Logo Branding: Understanding the Difference between Brand Identity and Logo
2019: The Year Big Biz Dropped Big Bucks on Logo Branding
Get this: In 2019, the Fortune 500 crew splashed out a whopping $500 billion on marketing and advertising.
A fat chunk of that cash? Funneled straight into making their logos and branding look sharp.
But here's where it gets fuzzy: Too many bigwigs mix up logos with the whole brand identity thing, and that's where the strategy starts to slip.
Let's set it straight: A brand's identity? That's its unique mojo, the secret sauce that sets it apart from the crowd. It's not just a logo. It's the feels you get, the values it shouts, and the message it sends. We're talking color vibes, typeface style, and even the way the brand talks.
Now, flip to the logo. This bad boy is the face of the brand – a visual shout-out to everything the brand stands for.
In the big world of business, it's all about nailing that combo of killer logo and a brand identity that resonates.
That's the real game-changer.
Let's Talk Real: McDonald's, Logos, and the Whole Brand Shebang
Picture this: McDonald's. Those golden arches are like a global bat-signal for burgers. But it ain't just about those arches. It's the red-and-yellow vibe, that funky font, and the "I'm lovin' it" kind of talk that make it scream McDonald's.
Here's the deal: The logo is just a piece of the brand puzzle. It's like the cherry on top, but it doesn't tell the whole sundae story.
Crafting a brand identity?
That's an art form.
It's digging deep into market research, strategizing like a boss, and knowing who you're talking to. It's about making sure everything – from your mission statement to your goals – lines up with what you stand for.
Now, about logos. They're crucial, no doubt.
They gotta be simple, stick in your mind, stand the test of time, and really show off what you're all about. It's a slice of your brand's style.
So, you're looking to get that killer logo? Whether you're down for DIY with templates or wanna bring in the big guns – a graphic designer or a branding agency – we've got the lowdown right here.
This is your treasure map to creating a brand identity that'll have your customers and clients coming back for more.
And hey, whether you're a fresh startup or a small biz looking to make some noise, we've got something for you.
Check out our 'Branding in a Box Packages for Small Businesses.'
It's like your branding toolkit, ready to roll.
Each package is designed to help you create a logo that is a brand's key asset and develop a branding strategy that truly resonates with your target audience.
Understanding the Difference
Logo vs Brand
Getting the Lowdown: Logo? Brand? What's the Real Deal?
Alright, let's break it down.
A logo? That's your visual handshake, the cool symbol or slick wordmark that pops into people's heads when they think of your biz. It's like the face of your brand - the first thing people spot and the bit they remember.
But hold up, there's more to the story. Your brand?
That's the whole vibe.
It's what your company stands for, the values you're pushing, the quality you're delivering, and the culture you're brewing.
It's how people feel when they talk about you, not just what they see.
Thinking it's time to amp up your brand's look?
Check it: Logo Design Services
What is Logo Branding?
Logo Branding is the process of creating a unique visual identity that expresses the values, mission, quality and culture of a brand.
It’s used to differentiate a company from its competitors and create an emotional connection with customers.
This includes creating logos, colors, fonts and other elements associated with the brand.
Decoding Logo Branding: Unraveling the Distinction between Brand Identity and Logo
When it comes to logo branding, it's essential to understand the distinction between brand identity and logo.
While brand identity encompasses a comprehensive set of elements like cultural and strategic aspects, the logo is a visual representation of the brand. It is the face of the brand, communicating its essence and values.
Take the iconic Kappa logo, for instance, which holds a deeper meaning rooted in cultural symbolism.
Similarly, the Bandit logo embraces the spirit of rebellion and adventure. Remember, when selecting a logo, ensure it is royalty-free to avoid copyright issues.
So, whether you're a cowboy-themed business or a modern corporation, crafting a strong brand identity and a captivating logo is crucial for making a lasting impact.
What are the different types of logos?
There are five main types of logos:
wordmark, lettermark, combination mark, emblem and abstract.
