ve heard about not judging a book by its cover. When it comes to your branding, believe us – your customers are doing it. Your logo and branding may be the first thing that your customers see. So, is your current logo your best spokesperson?

Logos are essential for small businesses. They help make it possible to differentiate you from your competitors. They translate the message and purpose of your business to your audience.

Good logos are:

• Easy to read and understand
• Adaptable (across different mediums)
• Memorable
• Timeless
• Simple (you don’t want to overcomplicate it)
• Full of life
• Balanced in typeface, colours and other elements.

The industry you belong to can also be an important factor. For example, a trades logo or plumbers’ logo will look quite different to beauty logos. Each colour, shape, symbol and typeface has a meaning – and helps communicate your brand.

Example: Lemos Formwork

For Lemos Formwork, precision is key to their speciality concrete formwork. In their logo design, the ‘L’ is skilfully formed in clean strokes – which perfectly mirrors their craft. Their colour story is industrial and masculine, with cool greys and blacks juxtaposed with lively pops of red. This new branding captures their identity as experts in off-form concrete structures.

Example: Buonissimo Bakery

Drawing inspiration from their traditional roots, we tied together elements of this into Buonissimo’s new logo design. From the modern spin on wheat forming the ‘B’ (in ‘Bakery’) to the image of a rolling pin, it all underpins their excellence with an air of decadence. Finally! Branding that looks as good as it tastes.

Example: Eva Outdoors

When approaching Eva Outdoors’ rebrand, we wanted to elevate what worked and uproot what didn’t. This involved updating their logo fonts to honour the evolution of their brand identity. Their logo’s new minimalistic gold leaf icon was designed to better represent their services. Using sophisticated touches of black, gold, and cool grey, this fresh new look will see them thrive. 

Get your perfect small business logo in 6 steps

Every brand is unique. Crafting the right bespoke logo for small businesses is a challenge we get a real kick out of. Whether it’s a brand-new business or a well-needed refresh on an existing one, our hands-on and personalised approach is all about capturing your brand essence in these six steps.

Your business may be small, but that doesn’t mean your logo should be meagre. Our affordable logo designs give you professional graphic designs for your small business.

1. Question time

No two businesses are the same. That’s why, we never make assumptions. We dive into the nuts and bolts of your business – what makes you, you. The start of your logo journey will be all about us getting to know your business, including your vision and goals.

Luckily, we know just the right questions to ask. Our simple-to-use questionnaire gives us all the nuggets of wisdom and insight into your business we need to visually capture your brand. This takes the pressure off you! Boil the kettle and work your way through the questionnaire, giving us as much detail as you can.

2. Brand discovery workshop

Our favourite part. Based on your information, our dream team gathers research and inspiration to use in our brand discovery planning workshop. We come up with the ideas and direction for your new logo branding.

3. Bespoke logo concepts

We get creating! Our experienced designers work closely with our Creative Director to create your logo concepts from scratch. Together, our artistic heads will create three distinct logo concepts, with primary and secondary variations included. We then eagerly share these bespoke logo concepts with you.

4. Finesse to perfection

You give us your honest feedback. Tell us what we nailed and what you’d like to change. We’ll keep working on it until it’s just right – as part of our Happiness Guarantee! Yep, you better believe that means unlimited revisions over five business days. (Most design agencies only offer one or two rounds tops!).

5. Get your perfect logo

After we put the finishing touches on your logo and finish all your design inclusions in your bundle, you’ll be ready to use your brand new logo. We’ll also give you guidelines on how to use your branding consistently in the future.

6. Celebrate!

Your bespoke new logo is ready, in all its glory. You’ve now got a brilliant logo to help you stand out and build your business.