A logo is not just a little symbol that decorates the top of the company letterhead. The logo is the core of a brand and should be the centerpiece for all facets of the company. It’s the symbol that takes a brand from a humble garage office space to a bright and shining icon lit up in Time Square. But to get there, a good logo has to be used in such a way that overtime it will become memorable and recognizable at just a glance.
How do you do that? You use your logo to its full potential, never missing an opportunity to make your brand known. Of the many ways you can use your logo, here are five creative ways to use your logo to grow your business:
1. Use it in multiple ways on social media.
Your logo should be front and center- as the profile image for all social media pages. This way, your fan base will have an easier time finding your page and recognizing your posts within their feeds. It can also be placed in a small, but noticeable area on each photo you post. Lastly, if your logo is posted in the form of a printed or lit sign within your physical business space, it wouldn’t hurt to take some of your post-worthy photos in front of that sign (for example: a realtor and clients standing in front of the realty sign in the office on closing day). This way, a viewer associates the focus of the image with your business.
2. Creatively include it on every page of your website and in online ads.
Your website is your business’s digital storefront. It’s the place you invite all of your current and potential customers to visit and see what your business is all about. When they open the home page, it should be very apparent that, that space belongs to your brand. Your logo should be front and center on the landing page, typically taking up a large enough space that your customers won’t have to question whose page they are on. For subsequent pages, the logo should be placed somewhere that is easy for the eye to find; typically it is also the clickable icon that helps redirect them to your homepage.
For the customers who wander off your site, consider investing in online ad space (ads on Google ads, social media ads, etc.). Your digital ads should always include your logo, even if you are temporarily focused on selling a specific product. Your logo is the icon that will always remind the customer that each of your products is part of a bigger, branded vision.
3. Sponsor community events and local school activities in exchange for logo ad space.
It never hurts to make community donations, especially if it’s a sponsorship of a large event or local school activity. You are looking to make a lasting impression, with your logo in a space that allows for people to see it over and over again. For example, this is the case for sponsorships that include logo placement on a T-shirt. Not only is the t-shirt wearer made aware of your brand, but they become a walking billboard for your brand. Try to pick events or organizations that have these types of long-term advertising spots, like the wall of a school gymnasium where fans can see your logo year-round.
4. Give away and sell branded merch.
Giving away branded merch at public fairs and festivals is always a good idea. The key is to pick an item that is unique to your business and useful- something that each recipient will want to use multiple times, repeatedly displaying your brand (i.e. summer camp programs could give away branded reusable water bottles or foldable frisbees). Just consider the amount you spend on the merch an investment toward a long-term marketing strategy.
Selling your branded merch is also an option. Catchy phrases on T-shirts with your logo strategically placed, would make a good advertising opportunity. Or, if your employees wear a uniform, you can provide a few extra options of branded shirts or accessories that they could purchase in addition to their provided items. Design items that they would be proud to wear even on their days off.
5. Include your logo in all print advertising.
Aside from printing business cards, there are ways to make good use of your logo via print media. To make the best use of print ad space, buy space in pieces that will be distributed year-round (i.e. theatre company booklets, sporting event seasonal handouts, mall table tents). You’re looking for prime, lasting ad real estate. Also be sure to add your logo to your custom envelopes for recurring mailers, to your business cards, and to all company forms, signs, brochures, etc.
If you’re looking to grow your business and make a lasting impression, your logo should be used to its full potential. When it comes to placement, you should exhaust all options. Your logo could be the next most recognizable face of excellence in your industry. Take advantage of your great logo and use it to take your business to the next level.