With close to 90,000 accounting firms in the United States, you need to do everything possible to set yours apart from the competition.

You likely already know just how crucial branding is to the success of your firm. But good branding and client recognition both depend on one crucial foundation: your accounting logo.

What does it take to create an accounting logo that’s unique, branded, and eye-catching (while remaining professional?)

Read this post to find out!

1. Keep It Professional

Always remember that there’s a difference between thinking outside of the box and doing a disservice to your brand by going too far.

You can still create an eye-catching logo without relying on images of someone holding a bag of money or being showered in dollar bills. These images wouldn’t work for those trading stocks, either.

Inside of getting a little bit too wild with images and colors, focus on font/typography to distinguish your firm. You can create a font that’s all your own, or play around with ones already out there.

Also, keep in mind that relying on cliched images like columns, cityscapes, or official seals doesn’t make you look professional, either. If you use the same imagery as everyone else, how will your customer know your firm is a cut above the rest?

2. Ensure It Can Be Easily Resized

Especially as an accounting firm, it’s likely that your logo will go on all different types of things.

Your business cards, your website, even the front of your building. When you create your logo, make sure the text and images you use can be easily resized.

Choosing a logo that works with many sizes, surfaces, and backgrounds will help you to increase your brand recognition and keep you looking professional.

An easily resizable logo also makes updating it in the future much easier — you can tweak it and make small changes to get a fresh look.

Case in point?

Apple’s famous apple has been shown in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes over the years.

3. Minimalism Is Best

First of all, a more minimal design communicates to customers that your services are good enough to stand on their own. It also implies that you’ve already built a solid reputation.

If you try to squeeze too much into your logo, it just ends up looking overcrowded. If you go wild with colors, it can be difficult to read.

To keep things clean, use lots of negative space in your design. Also, remember that there’s nothing wrong with black and white. Especially since minimalism is trendy now, you’ll strike the perfect balance between in-the-moment and ultra-professional.

Ready to Create Your Accounting Logo?

Thanks to this post, you now have a much better idea of what it takes to create a perfect accounting logo.

You might even have more than one in mind!

To test out different options, and to get a sense of which colors and fonts work the best for your firm, try our free online logo maker tool.

For more advice on how to create winning logos, check out our blog.

Two things come to mind you feel hungry in the middle of the day. Your favorite quick bite, and your favorite restaurant.

But this is not about the food you crave. It’s about branding and how it shapes the performance of restaurants in a crowded and highly competitive industry.

In this article, we’re sharing the top restaurants that have managed to stand out in the industry, not necessarily because of their culinary excellence, but genius branding.

Let’s bite. Shall we?

1. Starbucks Coffee

You don’t have to be a coffee aficionado to know Starbucks.

Established in 1971, Starbucks has grown from a narrow storefront in Seattle, Washington, to a global chain offering fine cups of coffee, teas and other selections.

Although the logo has evolved over time, the twin-tailed mermaid and the green and white color scheme combine neatly to produce an iconic design.

Even in a world where green is synonymous with environmental sustainability, the color still shouts Starbucks in the minds of millions of people.

2. McDonald’s

It wasn’t always called McDonald’s.

Back in the 1930s, Patrick McDonald set up “Airdrome” in Monrovia, California, a food stand offering hot dogs and hamburgers. A few year’s later, McDonald’s sons, Mac and Dick, moved the stand to San Bernardino.

Everything was going well, until the brothers figured hamburgers were selling like, well, hotcakes! They promptly closed the stand and established McDonald’s, a specialist burger restaurant.

First seeing the restaurant’s logo, you’d assume the golden M stands for McDonald’s. You could be right, but some design consultants say the Golden Arches represent nourished breasts. True or not, healthy hamburgers can be nourishing!

3. Pizza Hut

Every day, Americans collectively eat 100 acres of pizza. Or 350 slices per second.

Largely responsible for fulfilling this wild craving is Pizza Hut, an American chain with one one of the most famous restaurant names and logos.

Although it’s not entirely clear how the restaurant got its name, legend has it that the founders had a sign post that was tapered at the bottom and wider at the top. The top could take five letters, but the bottom could do three, hence Pizza Hut.

The logo, which has undergone several redesigns, features a hut in the middle of a red circle with the restaurant’s name crafted casually under it.

Is it coincidental most pizza boxes come in shades of red?

4. Wendy’s

Dave Thomas had a daughter called Melinda, and nicknamed Wendy.

And so when he decided to start a restaurant in 1969 in Dublin, Ohio, he called it Wendy’s. Easy call!

The restaurant’s original logo wasn’t complicated either. Wendy’s was spelled out and painted red, with a stylized portrait of Melinda on its right. Many refreshes later, the logo features a circular icon of Melinda, and the name Wendy’s is no more.

Still, it’s easily on of the most iconic restaurant logos.

5. Cheesecake Factory

Founded in 1978 in Beverly Hills, Calif, the Cheesecake Factory is insanely popular in the U.S.

With no less than 250 items, the Cheesecake Factory menu is no doubt a driving force behind the restaurant’s fame, but take nothing away from the power of its branding.

