You've Got a New Logo...Now What?
Hey friend,
You didn’t think we would just send you a huge zip file of all your logo and branding details and leave you in the dust now did you? We could never!
Here is a quick and helpful guide to using your new logo and branding assets. We will break down each of the file types you received and how to best use them. We will also give you some pointers on where to use your logo and what files you’ll need for those uses.
First things first, let’s go over what file types you received and what they mean.
PNG Files: These are A web-preview version of your logo. All of these images have a set resolution and a transparent background. These are the files you would use on your website, printables (business cards, invoices, etc...), and social media. Because they have a transparent background you can easily lay them over other images or colored backgrounds.
SVG Files: The Scalable Vector Graphics format is based in XML (a markup language used widely across the Internet that's readable by both machines and humans). It’s useful for the web, where it can be indexed, searched, and scripted. Basically, this means that these files are infinitely scalable. You would send these files to anyone who might be using your logo to create another piece of collateral. For instance, if you ever got your vehicle wrapped with your logo, you might need to send an SVG file to your designer so they can appropriately scale it for you vehicle.
Adobe Illustrator Files: This is a completely editable version of your logo. With this file, you can change the color, shape, and scale of all of your logos. You would use these files to change the color pallet or to update the wording on your logo. You might receive a request for the Illustrator file from a screen printer or embroiderer who needs to slightly manipulate the logo to get all of the elements on your products correctly.
Brand Guide: This is the overall look at the branding for your business. You’ll want to try your best to use the colors, fonts, and details in the brand guide to create consistency.
Okay, now that we know what files are which, let’s talk about where you can make use of your awesome new logo.
Consider your logo to be the face of your business. It’s the first thing that you want your audience to know about you, and you want them to see it over and over again until the logo becomes synonymous with you and your products or services. Or, in other words: the more you use your logo, the more your audience will start to recognize it.Let’s look at some places you’ll want to be sure to showcase your logo.
Digital: A good place to start is to make sure your logo in on any web presence you have. Your website, social media, business directories, and any other digital spaces that your business might be displayed.
Print: Even if it is small, try to add your logo onto any of your printed collateral. Things like business cards, services brochures, invoices, ect.. Should all have your logo somewhere on them. You don’t need to go overboard and have your logo nine times on an invoice but your customers should be able to recognize your branding when they receive their invoice.
Merchandise: Not every business needs a merchandise line but consider putting your logo on a few physical goods. Use your logo on a vehicle decal if you drive for your business. Maybe get a few hats for you and your team embroidered so people can wear them while they work. If you work outside consider adding a small embroidered logo to your puffy jackets. These are all ways to build brand recognition with your target audience and to promote a sense of brand professionalism.
Just a few more little nuggets of information!
- Rember to use all of the variations of your logo throughout your business collateral. Throw the badge on a sticker, your horizontal logo on the website, and the small seal in your email signatures. All of these variations were developed to help you use your logo appropriately in different application.
- Don’t warp or stretch your logo files. Try your best to evenly scale them so they remain reccognizable across all different application.
- If you have any questions about more best practices or how to use your logo, we at Slanted are always here for you!
Enjoy your new brand identity and have fun showing it off!
