Select a logo to use for eCommerce. Examples of 8 and errors to avoid

May 6, 2023

When you're beginning an ecommerce business or considering an idea of redesign, one of the key aspects of the procedure is creating an appealing and high-quality logo to communicate your brand's message. Before starting to brainstorm your ideas, contemplate what is the key element of a good logo, and what style of logo will be the best fit for the business you're looking to establish as well as the potential customers you'll be able to serve.

In this article we'll discuss how important logos are, the eight kinds of logos and important considerations, such as best practices for make logos, options in software for creating them, and ways to outsource design.

What's an emblem?

We could get nitpicky about the meaning of "logo", the expression is generally employed to describe an uncomplicated graphic composed from words, imagery or even a mix of the two in order to symbolize a brand an entity.

Logos and their importance

Your logo can help your customers quickly and effortlessly to recognize your brand when viewing your posts and ads through social networks, looking up results from search engines, comparing items on the online marketplace, or shopping directly on your website.

If you'd like your online business to stand out other businesses, having the perfect logo is vital. There are numerous websites competing for interest from their customers. It is essential to choose a professional distinctive and unique design that's an accurate depiction of your business.

An attractive logo can be instrumental in establishing credibility. Think about the most cherished brand names that you trust. Logos and designs of their brands are likely to come to thoughts. Just looking at a certain design or color might evoke brand recognition.

Your logo will be an investment in your company's expansion, so ensure that you put in the time and energy to design a logo that represents your business and speaks to the people you want to reach.

Eight types of logos

Logos are typically separated into 8 types:

  • Logotype, Wordmark
  • Brand mark, logomark or graphic
  • Combination mark
  • Dynamic logo
  • Emblems
  • Letterforms
  • Lettermark, monogram
  • Mascots

Wordmark/logotype

Wordmark logos like Coca-Cola and ebay

"Wordmark" as well as "logotype" are essentially identical and refer to"logotype" and "wordmark". These are both the style that employs the use of fonts, often the company's name or an element of the name. Logos using these types of fonts are often made using unique typography that makes it unique in the company.

A renowned and famous instances of a trademark logo is Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola logo is instantly recognized, thanks to its iconic typography, which has changed minimally over the last 130 years. L'oreal as well as eBay's logos are also examples of wordmarks or logotypes.

Brand mark, logomark or graphic

brand mark logos like Apple and Twitter

"Brand mark"," "logomark," and "pictorial" can all be used to refer to a graphic component of a logo. They can also employ words or letters similarly however, it does not contain the name of the business. These marks can be symbolic, like the bird, apple or the shell logos that are from Apple, Twitter, and Shell Oil, or they may be more abstract as those of the Atari as well as the Dropbox trademarks.

The Atari logo suggests the shape of an A, without being it. The Dropbox brand mark uses a series of strategically placed diamonds for an abstract box appearance.

Combination mark

Combination marks include a corporate name that is incorporated with the more image-based branding mark. The majority of the time, businesses uses its combination mark in all circumstances, however it can also be used with its trademark and wordmark in different ways depending on the context.

Dynamic logos

Google Doodle of a rabbit

Dynamic logos are flexible contemporary logos which alter their components depending on the messages the brand is trying to communicate for a particular purpose. Google is probably the most popular example of this through the Google Doodles. Logos that are dynamic may be animated, static or interactive.

Google makes use of all three kinds to use for the Google Doodles collection. The one thing that's same for every Doodle is that the logo of Google "Google" appears in some way. Everything else about the logo could alter.

For most brands, the Google approach might not be the best choice - especially ones just seeking to make a name for themselves. It's challenging for prospective customers to see several versions of the logo that you've designed in different styles.

Remember that Google cannot use this same flexibility for each use of their logo. The Google Doodle is specifically used to advertise Google's Google Search landing page. Otherwhere else, they adhere to their trademarked wordsmark and brand mark.

If you're looking to design an engaging logo, think closer to the style of MTV.

different variations of the MTV logo
Image courtesy Logopedia

For the most part, in use instances, MTV uses the same shape of logo, but it employs various color variants and occasionally it also co-brands with different businesses. Its logo remains easily identifiable by its name MTV However, the variance in the color and design could help people identify MTV to other ideas including ideology, brand names and even ideas to generate different emotions and continuously re-invigorate viewers.

