Date: 11/05/2023

Master Your Logo: Building and Evolving Your Identity

Ben Godlington

Unashamed logo lover

Your logo is the face of your business, the visual representation that captures your essence, and the gateway to brand recognition. Getting it right is paramount! Join us on a visual journey through the world of logos, as we explore the importance of nailing your logo design (and evolving what you have if you need). Buckle up and prepare for an eye-opening ride!

The Logo Effect:

Did you know that 94% of a brand’s first impression is based on its logo alone? Take Apple, for example, whose iconic bitten apple logo communicates innovation and simplicity. A great logo sets the stage for a remarkable brand experience.

Memorable Marvels:

Logos with a strong visual identity are unforgettable. It can take 5-7 views of a logo for it to become familiar to you. Consider Nike’s famous swoosh, which symbolises speed and athleticism. This mighty logo, designed for a mere $35 (by a design student), has stood the test of time and become synonymous with excellence, remaining in place as Nike grew to astronomical levels of success.

Global Recognition:

A well-crafted logo transcends language barriers, making it instantly recognizable worldwide. Take a page from Coca-Cola’s playbook—its logo has remained virtually unchanged since 1887, allowing the brand to maintain an unmistakable, consistent identity for over a century. The Coca-Cola logo is recognised by a staggering 94% of the world’s population, now that’s global recognition! And whilst realistically, you really probably won’t achieve 94% global recognition, the chances are you’re in a sector or industry where you could strive for 94% industry recognition – but you need to make sure you’re logo is up to the task.

Stand Out in the Crowd:

In today’s crowded marketplace, differentiation is crucial. A striking logo can help your brand rise above the noise. McDonald’s golden arches are a perfect example. In a survey of 7000 people, 88% recognised the golden arches, but only 54% were found to recognise the Christian Cross. Found in more than 120 countries, these iconic arches signify deliciousness and a familiar taste, wherever you are.

Evolve Into A Modern Icon:

Logo updates are a common occurrence. Especially with companies that were eager to get started and grabbed a quick fiverr logo or made it themselves(!). As you grow, gain industry recognition, and expand your market share, having a logo that aligns with your brand’s identity becomes essential. According to Forbes, 91% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand with a polished and modern logo. A great modern example is Gymshark. Their modern-day evolution captured attention and embodied their cutting-edge brand image.

Adaptive Wonders:

An effective logo can adapt to different mediums, ensuring consistent brand representation and recognition. Take the ever-evolving Google logo—the vibrant, playful design has seamlessly transitioned across digital platforms, captivating users and keeping the brand fresh. Google’s use of the regular ‘doodles’ (of which there have been more than 5,000!) emphasises the strength of the logo and its ability to adapt and retain meaning regardless of manipulation. Much of this is down to clever colour use and simple font shape. The Google logo is based on the ‘Product Sans’ font for those font geeks out there. It’s a great lesson in balancing the application of your logo with retaining its distinction – something that often proves difficult and requires the creation of rules regarding application and manipulation.

Timeless Triumphs:

A well-crafted logo can withstand the test of time. Look at the Pepsi logo—evolving from its retro, wave-inspired design to the modern, minimalistic iterations, the brand has successfully adapted while maintaining its core essence. Pepsi’s previous logo, was one of the most expensive of all time, coming in at a cool $1,000,000. What’s really refreshing is that they have just rebranded and it feels even more nostalgic than ever with strong nods to their iconic Americana defining 1950’s logo.

Your logo is the cornerstone of your visual identity—get it right, and you’ll lay the foundation for a brand that stands the test of time. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed logo. Just like the world’s most successful brands, invest in a logo that speaks volumes about your business and captivates the hearts and minds of your audience. Remember, a logo isn’t just a symbol; it’s your brand’s voice in a visual language.

To redefine, disrupt and lead an industry takes many steps. Getting in touch is the first one. We’ll take care of the rest.