Select a Logo for Ecommerce 8 Mistakes and Examples to avoid

May 6, 2023

Whether you're just starting an online company or you're thinking about an overhaul of your brand's image, among some of the main factors to consider is creating an visually appealing logo to convey the message of your business. Before you begin to think of ideas for your logo think about what you want to convey with appealing design for your logo and also what type of design is appropriate for the company you're trying to establish and your potential clients.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of logos, the different types of logos as well as practical tips, such as the best techniques for designing logos, software options to create them, as well as designing outsourcing strategies.

Even though we might be a bit nutty about the definition of the word "logo", the word is most commonly used for a basic image, words, or any combination of the two to represent a brand or organization.

Why logos are important

The logo you decide to utilize can help people easily and quickly recognize your brand's image when they see your ads and social media posts platforms, looking at search engine results or looking at items in the internet marketplace, or even shopping from your own site.

If you would like your e-commerce company to be noticed by your competitors, having the right logo is essential. There are a lot of online companies competing for attention from customers it is essential to have an impressive, distinctive, memorable logo that is an accurate representation of your company's image.

A well-designed logo can be instrumental in establishing credibility. Consider your most loved brand names that you can trust. The logos they have will probably pop to mind. Just looking at a certain style or color could trigger memories of an logo.

The logo you choose to utilize is an investment into the success of your business, so make sure you take the time to develop a logo which communicates your brand's image and is appealing to your target audience.

Eight types of logos

The logos are usually classified into 8 different kinds:

  • Logotype, Wordmark
  • Brand mark, logomark, or even a pictorial
  • Mark of combination
  • Dynamic logo
  • Emblems
  • Letterforms
  • Lettermark, monogram
  • Mascots

Wordmark/logotype          QEKUcHtgSTNbZriTiKms

"Wordmark" as well as "logotype" are both basically the same and employed to describe"logotype" as well as "wordmark". It refers to the logo that is designed by using only typography which is usually the business name, or at least a part of the company name. The logos typically use distinctive fonts that are unique to the brand.

One of the most famous examples of a logo with a wordmark is Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola logo instantly stands out because of its famous typography that has not seen any changes over the past 130 years. L'oreal along with eBay's logos provide another instance of logotypes or wordsmarks.

Logomark, brand mark or image

brand mark logos like Apple and Twitter

"Brand mark"," "logomark," as well as "pictorial" All of these are commonly used to mean the graphic element of a logo. They can also contain the letters or the words in identical manner, however that does not feature the name of the business. The marks could be symbolic, such as, for instance, the apple bird, or shell marks like Apple, Twitter, and Shell Oil, or they may be more abstract as in the Atari or the Dropbox trademarks.

The Atari mark hints at the shape of an A, but is not an actual letter. The Dropbox logo is a collection of diamonds carefully arranged to make an abstract look of a box.

The combination mark

A combination mark can be defined as the name of your business paired with an image-based mark. A majority of the time, companies will utilize the wordmark in every situation but may also employ its wordmark and mark in different ways depending on the context.

Dynamic logos

Google Doodle of a rabbit

Dynamic logos can be flexible and modern logos that alter their design depending on what the brand intends to communicate to a specific group of people. Google is most likely the most well-known illustration of this through the Google Doodles. Logos that are dynamic can be static, animated or interactive.

Google uses all three kinds to use in its Google Doodles range. The only thing that stays the same throughout each Doodle is that the logo "Google" is used in a particular way. All other aspects of the logo could change.

In the case of most businesses, using the Google strategy might not be the best option, particularly for companies trying to establish an impression. It's challenging for prospective customers to offer multiple versions of your logo that have drastically different style.

Take note that Google is not able to use this type of flexibility in its various applications of its logo. Google Doodle Google Doodle is specifically used for advertising its Google Search landing page. On other sites Google uses their official wordmark and trademark mark.

If you're trying to create an exciting logo, think more along the lines of MTV.

different variations of the MTV logo
Image courtesy Logopedia

For the most part, in use instances, MTV uses the same design of its logo but employs different color options and also co-brands with other businesses. Its logo remains easily identifiable by its name MTV However, the differences in pattern and color could help people associate MTV to different ideas such as ideology and brands in order to generate different emotional responses and help keep them interested.