The restaurant’s name sends a simple message: “We are cheesecakes specialists.”

The logo is purely minimalist, a trait which makes it easy to memorize. The name Cheesecake Factory is crafted in a simple but catchy typeface, and the brownish yellow color palette arouses a craving for…what else? Cheese.

Make Your Restaurant Names and Logos Famous

Crafting restaurant names and logos with the potential to become famous icons often takes time and loads creativity.

In addition to this, using our online logo maker can improve your chances of designing a tasty logo.

It’s time to make your restaurant famous!

Creating an effective law firm logo is a unique challenge.

It has to be professional, yet accessible. It has to be eye-catching, but not an eyesore.

And it has to do everything it can to set you apart from the competition in a field that’s getting more and more saturated.

Looking for advice?

Read on to learn how to create a logo for your law firm that works on all levels.

1. Your Font Is A Communication Tool

When you meet with a client for the first time, there are probably a few things you do. You put on your best suit. You polish your briefcase. You take the time to prepare your documents.

In short, you do everything possible to put your best foot forward.

Your logo should do the same.

Your first impression will be the font you choose to use. You could elect to have a professional create a specific font for your firm, or you could select an existing font.

Whichever you choose, your font needs to be legible, easy to read even from far away, and as impressive as your firm. To that end…

2. Minimalism Is Best

We know you may want to use your logo to cram in as much information about your firm as possible.

But a crowded logo will muddle your brand image and confuse potential clients. Rely on primary colors, minimalist images, and plenty of white space.

After all, the reputation of your practice should speak for itself.

3. Keep It Professional

A logo for a law firm is not the place for gimmicks. Sure, using bright pink or including a cartoon of a silly-looking criminal behind bars might make you memorable.

But you’ll be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Resist the temptation to go a “trendy” route. Instead, project an image of strength and professionalism.

4. Explain Your Practice

Especially if you’re practicing in an area like D.C., that’s home to a high concentration of lawyers, you need to rely on your logo to help separate you from the competition.

Your logo should also reflect the specific area of law you practice.

For example, if you’re a family law firm, your logo image might include two adults and a child. If you practice real estate law, show a picture of a house. You may also choose to write the area of your practice underneath the image.

5. Avoid The Cliches

When you hear the phrase, “law firm logo,” a few images probably come to mind immediately. A gavel, the Scales of Justice, an official seal, maybe even a stack of legal books.

If you’ve thought of all these images within 5 seconds, it means that everyone else has, too. A quick Google search will also tell you which images and fonts are already over-used.

Avoid them at all costs if you want to communicate that you’re a firm that goes the extra mile for clients.

Create Your Law Firm Logo Today

Now that you’ve studied up on what it takes to create an effective and eye-catching law firm logo, it’s time to see your ideas come to life!

To get started, use our intuitive free online logo maker tool.

Still need a little help? Looking for additional information? Create an account with us today to get access to the best in logo marketing expertise!

Want to have a stunning logo for your brand? Contrary to what you may have heard, there’s no need to spend a fortune on this service.

Actually, you can create a logo with just a few clicks. There are plenty of online tools that make it easy to design beautiful business logos. All you need is some creativity.

Logo design services can exceed $2,500. Most freelancers charge at least $800. If you hire a web design agency, expect to pay more.

Additionally, no one can guarantee that you’ll be happy with the final result. Some designers have huge potential, but limited experience. Others may not be familiar with your type of business and the message you’re trying to convey.

Web design agencies may refuse to make the changes required, or charge extra for these adjustments.

The best thing you can do is create a logo yourself. Online logo makers feature professional templates for any niche.

Eager to learn more? Let’s get into it!

Why Create a Logo Yourself?

The art of creating logos requires creativity and technical skills. After all, you want a logo that’s relevant, memorable, and scalable.

It should also convey the brand’s personality and gain immediate recognition. A good logo should give your clients a feeling of familiarity and trust. It needs to look professional and stand the test of time.

What if you lack the skills needed to create a logo?

You can always hire a web design agency, but the costs are high. This is where free logo makers come in handy. These tools enable users to create logos without the need for design skills.

All you need to do is choose a template, drag and drop items, and pick the right colors. It’s that simple!

With free logo software, you’ll save money and get things done in less time.

It’s no need to give phone calls or send dozens of emails to a design agency. Your new logo could be ready in minutes.

These online tools are perfect for business owners, bloggers, and online marketers. When used right, they can help increase brand awareness and visibility.

Before getting started, check out these common logo mistakes and how to avoid them:

No Research

Just because you have a certain logo in mind, it doesn’t mean it will work. The colors might not be right. Or the image might not reflect your brand.

The world’s most popular logos share a couple of similarities, so use them for inspiration. Take a quick look at Coca-Cola, Toyota, Dell, Samsung, and other well-known brands. What do they have in common?

• In 94 percent of cases, the logo doesn’t describe the product sold. Instead, it’s a reflection of the brand.

• About 90 percent of these logos lack a by-line tag.

• 74 percent of them only use one color.

• 41 percent of the most popular logos use text only.

