The Big Branding Checklist: How to Get Your Branding Right

By Marisa Hochberg : https://nypost.com/2020/09/28/montauks-surf-lodge-pivots-to-wellness-amid-pandemic/

Your brand is as unique as you are. If you’re thinking about launching a new product, service or brand, make sure that the logo your companies uses is synonymous with what your company stands for. In this article, we discuss some of the top mistakes new brands make when launching their logos and also share our favorite ways to stay on the right track so your company logo isn’t one that people will cringe to see again.

Being too similar to your competitors

If you steal your competitors’ logos and use them in your branding, you might end up looking too similar to them. This means that, at first glance, customers might mistake your logo for that of your competitors and choose to ignore your brand. If you’re too similar to your competitors, you need to be careful. If you’re using the same color palette, typefaces or other key features in your logo as your competitors, you risk coming across as copy-pasted and unoriginal. When you think about how your brand will be seen by your customers, you have to take into account how similar your logo is to that of your competitors. If you find that you’re being too similar, you can either choose a different color palette or feature different fonts.

Using the same color palette

Colors can be very effective in marketing your brand. It’s important to remember that your logo design isn’t a one-off. Every time your customers see your logo, they’re immediately reminded of your company. Aicolor is a good way to go since it allows you to use multiple colors in one logo design. However, be careful not to go overboard since overusing one color can make your logo look cheap and unprofessional.

Mistaken use of fonts

A lot of brands make the mistake of using the same fonts in their logos as they do in their branding. This can be a huge fail when it comes to brand recognition. People will associate your logo with whatever font is used in your branding and your customers might not know that you have a different brand altogether. This can be avoided by using a separate logo design for each brand. It’s better to go this route than to end up with a boring, unoriginal logo that customers might mistake for one of your competitors. At the end of the day, your brand’s logo is a representation of what your company stands for. When it comes to the fonts you use in your branding, you have to make sure that your logo looks nothing like your company’s fonts.

Being overly descriptive

Descriptions are important in your logo design. If people see your logo, they should be able to understand what your business is about without getting bogged down in the minutiae. You don’t have to be an architect to understand that having too much information placed in one logo design can lead to confusion. For example, if your logo design includes instructions for how to use the product, the brand name might come across as too detailed. If your logo design includes the word “and”, “or” or “this”, the brand name might come across as too broad. Descriptions should be kept to a minimum and should be concise. If possible, avoid using words like “vibe”, “stylish” or “elegant” in your branding. Keep your descriptions focused on what your brand stands for.

Avoiding a key component of branding: photography

Photography is an important part of branding. It helps to create a sense of personality for your company and helps to reinforce what your brand represents. This is especially important when you’re just starting out and you don’t yet have a well-established logo design team behind you. If you’re trying to launch a new product, service or brand, make sure that the logo your companies uses is hands-on. It should show off your company’s logo design and should include your product(s) or service(s) of choice. A logo that’s all text is a clear indication that your team doesn’t know how to use a camera. A logo that includes photography gives the impression that you know how to use a camera, which can be a powerful turn-off for potential customers.

Bottom line

Your brand should be a representation of who you are as a company, what you stand for and how your products or services help people achieve their goals. Your logo is a small part of this, but it’s just as important as the words on your business card or the T-shirt you wear. What’s important is that you keep these mistakes and tips in mind as you work on your new brand. Once you have a brand you’re happy with, the rest will fall into place.