A picture is worth a thousand words, and a well-designed logo might just be worth even more than that. Just think about the logos that spring to mind when you think about some of your favorite brands. From an iconic red bullseye to a green mermaid and an unforgettable set of golden arches, there are some logos that truly stand out, making it easy to see why professional logo design can be important. 

However, one thing you may not have considered is that even Target, Starbucks, and McDonald’s have updated their logos over the years. While they may not have ditched the things that have made their logos iconic, they have kept up with current tastes and trends. So let us ask you a question: when was the last time you updated your logo? Even if you originally invested in logo design services, it might be worth your while to reinvest if it’s been a while since doing so. Of course, it’s not always easy to tell when it’s time to spring for a new logo. Fortunately, there are a few signs indicating it’s time for an update.

Your Logo is Off-Brand

Businesses change over time—that’s only natural. But when a business changes, that often means their marketing needs will change as well. Has your business shifted its focus, begun to incorporate new products or services into its lineup (or distanced itself from old products or services), or changed its main audience? If so, does your logo still work or is it time for a bit of a rebranding? 

There are many things to consider when it comes to rebranding. It’s one of the first things people see when they head to your website and is a way for you to make an instant impression, whether you want to come across as polished and professional or casual and friendly. It’s always worth considering a new business logo design if you feel your current logo isn’t giving off the right impression.

Your Logo Doesn’t Communicate Your Message

In the same vein, a logo has to be able to communicate a business’s core message at a glance, whatever that message may be. From “We’re here to help you save money!” to “Our products are natural and healthy,” that message can vary greatly. Apple has an example of a logo that exemplifies the brand and its products, being sleek and minimalist in design just like their iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks. 

Bearing that in mind, what message are you trying to communicate and does your current logo get that across? If not, it’s likely time to get a custom logo design to help set the tone on your website and let potential customers know what to expect when they come to you. 

Your Logo Is Like Everyone Else’s

There are certain trends that come along every so often in professional logo design that just don’t want to go away. Unfortunately, these trends can end up in quite a few logos, which in turn makes every business’s logo bear an uncanny resemblance to one another. If you’ve noticed it’s getting a little difficult to tell your look from those of your competitors, it’s probably time to get a logo makeover. 

As a side note, if you received your website design at the same time as your logo design, it might be a good idea to consider a website update as well. Many of the same trends surrounding logo design play a role in website design. You don’t want your site to look like the competition or to feel outdated. Also, it’s important your website has the same look and feel as your newly designed logo. Often, the two go hand in hand as part of your branding strategy.

Your Logo is Outdated

Sometimes a logo needs to be changed for the simple fact that it’s time to freshen things up. There’s a reason you don’t walk into many homes these days and find them filled with shag carpet, wood paneling, and lace tablecloths (unless you’re headed to grandma’s for a visit). Times change, and you need to be able to show your customers you’re able to keep up with the times. This includes having a logo without any elements too obviously out-of-date.

For example, many fonts can appear outdated. Using a font such as Papyrus or, even worse, Comic Sans in your logo can instantly turn potential customers away from your site. Other elements such as chat bubbles, graphs, and arcs have been so overused for the past several years that people have likely seen them. Because of this, the logo just doesn’t feel fresh and original.

Your Logo is Complicated

There are plenty of other reasons you might need to call in someone for logo design services. While it may be a good piece of art, a logo that’s a bit too complicated or hard to read might not be the best choice for your company. After all, while it may be attractive, it still needs to be identifiable. Customers need to be able to recognize who it belongs to. If there are letters or wording in your logo, people should be able to read them or they are not serving their purpose. 

Another common change a company may want to consider is color. Did you know the shades of your logo can have a big impact on a customer’s mood? Notably, red is an energetic color often used to drive people to make decisions and is often used in the food and drink industry or as a call to action. Green is becoming increasingly common in companies promoting themselves as eco-friendly. Some colors aren’t symbolic of anything in particular, but should be harmonious and above all…readable on all different kinds of backgrounds.

Are you in need of logo design services? Contact us! If you have questions about any of the services, from logo design to website design and blog writing, we would love to be your in-house, outsourced website content company.