Pick a Logo for use for eCommerce Examples of 8 pitfalls to avoid

May 6, 2023

Whether you're just starting an eCommerce business, or thinking about a rebrand one of the most important aspects of the process is creating a top-quality attractive logo that is able to convey the brand's message. Before you begin brainstorming your ideas, take note of what factors go into an your logo's design, and also what design style will best suit your brand and your target customers.

In this blog, we'll look at the significance of logos, the various types of logos, as well as some specific aspects such as the best methods for creating logos, software options to create these, and ways to outsource the design.

Even though we may be overly a bit naive about the significance that is "logo", the phrase is typically used for an unambiguous design comprised of words, imagery, or any combination of the two to symbolize a brand or an organisation.

Logos are important.

Your logo will help clients quickly and clearly to recognize the brand of your business regardless of whether they see your posts and advertisements on social networks, browsing results on search engines, comparing products in the online marketplace, or purchasing directly from your site.

If you're trying to get your company's online store to get seen by the competition having a solid logo is vital. There are many online businesses trying to attract attention from consumers. They'll require a professional, unique and memorable logo that is an accurate representation of your company's image.

An attractive logo design is crucial in establishing trustworthiness. Think about your favorite and trusted brands. Their logos are likely to come to your mind. Just the sight of an exact color scheme or form could evoke an image of their brand.

The logo you choose to use is an investment into your brand's success, so take time and effort to create an image that reflects your brand's image, and also appeals directly to the people you're aiming at.

The logos consist of 8 different kinds.

Logos usually fall into 8 distinct types:

  • Wordmarks, logotypes,
  • Brand mark, logomark or graphic
  • The combination mark
  • Dynamic logo
  • Emblems
  • Letterforms
  • Lettermark, monogram
  • Mascots

Wordmark/logotype

Wordmark logos like Coca-Cola and ebay

"Wordmark" as well as "logotype" are basically synonymous and both are related to"logotype" and "wordmark". These are both a style that employs the use of typefaces usually the name of the business or a part of the name used by the business. The logos of these types typically employ custom fonts which makes it distinctive to the business.

One of the most famous examples of a trademark logo that is a wordmark includes Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola logo can be instantly recognized because of its iconic typography that hasn't changed much over the last 130 years. L'oreal and eBay's logos are also instances of logotypes, or wordmarks.

Brand mark, logomark or an image

brand mark logos like Apple and Twitter

"Brand mark," "logomark," and "pictorial" are all used to describe the description of a visual element in the logo. The logo may also include the letters or words as an combination with imagery, however that does not contain the brand's name. The marks could be symbolic such as the apple, bird, and Shell marks that are used in Apple, Twitter, and Shell Oil, or they could be more abstract, similar to that of Atari or Dropbox trademarks.

The Atari brand mark suggests an A-shape, without being a letter and the Dropbox logo is an array of carefully placed diamonds to create the abstract appearance of a container.

The combination mark

A combination mark may be defined as the name of the business paired to an image-based symbol. Most often, a business will employ the combination mark for any situation, but it can also employ the wordmark or brand mark in different ways according to the situation.

Dynamic logos

Google Doodle of a rabbit

Dynamic logos can be flexible and modern logos, whose components change according to what the company's goal is to communicate in a particular use. Google is perhaps the most well-known instance of this with the Google Doodles. Dynamic logos may be animated, static or even interactive.

Google uses all three of them into the Google Doodles series. The only thing that remains the same in every Doodle is the fact that the word "Google" appears in a specific fashion. The rest of the design can change.

For most brands, the Google strategy could not be the best choice for companies that are just trying to establish themselves. It could be challenging for clients who want to have multiple variations of your logo that have drastically different style.

Keep in mind that Google cannot apply this similar flexibility to every use of its logo. Google Doodle is a trademark which can be only used on the Google Doodle is specifically used to advertise Google Search. Google Search landing page. On other occasions the trademark is used as a wordsmark and mark.

