In the modern age of business, logos are arguably more important than ever. They’re the first thing that customers see, and often show up in lists alongside competitors. For well-established brands, a symbol or image may be enough. But for newer companies, it can be helpful to have some text within the logo.
Text in a logo can be effective, as it can help customers instantly figure out what your brand is about. However, if it’s done badly, it can have a negative effect on your company’s identity. Let’s dive into some of the key dos and don’ts, and examine a few successful examples.
Good Examples of Logos with Text
When thinking about how to add text to a logo, it makes a lot of sense to look at some of the most successful examples from famous businesses. Some companies have had to use clever logos to differentiate their products, with Paddy Power a great example. Users who want to start playing bingo online may go from the brand’s casino offering to its bingo page. The logo for this clearly has the recognisable PP initials for the company name, and this is followed by the word bingo, so users know it’s the bingo page.
Some brands are renowned for having text logos that are visually stunning and memorable, with Coca-Cola one of the greatest examples of this with its flowing script. There’s also Google, which takes the opposite approach with its simple typeface and recognisable colours. The common theme among all of these brands is that they do not overdo the text.
The Dos – Best Practices to Consider for Your Logo
If you’re trying to come up with a logo for your business and want to include text within it, the priority should be readability. You don’t want people to have to squint to be able to make out what it says. Think about how it will look when shrunk down for business cards or thumbnails.
When coming up with typography, try to think of a style that reflects the brand. If you have a luxury business, you want it to look stylish and elegant. On the other hand, a modern tech company may want to use something more minimalist.
When you’ve come up with an idea, make sure you test it out across various formats and backgrounds. It’s crucial to ensure that it is universally effective, accounting for the fact that different customers will encounter it in different places.
The Don’ts – Make Sure You Avoid These Common Mistakes
While considering the things you should try to do with your logo, it’s also important to think about what not to do. For example, one of the biggest mistakes is to add too much text and overcomplicate things. You need to communicate your brand’s identity at a quick glance, that’s it.
Another imperative thing to note is that you don’t copy another logo, especially one of your competitors. Yes, it may have worked for them, but you really need your company to stand out and be distinctive from others in your industry.
If you put a lot of time and effort into trying out different text options in your logo, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to come up with an effective design. Just make sure you think about all these key dos and don’ts in the brainstorming process.
