The one thing every business needs

From the small business owner to the larger corporations the one thing that every business can't afford to be without is a well-designed logo. Besides the product or service that your business sells it is the number one, most important thing — it is your brand identity.

Be careful of low priced, bargain basement, logo factories.

You know the saying "You get what you pay for"? There's a reason why it's a cliché — because it's true. Yes, sometimes you may luck out and get a fantastic logo for next to nothing but more often then not you end up paying for something that's mediocre at best. You're either stuck with that or paying for a professional designer to fix this graphic design travesty.

Think of your logo as a major investment.

You will be looking at, and expecting others to look at it for a long, long time so make sure you love it. Don't just settle or rush threw the process — you'll end up regretting it.

Consider Color AND Black and White.

Make sure that your logo looks good in color and in Black and white. Why? For any print project it's always cheaper to print in Black and white.

Don't expect a free spec logo.

Why? Some other designer could easily replicate a spec logo. Most designers are willing to work with the client until they are happy so the free spec logo is unnecessary. If you're worried about the quality of the work, look at your prospective designers portfolio — that should tell you what you need to know.

Article written by Michelle Buckley.