If you’ve opened a bike shop or any business, chances are you’ve had to deal with the most important decision outside the business model. The logo.

Easy in theory, difficult in execution.

It goes without saying that in 2017 the words “Bike Shop” with a stock image bicycle centered underneath does not cut it.

Think of McDonald’s, Apple, and Coca-Cola.

These logos are engrained in people’s minds. They have transcended the business and hold a place in pop-culture. There is a reason for this.

Every word, angle, color, and shape can evoke an emotion. The key is turning those emotions into conversions.

5 Awesome Bike Shop Logo Tips

1. Color Choice

Humans have a natural reaction to colors, and these reactions play a big role in how businesses brand themselves.

For a bicycle shop, reds and oranges are associated with strength and endurance and have a very high level of readability. This color is ideal in an industry centered around physical activity.

On the other hand, yellow being an unstable color would not be ideal to promote safety. If in the restaurant business it is known that blue suppresses appetite so its use is few and far between.

More logo basics can be found here.

2. Simplicity is Key

The most timeless logos are the most simple.

This is an era of thousands of impressions. With the swipe of a finger, consumers are pulled in a million different directions, each begging for attention.

The simple truth is the busy logos get left in the dust at the expense of those that are user-friendly and easy to understand.

This tip is a by-product of the social media age. The most effective platforms strip it down giving you what you need before wandering to the latest viral cooking video.

3. Something You Can Build Upon

Logos build brands. This is where Nike excels.

The iconic swoosh is found on everything Nike produces and for good reason. This logo represents a standard of excellence and markets the products to every eye it strikes.

For a bike shop, this logo should be able to transition to shirts, stickers, helmets, water bottles, etc. Any way to make your customers brand ambassadors and create conversation.

Try your hand at making something iconic.

4. Synonymous With Your Service

A big mistake in logo design is creating something that doesn’t speak to the service provided.

If your bike shop repairs bikes and doesn’t sell them, think about including a wrench or toolbox. This aids the customer and leaves nothing up to the imagination.

Confusion will often lead to a lost opportunity.

This is also the best opportunity to highlight something that you offer and the competition doesn’t. Say your bike shop offers additional accessories and parts. Give that stock bicycle the works.

5. Tells Your Story

Ultimately, your logo is you. For entrepreneurs, taking that leap of faith to pursue a passion isn’t easy. Everyone’s story is unique.

Passion resonates. People respond to real, and you can deeply connect with people if your logo is indicative of your message.

Intertwining individuality breathes life into a logo, you’ve got 8 children, the rungs of the bike wheel can be their names. Not only is this logo unique, it’s also yours.

Take the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. The Steelers logo represents the three materials used to make steel, the lifeblood of that city. On the other hand, the Browns logo is simply a helmet.

Many times, the quality of a logo speaks directly to the quality of a business. Keep this and the above tips in mind, your bike shop will thank you.