If you're trying to create an exciting logo, consider thinking more in the direction of MTV.

different variations of the MTV logo
Image of Logopedia. Logopedia

Most of the time, MTV uses the same logo, but it employs distinct color schemes and could even have co-branding with other companies. Its logo can be easily identified for its use as MTV However, the variance in color and style can help viewers connect MTV with other ideas including ideology, brand names or concepts that provoke different feelings, and constantly keep viewers engaged.

Emblems

emblem logos like Ford, BMW, and Starbucks

The term "emblem" refers to a logo design that uses letters and imagery to create an integrated, single emblem. Emblems usually look like badges or symbols. This kind of design most frequently is used by sports teams, universities as well as automobile manufacturers, however many other businesses have emblems to represent their brands. A few companies, like Starbucks, Warner Bros. and Stella Artois all have emblem logos.

Letterforms

letterform logos like WordPress and Facebook

Letterforms make use of the initial letters, and sometimes even the initials of a brand to create a simple brand mark. Although they're typically less complex than a monogram logo the lettersform can have a monograms, like the example above. New York Yankees letterform/monogram.

Lettermarks/monograms

lettermark logos like Gucci and Chanel

Lettermark or monogram logos use the initials or acronyms of the company to create all or part of the pattern. Often the letters overlap to create a pattern. They also may be incorporated into the background.

Monograms were initially used in early Greece to mark coins with a unique identifier that indicated the place in which currency was minted by. Later, they were used to signify individuals with financial wealth or power and also by artists and craftsmen.

Monograms have a long tradition and are often used by beauty and fashion brands to express a touch of sophistication and heritage. Monograms, however, aren't solely used by these industries. Every industry uses monograms. They're an effective and efficient way of creating logos, and are ideal for any type of business.

Mascot logos

mascot logos like Lacoste and Wendy's

Mascot logos make use of iconic characters that represent the corporate image of the business. Lacoste's alligator, Cheetos' Chester Cheetah as well as Reddit's fictional ape Snoo along with KFC's Colonel Sanders as well as Wendy's character Wendy Thomas, are all famous examples of mascots that can be used as an emblem for a company.

Mascots are a great way to highlight a brand's persona, thereby making it easier to connect with and more casual. Also, you can utilize them as creative elements to your advertising. Utilizing a symbol in your logo may be difficult because it's difficult to replace the mascot (see: Ronald McDonald) however it is it is difficult to get these characters out of the mind of consumers.

So you'll want to carefully take a look at the image your mascot is portraying and ensure it's in line with the brand and adaptable to your plans for your company's growth.

sample logo designed with Looka
Image designed with the help of

The brand you select to utilize is often the first contact a potential customer has with your business. It must be memorable, easily identifiable, and be a representation of your brand's identity but there are established best practices in designing your logo that you should consider when choosing your logo.

If your logo's style is striking and distinct but that doesn't necessarily suggest it's a great style. Certain of the most well-known companies have experienced unreliable logo launches which have led to critiques from media.

Some businesses are reliant on the old saying "any publicity is great publicity." If the name of your business is controversial, it's recommended to adhere to a couple of tested and proven design techniques to ensure that you don't end up in an article on one of the most sloppy logos of all time.

Keep it simple

It is possible that you have heard of the expression "less means more" - a phrase that was invented by Minimalist designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1947. The phrase is often used within the language of corporate communication and could be used to justify for simple design tasks. The idea behind "less means more" is not to keep things plain and boring.

This approach is one to think that focuses the aesthetics and functions. 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.

This is an essential aspect when designing logos because the style should be straightforward for viewers to comprehend. The logo should permit you to use it with backgrounds that have different colours and textures. This will make it adaptable to various dimensions and spaces, and use it in a variety of sizes without it becoming complicated or difficult to understand.

spa logo on different colors of backgrounds

This doesn't mean that you need choose simple logo designs, either. The concept can be used to any style of logo: modern, traditional old-fashioned, retro, or even any style which is modern and trendy.

Use a style that reflects your company's image and your intended audience

If your company creates antique or vintage items, you might want to choose designs that have a retro feel and is reminiscent of the period that the company is associated with.

As an example, Big Chill appliances use an old-fashioned typographic design that is influenced by the emblems of vintage appliances from the 1930s-1960s.

