Choosing the Right Type of Logo Based on Your Business Name

Reminder: The different types of logos

Before we get started, let's take a closer look at what the different types of logos are. This is one of the first decisions you will have to make when creating your company logo, which is why it is important to choose a logo type that suits your needs.

Monogram or Lettermark

Monogram logos are easy to recognize because they are only composed of letters or numbers and are typically quite short. Often, it is only the initials, or an acronym made from the name of the company that creates the basis of the logo. The letters can be modified and manipulated to give different effects.

Examples of companies using a monogram logo: IKEA, General Electric, H&M, Chanel

Signature or Wordmark

Signature logos consist only of the company name, without an icon, although a slogan can be added to them. They are therefore longer than monogram logos. This type of logo emphasizes the name of the company and what it stands for. Often, the font gives a precise style to a signature logo.

Examples of companies using a signature logo: Google, Netflix, SONY, L'Oréal

Combination Mark

If you are undecided, know that combined logos are used the most by businesses, especially new businesses. The reason is simple, a combined logo includes both your company name and an icon, which brings a lot of flexibility. There are also several possible combinations regarding the positioning of the different components.

Examples of companies using a signature logo: Lacoste, Red Bull, AirBnB, Puma

Symbol

Is it possible not to use letters in a logo, but only a symbol? If that's what you're looking for, symbol logos may meet your need. This is a type of logo that consists only of an icon. This style is often used by well-known companies as they no longer need to add their company name to their logo to be recognized.

Examples of companies using a logo symbol: Apple, Nike, Twitter, Batman

Badge or coat of arms

If you want to give a lot of credibility to your company logo, a badge logo or coat of arms may be what you need. This type of logo includes different components such as the date of creation or the use of a background shape. This can certainly give a more serious or traditional touch to your branding, as this type of logo has been used for a very long time.

Examples of companies using a badge or coat of arms logo: Stella Artois, Starbucks, UPS, NFL

What type of logo to choose

Now that you know a little more about the types of logos available, which one would be best for your business? We have put together a short list to help you see more clearly and make an informed choice. Obviously, you are free to choose any type of logo, there is not only the name of your company to consider.

In our examples, we chose to keep the company name in the composition of the logo. Therefore, we have excluded logo symbols from our list.

If you have a short business name

If your business name is rather short, it might be worth choosing a monogram logo if you want to keep it simple. By duplicating, reversing or intermingling letters, you can create different distinct styles. Have you ever noticed that several luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Givenchy use a monogram for their logo? It could also be a good option if you sell high-end products.

If you want to use an icon, you could also choose to create a combined or badge logo.

If you have a long business name

On the contrary, if your business name is rather long and it is a component of your brand that you want to emphasize, a signature logo is a great option. Some people may think that signature logos lack originality, however by choosing the right colors and fonts, you can stand out very well from the competition.

If you want to add several components to your logo in addition to your company name, you can also create a combined logo or badge logo.

If your business name is an acronym

We suggest using an acronym or initials when the name of a company has more than 10 characters and 4 syllables. For example, did you know that IKEA's letters represent the name of founder Ingvar Kamprad and where he lived? If you choose an acronym, monogram logos remain the most relevant type of logo. 

If you don't want to use only your company name, you can also choose to create a combined logo or badge logo. A combined logo will feature an icon, while badge and coat of arms logos will use a shape for the background.

If your business name is your name

Finally, if you have decided to use your full name as your business name, our suggestion would be to opt for a signature logo. It could be particularly interesting if you work in a field where you are an expert or a consultant. So, you will have to promote yourself. When it comes to fonts, choose one that represents you well or that may it look like your handwritten signature.

In second place, combined logos and badges are also good options.

In conclusion, as we have seen, certain types of logos work better with certain types of business names. It is important that the result is harmonious, regardless of the style desired. If you're just getting started and don't know where to start, let us remind you that a good logo should be recognizable, flexible, simple, timeless and distinctive. Enjoy creating!