One of the first things a new business thinks about when putting themselves out into the world, is a logo. What should the logo look like? What kind of message should it send? What kind of emotional response might this image evoke?
The task of constructing the perfect logo can be daunting. But once you’ve crafted the perfect icon to represent your venture… now what? Sure we put it on business cards, letterhead and the top of a website, but there are a multitude of other ways to use a logo to promote your business in the virtual world and the real one.
Online
Using a logo prominently on a website is the first step naturally, but there are a number of ways to use it off-site as well. Social media platforms are terrific venues for engaging customers in conversation but they are also a great way to give a brand more exposure.
Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to use logos as both as backgrounds and profile images. That way with every tweet and status update your logo appears in front of consumers. Two other ways to spread the logo love are through Gravatar’s and Favicons.
Favicons are URL or book mark icons which display your logo along side your URL in the address bar or on a tab in tab supporting browsers like Firefox. Gravatar’s are images that are attached to an email address that can be used in comments on blogs. Of course a Gravatar is only useful when you actively utilize it.
In terms of online strategy though, reading and commenting on other relevant blogs is not only a good way to put your logo in front of a new audience through the use of a Gravatar but it’s also a smart way to make connections. Every online connection has room for a logo, from emails to forum signatures. Use logos in all of these places and utilize the accounts often to help grow your brand name.
On Products
Businesses have been putting their names on writing utensils and other products for decades. It’s a cheap, easy way to send your brand walking out the door with a customer and to make your name a part of their regular routines. But why not think beyond basic?
The world of logo items has blown up. The affordable options have expanded to include a wide array of items that can amuse or assist people in their every day lives.
But the best logo products can also show personality or corporate philosophy. Mouse pads are a great way to put your logo in a place that a customer looks multiple times a day. Canvas logo bags are a great way to promote going green. Whatever message you want to send, using logo products is a great way to get it out there. But it doesn’t work if it’s simply a perfunctory gesture.
The point is, don’t just choose something cheap and random. Put some thought into what your choice of promo products says about you, or better yet, what it could say about you. What is the goal of the product? Daily use? Amusement? Supporting a certain type of lifestyle? These are all questions which should have definitive answers before the product is selected. From there you can let your creativity run wild.
In Life
One of the major functions of a logo is creating brand recognition. That’s why a logo should be plastered on every piece of paper that comes out of the office. From letters to flyers, envelopes and annual reports, the presence of a logo is a must. But there are ways to take it to the next level. One great way to get your logo out in a unique way is through supporting community events. From local theater programs to charity walks.
Everywhere around you are a hundred opportunities to offer your support and get your logo printed on a program or sign that will put you in front of brand new potential customers. In combination with the logo products, clothing is a great way to get your logo into people’s real lives. Shirts and hats are generally affordable and a great way to turn a person’s wardrobe into walking word of mouth. But the more interesting your designs are the better this will work.
Whatever approach you want to take, the most important part is learning to think of ways to get your logo past the typical avenues and beyond business cards. It means thinking creatively about the many ways and places you can promote your logo. Don’t limit the strength of your most powerful branding tool by limiting it to traditional mediums.
Sarah writes most frequently for a website offering unique logo items. Her expertise is primarily in the field of online marketing, blogging and branding.
View all posts by SWallace, there might be other posts that interest you.
Previous post: 5 Hidden Costs of Air Travel
Next post: Give Your Laptop Battery a Longer Life
:)
