“Creative Brands are not Cheap and Cheap Brands are not Creative”
I often hear:
“I’ve found a cheaper person to do this. Are you able to match their rates?”
“Can I do this via Fiver, it’s cheaper?”
“This would be way less expensive if I just do this myself.”
“I saw someone who has a promotion on social media.”
I know from experience and talking to hundreds of startups and business owners that most entrepreneurs don’t have the money to work with a designer or hire an agency when they’re first starting out. Most budgets for very small businesses and experts are between $300 and $1500.
Even though it seems best to work with a professional who can help you make a good logo, there are times when it makes sense to use your own design skills and online tools like a logo maker for business logos. Cue AI here.
What makes a logo good and professional?
A brand plan is the first step in a professional logo process. A logo design isn’t worth much without an analysis of your competitors and where your business stands in the market.
Stop using Canva for your Logos, here’s why!
Why? Because a logo is an identifier for a brand, it helps your customer find your company on a shelf or in their social media feed. Usually, a logo comes with other parts of a brand’s identity, like a colour palette (e.g., on the package, a business card, or a website) and a voice or tone (e.g., on the headlines of your website or your customer service tickets) and so on.
Sorting out everything that needs to be said is the key to making a good mark.
A good design works well. It’s mostly easy to read and works on a phone when it’s small on a page. A good logo focusing on usefulness uses only one or two colours (to save money on printed marketing materials). It works in black and white (for a logo version on a flyer with partners, for example).
When would it be best to use a logo maker online?
Creating a strong brand name is crucial for your business, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If your budget is limited, it’s important to balance design costs with strategic planning. Remember, you get what you pay for, and with a small budget, hiring a designer might mean compromising on the strategy part.
For around $500, you can engage a junior designer for 10 hours or a senior designer for 5 hours. However, keep in mind that 2-3 hours will be spent on communication and changes. Big agencies offer comprehensive brand strategy packages, ranging from $15,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on various factors.
If your budget can’t cover the minimum hours required for a logo job, consider using a logo maker. These tools provide a quick and affordable solution, especially when time is a constraint.
My logo-making process typically takes at least a week and encompasses details and strategy elements. When working with an agency or me, these strategic factors are usually outlined in a brief. Larger logo projects involving multiple stakeholders can take up to 6 months, but for startups with 2-4 stakeholders, the timeline is usually 6-8 weeks.
If you’re following lean startup principles and need to iterate quickly, using a logo maker is an ideal choice.
There are three types:
1. For Style and Branding: Businesses in well-defined fields (e.g., beauty products) benefit from a focus on style, branding, and marketing. Creative input is essential, and the product-market fit lies in branding.
2. For Tech Solutions: Tech companies prioritize the functionality of their products. A logo’s design is minimal and should adapt quickly to changing directions.
3. For Small Businesses: Small startups, such as consultants or local restaurants, can also benefit from a professional logo without overspending.
So Why Choose Affordable Logo Options:
When starting out, it’s wise to spend as little as possible on a professional-looking logo. Startups often lack the time and funds for elaborate branding, making a simple yet professional design the way to go.
At Find Me Lettering, I have created brand packages for every budget type and business.
Let me introduce you to my Pocket Brand Package: This service is our most affordable option, whereby all design work is done via email. This package is perfect for you if you know your desired aesthetic and would like me to bring it to life.