Emblems

emblem logos like Ford, BMW, and Starbucks

The expression "emblem" refers to the style of a logo that incorporates words and images to make one logo that is integrated and unique. Emblems are typically similar to emblems, badges, or emblems. You see this sort of symbol most often on university teams, sports teams, as well as automotive firms, but plenty of other businesses use emblems to create their logos. Companies such as Starbucks, Warner Bros. and Stella Artois all have emblem logos.

Letterforms

letterform logos like WordPress and Facebook

Letterforms utilize the initial letter and sometimes the initials of the brand, to form a basic brand name. Though they're generally less complicated than monograms, they could be a monograms as in the above example. New York Yankees letterform/monogram.

Lettermarks/monograms

lettermark logos like Gucci and Chanel

Lettermark or monogram logos use the acronyms or initials of the company for the entire or part of the design. Sometimes, the letters are overlapping to create a pattern. They also can be set in the background.

Monograms first came into use during the beginning of Greece to identify coins, to signify the city they were issued by. They were later used as the signatures of those with the money or power, and also by artists and craftsmen.

Monograms have a long history and frequently used by fashion and beauty brands to convey a sense of class and tradition. But, they aren't exclusively utilized by these types of businesses. Every type of business uses monograms. They're an efficient and space-saving method of creating a logo, and are appropriate for virtually every business.

Mascot logos

mascot logos like Lacoste and Wendy's

Mascot logos use iconic characters that represent the business of a company. The alligator from Lacoste, Cheetos' Chester Cheetah the mascot of Reddit Snoo Colonel Sanders and Wendy's favorite, Wendy Thomas, are many famous examples of mascots that are utilized as a part of the corporate logo.

Mascots can be a fantastic method to showcase a brand's character, while creating a more relaxed and relatable. You can also use them in creative ways for your marketing. The use of a mascot in the shape of a logo may not be easy because it is difficult to replace the character you chose to utilize (see: Ronald McDonald) It could be difficult to get them out of the minds of the public.

You'll have to be sure to look at your mascot's image and make sure it's on-brand and adaptable to the way you're hoping to grow your business.

sample logo designed with Looka
Image created using Looka

Your logo is often the first impression that a customer has with your business. The logo we've established must be memorable, easily identified and reflective of your business's branding, however, there are certain best practices for the style of your logo which will need to be considered consideration when selecting the image.

If your logo's design is striking and distinct, that doesn't mean it's an outstanding design. Many of the most well-known brands out there have had several unreliable logo launches that resulted in negative press coverage.

Some businesses go by the old adage that "any publicity is good publicity." If the name of your business is controversial, you'll want to adhere to a few known and trusted design guidelines to ensure that you don't end up in an article on a blog that discusses the worst logos ever.

Simple is best.

You may are familiar with the term "less is better" - a phrase invented by the Minimalist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1947. The phrase is used frequently in corporate jargon and may be employed as an excuse for basic design work. However, the concept of "less means more" should not be used to simplify the design or boring.

It's a philosophy that values functional as well as aesthetic. Ultimately, the goal is to use as few elements as are necessary to convey the intended message and supply the required function, while simultaneously creating an aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

This is an essential aspect in logos, since the style must be easy for the viewer to comprehend. It must be able to place it on backgrounds using different hues and textures. Make it compatible with various dimensions and spaces, before putting it into various sizes without it becoming confusing or messy.

spa logo on different colors of backgrounds

However, it doesn't mean that you have to go with an uncluttered logo, either. The same can be done for any type of logo such as traditional, modern retro, vintage, or even any other style of design which is fashionable and contemporary.

Pick a style that best represents your brand as well as your intended public

If your company makes products that are antique or vintage, it is possible to choose an older-fashioned logo reminiscent of the time the brand is a reflection of.

For instance, Big Chill appliances use an old-fashioned typographic look that evokes the look of vintage appliances that date back to the 1930s and 1960s.

