Your business logo is the way your organization first communicates with others. It can be found on your business card, your website, the product packaging, and anything you would publish online. However, despite the importance of the types of logos, most business owners choose a logo design that they think is cool without actually understanding whether it is appropriate for their company.
In fact, not each logo type is suitable for all types of businesses. Different companies, like a law firm or a gaming app, would need different logos. The article summarizes the most common types of logos and tells you how to select the right logo for your company.
You must settle on a logo type before you think about fonts and colors. This choice affects how people recognize your brand and how effective your logo will be on different platforms. When choosing a professional logo design and brand logo identity design, don't forget that it is not just art; it is a business decision that will create trust and memory. This is why you may need a strong logo design strategy.
Now that you know why the logo type matters, let's look at your options. Each type has its own strengths, and understanding them makes it much easier to spot the right fit for your business. Here are the seven main styles designers use most often. Here is a checklist on
How to choose a logo design:
1. Wordmark (Logotype): With wordmarks, you make use of your company name, spelled out in a specific and distinct font. Good examples of wordmark logos include Google and Coca-Cola. This design form works well when your company has a name that is compact and doesn't need further explanation.\
2. Lettermark (Monogram): Lettermarks consist of initials instead of full names. It works well for companies that have lengthy names (e.g., IBM, HBO). Lettermarks look simple and tidy, especially when they appear in small-size prints, such as icons for mobile applications.
3. Pictorial Mark (Logomark): Pictorial marks consist of simple images or icons associated with a brand name (e.g., Apple's apple, or Twitter's bird logos). This type of logo is the best logo for business with strong brand recognition, as it takes some time for new customers to make the connection between the icon and the name.
4. Abstract Mark: An abstract mark consists of a distinct geometric shape that does not symbolize anything in reality. This enables the creation of a unique visual identity. Many contemporary finance and technology brands like to use this style combined with strong 3D design so that the logo looks great on screens.
5. Mascot Logo: The mascot is a character or an illustrated figure that represents the business. For instance, Colonel Sanders represents KFC. This type is rather friendly, making it suitable for food brands, sports teams, and companies aimed at families or kids.
6. Combination logo: A combination logo branding unites a graphic symbol with the name of the business, employing the best of both worlds. This is a great logo option among start-ups since the graphic symbol and the name can be used jointly or separately once you settle on your branding strategy.
7. Emblem logo: Emblem logos have the name of the business incorporated into a graphic symbol, badge, or shape, which is the approach used by Starbucks and universities to create a nice and traditional impression that will go well with packaging design, stamps, and documents.
Here is a simple checklist to guide your decision on how to choose a logo design:
Opting for the perfect logo type is the first true, everlasting move toward creating an unforgettable brand. Regardless of whether you opt for a simple wordmark, a fun mascot, or an ageless emblem, the idea behind it will always remain the same: you need a logo that matches your brand's present while having the ability to evolve with its future. Take a look at our portfolio to learn how we've aided other businesses in choosing a suitable logo type for better logo branding.
Want to create the logo that your company deserves? Contact Asense Branding today, and we'll develop a logo design strategy to get a logo that successfully narrates your brand story.
Which logo type is best for a startup?
A combination mark is often the safest choice for startups, since it gives you both a symbol and your business name in one design. This lets people recognize your icon alone once your brand grows, while still learning your name early on.
Do I need a professional designer, or can I make my own logo?
You can make a basic logo yourself, but a professional designer understands how a logo type needs to work across sizes, colors, and platforms without breaking. A professionally designed logo also carries more trust with customers from the start.
Can I combine more than one logo type?
Yes. Many strong logos, like combination marks, mix a symbol with text. This gives you flexibility to use the full logo or just the icon depending on the space available.
How do I know if my logo will still work in five years?
Choose a logo type based on your brand's core identity rather than short-term trends. A well-designed logo, built on solid strategy, should not need major changes for several years.
