Your logo is often the first thing people see when they come across your company, whether online, or in a business directory of some sort, so if you have a poorly designed logo, people won't remember your business or brand.
If you were given a sheet of paper showing you some of the most popular logos, I bet you could name most, if not all of the companies associated with each logo. Why? Because they are designed in such a way that consumers will remember them!
I've taken a few tips from Logo Bee: http://www.logobee.com/feature22.htm - a great article outlining their Top 10 Logo design tips.
- Keep it Simple: This doesn't mean make your logo boring or unappealing, but a complicated logo will make it dificult for your logo to be reproduced, and maintained over the years. It will also be harder to engage your audience. Your logo should be your "elevator pitch" -- you don't have time to give your entire business plan in an elevator pitch so the same concept applies for your logo.
- Choose colors wisely: Using too many different colors in your logo design can be distracting so only use your primary business colors. If the logo is the first thing you are desiging for your business, keep in mind that whatever colors you choose for your logo should also be carried through to your business cards,web site, and promotional materials, etc. The colors you choose should reflect what type of business you are in. Colors can illicit emotions, so if you are a children's book writer, for example, try to use colors that are vibrant and exciting. For other businesses such as a law firm, or financial services, conservative colors are best and will work well over a long period of time.
- Engage consumers: Your logo, above all, should entertain and engage potential customers. Creating a logo that isn't completely literal makes your audience have to think about the meaning and intension of your logo. Keep in mind that they should be able to determine this in a reasonable amount of time. There can be a downside if you are not careful though. Too much abstraction or being too obscure can create a negative effect. Consumers are now accustomed to intense and exicitng media, so try not to be too demanding or the message you are trying to communicate through your logo will be lost.