The logo of Trader Joe's is an edgy 60s-inspired style, while Ben and Jerry's is a youthful and fun vibe from the 1970s that is harmonious with their design. Altoids' serif font logo with a gold embossed effect on the edges give it an elegant and timeless look.

example logos like Altoids and Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels whiskey has not significantly altered its logo since 1947, and it is still recognizable as a earlier logo from the time of Prohibition. Contrary to other brands such as Levi Strauss that massively changed their logos throughout the course of time, Jack Daniels has only modified their logo in the course of time, bringing back to customers the decades-long existence.

If your business is a provider of Software as a Service (SaaS) that offers technology-based products or the logo of a minimalist design that's clean modern, easy to read, and simple You may want to go with something more minimalist. These companies use modern, minimalist designs.

Some of them have logos. Other fonts are solely based on type and utilize distinctive letterforms that symbolize their brand, whereas others have emblems, badges or badges appearance.

example logos like Automattic and Slack

If your store's online presence is targeted at niche consumers You'll need to choose the appropriate logo that resonates with this particular customer base. Whether it's organic food, toys, comic books and clothing for women and hunting equipment, you can create a powerful, targeted logo, without crossing the line of snarky and childish.

Logos that are a part of the niche market such as Walt's Comic Shop, Nelson Rare Books, KiwiCo, and Chewy.

example logos like Chewy and KiwiCo

Walt's Comic Shop makes use of a cartoon-like design, but employs simplified lines and two color palettes and a clean, sans-serif font. It's a lot of fun and draws inspiration from the industry, but it's not too cartoonish and the typography and graphic elements can be used together as well as independently.

Nelson Rare Books uses an elaborate illuminated initial on their logo. This is similar to what is found in the first chapter from an antique book. The contrast is stark with the embellished serif font, they use the crisp and spacious sans-serif font in every uppercase letter for the name of the business. It creates a balance and expresses the nature of the business's image as a vendor of rare antique and rare books, and an online shop that uses the latest technology and systems for organization.

KiwiCo offers science and art kits for kids as an online subscription. The company has chosen a contemporary, minimalist logo. They've they've made it fun by using the kiwi-themed logo as well as a hefty serif font. Keeping the logo more generic will allow them to expand their company in many different direction without the need alter the design every time they decide to do thus.

Chewy is a pet food delivery service. Their logo doesn't contain any images and is purely dependent on the the type. The font is a sans serif, rounded design that's concocted, providing the fun that is associated with pets.

Don't use clip art

If you think you can choose a logo from a clipart free website, you should think twice. Technically, you can make use of clip art whenever you'd like. But, it's likely that other firms have used this technique. A few people could be able to identify it, and mistake the logo for another company's or might give an impression of unprofessionalism.

In addition, not all clip art available to users. Simply because you can find it online isn't an indication that it's free for download. You don't want to end up the subject of a legal action!

This doesn't mean that you can't utilize a logo created by a professional and used to use as an element of your logo. You can use royalty-free images purchased from marketplaces such as the iStock image and Creative Market that are where you can get high-quality graphic elements you can utilize to make personal logos. Or, completely designed logos that all you have to do is alter the logo's placeholder by putting your company's name.

examples of ice cream shop logos
Ice cream shop logos courtesy iStockPhoto

If you are able to utilize a design element in your logo, keep in mind that other people may be using that exact identical element to create their logos as well. You must ensure that you've got the correct license for the purpose you intend to use it for. Some stock image sites have various types of licenses that you can buy for various reasons, including printing, web and editorial usage.

Avoid cliches and obvious styles and fonts

A search of "worst Logo fonts" and "worst logo design" can provide you with tips for avoiding. You should ensure your logo's elements as well as typography aren't utilized by companies which aren't yours. This can not only to keep your logo from getting confused, but it will help you create an original and distinctive style that will become an inspiration for you.

There's no wrong option to use a well-known symbol or logo in the design of your logo when it's relevant to your industry. The logos of veterinarians are a fantastic illustration of this. What are the most popular veterinarian logos that use the combination of cats and dogs or paw print or a medical symbol as well as a heart?

Most likely. It doesn't mean it's impossible to make use of this type of image, but it could mean it's much more difficult to create a something unique from standard subject matter.

