Advertising on low budget: should I get a high quality (expensive) logo done for now?

[ayqazi]

Hi,

I'd be grateful for some advice.

I'm about to start advertising my database-driven web development business. I've got a pretty low budget, and need a logo for my site. Should I get a high quality logo done, even though it will cost me a large chunk of my budget, or should I get the cheapest one I can find for now, and spend the money saved on actual advertising? In the latter case, I would improve the logo as soon as I get some more money in the pot.

Thanks

 

[Call Tracker]

It's a false economy to buy cheap as the money you save will indoubtedly be lost as your business image will be watered down. If you want a strong professional identity that will create the right impression then go for a good well recommeded agency. You shouldn't be talking about more than three figures, there are lots of agencies on here that would be happy to help.

 

[ayqazi]

I know just the person I would use - they have worked on several big brands (like Hollywood movies and high-street confectioners).

But I don't see the point of an awesome logo and brand if I don't have the money left to actually do any advertising :-(

 

[Call Tracker]

catch 22 i'm afraid, you also don't want to advertise a business with a poor brand id. Why don't you just go for a mid range logo - it sounds like your agency will be more like 4 figures. That's fine for a large budget but if yours is small get some quotes and go for an agency who has a portfolio you like.

 

[ayqazi]

Not really 4 figures...

For me it's more a case of them asking a modest 3-figure sum, and my budget being a slightly larger 3-figure sum

 

[Tommo]

Maybe now you have gone too far to the other extreme?

Don't get something poor but don't spend your whole marketing budget on something amazing but works out to be far from practical budget wise.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Hi,

I'd be grateful for some advice.

I'm about to start advertising my database-driven web development business. I've got a pretty low budget, and need a logo for my site. Should I get a high quality logo done, even though it will cost me a large chunk of my budget, or should I get the cheapest one I can find for now, and spend the money saved on actual advertising? In the latter case, I would improve the logo as soon as I get some more money in the pot.

Thanks

Buy a cheap one but find one of a decent quality. Just because its cheap it doesn't mean it has to look amateur and rubbish. You just need something clean and simple.

Spending a fortune on a logo and then having little left for advertising is a very bad decision. You'll end up with a good looking logo but people to impress with it due to your lack of marketing.

For small businesses, I'd be very surprised if you'd find a single person who would not buy from you due to your logo, unless it was clearly of a very poor quality.

Mind you, if you're doing web design you really do need something which looks nice. You don't need a great big expensive thing with a ton of thought into it (especially in these early stages) but you do need something which looks nice as it will reflect your abilities. There's plenty of low cost designers who can do this.

So, don't go for the cheapest one. Just make an informed decision. Find some low cost designers and check their portfolios. If they clearly have some artistic talent then get in touch with them.

 

[ayqazi]

For small businesses, I'd be very surprised if you'd find a single person who would not buy from you due to your logo, unless it was clearly of a very poor quality.

Mind you, if you're doing web design you really do need something which looks nice. You don't need a great big expensive thing with a ton of thought into it (especially in these early stages) but you do need something which looks nice as it will reflect your abilities. There's plenty of low cost designers who can do this.

That's actually one of the things - I specialise in backend database driven development, so I'm not actually promoting my front end skills (I can do 'clean & simple' web design, but would out-source to a talented web designer if the client asked for 'flash'). Not everyone needs a flashy database driven website, sometimes you just need one for internal use.

But I suppose I still need a not-repulsive logo, since it does have an effect on human psychology.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

That's actually one of the things - I specialise in backend database driven development, so I'm not actually promoting my front end skills (I can do 'clean & simple' web design, but would out-source to a talented web designer if the client asked for 'flash'). Not everyone needs a flashy database driven website, sometimes you just need one for internal use.

But I suppose I still need a not-repulsive logo, since it does have an effect on human psychology.

You certainly need a professional looking logo.

For example my logo here. I made it in 30 seconds with some text and two fonts which I quite liked the look of. It isn't amazing looking and it won't impress anyone, but it doesn't look amateur and no one is going to be influenced by it in regards to using my services.

You can get a decent looking logo for cheap though. You just need to find the right people. Any budget in the start-up stages is vital so don't waste it on a brilliant looking logo with fancy branding. Just focus on bringing sales in because that is the life-force of your business.

 

[Call Tracker]

if you are going to be selling web design, even if its the back end, you will need a decent non 'homemade' logo. Mind you if you can do basic design why not have a go yourself? There are lots of offers of cheap logos on here but be careful as some have been given little more than clipart and that is a false economy.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

if you are going to be selling web design, even if its the back end, you will need a decent non 'homemade' logo. Mind you if you can do basic design why not have a go yourself? There are lots of offers of cheap logos on here but be careful as some have been given little more than clipart and that is a false economy.

Whilst there are a lot of crap cheap designers, there are some good ones. These are people who could be students, have a lack of portfolio or simply want to under-cut competition.

Don't go on price alone. Go right through any examples of work they have done and you can't go far wrong.