Emblems

emblem logos like Ford, BMW, and Starbucks

The word "emblem" is a reference to the appearance of a logo that incorporates symbols and letters into an integrated, one-of-a-kind logo. Emblems are often reminiscent of badges or emblems. This kind of logo most frequently with schools, teams of athletes and automobile companies But, many companies use emblems for their emblems. Some companies such as Starbucks, Warner Bros. and Stella Artois all have emblem logos.

Letterforms

letterform logos like WordPress and Facebook

Letterforms utilize the initial letter as well as the initials of the brand's name to create a basic brand name. Although they are generally simpler than monograms. However, a letterform could be a monogram too. be a monogram like the one above. New York Yankees letterform/monogram.

Lettermarks/monograms

lettermark logos like Gucci and Chanel

Logos with monograms or letters use the acronyms or initials of the business for the whole or a portion of the layout. Often the letters overlap to create a pattern. It is also possible to place them onto the background.

Monograms were first used in antiquity Greece as identification marks on coins in order to show the city the coin was issued by. Later they were used as signatures for those who had wealth and power and by artisans as well as artists.

Monogram logos have a lengthy tradition, and are commonly used by beauty and fashion brands to convey a feeling of elegance and tradition. Monograms, however, aren't exclusively used by these industries. Each type of business uses monograms. They're efficient in space and a time-tested option to design the design you like they are a good fit for almost any company.

Mascot logos

mascot logos like Lacoste and Wendy's

Mascot logos make use of iconic characters that represent the corporate image of the business. The Lacoste alligator, Cheetos' Chester Cheetah and Reddit's stylized version of the alien Snoo and KFC's Colonel Sanders, and Wendy's character, Wendy Thomas, are among the most popular examples of mascots that are used in a corporate logo.

Mascots will highlight the brand's character, while making it more casual and likable. Mascots can be utilized to create new ways of marketing. But using a mascot in a logo can be tricky as it can be difficult to replace the character you chose to use (see: Ronald McDonald) It isn't easy to erase these characters from people's minds.

Therefore, you'll need to take time to think about your brand's mascot, and be sure it's compatible with your goals for the expansion of your business.

sample logo designed with Looka
Image made using the software called Looka

Your logo is often the initial contact that a potential buyer can have with your company. It is important to be recognizable as well as memorable. It is also important to represent your branding. However there are certain best practices for designing your logo to take into account when choosing the design of your logo.

If the logo's look is eye-catching and unique however, it doesn't necessarily translate to an excellent design. Certain of the top-known companies have experienced certain unreliable logo launches that led to negative media coverage.

Certain businesses rely on the old maxim"that "any publicity is great publicity." However, unless the company's name is controversial and you're looking to adhere to some tried-and-true methods of designing that will prevent ending in a post on a blog that discusses the worst logo designs ever.

Simple is best.

You may have heard the phrase "less can be more" is a phrase which was invented by minimalist designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1947. It gets thrown around frequently in the business world and may sometimes be utilized to justify simple design tasks. The concept behind "less signifies more" is not a good excuse to make things plain and dull.

This is a design method which is focused on function and aesthetic. Ultimately, the goal is to use as few elements as are necessary to convey the intended message and supply the required function, while simultaneously creating an aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

It's a vital aspect when creating logos as it is important that your logo is easily for the user to comprehend. It is essential to be able put it on backgrounds with a variety of textures and colors. Make it adjustable to different sizes and aspect ratios and then use it in various dimensions but without becoming confusing or messy.

spa logo on different colors of backgrounds

The idea isn't that it's necessary to select an uncluttered logo, however. It can be applied to create any logo: traditional, contemporary and vintage or any new trendy design style.

Make sure that your style reflects your business and your intended audience.

If your business produces vintage or antique items You may want to consider the retro-inspired logo style that evokes the period that your company represents.

In this instance, Big Chill appliances use an appearance reminiscent of typographic style which evokes vintage style appliances of the 1930s-1960s.

