With all the options for logos these days, this resource will guide you through the process to save you time, energy, and money.
Step 1: Determine what part your logo design will play in your brand strategy
As a business owner, you’ll fall under one of these 3 buckets:
1. Idea stage – This means you don’t have a business yet and have yet to validate your idea. If you’re a bootstrapped company and your priorities are on sales, then you’re trying to find out a way to get a logo at the lowest pricepoint.
2. Implementation stage – You’ve already validated your idea, have a plan, and are ready to execute. Your values, mission, and all that jazz are crystal clear enough for you to put some energy into the launch of your product and service. You’re ready to invest in logo and branding, but you know you might have to change as your business grows.
3. Rebranding stage – You’ve been in business for some time now and have had enough sales to bring home the bacon. This is the time where you need to start thinking about how your brand strategy will play in your company’s long-term vision and need a high-quality design that won’t hold your brand back.
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Step 2: Choose an option based on your established budget
WebApp
LogoJoy.com is a free service where you choose from templated designs.
Pick the one you like the most and get up and running!
The basic version is limited but they’ll give you a whole branding kit for $$.
Marketplace
Head to 99Designs.com to get a contest-driven design.
Pay a flat fee, starting from $299, to have a pool of designers appeal to your style.
You get to give feedback and choose from a winner of your liking. Be prepared to spend time in this part.
The Expert
If you’re low on time but have a budget, head straight to a trusted designer.
Even if you get a referral, make sure to look at their portfolio & their process to ensure they match your style.
Expect $1000-$2000 budget.
Pro tip: Make sure their process involves a moodboard.
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Step 3: Prepare yourself with Mood Boards
If you’re working with a designer, they should present you with some creative collages, otherwise known as mood boards.
GoMoodboard.com will allow you to even build your own mood board to share publicly with a drag-n-drop interface.
But even if you don’t want to create a moodboard, head to Pinterest and search for mood boards there. Anything helps a designer understand what you’re looking for than nothing.
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Step 4: Get all the pieces together
This nifty calculator at How Much To Make A Logo asks you questions in a quiz to guide you through what you might expect and need.
Adding assets like brand guidelines, business cards, or an app icon will add to your estimated investment.
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Disclaimer: Fiverr or Upwork for logos
I didn’t mention these options because I don’t recommend them at all for logos. You can get a $5 logo on Fiverr but it’s junk and a waste of time. That’s where LogoJoy is more appropriate.
As for UpWork, it’s a skill within itself to find and hire a good designer. 99 Designs does that process for you. If you think your team would benefit from an on-call designer, then finding a designer on UpWork for your logo may pay dividends past this project. Use at your own discretion.