 

[bdw]

For small businesses, I'd be very surprised if you'd find a single person who would not buy from you due to your logo, unless it was clearly of a very poor quality.

Absolutely!

Do you honestly think anyone gives a toss about your logo? Use a text based logo and deisgn this yourself. It is of no consequence at your level.

 

[AngliaSolutions]

What packages did you guys use to do you own logos?

 

[Simon-M]

What is your budget anyway? Low cost for some is expensive for others. These words are relative.

Simon

There are some very good pros on this site that won't break your bank. I would of course put myself forward but you also have Eagle in the same league and neither of us will bankrupt you

 

[findnetworkingevents]

I think the logo and web design of your site are very important.

Although you are are saying you are going to be doing database driven back end work, to most people the web is all the same. Your brand says something about your professionalism and attention to detail.

However I don't believe it needs to cost the earth, I always use freelancers who are creatively very talented but much cheaper than if you were to use an agency.

Stuart

 

[bdw]

I think the logo and web design of your site are very important.

This may sound strange coming from a web designer but I disagree. On business websites what is important is first, getting found and second having content and copy on the website that convinces people that they should do business with you. The quality of your logo would play no part in either of these unless it was so bad that it chased people away. The Chapman text based logo mentioned earlier is perfectly adequate and appropriate.

My own logo is crap at the moment and my website could also be improved but I haven't got round to changing it because the website content and the onsite search engine optimisation generates all the enquiries I can handle.

 

[Simon-M]

This may sound strange coming from a web designer but I disagree. On business websites what is important is first, getting found and second having content and copy on the website that convinces people that they should do business with you. The quality of your logo would play no part in either of these unless it was so bad that it chased people away. The Chapman text based logo mentioned earlier is perfectly adequate and appropriate.

My own logo is crap at the moment and my website could also be improved but I haven't got round to changing it because the website content and the onsite search engine optimisation generates all the enquiries I can handle.

Nothing wrong with a text based logo done well. Even a decent font logo can work well without any cleaver design aspects.

Where a decent logo with a graphical element comes into it's own is when you want to create a connection with your audience. So let's say you are doing some off-line marketing and you want to build some brand awareness for your products. This is where you will win with a quality graphical based logo design.

Simon

 

[bdw]

So let's say you are doing some off-line marketing and you want to build some brand awareness for your products. This is where you will win with a quality graphical based logo design.

I fullly agree with that. If you are building a brand you need the livery and you should get a pro to do it for you.

Ayqazi Simon-M does this for only £149. Isn't that within your budget?

 

[am:pm graphics]

Hi,

A quality logo does not have to break the bank..

Logo design from £49
Logo portfolio
Testimonials

There are quite a few logo designers on here...check out portfolios and testimonials.

Pauline

 

[ayqazi]

Absolutely!

Do you honestly think anyone gives a toss about your logo? Use a text based logo and deisgn this yourself. It is of no consequence at your level.

Thanks for that. I'm going to have a crack at a text-based logo myself in that case, then funnel some funds that I hopefully earn from my first client or two into getting the site style and logo developed by professionals. (I will obviously consider Simon-M and am : pm graphics, as well as others that have posted).

I think the logo and web design of your site are very important.

Although you are are saying you are going to be doing database driven back end work, to most people the web is all the same. Your brand says something about your professionalism and attention to detail.

However I don't believe it needs to cost the earth, I always use freelancers who are creatively very talented but much cheaper than if you were to use an agency.

Stuart

Hmm... good idea that. But as I said, I shall attempt to use the funds from my next job to get professionals to give my site flasiness. I shall DIY it for now

Thanks to all for the replies.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Hi,

A quality logo does not have to break the bank..

Logo design from £49
Logo portfolio
Testimonials

There are quite a few logo designers on here...check out portfolios and testimonials.

Pauline

Those look good to me. Prime example of a good looking logo for a low price.

 

[am:pm graphics]

Those look good to me. Prime example of a good looking logo for a low price.

Thank you

Pauline

 

[findnetworkingevents]

Yepp, I agree, the site looks great!

Stuart

 

[ayqazi]

Well, taking the advice of [FONT=arial,sans-serif]Scott-CopyandDesign[/FONT] (who did his own simple logo too), I've decided to go the 'make your own' route - I'm not creating brand presence or anything (for now), so it should be adequate for the moment. Yes I know there are some very good value logo designers here, and I'll be sure to consider them when I do want a proper logo done.

http://temp.x5web.com/logo_top.png

 

[Business Spy]

Hmmm well I don't think having an amazing logo is of that much consequence as compelling copy that clearly communicates your customer benefits.

But then I would say that... I'm a copywriter.

I don't think any logo can be off putting as long as it's simple and clean cut...

 

[newcash101]

Keep it cheap and simple....
The key is to use your logo as much as possible
in your marketing and advertising efforts.
Which over time will allow your logo to brand itself.
ie: the golden arches

 

[Nancy123]

I think your idea of getting a cheaper logo is a good idea. Though, it is important but people usually don't bother about logo. All you need to druve traffic through effective promotion.