The logo of Trader Joe features a 1960s tiki art vibe, and Ben and Jerry's has a playful and fun 1970s style that's consistent with their branding design. Altoids Serif font logo with a gold embossed look on the edges creates an elegant and timeless style.

example logos like Altoids and Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels whiskey has not changed their logo in any significant way since 1947 and it remains very similar to the logo it had in the time of Prohibition. As opposed to companies such as Levi Strauss that massively changed their logos over many years, Jack Daniels has only made small updates to their logo through time, which reminds people of their long background.

If your business sells software as an service (SaaS) or provides technologically-driven products, or would prefer to have a logo that is simple basic, modern and easy, It's likely that you'd like to go with something more minimalist. The companies that use them all have sleek modern, contemporary styles.

A few of them have logos. Some are type-based, and employ distinct letterforms in order to communicate their identity, and some designs feature logos, badges, or a look that resembles emblems.

example logos like Automattic and Slack

If your online store is focused on niche buyers, then you'll have to choose the best logo to resonate with the people who are your customers' primary target. If it's organic food products, toys, comic books as well as women's clothes, or hunting gear, it's possible to achieve an effective, genre-targeted logo without crossing the boundaries of being childish or uninspiring.

Logos for niche markets are Walt's Comic Shop, Nelson Rare Books, KiwiCo, and Chewy.

example logos like Chewy and KiwiCo

Walt's Comic Shop makes use of a cartoon-like appearance, however it employs simple lines, two shades as well as the clean sans serif typeface. The design is fun and evokes the industry, but it's not cartoonish, and the graphic and typography elements are well-suited to work together and in isolation.

Nelson Rare Books uses an extravagant illuminated initial on their logo. The logo is similar to one found in the first chapter in an old book. As opposed to the elaborated serif typeface, they employ an uncluttered, broad sans-serif font in every uppercase letter of the business's name. It provides a visual balance and conveys the company's reputation as the dealer of unique and vintage books, and the shop has been built with the latest technology and systems for organization.

KiwiCo offers science and arts kits to children through a subscription service. The company's logo is a contemporary, simple logo but have they've kept it fun with its Kiwi mascot, as well as the big serif font. Simple logos allow for them to expand their business by pursuing different directions, without having to redesign the logo every time they decide to do so.

Chewy is a pet-related delivery service. Their logo isn't comprised of images and is type-based. The font is rounded and sans serif style with a scattered appearance, resulting in the impression of a playful nature that we often associate with our beloved pets.

Do not use clip art

If you believe you could select a logo on the clip art sites take a second look. In fact, you can apply clip art to your logo in the event that you want to. However, it is probable that other businesses have utilized it. Certain people could have the ability to identify it, and mistake it for another company's logo, or it might create an impression of unprofessionality.

Additionally, not every clip art work is accessible to the general public. When you find it online, that isn't a guarantee that it's safe to download it. Don't you want to become the victim of legal action!

It doesn't mean that you cannot utilize a design which was designed by a professional to serve as part of your logo. It is possible to find royalty-free pictures available on marketplaces like IStock Photo and Creative Market which are where you can find higher-quality, already-designed graphic elements to incorporate into logos or fully-designed logos, where all you need to do is change with a placeholder by putting your name on the image.

examples of ice cream shop logos
Ice cream shop logos courtesy iStockPhoto

If you choose to use a feature that was designed by a designer inside your logo, you should keep at heart that there are other logos which might be using a similar elements for their logos, too. Be sure to use an appropriate license that is suitable for serve your needs. Stock image websites offer several types of licenses can be purchased for a variety of uses, like printing, editorial and web use.

Beware of cliche and overused images and fonts

Searching on "worst logo fonts" as well as "worst image design for logos" can give you ideas of what to avoid. You should ensure sure the fonts and image elements you choose to use aren't used by any different companies. Not only will this prevent your brand from being confusing, it helps you create a more distinctive and innovative designs that you're proud of.

It's not a bad idea to use a well-known logo or symbol in your logo design when you can relate it to the specific industry you are in. Logos designed for vets provide a great illustration of this. What are the most common logos for veterinarians using a combination of either a dog or cat or paw print an medical + symbol, or even an image of a heart?

It's possible that it's the case for a majority. This doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to use that type of imagery It's simply that it's difficult to generate an original idea while using the same subjects.