Each type has its own purpose and can be used to express the identity of the brand in a unique way.
Wordmark Logo Design:
Text-based logos that consist only of words or letters.
Lettermark Logo Design:
Logos that use a combination of letters in an eye-catching font.
Combination Mark Logo Design:
A combination of both text and graphics to create a unique identity.
Emblem Logo Design:
Text and graphic elements contained within a shape such as a circle.
Abstract Logo Design:
A more creative logo that contains an abstract symbol or design.
How to use a Logo Maker to Create your Own Logo
Making a logo doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can design a professional-looking logo in minutes. Making a logo doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can design a professional-looking logo in minutes. Multiple free logo makers are available online, providing free logo design templates and easy-to-use editing utilities. So make full use of them and take your branding to the next level.
You can use a logo maker library of logo templates or create your own logo from scratch with their easy to use logo maker software.
Free Online Logo Generator VS Professional Logo Designer
When it comes to logo design, you may be wondering if you should use a free online logo maker or hire a professional designer.
Free Online logo generator
Logo Maker programs have the advantage of being easy and fast to use, but often lack the creativity that comes with hiring a professional.
Canva Logo Maker Template:
Canva is an online design platform that makes creating logos easy for anyone, even if you don’t have any design experience.
Canva provides you with a logo editor that uses existing logo templates that you can very easily change to your brand colors, brand name, preferred image and you can even do an animated logo.
The cost of Canva is free unless you choose to pay for additional features.
The Problem with using the Canva logo creator to make your own logo
A Free logo sounds great in theory, but, you'll end up having a logo that is run of the mill and looks like every other logo.
Remember, you are not a logo creator designer and do not have design skills to make a custom logo.
If you want to launch your business off on the right foot, a top quality logo is what you need.
Free logo maker programs are often unprofessional and lack the creativity that comes with hiring a professional and will very likely not be trademark-able.
A Free logo making program will not provide you with all the logo files you want or need, you will not be provided with an adobe illustrator file of your logo.
Hiring Professional Logo designers
Hiring a professional designer is the best way to ensure you get a creative, unique design that will be memorable and represent your brand correctly.
Professional designers will make a custom logo design that will allow you to apply for a logo trademark.
Logo Design Cost
The cost of custom logo design:
The cost can vary depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Generally, a professional logo will be between $500-$5,000 USD for startups and small business companies.
The cost of a Fiverr logo design:
For a low budget, you can go to Fiverr and find logo designers there. The cost of a logo from Fiverr can range from $5 - $150 USD depending on the quality of the service.
However, be aware that 99% of Fiverr logo designs are designed using free logo software like Canva.
The cost of logo design on Upwork:
Upwork is a great platform to find freelance logo designers and their rates start from around $500 - $2500 USD.
Upwork tends to offer a more premium service compared to Fiverr, however, there are still freelance designers on Upwork that use free logo design software, so, be careful who. you hire!
How to spot a fake logo designer?
Fake logo designers use free logo design software to make logos and usually offer logo design services for under $500.
They often offer Unlimited revisions on logo design, which is a big red flag.
They will only offer you .png and .pdf files, they will not provide you with .ai files, this clearly indicates they are cheating and using a free logo design software.
A professional designer should never offer unlimited revisions as logo design takes time, skill and effort to produce an original high-quality logo.
Always look at the portfolio of the designer and see what other logos they have made in the past. If it all looks like it was made with free logo design software, then it probably was!
Logo Ideas
A logo creator can use Pinterest to look for inspiration for a custom logo design.
You can search for keywords related to your brand and browse thousands of logos from professionals around the world.
Remember, don’t copy another logo as this is illegal and it will be flagged down in no time.
Use these ideas as a guide and create an original design that reflects your brand.
Logo Design Resources
Upwork
LogoMint
DesignCrowd
Fiverr
99 Designs
Behance
Dribbble
Logojoy
Canva
Logaster
How to trademark a logo?
