What’s the next step after creating a logo for your business? Refine the look of your brand, and start using your visual identity to interact with the public. A great logo is like your brand mascot. If you keep it on the bench, you miss out on opportunities to make a mark on your customers.
Logos are only one element of your brand identity, so they hold little power on their own. But when you consistently use your logo, it becomes a unifying symbol of all the positive messages you send out about your business. To make the most of your branding efforts, check out these 10 ways to use your logo.
1. Websites and blogs
A website or blog is the most obvious place to showcase a great business logo design. A well-optimized site can attract visitors who wouldn’t otherwise find your products. Website logos get featured alongside key parts of your brand story, such as the tagline and bio. It’s easy for customers to look at these brand elements together and connect the dots. Remember to customize the site icon, so your logo is visible when multiple browser tabs are open.
2. Business cards
Don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned business card logo. Many people still value the personal touch of sharing business cards. Plus, you can slip them into any communications with customers. Compared to other marketing materials, business cards are less likely to get thrown out. Do a good job of pitching your company on a business card, and clients will keep you in mind for future projects.
3. Signs and banners
Colors and images play a big part in brand recognition, and physical signs provide a way to surround customers with visual cues. Can you imagine McDonald’s golden arches coming into view as you cruise the highway? How about the giant red Target logo or yellow Best Buy sign?
Approach your store, office or trade show booth from a customer’s perspective. Make sure you place signs with your business logo in areas that naturally draw a visitor’s eyes. And don’t just stick to eye level. Many stores hang ceiling signs to catch attention as customers walk in.
4. Products and packaging
If you have any doubts about the importance of great product packaging, take a look at the thousands of “unboxing” videos on YouTube. The creative touches you put into presenting a product enhance the customer experience. Not to mention, product logos give you an excuse to reinforce your branding. Picture the most visible areas a customer comes in contact with when using your product. Display your logo where it’s sure to be seen, such as custom-printed tissue paper, stickers, or boxes.
5. Letters and emails
Repetition is key when you’re new to brand building. The goal is to make customers so familiar with your brand that your name comes to mind when they need a product. You’re wasting a lot of prime real estate if you aren’t using your business logo in letters and emails.
Get custom business stationery printed with a logo letterhead, and include logos near the contact info in your emails. Think of how often a client engages with your brand if you regularly send emails to a subscriber list. Customers form a connection with familiar branding, making them trust your expertise.
6. Invoices and forms
Similar to letters, invoices and business forms allow you to distribute branded items on a routine basis. A distinct logo and brand image go a long way in building the credibility of a young business. Customers see branded business materials as a sign of professionalism. After all, you’re more likely to invest in your business if you care about building lasting relationships with customers.
7. Social media profiles
Never leave social media followers guessing what you’re about. A logo and brief brand statement should be the first thing users see on your profiles. More importantly, social media sites directly link brand visuals with customer engagement. Every time you post content, followers see your logo on their newsfeeds. When you have a loyal audience, a familiar logo is enough to make many followers stop and read your ads or headlines.
8. Promotional merchandise
Anytime you host giveaways or attend sponsored events, look for ways to get your logo in front of new customers. Print logos on promotional items that customers frequently use, such as pens, mugs, totes, and lanyards.
9. Company apparel
Create a consistent look across your workforce with branded uniforms. Design custom logo T-shirts, hats, or vests that make your staff recognizable in a crowd. Uniforms with logos stand out at stores and trade shows, and they also bring a human element to your brand. But keep in mind, your staff has to deliver great customer service to maintain positive brand associations.
10. Business vehicles
There’s a reason no one can ignore bright pink breast cancer awareness trucks. Branded vehicles combine a lot of visual cues: color, graphics, and motion. A vehicle sporting an oversized logo is a moving billboard inviting people to learn more.
If you have company cars or trucks, consider painting them in your business color scheme. Add large logos and taglines on the sides of your vehicles, so customers have no trouble reading the info. The more memorable the graphics, the easier it is for passersby to remember your business down the road.
Want more ideas on where to put your logo? Here’s an extensive list that Deluxe put together to ensure you never run out of options.
Once you nail down your logo design ideas, put the finished product to work. Choose the right logo size for different media, but avoid altering the design from one application to the next.
Being consistent with your visual story is the key to carving out a place in customer minds. Although a brand is a lot bigger than a logo, customers see these tiny symbols more than any other element. Make sure your logo is serving your business goals, not just filling up space.
Your logo is just the beginning. See all the promotional products you can use to show off your brand!