Here are some fantastic examples of logo images that are common options that are well-executed:

two veterinary logos side-by-side
Images from Dribble Aurora Veterinary Hospital and Advanced Veterinary Care Center

To design Aurora Veterinary Hospital, the artist chose a palette with an abstract representation of dogs... perhaps the cat. The palette is wide enough to be sufficient to represent the two animals. It's charming without becoming cartoonish. It's contemporary, sleek and easy to read while being an original rendition of the well-known motif of cat and dog in the emblem of veterinary medicine.

Advanced Veterinary Care Center's logo is unique, and features hints of a tail-like cat while using the standard medical + symbol, which is the letter A to indicate "Advanced." It's a more professional-looking logo, but still addressing the business they're representing. It's an entirely different concept of Aurora the Veterinary Hospital's brand logo. It's much minimalist and abstract, yet still employs common themes.

Making your own font or modifying a font's appearance in a way that matches your company's brand, can be an efficient method to create an effective and unique logo. However, if you're interested by typography or graphic design but not your primary background is to understand basic typographic principles prior to creating your own custom fonts or altering existing ones.

Don't go overboard on color or visual effects

You should limit your choices at a minimum of four different colors. If your logo requires greater than 4 colors, try not to go over the limit for color of one element of the logo.

In this case, for example. The NBC logo has an image of a rainbow for their peacock symbol and their logo. However, their font is black. Each element is easy to comprehend by itself. The simple colors and the tiny variety of shapes make the peacock's part visible even though it is surrounded by a rainbow of colors.

If you begin applying various colors to every alphabet, the logo will start to look less appealing. If you continue to apply drops shading, rainbow-colored gradients as well as glow effects, the logo begins to look pretty messy. The effect is definitely unique, but it's pretty difficult to stare at.

NBC logos in different colors side-by-side

Be sure that your designs can be read easily across all platforms.

If you are running an e-commerce site, it's crucial to make sure that your logo is attractive and can be accessible on your site particularly on mobile. However, you should be certain that your logo appears good in print, and is able to be easily translated for vertical and horizontal layouts, and includes colours that differ to the background and texture.

Don't squish or distort the size of your logo in order to make it fit into a specific space. You can rearrange your logo elements, or make it smaller or larger while keeping the proportions of its size, however increasing or squashing the logo's style could make it less easy to read and look less professional.

There are two different types of images that you can develop using design software: vector and raster. Vector-based images are made using mathematical formulas which allow the images to be scaled without losing their clarity or getting blurred.

Images in a raster format however comprise exactly the same number of pixels. When you reduce the dimensions of an image the image isn't able to be scaled back up to the same size without compromising the quality of your image or making it look distorted to any degree.

designing a logo with software

As your logo is likely to be used at a variety of sizes as well as in a variety of situations for your marketing materials It is important to make sure the logo you choose to use is capable of being expanded without degrading its quality. A vector-based design makes changing your logo later easy and allows you to maintain your logo's high-quality regardless of the frequency you scale down or increase the size of your logo.

You should also save versions of your logo that are in multiple vector (ai pdf, eps and pdf) format as you can export both high-resolution raster formats (png TIFF, JPG, and so on.)) and lower-resolution web-optimized file formats such as webp.

Are you curious to learn more about logo file types? The Mean Creative provides the useful information.

Logo design software

Are you searching for the perfect software for creating a fantastic logo? Given the variety of options to you It can be difficult to determine which one to choose. If you're familiar with the basics in graphic designing, then you could want to make use of the desktop computer or a web-based design program which gives you total freedom in creating your personal logo.

If you don't have design experience, you might want to consider using an online design tool. If you aren't able to create the exact logo what you're after this could prove to be an ideal starting point should you choose to work with graphic designer.

If your design is close to what you're looking for however, it still requires some adjustments, you can make money by offering the designer that you chose to design your logo which is the majority of how you'd like, however it needs some tiny tweaks.