The brand's logo Trader Joe's is a 1960s vibe of tiki art. Ben and Jerry's is a playful and fun 1970s vibe that is in line with their design. Altoids serif font that has a gold embossed design along the edges provides it with an elegant and timeless appearance.

example logos like Altoids and Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels whiskey has not significantly changed its logo since 1947, and it remains the same as its earlier logo from the time of Prohibition. Contrary to brands like Levi Strauss that massively changed their logos over the course of the years, Jack Daniels has only altered their logo over time, reintroducing people of the brand's extensive history.

If you're a business that sells software as a Service (SaaS) that offers technology-based products, or has a logo that's clean clear and easy to read Perhaps you'd prefer to opt for one that's more minimalist. These businesses all employ contemporary, minimalist styles.

Some of them include logos. Others are purely type-based and use distinct letterforms in order to communicate their brand, and others include badges or an emblem-like appearance.

example logos like Automattic and Slack

If the shop you're running has a focus on niche consumers, you'll want to select the appropriate logo that resonates with the particular demographic of customers. If you're selling food items that are natural, or comics, toys and women's clothing, as well as hunting gear, it's possible to create a powerful, genre-targeted logo, without going over the territory of adorable and childish.

A few examples of logos that are geared towards a particular audience comprise 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 simplified lines and a two-color palette as well as a crisp sans-serif typeface. The design is fun and is reminiscent of the business, however it's not too cartoonish and graphic elements as well as typography can be utilized in conjunction or separately.

Nelson Rare Books uses an elaborate illuminated initial on their logo. It's similar to the one that is found in the beginning of chapters in a classic book. Instead of the embellished serif initial, they use an uncluttered, broad sans-serif font which is utilized throughout the uppercase letters of their name. It creates a sense balance visually and reflects the core of the company's image of an online store of unique and old-fashioned books, as well as a shop that uses modern technology and organizational systems.

KiwiCo provides science and art kits for kids as the foundation of subscription. KiwiCo has selected a contemporary, simple logo but keep it playful by using their Kiwi mascot and the serif font that is large and hefty. Its simplicity allows them to expand their company in many different ways without the need to change their logo every time they expand.

Chewy offers a dog-related shipping service for pet owners. Their logo doesn't contain any images and only uses type as a basis. The font is a round sans serif design that's been mixed up and gives it the fun look that is often associated with pets.

Do not use clip art

If you believe you could just pick any logo from an online clip art website for free - think again. Technically, you could apply clip art whenever you want however it's likely that many other companies used this approach. There is a chance that someone will recognize it and mistake it for another company's logo It could also create a fake appearance.

In addition, not all clip art can be classified as being freely available. If it's available on the internet, that doesn't suggest that it's available for free use. It's not a good choice to make it the center of legal proceedings!

However, it doesn't mean you should not employ a design created by an expert to be used to serve as your basis of your brand. It's possible to utilize royalty-free images from images available through marketplaces such as IStock Photos and Creative Market that you can get higher-quality graphic elements for your logos or entirely-designed logos where all you need to do is replace the placeholders with your business name.

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

If you choose to employ a pre-designed component in your logo, keep an eye out for others making use of the same elements within their logos as well. Be sure to use the right license for your purpose. A lot of stock image websites offer different types of licenses that you can buy for various purposes, such as print, online, or editorial use.

Beware of cliche and overused styles and fonts

A search on "worst logo typefaces" as well as "worst logo designs" will give you ideas regarding what to avoid doing. Take the time to ensure that the elements of your logo and typography aren't being employed by any other firm. It will help to avoid confusion between different brands, but it can be a catalyst to push you towards a more innovative and unique logo design that can be a source of pride for you.

It's not a bad idea to use a common logo or symbol to create the design of your logo when you can relate it to your particular industry. Veterinarian logos provide a great example of this. Do you know how many vets utilize a combination of a dog or cat with a paw print the medical + symbol as well as the heart?

It's likely. But that isn't to say that it's not possible to utilize the same type of photos. The only difference is that it's a lot more difficult to create something original when you're using the same subjects.

