I am in the startup phrase. I just decided on a name that I will register in the morning. The problem is, should I have a logo. I don't really want one. I would just like my name to be in a specific font and/or color (not decided yet). Am I making a mistake? Should I have a memorable logo? Or is a name with a memorable font just as effective?

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~~*Miss Jaye*~~

Dear Miss Jaye,

I actually asked myself this same question recently. Deciding upon a company name and logo are such vital & brain racking decisions and some agonize weeks, even months over it. In the end, this is something that you should decide for yourself.

Advertising, branding and logo experts have always battled that question as well. There is no right or wrong answer here, its all about personal decision.

Go with your gut instinct! If you go with your gut, the typeface logo, you can always add an iconic logo image later!

I agree, there's nothing that says you can't change your mind. Many companies, large and small, change their logos, letterhead, websites from time to time. I personally think a logo is a good idea for really putting your mark on your business, but I agree that it is a personal opinion/decision.

Lisa.

In addition, creative use of typeface & colors can make an interesting logo!

dont doubt the gut

I think a logo compliments the business name, but I don't think it's an absolute necessity. I'm in the process of searching for the perfect logo and this task is more daunting than I originally thought!

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Barb
Iken Organize

Logos are for great for branding. A logo can say a lot so it shouldn't be chosen lightly.
You must make sure the logo conveys the message you want it to convey.

If you aren't sure whether you want a logo then I think you shouldn't have one. I wouldn't get a logo just for the sake of having one. Once you've chosen the message you want to convey THEN get the logo to match that message.

Just my opinion.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Although a logo is not necessarily a requirement of having a business, IMHO it is a good idea in order to create brand recognition. The key in my mind, however, is to create a logo that has meaning for you, and ties into your business. This may not be something that comes easily and again, it is not a necessity.

Part of my reasoning is that by having a logo, potential clients may not recognize your company name, but they will recognize your logo. This is an image of your business that is immediately visually recognizable. After all, you know exactly what company is represented by the (Nike) swoosh.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

If you are going to have a specific colour etc for your company name then that is your logo for now - it's better to have a simple one than a bad one!

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Sara Parr - Above Parr PA Services

Originally Posted by AboveParr

If you are going to have a specific colour etc for your company name then that is your logo for now - it's better to have a simple one than a bad one!

I completely agree! You can always ADD a new logo, but replacing one never goes over well. Case in point, when the Denver Broncos changed their logo a while back it caused some real confusion here (nobody said Denver fans were bright ) even though the colors hadn't changed. Lots of folks preferred the old look over the new one and it took a while before folks instantly recognized the new version as representative of the Broncos.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I agree with Office Goddess' post above. It's easier to add a new logo, than to change one. So if you're not sure about it, better hold off on it. At least for now.

I spent quite a while trying to find the perfect logo, the way I want it to convey my message, but couldn't find one.

I don't want to get stuck on my marketing plan. I got my domain that matches my business name. I moved on. Somewhere down the road, when my business generates enough money to afford a professional logo made, then I will have one.

That's how much importance I think your logo carries.

Just my 2 cents

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-Jean
Simplify it, delegate it.

As others have mentioned having your business name in specific fonts/styles can be as effective as a picture logo.
I have just used www.logonerds.com to design my logo. They're cheap $47 and I was really impressed with the first proofs they sent me.

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RESULTS Virtual Assistant
www.resultsva.com

It can be agonizing to do a logo and think of how it can reflect your name. I was very lucky my daughter holds a degree in graphic arts. It was easy for her to hear what I wanted and then draw it for me. Then she digitized it for me. It reflects the 3 of us as a team of VA's. So, think on the terms of your business, for instance what is your niche? If you do not have a niche are you ready to select one? If you are not going with a niche then what is it you have in mind for your first impression of your business? Have you looked into the branding threads? Just a few things to ask yourself when deciding on this subject.

Good Luck~
Andrea

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Thanks for sharing .

When I was creating my company logo, etc., I would try out things that would look good on signs and letterhead. You can have a great font and color, but once you make advertisements and letterhead it just may not look right. At the same time, I didn't want to just blend in with all of the other company names out there so I came up with a great, modern font in a stand-out blue color that grabs attention. Simply start experimenting! You'll know when its right.


Good Luck!


Winston

I think you should have one eventually as people will recognize it. But if that's the only thing from holding you back from ordering business cards, etc, then don't worry about it.
There are a ton of nice and great designs that don't use a logo (and there's some great ones that do) so I think if you feel that you should wait, then you should.

An old co-worker of mine was majoring in graphic design and said he could do my logo for free. But after two months of him not doing it and making excuses, I just had to move on! By all means, if you know someone who is reliable with logos or graphic design, it's a good idea to use them.