Designing a logo is a big step toward turning your small business into a recognizable brand. A brand represents the sum of all the promises and experiences you deliver as a business. When you use your logo, it unifies all your visual touchpoints to reinforce positive feelings about your brand.
Customers come in contact with a lot of advertising every day, and they’re good at tuning things out. But the right visual cues grab attention and remind customers why they enjoy interacting with your business.
So, where should you use your logo to make a mark on customers?
Showcase your brand visuals everywhere you interact with your audience. You want a logo to inspire trust. Like any relationship, customers need consistency to develop strong feelings about your brand. Try displaying your logo in these simple and effective locations to boost brand recall.
1. Product packaging
Build excitement about a product with impressive packaging. Successful companies translate the details of their branding into a product’s packaging. A logo is just one part of the overall look, but it’s often the first thing customers see when they browse and open new products.
Choose creative packaging that emphasizes your logo and brand positioning. Think about the experience of unboxing your product, and add logos to every layer. For example, use custom-printed boxes, bags, product tags, and tissue paper.
2. Business cards
Imagine all the places where you distribute business cards. Networking events. Order mailings. Sales letters. Brick-and-mortar stores. Business cards are a small, but powerful tool, and they can potentially end up in front of a lot of new customers. Put your logo on a business card with a clear selling point that’s easy to remember. If you can convey the value of your business in a few seconds, customers are more likely to keep your card for later.
3. Business stationery
Logos add a touch of professionalism to letters, envelopes, notepads, and labels. Invest in branded stationery to show clients you run a serious operation. The same goes for emails and online newsletters. Branded headers and signature lines are perfect for displaying company info and links. Readers tend to click through emails quickly, but seeing a familiar brand makes them more receptive to the message.
4. Company website or blog
No matter where customers first hear about your business, all paths lead to your website or blog. Put a logo in the header where customers can’t miss it, and use a branded image for the site icon. Since the logo stays visible at the top of every page, readers have more time to code visuals into memory. Website visitors see your brand story and visuals together, giving them a clear idea of what you have to offer.
5. Social media
Make sure you get logo files with the proper sizing for major social media sites. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook offer prominent space for a logo and a banner. That way, you can display a large, clear image of your logo and create a separate branded header with more info about your business.
6. Business vehicles
How often do you stop and stare at vehicles covered with advertising? Branded vehicles are hard to ignore because they grab attention with bold colors and graphics. Putting those elements into motion creates a striking display that prompts viewers to learn more. With this in mind, convert your company vehicles into moving ads. Use your company colors, and put large logos and taglines in areas that are easy to read while driving.
7. Beverage containers
Take advantage of the coffee obsession in your town by creating branded beverage containers. People carry drinks wherever they go, making cups the perfect platform for your message. If you offer free coffee, water, or juice, try using custom-printed cups in your break room and lobby. Customers who leave your business with a coffee cup in hand expose your logo to anyone they come in contact with. Adding even one new touchpoint is another opportunity to spark interest in your company.
8. Signs and advertisements
Whether you run an online or offline business, use signs and banners to build buzz about your products. Picture walking into a store like Home Depot, Best Buy, or Target. Large signs with logos and brand colors are everywhere. Signs hang from the ceiling. Signs decorate the ends of aisle and floor displays. The placement of signs and ads online is just as carefully thought out. Big businesses understand the importance of reinforcing brand visuals throughout the shopping journey. Take a lesson from them, and weave your logo into creative displays that sell an experience.
9. Business forms
Just like correspondence, any forms you send to clients and vendors should include a logo. Your branding lands in front of a lot of eyes if you frequently issue order forms, receipts, invoices, and applications. For a growing business, this extra sign of professionalism is reassuring to customers. Clients trust business owners who value their reputations and work hard to maintain a positive image.
10. Custom apparel
Most people can’t help checking out another person’s clothing. That’s why it’s worthwhile to have staff apparel custom printed with your logo and tagline. Custom uniforms with your logo create a neat, consistent look for your employees while making them easy to spot. Choose a style of clothing that works for your environment, whether it’s logo T-shirts, polos, hats, or vests. You can also sell custom apparel if you have a customer-facing business. Printing T-shirts with funny images and sayings that performed well on your social media pages is a great way to engage the public.
11. Presentation templates
Do you make big sales pitches to clients and investors? Hold local seminars or workshops? Volunteer as a public speaker? Use your moments in the spotlight to feature your logo in presentation templates. Getting involved in local events puts a friendly face on your business. Not only do you show off your branding, but the public sees you as an expert with relevant solutions.
12. Promotional items
Make sure your logo is front and center on any merchandise you hand out for free. Few people turn down a free gift, so promotional giveaways have the potential to rope in a broad audience. To reach the most people, choose promotional items that are likely to be reused. Think pens, keychains, mugs, shirts, water bottles, and bags.
Don’t let a great logo design collect virtual dust. The logo builds upon the work you put into growing a strong brand. So, look for ways to naturally incorporate it into any materials your customers see. Keep the logo design as consistent as possible, preserving its clarity as you resize it for different media. A logo is a mascot for your brand, and it’s the key to reinforcing customer connections without words.
It’s clear: your logo is a central part of your brand identity. Find one that looks great. Check out our logo maker designs for ideas.