Here are a few great examples of common logo choices done well:

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

For the design of Aurora Veterinary Hospital, the artist employed a minimalist palette featuring an abstract representation of the dog... or maybe it's the cat. The design is soft enough to depict both species. The design is adorable, but doesn't appear cartoonish. It's contemporary, clear and readable, and is a unique interpretation of the well-known theme of dog and cat in veterinary logo design.

Advanced Veterinary Care Center's logo is extremely innovative, showing a pet's tail and employing the standard medical + symbol to make an image that resembles the letter"A" to mean "Advanced." The logo is an upscale design that communicates to the business that they are representing. This logo has a different meaning as Aurora Veterinary Hospital's logo. The design is less abstract and minimal, but nevertheless using one of the more common design.

Designing your own font or modifying a font's appearance in a way to match your branding's style it is a great way to create a powerful and distinct logo. If graphic design and typography do not have as a subject, you'll have to study up on fundamental typographic concepts prior to making custom fonts or altering existing fonts.

Be careful not to go too far with colors or visual effects

You should limit your choices just to a maximum of four color options. If your logo requires over four colors, then you should try not to exceed the color limit of the graphic element that is included in the logo.

As an example for an example for instance, the NBC logo has an image of a rainbow on the peacock logo, as well as in their emblem, but their text is in black. It is easy to understand by itself. Simple colors, and a little range of shapes make the peacock's design visible despite the variety of hues.

When you start adding various shades to each word the logo begins to lose impression. Going further by applying drop shadows, rainbow gradients, and glow effects, your logo starts to look chaotic. It's certainly unique, however it's pretty difficult to see.

NBC logos in different colors side-by-side

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

If you're operating an online business You'll want to ensure that the logo you choose to use is appealing and easily accessible to visitors on your website particularly on mobile devices. It is essential to make sure that the design looks great on paper, and can translate well into both horizontal and vertical layouts and includes the color options for different background colors as well as texture.

Take care not to alter or squish the aspect ratio of your logo to accommodate a certain space. There is a way to arrange elements in your logo, or to make it smaller or larger while keeping its proportions, but stretching or squeezing the logo can make it more difficult to read and will make it appear less professional.

Two kinds of images you are able to create with design software: vector and raster. Images that are vector-based can be made using mathematical formulas which enable them to scale without losing their quality or getting blurred.

The images in a raster format, in contrast, have the same amount of pixels. When you've scaled an image it is impossible to increase the size again without losing the quality of your image or making it look distorted in any way.

designing a logo with software

Because your logo could be utilized in a range of sizes and in range of scenarios in your advertising materials, you'll want to make sure that your logo will be scaled without compromising quality. The use of a vector design makes editing your logo later much easier and allows you to maintain the design's quality, regardless of how many occasions you reduce or expand your logo.

It is also recommended to store your logo in a variety of vector (ai pdf and EPS) file formats as it is possible to export both high-resolution raster file formats (png TIFF, JPG etc.)) and web-optimized lower resolution file formats, such as webp.

Are you looking to know more about different logo formats? Mean Creative offers a handy cheat sheet. Mean Creative offers an useful checklist.

Logo design software

Are you looking for the ideal software to design your logo? With all the options out on the market, it's difficult to decide which you should pick. If you've got graphic design experience then you might want to use an online or desktop designing software, which allows users the freedom to create your own logo for your business.

If you do not have prior experience in design, you might want use an online program for creating logos. Even if you don't find an option that matches the one you're looking for It could prove to be a good starting point if you choose to employ a graphic designer.

If your logo is in a good way with the design you're hoping for, but requires slight modifications, you'll make money by giving your freelance designer a logo which is 90% of what you'd like it to be and requires just a couple of minor adjustments.

