Small Business Alternative for Developing a Logo
by Brandon Howick, Logoworks

One of the first critical steps for getting a business started off right is coming up with a unique identity that will represent the company for years to come. However, many entrepreneurs and small business owners find that doing something that should be exciting and fun can be a frustrating and often expensive endeavor. Fortunately, the Internet is yet again helping small businesses by giving them options, and making professional logo design more affordable than ever. Below are the four alternatives for getting a logo, including pros and cons for each.

Do it yourself. The cheapest solution is to do it yourself. While it is inexpensive, the resulting logo often reflects the price. Most people can obtain access to an illustrator or graphic design program, but few people have the experience and necessary skills to use these programs and design a professional-looking logo. Most people who choose the do it yourself route find clip art on the Internet, personalize the existing art for their company and then use this homemade design on all company products. Chances are a person only needs to take a look around a local strip-mall to see the real effects of “clip art” logo design in action. And remember, if your business takes off it is difficult and expensive to re-brand your company with a new logo since all of your customers will be accustomed the old. If do it yourself is what you’re looking for, check out InstaLogo at www.instalogo.com. InstaLogo allows you to choose images from a huge catalog, use an online logo creation tool, and get same day turnaround and final files for $89.

Freelance graphic designer. Another option available to anyone in the market for a logo is to hire a local freelance graphic designer. Freelance graphic designers generally charge an hourly rate anywhere between $20 and $150, depending on experience and location. Most freelance designers have portfolios that will give clients an idea of what kind of work they produce, and you will most likely end up with a logo you are proud of. However, unless you know an experienced graphic designer, it can be a time consuming process to find a graphic artist to work on your project, and one of the major complaints of people using freelance graphic designers is that they only have access to the creative powers of just one person. If they are not satisfied with the initial concepts, they will have to pay the designer to re-do the designs and every time there is a revision, the price goes up.

Advertising agencies. Advertising agencies have been the traditional source for logo development for decades. They have qualified designers and are used to developing logos for broad advertising campaigns. But because logo development is almost always a small part of a larger ad strategy, on average it costs anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for an advertising agency to deliver a logo. Revisions can be a time-consuming and frustrating process and the logo is usually only the creative work of one person, not to mention the cost may be prohibitive to most small businesses.

Online Solutions. For companies interested in getting high quality design and multiple concepts from more than one designer at a very reasonable price, online solutions are an alternative. However, not all online logo design companies are equal. Make sure you look online for companies that use professional graphic designers who have experience in logo design. Also, choose a company that has an 800 number and picks up the phone when customers call ­ otherwise you will end up frustrated when you inevitably need to speak to someone about your logo project. Make sure the company offers a satisfaction guarantee, and, if you are located in the U.S, remember that dealing with international calls, time zones and shipping charges (your final logo should be mailed to you on a CD) of companies based outside the country can be frustrating and expensive.

Logoworks is an online company that provides logo design. Visit them at www.logoworks.com.