Here are a few great examples of common logo image choices done well:

two veterinary logos side-by-side
Images supplied by Dribble. Aurora Veterinary Hospital and Advanced Veterinary Care Center

For the design of Aurora Veterinary Hospital, the design team used a minimal palette that features an abstract representation of dogs... or perhaps it's a cat. The layout is broad enough to be able to depict both species. The design is cute, but not cartoonish. It's modern, stylish, and simple to read, while still being an original design and illustration of the theme of animals and cats within a veterinary logo design.

Advanced vet care center's logo is incredibly imaginative, with a point of a cat's tail while using the standard medical + symbol to create an image of a letter A that stands for "Advanced." The logo is more of a corporate brand, while staying true to the field it represents. The logo is a completely different design from Aurora is the name of Veterinary Hospital. The design is more abstract and minimalist but still employs typical patterns.

Making your own font or altering the appearance of a font in a way to match your brand's branding, could be the best option to develop a distinctive and effective logo. But, if graphics and typography are not your primary background within, then you'll need to learn the basics of typography before you start working to create custom fonts or modifying existing ones.

Do not go too far with colors or visual effects

Try to limit yourself only to a minimum of four colors. If the logo you design requires greater than 4 colors, you must limit your colors to just one graphic element of the logo.

For example it is the NBC logo is a representation of a rainbow for their peacock symbol and their logo, however the font used is black. Every element is simple to comprehend on its own. Colors that are solid and a limited variety of shapes make the peacock's shape readable, even with the array of colors.

But, when you start using different colors for each letter, the logo begins to lose the visual impact. When you add drops shadows, rainbow gradients and glow effects it starts to appear chaotic. The result is definitely original but it's a bit difficult to stare at.

NBC logos in different colors side-by-side

Be sure that your designs are accessible across all platforms.

When setting up your online store, you'll want to ensure that your logo is attractive and easily readable on your website especially on mobile. However, you should be sure that your logo looks great when printed and is capable of translating efficiently to vertical and horizontal layouts and has the colors that are available for different backgrounds and the textures.

Make sure not to alter or squish the dimensions of your logo in order to fit a particular size. It is possible to rearrange the logo elements, or make it larger or smaller while keeping its aspect ratio, but expanding or compressing your logo can make it harder to read and less professional.

Use a vector-based design program to make your own brand

Two types of images which you can create using design software: vector and raster. Vector pictures are designed using mathematical formulas which permit the images to be scaled and without compromising quality or getting distorted.

Images in a RAR file format contain the exact quantity of pixels. If you shrink the image's size to a smaller size, you are unable to scale it upwards without loosing the image's quality or making it distorted or in any other way.

designing a logo with software

Because your logo could be employed in a wide range of contexts and sizes in your marketing collateral it is important to make sure that your logo can be scaled without losing the quality. A vector layout lets you edit your logo later effortless and enables you to maintain the high quality image regardless of how often you alter or increase the dimensions of your logo.

Also, you should keep copies of your logo that are vectorized in different (ai pdf, eps) file formats, as you are able to export the high resolution raster format (png, tiff and jpg) and lower resolution web-optimized files such as webp.

Are you curious to learn more about the different formats for logos? The Mean Creative has an helpful tutorial.

Logo design software

Are you looking for the ideal program for creating your logo? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to determine what one you should pick. If you're a graphic designer with knowledge, then it is possible to make use of a laptop or an online design application that gives you complete control over the creation of the logo for your business.

If you don't have any design experience and design, you might want to think about an online application to create logos. If you're unable to locate a solution that matches exactly what you want, this could be a good starting point if you choose to work with an artist.

If your logo is close to the image you're seeking, but there are some modifications, you may receive a better price by offering your freelance logo designer an item that is 90% of what you'd like it although it may require a few tiny modifications.

