Listen to John Follis and other top marketing thought leaders discuss the most relevant topics of the day. http://themarketingshow.net

This Catholic Church logo needed a redesign.

If your business would benefit from a redesign, visit our Logo Facelift page.

When logo design prices range from 50 grand to 50 bucks (for a cheesy prefab logo) it’s no wonder business owners are confused about logo cost. The answer lies somewhere in the middle with independent designers and design firms offering logo services for every price range. So, the question besides price is: “What’s a ‘good’ logo?”

For many business owners that answer is: whatever floats their boat. However, a truly good logo must be right for your business from a marketing/communication standpoint. Some key considerations are:

<> It must be a simple design.
<> It must work equally well in both color and black & white.
<> It must look good small.

Most importantly, it must represent your business or product and communicate your “brand essence.” So, what does that mean? Check out these examples.

Economic downturns force paradigm changes, often for the better. To steal a line from Apple, it forces companies to “Think Different.” Business models that are smarter and more creative (and not necessarily bigger) are the ones that benefit in down times. Those that aren’t, die.

Apple is a great example. They never stop innovating and came out with some of their best products (Mactintosh, iPod) during tough economic times. Here are some of ours: Logo Facelift, Website Facelift, and Marketing Therapy.

Last week, The New York Times reported on an Obama logo “deliberately reminiscent of the official seal of the president of the United States.” So, what do you think — savvy marketing or arrogance? (Click “Comment” link below)

Don’t confuse “marketing” with “advertising”. Some people hear the word “marketing” and think “advertising.” Not the same thing. And to grow your business you must understand the difference.

Traditional “advertising” is about paying for traditional media exposure via newspapers, magazines, Yellow Pages, radio, TV, billboards, etc. It’s generally designed to reach a broad audience and the ad/media costs will reflect that. For many products and services advertising works great if it’s done right.

“Marketing” is a broader term that involves any possible way to get your message out. That includes PR, direct mail, your logo and tagline, personal networking, giving talks and writing articles, and many non-traditional and online strategies like having an effective website, sending out email newsletters and promotions, buying Google Adwords, pay-per-click, SEO, and using “social media” like blogs and podcasts.

Effective marketing includes the right mix of traditional advertising and non-traditional online strategies.

Which has Greater Recognition?

The Cross, the symbol of Christianity for 2000 years, has less recognition today than McDonald’s Golden Arches.
No wonder churches are stepping up their marketing efforts.

Source: “Growth of the fast food industry.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Food_Nation

When logo design prices range from 20 grand to 50 bucks (for a cheesy prefab logo) it’s no wonder business owners are confused about the cost of a logo. The answer lies somewhere in the middle and there are plenty of designers and firms that offer services for every price range. So, the question, besides price, is: “What’s a good logo?”

For many business owners the right design is: whatever floats their boat. However, a good logo must also be smart for your business from a marketing/communication standpoint. Some key considerations are:

<> It must be simple.
<> It must work equally well in color and black & white.
<> It must look good small.

Most importantly, it must represent your business or product and communicate your “brand essence.” What does that mean? Check out these examples.