Most entrepreneurs and small-sized business owners tend to confuse logo vs branding. They thus, focus more on either of the two thinking that the other is well represented. They have this crazy idea that these two terminologies carry the same meaning and purpose. Such individuals fail to identify the gap between a logo vs branding. Once they substitute one for the other, their businesses do not pick up as fast as they would have hoped. There is a significant gap between a logo vs branding to which many need to understand how the two work together. They provide not only recognition for the business but also an identity to the public.
Real-life examples
Ever noticed a shape or symbol that you could recognize without having to know which company it is? For example, Nike’s swoosh comes in the form of a tick, a symbol famously used to evaluate tests and exams. Also, Macdonald’s golden arches that occur in the shape of the letter “M.” These are perfect representations of famous logos to which one can identify without having to be told the company name. A logo is, therefore, an easily recognizable design element that often constitutes a symbol, name, trademark, or specifies the colour. It is a fast-visual representation of a brand’s message and position in the viewers’ life.
On the other hand, branding is much more than just a name or shape. It is the impact a business has left in the market to which users can use to identify it. Retake Nike as an example, the company’s branding includes all of its commercials, product packaging, celebrity endorsements in sports, store design, product placement on television sponsorships, its technology, website design, videos, and so much more. Everything you can think of involving Nike and the attachment you have with the company makes up the brand.
Logo vs branding: What is the importance of a logo?
It attracts attention
If you’re a business owner, you should’ve noticed that the average attention span of many consumers has significantly decreased. This leaves you with a handful of to convince them that your products are worth their time and money. Consumers would judge your business based on its appearance. It doesn’t matter whether your products are efficient, if the impression isn’t good enough, then potential buyers won’t buy it. A solid logo speaks for the company and communicates all the essential core values at once.
It builds the consumer memory of your business
A logo is a visual representation, one of which consumers use to recognize your brand. You would want customers to connect your logo with a pleasant memory of what the business entails. If a consumer sees a logo on the package, they would immediately remember the company due to the branding activities in which it is involved. It is also normal for customers to forget the name of your business, and thus a logo would be the perfect thing to jog their memories.
Makes your business stand out from the competition
A logo helps you be different from your competitors and tells consumers why your business is unique in many ways. It is the foremost that enables you to convey your business values while proving that you’re better than your competitors.
It makes a strong first impression
The first thing consumers would notice about your company is the logo. Their perception of it would determine whether or not they would be interested in knowing more about the company. If designed well, a logo can spark attraction and interest in the public on the first trial.
It identifies your brand
Branding, at its strong point, entails influencing customers’ emotions in many ways. The logo may be part of the company’s brand, but it’s also the foundation from which the entire branding starts. People would identify the logo and recall your branding activities even without knowing the name of the company. This would be possible because it influenced them in one way or another. Now you’re closer to the truth between logo vs branding for a business.
It is an expected tool
Give out business cards, flyers or pamphlets, and the audience would immediately focus on the logo first. Having a logo is essential to identify your brand. However, having a unique and attractive one would leave a significant imprint in the minds of consumers.
Now that we know how essential a logo can be, let’s focus on how branding can help your business out as well. This will help you differentiate a logo vs branding better.
It enhances recognition
A logo is an essential part of a brand and therefore helps consumers to recognize your company. When such a logo used on T-shirts, business cards, and other advertising or promotional means, it all sums up establishing a strong brand for consumers to identify themselves with. This significantly reduces the difference between logo vs branding.
It inspires employees
Employees would work better if they are familiar with the reasons and ambitions of the company at large. When an employee understands the brand or mission of the company, they would be proud enough to do their best.
It attracts new customers
Branding helps consumers develop an attitude toward your business. It is up to you to ensure that your brand attracts only positive views from potential. Consumers also have a habit of promoting your business through referrals, and building a strong brand would enable them to pull in more customers into the business on your behalf.
It builds trust
You can’t just have a logo and expect families or other consumers to put their faith and money in you. Branding will, in this case, assist you in creating trust among your customers as it would enable them to be comfortable with the company.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has adequately shown you the difference between a logo vs branding. However, one should know that you cannot use or apply either of the two without considering the other. They both work hand in hand to help build your small-sized business in this competitive world and should, therefore, equal focus and energy. The big question that you should ask yourself is how to manipulate the difference between logo vs branding to work for your business.
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