If you’re here, chances are you’re starting a business. You’ve got big ideas and a long to-do list—and somewhere on that list is “get a logo.”
Maybe your budget is tight. Maybe all you know about logos is that you need one. And maybe you’re wondering if it’s even worth stressing about right now.
You’re not alone. Many small business owners feel the same way. The good news? You’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about creating a logo, from what makes a good one to why it’s just one part of your brand. We’ll cover your DIY options (and their pros and cons) and when it might be worth considering professional help. At the end, you can grab a free checklist to guide you as you build your brand from the ground up.
Let’s Start with the Basics: What is a Logo?
It’s easy to think of a logo as “just a logo.” Something nice to stick on your business card or website. But a logo is much more than that—it’s the face of your business.
Your logo introduces your business to the world, giving people their first impression of who you are and what you stand for. But here’s the catch: a logo isn’t everything.
A Logo is Not Branding
Branding is the bigger picture. It’s the way your business makes people feel, the story you tell, and the connections you build with your customers.
Think of it like this:
• Your logo is the first “hello.”
• Your brand is the lasting impression you leave behind.
Branding includes:
• Colours: Setting the mood and tone. For example, bright yellows feel fun and energetic, while deep blues convey trust and professionalism.
• Typography: Fonts reflect personality. A sleek sans-serif might feel modern, while a hand-drawn script feels personal and creative.
• Voice and messaging: The words you use and the tone you take in your marketing.
• Consistency: How everything works together across your website, social media, packaging, and beyond.
Your logo is one piece of this puzzle. It’s important—but it works best as part of a cohesive, well-thought-out brand.
Your Logo Needs to Be Versatile
A great logo isn’t just about looking good; it’s about working everywhere.
Imagine your logo on a website banner, a social media profile picture, a T-shirt, and a product label. Does it still look clear and professional in all those places?
This is where logo variations come in. Most businesses use multiple versions of their logo for different purposes, such as:
• A primary logo for large spaces like your website header.
• A simplified logo (like an icon or monogram) for small spaces like favicons or social media.
• A text-only version for clean, minimal branding materials.
A versatile logo ensures your business looks consistent and professional, no matter where it appears.
Your DIY Options (With Pros and Cons)
If you’re working with a limited budget, creating your own logo can be a good starting point. Here are a few DIY options and what you need to know about them.
1. Canva
A popular, beginner-friendly tool with drag-and-drop functionality.
Pros:
• Affordable (free or low-cost).
• Easy to use, even without design experience.
• Wide range of templates to get you started.
Cons:
• Originality: Canva templates are widely used, so your logo might look similar to others.
• Copyright issues: You can’t trademark logos created with Canva elements.
• Scalability: Canva designs aren’t vector files, which means they may lose quality when resized.
2. Adobe Express
A simplified version of Adobe’s professional tools.
Pros:
• High-quality design templates.
• More customisation options than Canva.
• Integrates well with Adobe’s professional suite.
Cons:
• Requires a subscription for premium features.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
3. Freehand Sketching or Basic Software
If you have artistic skills, you can sketch your ideas and refine them using tools like GIMP or Inkscape.
Pros:
• Fully original designs.
• Complete creative control.
Cons:
• Time-consuming.
• Requires knowledge of design principles.
When to Consider Hiring a Professional
DIY tools can be a great starting point, but there are times when investing in a professional designer makes sense.
• When you’re ready to scale: As your business grows, your logo needs to work across more platforms and in more formats. A professional designer ensures scalability and consistency.
• When your ideas feel stuck: If you’re struggling to capture your brand’s essence, a professional can help translate your vision into a cohesive design.
• When you need originality: A custom logo ensures your design is unique to your business and legally protected.
Hiring a professional might seem like a big expense, but think of it as an investment in your business’s future.
Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone
Branding and logo design can feel like a lot, especially when you’re just starting out. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
Your brand doesn’t need to be perfect on day one. Start small. Take intentional steps. And remember, it’s okay to evolve as your business grows.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free DIY Branding Checklist. This PDF will guide you through the basics of creating a logo and building your brand, step by step.