Desktop design software and online options

blank canvas in Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

  • ProfessionalsIllustrator is a market leading vector design software. Desktop and Surface Pro and iPad versions are both available and it's feature-rich.
  • Pros:Illustrator uses a subscription-only program which means that you has a cost per month. The software can come with a high speed of learning. This could mean that this program may not be suited for people who plan to perform large amounts of graphic designing.
CoralDRAW homepage

CorelDraw

  • AdvantagesIt allows for a once-purchase option, as well as an available subscription plan. It also offers a cheaper Corel Vector online software with the possibility of trial period of 15 days at no cost.
  • Pros:The single-buy price exceeds $500, and the online vector program is only available for an annual subscription. Like Illustrator it is a training curve that is very intimidating to those who are new to the area. Additionally, it's worthwhile to mention that CorelDraw iPad app has a CorelDraw iPad app has an average score 1.5 stars review in the Apple App Store.
working within Canva

Canva

  • Pros: It has a no-cost account so that you can make a logo or others designs for free. Canva offers the option to create a logo if you're not satisfied with the design job. Canva is an incredibly loved and widely used design tool which simplifies the process for non-designers and designers alike. You'll be able to rest assured that it's well-supported by regular updates and new functions. In addition, it provides free access to some of the pictures that they stock from Getty and other content sources.
  • Cons: Premium content and features are available only to customers with various levels of accounts. The program is only available on the internet. The search function to find images that are available from stock specifically is a little clunky and it can be difficult to find the exact image you're seeking.
Creating within Vectr

Vectr

  • Advantages Vectr is a easy, no-cost vector design program that's easy to operate.
  • Advantages:It's online only and could be too simple, depending on the kind of design work you're planning to create. The application also displays ads inside the app, which may be a source of irritation.

Online logo creators

In addition to Canva's ability for creating logos, as we've already mentioned, there's also online software specifically designed for automatic logo design.

The Looka along with Smashing Logo The Looka and Smashing Logo both provide low-cost automated Logo design services. The logos can be created for absolutely no cost as many logos that you want, but in order to download the branding packages and vector files you'll have to buy one of their premium packages.

Intro wizard from SmashingLogo.com
Intro Wizard by SmashingLogo.com

The logo maker software online can be an effective method of locating the perfect logo for what you want for a reasonable cost, however you're not always certain of getting the results you want. As these two tools can be used for free and test, they could at the very most help in deciding on the best way to create your logo. You can also think about what you do and don't prefer, and you can then show that concept to a graphic artist or a business to find an idea of where to begin.

Outsourcing logo design

Do you have no interest in designing your own logo, or making iterations using an application for creating logos? Sometimes it's just ideal working with an expert starting from the very beginning.

Employing a designer freelance or an agency to design the logo for your business is an excellent investment for the future growth of your company. Professional designers will bring new ideas you might not have previously considered, and can create every design version you need and file formats.

designer drawing logos on a tablet

However, it's also vital to know the risks of outsourcing your logo's design. It is important that you choose a professional with previous design experience for companies within your field, who has received good reviews from previous customers, and who is competent to work within the parameters you've decided to set.

There are those who have been successful in finding freelance designers through marketplaces on the internet like Fiverr and Upwork. Others prefer to work with local people or who is recommended by the recommendation of a friend or relative or the chamber of commerce in your area. All of them are perfectly acceptable avenues to pursue in the search for a designer to work with.

If you're a customer need to make certain that you're prepared to work with a graphic artist. It is important to conduct an investigation of logos that you like, consider your goals that you want to achieve with your logo and clearly convey your requirements.

Designers thrive when they are given the right guidelines and a bit of flexible design ideas. If you're rigid about what you'd like your design to look like or if you're too vague this could result in an unsatisfactory logo. Your expectations have been created.

The process of creating a logo working with your graphic designer as a dialogue that could last a few times on sketches before you have a logo which is just right.

Your mark will be visible

If you've got some logo design tips to use, now is the time to start creating and put your logo to the examination. Study different logos. Create a brand colors and general style.

Next, you must decide if would like to design your own logo or use the software to design your logo, or hire a professional graphic designer. When you've found a design that you like, be sure that you've got the correct file types for web and printing, and then you can begin implementing it to your social media and website channels as well as advertising channels and even products.

It is also advisable to study your logo thoroughly and pass it by trusted experts for comments before the logo goes live. Be aware that your logo is a representation of the organization you work for. It's possible that you won't be able to reach consensus on whether the logo that you choose is an acceptable style, but you will avoid the most apparent issues that can make it on blogs about the worst logos that have ever been seen.

The concept of a logo can be daunting but with the right analysis, planning along with the correct design or tool You can design an attractive, powerful logo which represents your brand that builds trust and a sense of trust among your clients.

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