FedEx. Apple. McDonald’s. We all know the value the highly recognizable logos of these huge companies bring. We also know they spend big bucks designing them. If you’re a small business owner, you might think you can only dream of getting a logo that sets you apart like one of these giants. But actually, there are a few simple tips to set your logo apart from the rest. Read of for five top logo design tips for small businesses.
- Think Style, Not Fashion
Effective brands do not change their logos often. They understand the value of a logo that sums them up but doesn’t stop them from growing. Your small business logo needs to be stylish but beware of simply being fashionable.
If your logo is too of the moment, it will quickly start to look dated. Think about a design that will look good on a corporate pen and also look great blown up on a billboard.
- Have Your Goal in Mind
Before designing your logo or working with a design team, have your goal clearly in mind. Your logo needs to communicate your company’s identity. Highlight what makes you stand out from the crowd.
Even if you offer a service that’s similar to that of many others, ensure your logo captures the ethos of your business. Your choice of the color palette can have a lot to do with this.
If you outsource logo design to a graphic designer, this part is even more crucial. If you don’t clearly understand your vision, there’s no way they will. And you won’t be happy with the end result.
- Stick To Your Budget
It’s easy to get carried away and blow a huge chunk of your marketing budget on creating the perfect logo. The fact is, your logo is just one piece of the puzzle.
Consider using a business logo generator to design a business logo people will remember. It allows you to create a distinctive logo for your business and gives you full control over the design. The best part is that it is quick and doesn’t break the bank.
- Choose a Logo that Lives
A logo may seem static, but some companies have nailed logos that seem to be alive. Just think about the Twitter or FedEx logos. They’re simple, but they both come to life in different ways. Read more about the New Verizon logo Symbol & History.
When thinking about how to create a business logo that people will remember, think about market leaders.
With the Twitter cartoon bird, it’s all about positioning. It looks like it’s soaring. The position of its beak is joyous, almost as though it’s singing.
The FedEx logo shows what negative space can do in business logo design. Carefully concealed, yet blatantly obvious when you look, is an arrow between the E and the x. This gives the idea of forwarding motion: exactly the message the company wants you to take away.
- Listen To Your Customers
We’re used to hearing a ton of negative backlash in the media when major corporations change their logos. It’s part of the deal; you’ll never please everyone. But feedback is important in helping you to choose the most effective logo for your business.
Consider coming up with multiple designs, rather than trying to sell the one you like best. You can then submit these to focus groups and get critical feedback on which one captures the essence of your brand.
At the end of the day, it’s your call. But at least you’ll get a sense of the likely response from your most important cohort: your clients.
Logo Design Tips to Set Your Business Apart
Your business may be small now, but you can still learn from the biggest and best. Follow these logo design tips and you’ll create something memorable that sums up your brand.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, check out our Business section. We’ve got more insights to help you grow your business.
Types of Logos
| Type | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wordmark | The company name in a special font | Google, Coca-Cola |
| Lettermark | Initials of the company name | IBM, HBO |
| Pictorial mark | A picture or icon | Apple, Twitter bird |
| Abstract mark | A shape that stands for the brand | Nike swoosh, Pepsi circle |
| Emblem | Text inside a badge or shape | Harley-Davidson, Starbucks |
| Combination mark | Text plus an icon | Adidas, Burger King |
Small businesses often do best with a combination mark or a wordmark. These are easy to read and easy to remember. A pictorial mark works well only when people already know your brand.
Color and Font Choices
Color sends a message. Blue suggests trust, which is why banks and tech firms use it. Green suggests nature and health. Red suggests energy and excitement. Black suggests luxury. Pick one or two main colors and use them everywhere: on your website, cards, and signs. Choose a font that is easy to read at small sizes. Avoid fonts that are hard to read or look dated.
Logo File Formats
Ask your designer for your logo in several formats. Use PNG for websites and social media, as it keeps a clear background. Use SVG for websites, as it stays sharp at any size. Use PDF or EPS for print, as these work for large signs and banners. Keep a version with a white background and a version with a clear background, so you can use your logo anywhere.
Protect Your Logo
Once you have a logo, check that no other business uses a similar one. Search online and check your country’s trademark register. In the United States, you can search the US Patent and Trademark Office database. A trademark protects your logo from being copied. Talk to a lawyer if you plan to register your logo as a trademark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best logo design tips for small businesses?
Think style, not fashion. Have your goal in mind. Stick to your budget. Choose a logo that lives. Listen to your customers.
What type of logo is best for a small business?
A combination mark or a wordmark is often best. They are easy to read and easy to remember.
How many colors should a logo have?
Pick one or two main colors. Too many colors make a logo hard to use on signs, cards, and websites.
What file formats should I ask for?
Ask for PNG for websites and social media, SVG for websites, and PDF or EPS for print.
Should I trademark my logo?
A trademark protects your logo from being copied. Check your country’s trademark register and talk to a lawyer if you plan to register it.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information only. Trademark rules differ by country. Check your country’s trademark office for current rules.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026