smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Short-term finance

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores the options...
Have your say »

RSS

Q: I want to design a professional looking logo and marketing material for my business. What simple, cheap design programs are available for Windows?

Jul 13 2007

Answered by: Chris Lindsay Ask a question

There are a number of logo design software kits available on the market for use with both Mac and PC’s, giving you creative control over the look and feel of your company’s identity. Prices for packages can range from £20 upwards, depending on the level of sophistication you require.

It is also worth noting that designers are specialists in this area. They are knowledgeable about the latest trends and colours that work for a particular industry, and those that don’t, so it’s worth considering getting it done professionally if you have the budget.

Whether you design your own logo or use a designer, it is essential to do your own research into what others think to make sure you have the right image for your business.

Comments [2]

Comment by Ian Cook

Thursday 2nd August 2007

Couldn't agree more. Your logo becomes your brand and that really says a lot about you, your company and the service you are offering.

How many times have you gone past a shop, cafe or restaurant and not gone in because it doesnt look nice from the outside? Your Logo and image are really important. Ad Agencies are ideally placed to help you in this section of your business and whilst companies are happy to pay solicitors, accountants, banks and so on, an investment in marketing is the area that will make or break your business.

Marketing is the essential background work for every business it gets prospects through the door, on the phone or online. Your logo is the key to your future. Invest in it, you get one chance to make a first impression!

Report this comment

Comment by robbie burrge

Tuesday 14th August 2007

Personally I would advise against creating your own logo. The simple fact is that if you get it wrong, you are stuck with it - it may seem a good idea to use something like the 'Web Graphics Creator' by 'Laughing Bird' and save money but, unless you have some idea of design, you are most likely to regret it. How do you think Coca Cola would look if they'd made their logo with a £30 piece of software..maybe not so memorable a logo huh?

There's a great article over at www.websiteking.co.uk about creating a logo. Hopefully the admin of this site will allow me to mention that.

Report this comment

Win with UK2’s Business Hosting

Win tickets to the British GP with UK2’s Business Hosting. Find out more today.

Help with technology in business

Save money and build your business with our advice on creating a website, selling online and data security for free. Find out more or sign up today.

Polls

Building a website Questions & Answers

Website building

Clifford McDowell, Mr Site Ask a question

IT protection

Ross Walker, Symantec Ask a question

Technology

Phil Birbeck, PC World Business Ask a question

News

smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Broadband speeds in rural areas need to be improved

FSB demands broadband improvements for rural businesses

The implementaton of superfast broadband in less populated areas will revitalise the rural economy, says the Federation of Small Businesses.

Tech issues top office frustration list

Technical problems including email and internet failures have been voted the most stressful office issue.

Workers want greater social media exposure

More than two thirds of employees working in a company with a social media presence want to see it used more actively.

Small businesses at war with IT

Tech failure has been cited as the most common workplace irritation.

SMEs hampered by poor tech provision

Almost three quarters of UK entrepreneurs admit that inadequate management of technology is reducing profitability in their business.

SMEs oblivious to social media pitfalls

Almost half of business managers are unaware that they carry legal liability for their social media content, research finds.

SMEs flock to social media

Small businesses have seen a dramatic rise in their use of social networks for business purposes over the past year, research finds.

Continental SMEs more tech-minded

British small businesses place less of an emphasis on technology than their European counterparts, research finds.

Businesses falling short with IT plans

SMEs are failing to set sufficient IT project briefs, research finds.

Social media could be holiday risk for businesses

Photos and videos of Christmas parties posted on social networks could do great damage to companies’ reputations, according to an HR expert.

SMEs lax in social media interaction

Only four in ten customer service complaints made on social media ever get a response, research finds.

Guides & Tips

Global designs

After selling his last company for $135 million, Jerry Kennelly launched web-based design platform Tweak.com this month and expects a million customers in its first year.

The right IT investment can accelerate a company's growth

Hi-tech SMEs

Every business needs to move with the times if it wants to stay competitive.

Six of the best SEO tips for your website

This top six list takes the highest average scoring SEO ranking factors on search engines, with my comments attached. If you want to do the right things to develop a successful website you should take on board this advice.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.