A logo can therefore be considered as one of the main graphic elements that allow people to quickly identify an organization, its products, and services.
And quite often, it will be the first thing people will use to identify you.
I have a new logo… Awesome, but what exactly am I supposed to do with it
Have the right files
Logo files come in many shapes and sizes, each fitting for a different purpose.
Wonder why? It’s because there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all. For example, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. all have different recommended sizes and file types when uploading a logo. And, the file you’ll need for your logo to look great on screen isn’t the best one to use for print (and vice-versa).
That’s why at Meerkatz, when you create a logo with us, you’ll automatically receive downloadable files in every shape, size and format for every scenario. But, if you’ve designed a logo yourself or went through a designer, make sure to understand what each file type is for and which ones you need.
The most typical file formats you’ll see are;
- PNG – Portable Network Graphic. Mostly used for web graphics, such as logos and digital photographs.
- SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics. Also used for web graphics, but slower to load than PNG files. Best used when you need to scale the image.
- EPS – Encapsulated PostScript. A format used when printing logos and images
- PDF – Portable Document Format. Typically used for documents, manuals, and sometimes items like leaflets.
As you can see, each file type is unique and suitable for using on the web or for print in different situations.
Add it to your brand guidelines
How do you keep your branding consistent? With a brand guidebook! Think of it as a rulebook for how your brand should act and look. As companies grow, it’s not uncommon for other people to manage your different social media accounts and also your website. Without a clear set of guidelines, you’ll find it hard to make sure everyone is communicating the same way and using the same brand design principles.
Here’s what to include in your brand guidelines;
- An up-to-date copy of your logo, including a note where it should be placed on your marketing materials.
- The fonts your brand uses. Typography plays a huge role in the tone and character of your brand voice.
- Your brand’s color palette. Create a harmonious and cohesive feel by sticking to your brand colors.
- Type of backgrounds to use. Many brands fail to use consistent background images.
- Plenty of examples, so your brand guidelines are crystal clear.
Protect your design with a trademark
After finalizing the design of your logo, it’s time to protect it from thieves. It happens more than you think, which is why it’s important to trademark your logo.
A trademark empowers you to protect your creations, such as your business name, symbols, company colors and even your tagline.
Without a trademark, someone can easily copy your brand’s design even trick people into thinking that their brand is yours, in order to steal your customers, or worse, pretend to be you and give your brand a terrible name.
Put it on social media
One of the best ways to connect with your audience is through social media.
Unlike regular advertising, social media allows you to create a brand persona that’s able to interact and talk with your audience. It’s much more personal than just seeing an online ad or email.
Most brands on social media have switched to using PNG files for logos, as they’re lightweight and load fast compared to the other types.
Watermark images
Watermarking is a simple way to protect your images. Adding a watermark makes it hard for people to steal your pictures and content without others knowing where it originally came from.
So, brands will use their logo as a watermark to clearly label an image as theirs. It also has the added benefit of making your brand appear more professional.
To add your logo as a watermark you can use any of these tools; some are free, and others may require a small fee:
Canva, Photoshop, PicMonkey, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, Watermarkly.
Print it on everything
One of the most impactful ways you can promote your brand via your logo is by printing it on everything!
Here are just some of the physical items you can print your logo on business cards, documents, and stationery such as letters, invoices, envelopes, pens, notepads, t-shirts, backpacks, etc.
Add it to your email signature
Whenever you send an email or newsletter, having your logo in your email signature is an effortless way to remind people who you are. Plus, it makes people take your emails seriously.
Meerkatz is here to help you fill in the blanks of what to do with your logo after the design process. Because having an awesome logo is great, but it’s what you do with it that’s going to make a real impact on your business.
