Let’s talk about the 7 must-haves of a strong business logo design. But first, here’s a mini-quiz and logo design checklist to evaluate your brand! Want to learn more about each question before answering? Click on any text to learn more about it in the article.

How strong is you logo? Take the quiz for a logo design quality assessment!

Logo design quiz

1. Do you have a usable and versatile logo design?

Is it legible, scalable, and vector? Does it work in various sizes and printing applications?
Does it have multiple configurations? Does it work in multiple places?

2. Does your logo stand out?

Is it industry-appropriate? Does it work within your sector?
Is it distinctive? Is it different from competitors’?

3. Do you have a trademarkable logo design?

Is it a unique design? Is it crafted without stock or template graphics?
Do you have exclusive rights? Is the design unavailable to competitors?

4. Is your logo memorable?

Is it the opposite of generic? Is it made for you?
Does it have creative visuals? Is it meaningful to your business?

5. Is your logo recommended by an outside expert?

Is it consumer-targeted? Is it designed for the correct customer?
Is it created from an outside perspective? Is it from an expert recommendation?

6. Is your logo strategic?

Is it based on goals? Does it flow out of brand strategy?
Does it have meaningful symbolism? Is it intentionally designed?

7. Is your logo made to last?

Does it have insightful use of trends or feel timeless?
Will it work for the long term?

How does your logo stand up?

Go ahead and count up your tally, giving yourself one point per answer of yes on a sub-question, with up to 14 possible points.

Results —

14 - 12 points: Diamond-level strength

Your logo is ultra-strong, resistant to scratches, valuable, and very hard for someone to rip off! With this logo, your business shines.

It’s time to grow your brand and get your logo out there with cohesive social media graphics, packaging, signage, and more!

Ask us about our collateral and site updates half and full-day VIP Days where we can expand your brand with social media graphics, signage, packaging, site items, and beyond!

11 - 7 points: Wood-level strength

Your brand has some durability, and in the right context, it could work long-term. But, it could also be susceptible to being weakened. With this logo, your business is somewhat solid but has room to become even more exclusive and enticing.

It may be time for a brand refresh or even a rebrand. Check out our advice on how to determine if it’s time for a rebrand to think through our top considerations. Your business relies on an elevated first impression and high-end brand experience. Make sure you’re staying competitive!

Ask us about our mini brand in a day or our 4-6 week signature branding and website offerings. We can design you a custom, strategic brand by taking the time to understand what makes your business unique!

6 points or less: Glass-level strength

Your brand is fragile, and without changes, it could break under the weight of competitors and your business growth. With this logo, your business has the opportunity to make a change!

It may be time for an overhaul of your brand. A brand either magnetizes people towards a business or pushes them away. Make sure your branding is not repelling would-be customers and get the foundational tools you need for the long haul!

Ask us about our mini brand in a day or our 4-6 week signature branding and website offerings. We can design a compelling brand that sets your business apart and helps your business be more memorable.

Does your logo have all the components of a strong logo design? Want to get more clarity on what each of these means? Keep reading!

Logo design criteria: 7 parts of a strong business logo design

1. Able to be used:

What good is a logo if you can’t use it? Great logos are versatile and look fantastic across various platforms and sizes for the long haul.

Legible, scalable, and vector

A standout logo is clear and memorable. It avoids hard-to-read fonts, ensuring your business name is easily understood.

Strong logos are also crafted in vector format, meaning they are infinitely scalable. These file types are .eps, .ai, or .svg. They maintain visual appeal when scaled down or blown up. Their vector nature also allows for various printing techniques from simple one-color prints to complex effects like embossing or foil. Without a vector logo, you’ll be limited in where and how you can use your logo going forward.

Multiple configurations

Strong logos offer flexibility in configurations, catering to different spatial requirements. Think of needing to put your logo on a long but short space or needing to put your logo on a tall but narrow space. Unlike limited options, a strong logo will come with a complete set of configurations that work in various aspect ratios and integrate taglines. This gives you a visual toolbox of logos to adapt to different spaces.

An example of this from our clients is City Step Podiatry. We designed a full suite of logos and badges to work in every context from signage to their website, even to packaging for their custom orthotics!

2. Stands out:

A great logo captures your industry's vibe and sets your brand apart. It's distinct, making you instantly recognizable.

Industry appropriate

A strong logo makes your business look at home within its industry, while also looking distinct from competitors. It’s custom-designed to pick up the appropriate nuances of your field and area of business, while also standing on its own. It avoids the pitfalls of utilizing trending logo templates that might be used across different sectors, causing associations that are irrelevant to your business.

Distinctive

A strong logo helps to safeguard your brand against competitor copycats. Unlike premade templates available to anyone, a custom logo grants you exclusive rights to a design that resonates specifically with your goals. This uniqueness ensures that your brand isn't mistakenly associated with a competitor.