Software for designing desktops, as well as online solutions

blank canvas in Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

  • ProfessionalsIllustrator is a market leader in vector design software. Desktop and the iPad/Surface Pro version are available, and the software has a variety of features.
  • Con:Illustrator uses a subscription-only model for software, meaning that you will pay an expense per month. This software may have an extensive learning curve which means it's ideal for people who plan to do a lot of graphic design.
CoralDRAW homepage

CorelDraw

  • Advantages:It offers a one-time purchase option, in conjunction with a subscription plan. There's also a less expensive Corel Vector online software with a free 15-day trial.
  • Con:The one-time purchase price surpasses $500. The online vector software is strictly subscription. Like Illustrator it is a learning curve that can be a little daunting for beginners. In addition, the CorelDraw iPad app has an average with 1 1/2-star within the Apple App Store.
working within Canva

Canva

  • Advantages Canva includes a free account so that you can create a logo and others designs for free. Canva offers the option of creating a logo in the event that you aren't satisfied with your own design efforts. Canva is a known design tool which is easy to use and suitable for non-designers as well as creative pros. You can be sure that it is well-supported with regular updates as well as innovative features. Additionally, it provides access for free to certain stock images available through Getty and other content sources.
  • Cons: Premium content and alternatives are only available to customers with different levels of paying accounts. It is a web-based application. If you're searching to find images of stock images, particularly it's a bit clunky and may be challenging to locate precisely what you're seeking.
Creating within Vectr

Vectr

  • Advantages Vectr is a easy free vector design program that's pretty easy to learn.
  • Pros:It's online only and can be too simple, depending upon what kind of style you'd like to work on. In addition, ads are displayed in the software that can cause annoyance.

Online logo creators

There are other options available through Canva for creating logos that were discussed in the past, there's an online application that concentrates exclusively on the creation of logos that use the automated process.

Checka along with Smashing Logo each offer a low cost customizable logo-making tools. It's free to create any number of logos you'd like. However, when you wish to download vector graphics as well as brand bundles, it's essential to buy one of their premium tiers.

Intro wizard from SmashingLogo.com
Intro wizard by SmashingLogo.com

Online logo creation software can provide a great method for locating the perfect image for your business at a low expense, however, you're not certain of getting the style that you want. Because these platforms permit you to play around with the options available, they can be able to assist you in thinking about what you can do with your logo, and think about the ideas you would like to want to achieve, then take the design to a graphic artist or an agency as a starting position.

Outsourcing logo design

Are you not interested in designing your own logo? Are you constantly creating iterations with the Logo Creator program? Sometimes it's better to hire an expert from the beginning.

Engaging a logo designer on a contract basis or with an agency to create the corporate logo is an excellent investment for the future of your business. Professional designers will bring new perspectives that you would not had thought of. They're able to create all the necessary files and designs.

designer drawing logos on a tablet

However, it's also vital to be aware of the potential risks involved with outsourcing logo design. It's important to select an experienced designer who has previous expertise in creating logos for companies that are in your sector, with good feedback from past clients and who is able to stay within the limits of your budget.

There are some who are successful finding freelancers using marketplaces on the internet like Fiverr and Upwork. Others prefer to work with local people or who was suggested by an acquaintance or colleague, or through the Chamber of Commerce in the area. These are all suitable option to consider when looking for a designer to work with.

As a client as a client, it is important to make sure you're willing to collaborate with a graphic designer. You'll want to do some study on logos you like and think about the goals you'd like to accomplish with your logo, and finally, be able to convey your requirements.

Designers work best with a set of guidelines and a little creativity when it comes to their design. If you're not as flexible with regards to what you'd like the design to appear or you're not specific enough, it could result in an unsatisfactory logo. Your expectations have been created.

The final step in creating a logo together with a graphic designer is a dialog, and it is possible to take a few sketching sessions until you are able to come up with the perfect idea.

Make your mark visible

If you've got some basic guidelines in the design of your logo you can use, it's the time to create and get your logo use. Study various logo designs. Create a brand colour scheme as well as a general concept.

Decide if you'd rather design your logo on your own, utilize the application to create your logo or work with a professional graphic designer. Once you've chosen a logo that you like, ensure that you have the right files for both web and printing and begin implementing it across your website as well as social media, marketing channels and even products.

It's also an excellent idea to carefully review your logo and have it reviewed by trusted sources before releasing it. Keep in mind that your logo is an image of the organization that you represent. You may not get a conclusion on whether or not your logo design is appealing However, you need to try to stay clear of the most evident issues that can make you in blog posts on the most unprofessional logos that have ever been created.

It can be difficult to create a logo however, with careful planning, extensive research, and right designers or tools for creation, you can design a gorgeous, impactful logo which represents your business and inspires confidence and trust in your clients.

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