OK! I Need a Logo. What Now?

Below are a few ways to work on a logo.

1. Design Your Own

If you have a knack for designing, have some skill in Photoshop or Illustrator and can access online tutorials, then you can design your own logo. It’s the most economical way to go, but the best part is that you have direct control over the outcome. The drawbacks? It will consume a lot of your precious time, and the logo might not look professional.

2. Buy a Pre-Designed Logo

Consider this if you want to keep your costs relatively low. Find one that suits your needs and order it. Pre-designed logos come personalized with your company name, and they are sold only once. This is a hassle-free way to find a logo that suits you.

3. Use a Template Logo

The cheapest option—and the fastest and easiest—is to use a template logo and insert your name. Many templates are available online, and you can get one ready in just minutes. It’s easy and cheap, but it might not be the best option for your business, because many companies will have the same logo design as yours, which will make you less memorable.

4. Organize a Contest

Issue a logo design challenge. Decide what price you’re willing to pay, specify the kind of logo you need, and run a live competition in which designers compete for the prize. Give feedback, rate each entry, and once you’re happy with one you can award the prize and start using the logo.

5. Hire a Designer or Company

This last method is the traditional one. Until some years ago, if you wanted a logo you would have had to hire a professional designer or firm. Today there are other options, such as those listed above, but the original method is still around and kicking. It’s also costly.

Designers are reachable online for a variety of jobs, including logo and website design and advertising. The biggest benefit of working with an online-based designer (i.e. freelancer) is the lower cost. Office-based designers usually have staff salaries and bills to cover, which increases the cost of work; freelancers don’t have a staff or pay for office maintenance, so they can offer more for less.

To hire a designer online, start by searching for “logo designer online” or “freelance designer” in one of the major search engines. Among the many results, choose a few that fit your price range and style, and then email them, mentioning the package you’re interested in. Confirm the terms of the deal prior to making your payment.

Once the designer is contracted, they’ll prepare a basic design. After you approve it, you’ll pay for the design, and then it will be sent to you via email and probably by post (usually on a CD). Having your logo designed online is quick, easy and cost-effective.