To trademark a logo, you will need to fill out the relevant paperwork with your country's trademark office.
The process can take several weeks or months depending on the complexity of your application and the backlog at the trademark office.
You will also need to provide evidence that your logo is unique and not infringing upon any other existing trademark.
You should also work with a lawyer to ensure your application is approved and that you have the necessary legal protection for your brand logo.
What is in a Brands Identity?
It is the overall look, feel and representation of a brand.
It includes how it looks (visuals such as logos and colors) and what it stands for (mission, values, quality, etc.).
It’s used to create an emotional connection with customers that drive loyalty and engagement.
Your Brands Identity Includes:
Custom Logo Design by Definition
Logo is the recognizable symbol that identifies the company’s products and services.
It allows customers to quickly associate with the company, as it instills trust and familiarity.
Brand Color Palette
This includes specific colors used in logo design, website design, marketing materials and more.
Colors evoke emotional responses from people which impact their perception of a brand.
Brand Fonts
Fonts can also evoke certain emotions from people and it’s important to choose the right one that best represents your brand’s values and mission.
Brand Voice & Tone
This includes how you communicate with customers in all your marketing efforts such as emails, newsletters, website content, and more.
Brand Messaging
This is your company’s core message that should be consistent across all marketing and communications efforts.
It will help to keep the brand on track and ensure customers have a consistent experience with your brand.
Icons
These help to create a visual connection with customers and should be used in all marketing materials.
They will help add an element of fun, which is great for connecting with your target audience.
Brand Personality
This is how you want your brand to be perceived by customers, such as friendly, helpful, and trustworthy.
It will help you create an emotional connection with customers that drives loyalty and engagement.
Brand Positioning
This is how your brand stands out from competitors, it includes your unique selling point, what makes you different and why people should choose you.
Packaging Design
This is a great way to create an emotional connection with customers, packaging design should reflect the brand’s values and mission.
Marketing Materials
This includes all the materials used in your marketing efforts such as brochures, flyers, business cards, etc.
It should include visuals that match your brand identity and messaging that resonates with customers.
Website Design
Your website should be designed to reflect your brand personality, it should be easy to navigate, feature visuals that represent the brand, as well as messaging.
Social Media Presence
This includes all the social media accounts of your company, they should all have a consistent look and feel and use visuals that match your branding.
Your Brands Identity VS Logo Branding Conclusion
Your brands identity includes a great logo as part of the overall image of the brand.
When you hire a branding agency, creative agency or freelancer to create your companies branding identity, you will get a logo included in the branding package.
If you create a logo yourself, or, hire a freelancer or professional branding agency to create a logo, you will not get other elements that make up your brands image.
Final Thoughts
Logo branding is a crucial part of your brands overall identity.
It should be done professionally using custom logo designers or a creative or branding agency.
Completely free logo resources are not a good option if you want your new logo to represent your business in a professional way.
Do not use a free logo creator platform, unless you have no other options.
Your brands identity is much more than a good company logo, it's your website, fonts, icon, images, colors and other elements.
Whether your business is looking to create a style guide, user friendly logo, custom icons, or use tools and templates that will allow you to make a logo yourself, we have dished out all the information you need to get started on building your new brand image.
So, if you need a new logo, a perfect logo that your customers will love and your competitors will fear, consider hiring us here at The Branded Agency.
The Branded Agency is a full service branding and marketing agency that's dedicated to helping the next generation of businesses.
Our logo and branding services are done fast and are affordable.
Throughout the entire process will work closely with you to ensure your identity reflects the value, mission and goals of your company.
We look forward to helping you create a unique and powerful logo that will stand out from the competition!
Checkout our Other Blog Posts
Other Resources
Branding in a Box for Small Businesses
Digital Marketing Report for 2023
The Complete Guide on Brand Pillars
Branding Services for Startup Businesses
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Brand Identity
A Guide to Creating a Buyer Persona