Here’s a thought: would you ever purchase anything from an online store website with a cheap-looking amateur logo?

Probably not. In fact, a study found that logos have the power to influence not only brand impressions, but also purchase intentions, and business performance.

Yup, there’s a lot at stake in choosing a small image that goes on your eCommerce website!

If you’re still setting up shop and thinking of using the logo that comes with your website theme, you’d want to read this article first before you push through.

 

The Problem With Using Generic Logos From Themes

So you’re probably wondering, why would you need a custom logo design for your online store website? The theme, which you may have paid for, already has a logo on it so why bother, right?

Not quite. In fact, there are several drawbacks to using theme logos, including the following:

• Lack of Originality. Though getting an online store website template won’t make a big impact on your future endeavors, using the generic logo will. You wouldn’t want to be stuck with a logo that looks like that of a hundred other brands within your niche. 
• Not Reflecting Your Brand Identity. A logo is a brand’s strongest visual asset. That said, using the logo that comes with the theme means you’re adjusting your identity to a cookie-cutter image. 
• Lackluster Visuals. A theme logo is usually a shape or an illustration with space for text. Many theme designers don’t put a lot of thought into it because they assume that users will upload their own logo anyway. 

In short, choosing a theme for its web graphic look is ideal, but it’s best to take the logo out of the equation. Instead, make a separate plan for this crucial visual element.

 

The Benefits of Using a Custom Logo for eCommerce

Whether you’re using WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or any other platform, a custom logo will improve not only the look of your eCommerce website. 

Here are the best benefits a custom logo provides for your business.

 

Enhanced Brand Identity

According to Westgarth Wines Founder and Alexander Westgarth, your logo is a symbol of your commitment to your customers. With that in mind, only a custom logo can represent your distinct culture, more so your unique promise to your community.

 

Correct Format

If you work with on-demand design services or any professional designer for that matter, they’ll create a logo with industry standards in mind. For instance, the most common logo formats are PNG, SVG, EPS, and PDF. Professionally-designed logos will be clear enough whether you’re using it for the favicon, as an image watermark, or even for ads that need high-res graphics.

 

Improved Reputation

Going back to your answer to the first question, you wouldn’t trust an online store website that doesn’t look professional. A well-made logo tells prospects and customers that you’re a legit business and that you’ve got every aspect of your business figured out. 

 

4 Factors to Consider When Designing an eCommerce Logo

Here are four factors you need to consider when designing a logo for your online store website.

 

1. Type

The first thing you’ll need to figure out is the type of logo you’ll want for your brand. Here are some of the most common types to choose from:

• Monogram. A monogram typically uses a few letters to create a distinct emblem. For example, the logos of HBO (which stands for Home Box Office) and BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) are monogram logos.
• Wordmark. Just like a monogram, a wordmark also uses letters. However, it includes the whole word, thus, more characters. Great examples of this logo are that of Google and Coca-Cola.
• Pictorial marks. This type uses unique symbols (discussed further below) that reflect a brand’s personality. For instance, Twitter’s blue bird logo is an example of a pictorial mark
• Combination. This logo uses a combination of symbols and a monogram or a wordmark. BMW’s iconic logo, for instance, falls under this category.

 

2. Symbols 

Even if you don’t know the first thing about graphic design basics, it’s vital to have an idea of an image that best symbolizes your brand. If you look at the most famous international logos, every shape and illustration used has a meaning behind it.

Let’s take Starbucks’ iconic logo for example. According to their website, their pictorial logo showing a siren (mermaid with two tails) was inspired by an image from an old marine book. There are a couple of connections between the brand and the sea – first, its hometown, Seattle, is a port city. Second, coffee is imported to Seattle and is taken there by container ships. 

 

3. Font

You may already know that your choice of font is crucial for an online store website. In the same vein, a typeface is also vital in designing a logo. 

I won’t lie to you. Choosing the perfect font to fit your brand can be tricky! For one, you have to know what emotions typefaces evoke. For instance, a serif font may appear traditional, while a sans serif font tends to reflect stability.

 

4. Palette

Another crucial factor when creating a logo – color palette. Which hues best reflect your brand personality? 

When deciding on this design element, it’s best to keep both color psychology and color theory in mind. Also, don’t take monochrome logos away from your options. For instance, Apple, Chanel, and The New York Times’ black and white logos don’t make their emblems any less powerful.

 

Conclusion

There’s so much to a logo than just an image you put on top of your website. It describes your venture’s personality, reflect your values, and tells your unique story to your audience. 

That said, investing in a good logo that paints your business in the best light is surely worth it.

If you have no idea how to translate your brilliant ideas into visual graphics, Design Doctor can help. Offering unlimited graphic design and unlimited revisions for a flat monthly rate, we can create all the visuals you need to set up and operate your business. You check our portfolio here.