Desktop design software and alternatives online

blank canvas in Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

  • Pros:Illustrator is a market top vector design application. Versions for iPad as well as Desktop are provided and packed with features.
  • Pros:Illustrator uses a subscription-only model for its software and has a monthly cost. It can have a steep speed of learning. This means this software may not be suitable for people planning to perform a significant number of graphic design tasks.
CoralDRAW homepage

CorelDraw

  • Advantages:It offers a one-time purchase option, in addition to a subscription option. In addition, it offers a lower-cost variant of Corel Vector online software with an initial trial of just 15 days.
  • Pros:The one-time purchase price is over $500 and the online vector software is a subscription-only program. Similar to Illustrator it's a learning curve that is somewhat intimidating for people novices to this field. Additionally, the CorelDraw iPad app CorelDraw iPad app has an average 1 1/2-star rating in the Apple App Store.
working within Canva

Canva

  • Advantages Advantages of HTML0 Canva website offers a cost-free account that lets you design a logo along with other styles free of charge. Canva is also able to give you the possibility of creating your logo in the event that you aren't happy with the design you created. Canva is one of the most loved design tool that has been that is designed to be a great tool for designers and creative pros. It offers continuous updates as well as additional enhancements. Additionally, it provides access for free to certain stock images from Getty and various other sources of content.
  • Advantages Content and functions are only available to those with various levels of paying accounts. The software is online-only. Searching for pictures, in particular it's a bit difficult to pinpoint precisely the exact image you're seeking.
Creating within Vectr

Vectr

  • The advantages: The Vectr program is a free software for vector design that is easy to learn.
  • Pros:It's online only and could seem too simple depending on what kind of design work you're looking to do. There are also advertisements in the software, which could be annoying.

Online logo creators

Alongside the Canva feature to create logos, which has been mentioned before Additionally, you can use online software which is focused on only automatic logo design.

The Looka and Smashing Logo each offer low-cost automatic Logo design services. The cost is free to create as many logos as you like, however if you need to download vector files or brand packs, it's required to pay for one of their higher tiers.

Intro wizard from SmashingLogo.com
Intro wizard from SmashingLogo.com

The software for creating logos online may be an excellent method of locating the perfect design for your needs with a minimal cost but you're not certain of getting exactly what you're hoping for. As these two services can be used for free to play with and try, they can in the very most assist in thinking about the design. Think about the things you like and do not like, then take your idea to a graphic designer an agency to find an idea of where to start.

Outsourcing logo design

Are you bored of making your own logo or keep making endless iterations with a logo creation program? In some cases, it's best to get a professional in from the get-go.

Employing a logo designer on a contract basis or an agency to create the logo for your business is an excellent investment for the long-term success of your company. Designers with experience will provide suggestions that you might never have thought of and are capable of generating all the necessary files as well as designs.

designer drawing logos on a tablet

Be conscious of any potential dangers when you outsource the design of your logo. You want to make sure you pick a designer that has expertise in creating logos that appeal to businesses in your sector, with favorable reviews from customers, and who will meet your needs within the budget you've established.

There are some that have had success hiring freelancers through marketplaces online such as Fiverr and Upwork. A few prefer working with local people or someone who was recommended through a relative or a colleague, or a the local chamber of commerce. These are all perfectly acceptable avenues to pursue in the search for designers to work with.

If you're a customer will also have to ensure that you are ready to work with a professional. Do some study on logos you like, consider the goals you'd like to accomplish through your company and be ready to convey your requirements.

Designers work best with the correct guidelines, and also a little imagination in their designs. If you're not flexible in how you'd like your logo to look like or you're unsure, your result may be a logo that doesn't meet your needs.

In the end, making your logo with the graphic designer you choose is similar to an exchange that goes some time on drawings before you have a final design that's just right.

Put your logo to work

Now that you have some ideas for logo design to research and work with, you can begin designing and put your logo into action. Look up various logo designs. Find a logo colors and general look.

Next, you must choose if you want to design your logo yourself, employ an application to design logos, or work with an expert designer. When you've got a logo that you like, make sure you've got all the appropriate files for both printed and online prior to deploying it on your site, social media as well as marketing channels and merchandise.

It's also an excellent idea to take your logo into consideration and pass it by trustworthy sources to get feedback before releasing it. Remember that your logo is your visual image of the company you work for. There may be no consensus on whether or not your preferred logo is a great design, however, you should at least prevent any glaring problems that would make it into blog posts about the worst logos that have ever existed.

Your logo's style may be daunting, but through careful planning, thorough research, and an appropriate design tool to design stunning and memorable logos that reflect your brand and builds trust and a sense of loyalties to your clients.

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