Though running a business has always sounded incredibly complex, time-consuming, and expensive, and though it has often seemed like something available only to people with plenty of experience, things have changed a lot. These days, the business landscape is open to everyone, including students. Moreover, the latest global surveys show that students are actually capturing this opportunity, with 11% of students (both undergraduate and graduate) stating they already own a business and at least 18% saying they want to launch a startup right after college.
If you also have entrepreneurial aspirations, that might be a great way to start building a fortune while still in college. Yet, whether you’re only getting ready to start a business or already have one, there is one tiny detail that’s often overlooked, though it can make or break your venture. And it’s a logo.
After the global pandemic, some countries, including the US, the UK, and others, have noticed a boom in student startup registration. The number of young entrepreneurs has skyrocketed by somewhere around 400%. Needless to say, a big share of student companies fail within the first couple of years.
You might be surprised, but the absence or poor design of a logo might be a part of the reason.
Here are a few facts you need to know about logo design and its role in business:
To put it simply, a well-designed logo can help your business by creating the right first impression, instantly engaging prospects and resonating with them, making you look professional, and ensuring that your brand is memorable. And all these things are incredibly important for student startups that need lots of attention to fuel their growth.
Unless you are a design student, chances are that you aren’t well-versed in logo design. It’s okay but it means that you should start with learning the basics.
First of all, you need to explore different types of logos:
Depending on your niche, different types of logos can help you propel brand awareness more, so feel free to experiment. Or opt for a combination logo. In fact, 60% of the top 500 companies use this type of design as it’s believed to offer the most benefits.
Just like a business plan, product design, or any other aspect of a successful business, a logo design needs to be well thought through, which means that you absolutely need to do some research. This will help you attain two goals at the same time:
In order to research the market right, identify your top-level competitors (direct and indirect) and analyze their logos. Maybe you’ll notice any similar patterns, such as the same colors, types of logos, or fonts used in your niche – you could use them as well. Yet, most importantly, you need to identify opportunities to make your logo stand out.
After analyzing competitors, take some time to browse sites and apps like Pinterest, Logospire, Behance, and similar. These resources can help you explore millions of logo designs within your industry to gain inspiration and find ideas that you could potentially use in your design.
Also, don’t be afraid to find and use creative logo templates. Well-designed templates can help you unleash your imagination and greatly simplify the design process.
When you’re finally ready to design your logo, start by freeing up some time. We all know that you must be incredibly busy in college. Luckily, there are reliable academic aid services where you can come saying, “Please, do my biology homework (replace it with any kind of help you currently need),” and get professional assistance from expert writers. This is an excellent opportunity to delegate your current assignments and ensure you have enough time to outline and design your perfect logo.
When ready, start designing. However, instead of jumping straight into it like many do, start with a sketch. This tip can help you save lots of time in the long run, as experimenting on paper is much easier than in the process of making a digital design. So, unleash your creativity and sketch until you create something you’re 100% happy with.
When you’re confident with every line, symbol, color, and other element of your logo, you can finally move on to the last stage and make a design.
If your budget is more flexible, of course, you can enlist the help of a professional. But if not, don’t worry. Leverage well-known handy tools like Canva, Hatchful – Logo Maker, Inkscape, and similar to create an awesome design in a few simple clicks.
A logo is basically the face of your business. If it’s good-looking and memorable, so will your brand, which can ultimately mean more sales.
As you already know, a well-thought-through logo design is especially crucial for small student startups that often find it hard to compete with large companies. Luckily, now you have a step-by-step guide to designing a logo that will make your business professional, outstanding, and memorable. Use these tips to propel success!
Сontent writer Nicole Hardy is celebrated for her detailed and thoughtful journalism within the realms of education and the arts, with a special emphasis on performing arts education. Over the course of her decade-long career, Hardy has earned a reputation as a trusted expert in her field. Her writing is marked by thorough analysis and a captivating style of storytelling. She earned her Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arts, with a focus on arts and culture journalism.
