5 signs that you need to update your business logo

Your business logo is one of the most important graphics that your company will use. It is a visual representation of the company that should send the desired message to the general public. A good logo embodies the spirit and vision of the business and associates it to the core values of the company. Many businesses ignore the logo design process and select a quick and easy solution instead. Is your business logo up to par? Here are 5 tell-tale signs that you need a new business logo.

1. You have no business logo

Not having a business logo may seem like an obvious sign that you need one but many businesses can operate for years without one. Some simply use their business name in whatever font suits the occasion. Others may simply promote their products and services without a logo. While this may work it negatively affects brand recognition and also makes brand imitation that much easier.

2. Your logo is made with clip art

Clip art is great for adding visuals to documents or presentations but do not do so well as a logo for a business. Due to the fun and comedic nature of clip art the image it potrays does not suit every business. Furthermore clip art does not look professional and can be easily recognized as unoriginal by anyone who uses clip art regularly.

3. Your logo is complicated and does not scale well

Cramming too much information or details into a logo can make it impossible to decipher at smaller sizes. This is even more egregious in an age where mobile devices are so popular.  Can your logo be used in your letterhead or be printed on the pocket of a shirt and still be immediately recognizable? Complex logos also take longer for the brain to process and are more difficult to remember.

4. Your logo is not unique enough

A logo does not have to be extravagant or an art masterpiece. It has to be a well thought out representation of your brand. As such, it should differentiate your brand from the competition and identify your business. If your logo is too similar to that of another company it can cause confusion and may also land you in legal trouble for infringing on someone else’s trademark.

5. Your logo is constantly misinterpreted

Some logos may be designed with one concept in mind but may actually look a lot like something else. The business owner may not recognize the depth of the similarity but the public most likely will. This can lead to embarrassing comparisons if the logo resembles something offensive. If your logo is constantly mistaken for something totally unrelated to your business it may be time for a change.