Why Small Businesses Need Both A Logo And An Identity System

Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their business ? to use a logo and a set of consistent marketing materials. But, they rarely go into the reasons behind this advice. Here's a list of some of the benefits to having a professionally designed logo and marketing package:

Not to look so small - Home-printed business cards with perforated edges, or cards printed with standard designs available through Microsoft software or online business card vendors (like Vistaprint) scream, "Small-time vendor!" to your potential clients ? and you'll be similarly compensated.

To increase your chance of getting venture capital or selling a business ? If you present a thorough business package, including marketing materials and graphics, your business will look more complete.

To attract more clients ? Some clients look for a well-defined company look-and-feel as part of their qualifiers for making a purchasing decision.

To brand yourself ? If you're a consultant, you need a logo in order to build an image and a brand that's bigger than just yourself.

To convey that you are established ? A logo and professionally printed materials show that you are committed to both your business and to your clients.

To give clients a sense of stability ? You may not have been in business "Since 1908", but if you've invested in an identity, you're much less likely to fold in the eyes of your customers. It goes a long way toward building the all-important "trust" factor.

To be more memorable ? Forty percent of people better remember what they see better than what they hear or read. So having graphics associated with your business and having consistent graphics on your business materials make you more likely to come to the forefront of potential clients' minds when they have a need for your goods or services.

To explain your company name ? If your company name contains a little-known word or an acronym, the logo gives visual clues to its meaning.

To endear your company name to your clients ? A difficult-to-pronounce or -remember company name may make it difficult for your clients to hire you. When potential clients have the need for your services, they can't recall who you are! But if you reinforce the name with interesting, compelling graphics, they're more likely to remember that hard-to-recall name, and to pick up the phone and hire you.

To explain an unusual line of business ? If your business is nontraditional, or in a hard-to-explain industry, a logo can help to explain exactly what it is that you do.

To show what practices differentiate you from your competition ? A well-designed logo can have many subtle meanings, and it can begin to tell the story of how you do business ? what special practices make you stand apart from the competition.

To stand out in your field ? A well-designed logo and an identity system can put you far above the competition, especially if they are paired with a strong marketing program.

In some industries, a logo is just expected ? In the creative services industry, especially, having a logo is an industry standard.

Lastly, do it for yourself! ? To show your commitment and for the sense of personal pride it will add to your practice.

These are just some of the benefits of having a professionally designed logo. If your business could use the kind of boost that having a logo provides, then contact us today for a free estimate!

About the Author

Erin Ferree, Founder and Lead Designer of elf design, is a brand identity and graphic design expert. She has been helping small businesses grow with bold, clean and effective logo and marketing material designs for over a decade. elf design offers the comprehensive graphic and web design services of a large agency, with the one- on-one, personalized attention of an independent design specialist. Erin works closely in partnership with her clients to create designs that are visible, credible and memorable ? and that tell their unique business stories in a clear and consistent way. For more information about elf design, please visit:

Logo design at http://www.elf-design.com

---

Five Break-through Ideas to Immediately Increase Profits and Improve Cash Flow

Too often in business we get trapped into reviewing our... Read More

Becoming Recession Proof

A lot of business owners I've spoken with lately have... Read More

Where Can People Find Information About Starting A Business?

Approximately 200,000 new businesses are started each year. More people... Read More

Boat Detailers; Add-on Products and Services

As a Boat Detailing Specialist, you may want to offer... Read More

What is Rule 15c211 and Reverse Merger

Rule 15C211Under SEC Rule 15C211, a U.S. securities broker or... Read More

Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More

Using Business Broker In the Franchising Industry for Franchise Sales

Franchising companies often use Business Broker to help attain sales... Read More

De-Ionization Decisions in Mobile Car Washing

Many mobile car wash operators would like to add de-ionized... Read More

How to Write a Credit Policy for Your Business

The book, "Become the Squeaky Wheel," by New Hampshire author... Read More

How to Profile a Client

At first glance, this topic may seem a little repetitive,... Read More

Promote Yourself More Successfully

One of the great challenges for independent professionals and small... Read More

Why is My Restaurant Not Full Every Monday Night?

In a quest for customers and to keep those customers,... Read More

Questions to Ask as Your Business Grows

Here are some of the questions that you need to... Read More

Take a Break - Have a Pity Party

Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it... Read More

Going Public by Way of Regulation D (504) Offering

Under the Securities Act of 1933, any offer to sell... Read More

Shocking Experienced Copywriter Reveals Little-known Secrets To Closing BIG Ticket Deals!

Hogwash!That's what I say to people who tell me that... Read More

How to Manage Your Pipeline

How is your pipeline structured?I assume most of you have... Read More

Small Business Savvy: Reaching Key Big Business Decision Makers

As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More

If You Want Business - Be Consistent

Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More

Big Successes Never Happen Overnight

Treat your business as a serious, full-time business and be... Read More

Build Credibility with Expertise

As an Investment Representative you've worked hard to build trust... Read More

Forming a Corporation ? Investors

You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread,... Read More

Reverse Merger: Have They Taken the Reverse out of Reverse Merger?

Are the promoters and consultants destroying the market for Reverse... Read More

When and Why YOU Are the Best Writer for Your Business Plan

WHEN you are operating or planning a small business that... Read More

ADH Will Make Your Life More Productive & Your Life More Profitable

What is a Virtual Assistant?? A Virtual Assistant is that... Read More

Selling Your Business, Entrepreneurs Role

$elling $elling $ellingWhat makes a great sales person? Well, the... Read More

Small Business Failures in America - Cash Flow Issues

We are noticing an increase in the length of time... Read More

Routine Maintenance of High Pressure Hot Water Motors

If you run a pressure washer business you need complete... Read More

In Home Daycare Businesses for Profit

To have one of the popular in home daycare businesses.... Read More

Collaborative Negotiating: A Win-Win Strategy

COLLABORATIVE NEGOTIATING:Collaborative negotiating is a win-win strategy that can focus... Read More

Five Simple Software Tips for Small Business Owners

The start of a new year is a time for... Read More

Window Cleaning Business Case Study

How do window cleaning franchise businesses start? It is a... Read More

The Key to Small Business Growth? Buyer Alignment

Unfortunately for all buyers, each selling organization and their individual... Read More