We’re in the business of designing brands for our clients – usually, we present a few options, and our clients pick the logo they wish to proceed to the next stage.

Occasionally, they find it hard to decide between them. If you discover yourself in this position, here are 5 tips (and one golden rule) to help you choose.

1. Is it distinctive and memorable?

If you saw the logo for only a split second, would you be able to recall it 10 minutes later? This is especially important if you look at a logo and think it looks too simple. Think about The Nike ‘swoosh’ or the McDonalds arches: Simple, but distinctive. You want your audience to see your logo once, and be able to recall it later.

2. Does it work in black and white?

There will be occasions when your logo appears in black only (also referred to as ‘Mono’). Examples include a newspaper ad or the back of a event program. Make sure your designer has thought of this and provides a black and white version.

4. Do the colours, symbols and fonts suit the business?

This may seem obvious, but if your company provides financial advice, then cartoonish fonts and bright colours are probably inappropriate.

5. What about personality?

If the logo was a person, would it have same sense of company values? Imagine that your logo is a person, or even a celebrity. The first time someone meets them, what do you want them to think? Barack Obama or George Bush? Katy Perry or Lady Gaga?
Optus, Telstra and Vodafone. All mobile service providers, with very different logo personalities

The Golden Rule:

Choosing a logo isn’t a Facebook page: it’s not about what you ‘LIKE’

It’s about what works for your business.
Always think about how people will perceive the business, if you’re not actually present to explain what you do, who you are and how you can help them.

Further reading:

Roosevelt University in Chicago overhauled their brand in 2011. Designed by Studio Blue, you can read about the process (and see which logo they chose).