An example of this from our clients is Roberts CPA. We created a friendly and modern, yet trustworthy, brand to set Roberts CPA apart from other CPA’s while still being industry-appropriate. The “R” icon is strong, distinctive, and ownable.

3. Can be trademarked:

Unique design

A trademark-worthy logo has a unique design crafted without reliance on stock graphics or logo templates. By being developed from an original process, you can own the logo artwork as it is exclusive to your business.

Exclusive rights

Crafting a logo without dependence on existing designs, whether bought or used as inspiration, ensures your ability to own your brand's visual identity. By steering clear of stock content or templates, a custom logo secures your brand's unique representation.

Having a custom logo created exclusively for your business provides legal recourse against infringement. With trademarked rights to your logo, you gain the authority to take action if others use the same design.

An example of this from our clients is Spark Sugar Co. We started with pencil and paper sketching to create an “SSCO” icon inspired by gifting ribbons and joyful sparks, and continued the ribbon theme into a customized wordmark that connects the “R” and “K” in an elegant yet playful way.

4. Memorable:

Not generic

A great logo isn't generic; it's uniquely crafted for your business. Unlike premade templates designed to suit everyone, a strong logo is custom and stands out.

Pre-designed logos lack the personal touch that makes your brand memorable. Strong logos are built exclusively for you, incorporating distinct elements that resonate with your brand's essence.

Creative visuals

A memorable logo isn't just eye-catching; it helps to tell your brand's story. It includes intentional design elements that mirror your brand's values, making it easier for people to remember and connect with your business.

An example of this from our clients is Baciare Events. We created a completely custom wordmark, paired with a strong icon inspired by Italian tiles, for a strong and memorable logo.

5. Objectively focused:

A standout logo isn't just about what you like; it's crafted with your customers in mind. As a business owner deeply involved in product development, you are not the ultimate end-user of your product or service, and ultimately not who the logo needs to attract.

Consumer-targetted

Your logo should speak directly to your customers. Choosing a logo template or DIYing your logo might miss the mark, being based on personal preferences rather than what resonates with your ideal customer.

Outside perspective

An outside expert brings a fresh viewpoint to bridge your business goals and customer preferences. Working with a designer or a boutique agency like our team ensures your logo is crafted around your story and your customer.

An example of this from our clients is Beach Haven spa. Considering Beach Haven's millennial and Gen Z clientele, seeking a trustworthy hair removal service provider to build a lasting connection, we crafted the new branding with careful consideration. The final brand embraces a classy, minimalist, feminine, and flirty vibe, infused with hints of groovy and vintage elements.

6. Strategic:

A powerful logo isn't just about looks; it's rooted in strategic planning and meaningful symbolism. Choosing a premade logo might seem quick, but it often skips essential brand strategy.

Based on goals

Your brand is more than just a visual. It's about connecting meaningfully with your audience. Building a brand involves understanding your mission, ideal clients, unique value proposition, and crafting a consistent brand experience. A custom branding process begins by diving into all this. In {our process} this groundwork ensures your logo isn't just a design but a visual reflection of your brand's essence.

Meaningful symbolism

A strategically designed logo emerges from this clarity. It encapsulates your brand's identity and values, resonating visually with your audience, and ensuring a strong strategic alignment.

An example of this from our clients is Pink Sand, an ocean-inspired spirits company. After dozens of concepts, we landed on the PS icon featuring a pitchfork and mermaid. The pitchfork is an emblem of magic carried by both mysterious women of the sea… and the devil alike. It adds a cheeky and playful feel to set the tone of good times on the sea – and land. It positions Pink Sand as both enchanting and playful. A mermaid serves as the Pink Sand ambassador, bringing the treasures from the ocean and the island across the seas. Mermaids represent legend and adventure. This sand-siren symbolizes tales of travel from those who bring a bottle home from the Bahamas or discover a taste of those experiences after finding a bottle on the shelf.

7. Made to last:

Insightful use of trends

A standout logo isn't just trendy. Off-the-shelf logos often ride on fleeting trends, needing frequent updates and risking your business looking outdated. They can confuse customers and rack up extra expenses across various platforms.

Works for the long-term

A strong logo aims for longevity. It blends classic design elements with smart trend integration. Skilled designers know how to use trends wisely, enhancing your logo without making it quickly obsolete.

Your logo becomes an enduring asset. It stays relevant without needing constant overhauls, saving your business both time and money.

An example of this from our clients is Feather + Bloom. When we worked on their rebrand, the old logo felt very homey and organic, so the main objective for the rebrand was to elevate and uplevel the old look – taking the visuals to a higher-end place – while maintaining the warmth and personalization that Feather + Bloom are known for. Because the logo is so aligned with the essence of Feather + Bloom, the elevated yet warm feeling, it’s made to last.

Get a professional logo evaluation!

If you're considering a custom crafted brand or want expert advice on assessing your current logos strengths and weaknesses, we're here to help.

How strong is your logo? Take our 7 point quiz!