• Just 31 percent include the company’s initials in their design.

Most of these logos use the colors red and blue. According to experts, blue conveys trust. Red expresses strength and passion. Additionally, they use no more than three fonts. Using too many fonts can make a logo hard to remember.

Take the time to do some research before creating your logo. This way, you’ll avoid common mistakes and produce something that’s truly memorable.

Low Resolution

If you need a magnifying glass to read your logo, you’re doing it all wrong.

With a few exceptions, resolution-dependent raster graphics are a recipe for failure.

A good logo should include quality images, with no pixelation issues. Not to mention that it’s easier to edit vector graphics than raster graphics. Fortunately, most logo makers use simple images that are easy to read and understand.

When using vector graphics, it’s easier to edit and scale the logo at any size. The image will look better on mobile devices.

Relying on Color

Using too many colors for logo design may distract attention from the core message. That’s why the most popular logos use three colors or less.

Every color elicits a different emotional response.

Restaurants often use the color red in their logos because it stimulates appetite. Car manufacturers rely on this color to showcase their signature products.

Red also highlights images and text. In marketing, it drives customers to make buying decisions. For this reason, it’s widely used for Click Here and Buy Now buttons.

Yellow draws attention and evokes cheerful feelings. This color is also associated with food.

Health companies use the color green because it symbolizes hope and fertility.

Dark blue is a sign of professionalism and expertise. It’s a favorite choice for most corporations. Since it suppresses appetite, you should not use it for promoting foods and cookware.

Black is associated with prestige, authority, and elegance. This makes it a perfect choice for business and fashion logos.

White is typically used for promoting dairy foods, low-fat foods, and health products.

Toy manufacturers add the color orange to their logos because it’s playful and energetic.

Now that you know these things, pick one or two colors that best fit your brand. Create a logo that can be easily associated with your business.

Before adding color, design it in black and white. People should be able to recognize your logo even in grayscale.

Following Trends

Trends come and go, but your logo remains the same for years.

Don’t rely on the latest fads if you want to create a logo that lasts. Following trends is like printing the term of expiration on your work.

The best logos are timeless. They’re just as popular now as they were decades ago.

For example, extreme minimalism was the latest craze back in 2014. Now, it lost some of its appeal.

In 2017, designers used broken letters and cropping to make logos. The question is: are these trends going to last?

Think about big names like Sony, UPS, and IKEA. Their logos haven’t changed at all over the years. Yet, they still look fresh.

Another example is the BBC logo, which has remained the same since 1997.

Focus on your brand’s core values instead of slavishly following trends. Create a logo that clients will remember for years.

Poor Font Choice

World-famous brands use Times New Romans, Arial, and Helvetica for their logos. Just think about Microsoft and Honda.

Complex fonts are hard to remember and may overshadow your message. Choose one that’s legible, clear, and easy to the eye.

When you create a logo, consider your audience’s age and demographics. Use fonts that match the purpose and message of your brand.

Decide whether you want a traditional font, a bold font, or an elegant font. Select one that resonates with your business and targeted customers.

Copying Current Logos

Drawing inspiration from the most iconic brand logos can increase your success. But it’s an excuse to copy them.

First of all, you run the risk of violating copyright and trademark laws. Secondly, it can hurt your credibility.

You must create a logo that’s unique and original. It should not look too much like your competitors.

Select fonts, shapes, and colors that set your brand apart. This will help your clients easily identify your business and its values.

A logo that lacks originality will confuse your customers.

Get creative and play with colors. Experiment with different icons and create your own fonts.

Using an Overly-Complex Design

You probably have lots of different ideas for a new logo, which is great. However, you don’t have to use all of them!

An overly-complicated logo will be difficult to remember and lose its meaning. Additionally, it may increase printing costs.

Embossing looks good on the page, but it’s difficult to reproduce on different materials. Complex graphic elements can turn a work of art into a visual nightmare.

One of the best ways to make your logo memorable is to keep things simple.

For instance, big brands like GAP, Apple, and Nike have a simple logo that anyone can recognize. The font style is clean, and the background is solid.

Choose a simple picture and upload it to the logo maker. Remember that more is less.

Typographic Issues

Surprisingly, even the best designers make typography mistakes. For example, Curlz and Vijaya fonts have no place in a professional logo.

Predictable typefaces, excessive spacing, and super-heavy fonts are not the best choice. Also, it’s not unusual to see misspelled words in a logo.

These silly mistakes can hurt your business and make you look like an amateur. To avoid them, run the text spellchecker before finalizing your logo.

Using Acronyms to Create a Logo

Unless you have a popular brand, refrain from using acronyms. Customers might not be able to remember them and understand their meaning.

Also, there might be other brands that use the same acronymic as you do.

Eventually, you can shorten your business name. Just make sure it’s recognizable and easy to memorize.

Another strategy you can use is incorporating the company’s name with an acronym logo. This will make it stand out from the competition and strengthen your brand.

As you see, it’s not that hard to create a logo. Avoid the most common mistakes and keep things simple.

For a quick boost of inspiration, check out these expert logo design tips!