Business Logos
Hiring a Logo Designer
Your business desperately needs a new logo and you're thinking about outsourcing the task to a logo designer. Here's what you need to look for during the selection process.
As you begin your search for a logo designer, the first thing you will notice is the sheer number of people who think they can design an award-winning logo for your business.
Most of them can't and quite frankly, that's what makes choosing a logo designer tricky.
You can still contract with a local firm for your company logo design. But these days most small businesses turn to online logo designers because they produce quality work for a significantly lower price. Online logo designers typically offer a tiered-package structure for small businesses based on the level of service they will be expected to provide. The more you pay, the more services you receive from your logo design company.
Once you understand that most online logo designers are similar in their approach and packaging structure, the selection process boils down to a basic side-by-side comparison. Here are some of the things you'll want to compare:
- Quality. Any online logo designer worth their salt will have a portfolio of past projects available for your inspection. But sometimes, the most telling way to rate the quality of their work is to inspect their own logo and website. If their own logo isn't up to par, there is no way they will be able to design a logo that meets your quality standards.
- Package Details. The services you can expect from your logo designer should be clearly described on the designer's website. Depending on the package you should receive multiple concepts as well as multiple revisions for a set dollar amount. Additional concepts or revisions can usually be purchased for an upcharge, but keep in mind that better designers are capable of delivering an acceptable logo with fewer revisions.
- File Formats & Tech Support. With logo designs, it's important to make sure you will receive the final product in a variety of file formats. JPEG and PDF are standard, but you should also look for other file formats including AI Illustrator, EPS, PSD, TIFF, GIF and PNG. If you have problems dropping your logo into a publication or ad, your logo designer should be willing to offer a minimal level of tech support after the sale.
- Price. Really basic logo design packages start around $100 and go up based on the package you are purchasing. If money isn't an issue your logo designer may also offer additional logo-related services like stationary design and logo trademarking.
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs
Conversation Board
What do you think are the most important considerations when choosing a logo design company?