While dreaming of owning a successful business we forget that business is not only a matter of selling and buying. Achieving corporate identity is not an easy job as consumers tend to trust and buy products only from companies which are well-recognized. Thereby, it is important for every company to have a strong corporate identity and branding, which helps them earn a reputation in market. And here is the key to your success – a good logo design.

I am sure, all my last posts have been guiding you well, explaining how important logos are in conveying the aim of your start-up business. With the increasing logo design awareness, people are getting more confused to depict which type of logos will help them stand out.

Let me start with the basics….usually there are 3 types of logos but it is not important that any logo design works out successfully for everyone. Here are the basic types of logos: text, symbol, and combination logos.

1) A Text Logo:

A text logo (also sometimes called a logotype or word mark) is a logo largely made up of the text of the company’s name. These logos do have graphical elements but very few e.g. lines, boxes which usually blend with the letters. Here are few suggestions

2) A Symbolic Logo:

A symbol logo can be explained as an exact opposite of a “text Logo” which displays neither words nor letters – only symbols, images and shapes. In today’s world we see so many logos which don’t show a letter but still we recognize them. What better examples then “Nike” and “Apple” can I give to explain the unusual significance of symbolic logos.

• If your company already has a well-known brand recognition and people are well-aware of your product/services, then you can use a symbol as sign of recognition.
• If your product or service can be well presented by an image then letters, have a symbolic logo.
• You have a global presence and can develop a universal, graphic symbol that speaks to you and audiences. Additionally, a symbol can have meanings on many levels, and can also have different meanings in different cultures

3) Combination of Symbolic and Text logo:

Combination logos come into existence when the designers blend text and symbol, to deliver a clear message of the company. For such logos, text and symbol are integrated in such a way that they appear as a single logo. Here are few reasons to opt for combination logos:

• A combination logo is easily understood, offering a memorable logo graphic telling your business purpose while the symbol brings in easy identification.
• A combination logo is an excellent choice for a small- or medium-sized company or a company just starting out, to begin to build brand recognition, because a combination logo is both visually strong and explanatory.
• When you want to make your logo more stylish, you can show a creative blend of text and symbol

On 24 th June, 2009, Vistaprint Limited (Hamilton, Bermuda) the small business marketing company, unveiled its global brand strategy with some noticeable changes including a new logo, tagline and a complete Website redesign. The main aim behind this new look and feel is to highlight the wide range of products and services available for small and home businesses.

The company offers small businesses personalized printed products such as business checks, business letterheads, rubber stamps, promotional apparel including hats and T-shirts; and marketing services, websites, design and postcard mailing. It is believed to be catering more than 19 million small businesses and consumers by offering them the easiest ways to promote their business at the most affordable prices.

However, we are here to talk about the redesigned logo of VistaPrint. The logo has been highly criticised with its idea of showcasing arches of CMY(no K) gushing out of their name. Although the earlier version was also not much impressive but this time sophistication lacks badly and the symbols says nothing about the company’s high targets.

Well, I want to appreciate their attempt to replace the thin lines and lowercase of their old logo but they failed bringing up any progressive change. A blog well-known for announcing redesigns has highly criticised the logo: “The typography looks like the bastard child of Tobias Frere-Jones’ Interstate and Avenir.”

However, the old and the new logo do not have much difference and both are claimed to be equally unappealing. Many people balme VistPrint.com for providing  cheap, fast and mediocre quality. So they think their redesign well-explain their services…do you think so?

Do write in to give your honest comments…Do you think VistaPrint New Logo is the worst logo redesign of year 2009?

        We all know that a redesign can do big wonders if we get it right, however in other case, results can be terrible and shaking.

Please don’t consider this post as another display of remarkable redesigned logos which you have been seeing at number of other blogs. The interesting part is that I bring you not-so-famous redesigns….hopefully, something new for you all to enjoy.

Well, you must have seen several examples of great redesigns but I bring you a combination. Following are 22 redesigned corporate logos, displaying the old and new version both. I leave it up to you all, to categorize them as …good and bad ones.

Well, after researching so much for you guys to bring these redesigns, I think I should assign some work to you all as well.

It will become really exciting if you rate these redesigns under two categories… the good ones and the bad ones.

Johnsons Baby:

Not a very obvious redesign but the new, softer look is more appealing.

Jack in the Box:

The lively and funky look of the new logo is a smart redesign option by Duffy & Partners.

Steinlager:

The packaging and logo, both have been made bigger. Although not a bad change but old version looks better.

Pyramid Beer:

The new redesign is emphasizing more on the Pyramids but the real change has been added by new fonts.

AppleBee’s:

This is a great example of a subtle redesign as the concept stays same but excuted with a modern feel.

QVC:

It’s a huge brand but its revamp was not acknowledged much. However, I consider it a nice and simple change.

Detroit lions:

You all will agree that the new logo defines more details and elements while the old lions logo seemed flat and boring.

The Bahamas:

I failed to find the old logo but had the information that this is the new version. The new impressive look makes me to see the old one too

Direct TV:

I wouldn’t describe it as a major revamp. All seems to be the same… concept, shape and fonts.

Argentina:

For this logo I failed to find the old version and will really appreciate if you could find it for me. Well, let me tell the ribbons here express the speed, smooth movement and innovation.

Sierra Mist:

The old logo is also not much appreciable but the new one seems to be a real blurred blunder.

Mail Chimp:

I think the new chimp says more about the service and I think this change must have arrived long time back.

Envato:

This sleek redesign is adding more reliability and personality to the brand.

Gatorade:

The logo and packaging both have been changed for Gatorade and I remark it as an improvement. The new simplified G with a lightning bolt and bulky fonts, is delivering a positive effect.

Kraft Logo:

The Kraft logo redesigning has been criticized for all its new additional elements and customers have clearly disapproved it telling they preferred the previous, heavily type faced logo more.

Tropicana Logo:

Although Tropicana Logo was redesigned to make it look more down to earth but unfortuantely the idea failed. The iconic image of an orange with a straw, has lost its recognition in this new concept

Lays Baked:

I don’t consider it a logo redesign as it appears to be more of a packaging redesign. However the new look is much tidy and sophisticated.

Sunkist:

The new smooth swirls are making the drink look more enjoyable and inviting for the customers. I think the new swirly look is for better.

British Telecom:

I think such elaborate redesigns present the dynamic aspect of a company. It is a far much better idea then just having a horn blowing man for a logo.

Fanta:

So many elements in this new logo make it appear too busy and less attractive.

Discovery Kids:

Although I am very much in love with the new Discovery Logo but at the same time “Discovery Kids Redesign” failed to attract me much. Although it’s a neat and simplified redesign but not much appealing.

Mountain Dew:

The new ‘MTN DEW’ design is part of the Pepsi re-brand but personally I did not like it at all and deny

Lately, it seems as if business owners (small or big) have nothing else on Earth to discuss other than the recession disaster. The misfortune it has brought to lives of countless people is depressing but I was amazed when I accidentally ran into one of my old buddies at a book store. After regular pleasantries when inquired about his business conditions (thinking he would start whining soon) I was taken aback when he said “He loves the recession and recently bought a new car as well”

Being too impressed by his statement I could just not let him go and offered a cup of coffee at a close by cafeteria. Here he shared some easy and simple ways howto survive the recession and also help my business grow. And yes you are right…I couldn’t stop myself from forwarding it to you all. I am sure soon you will be able to purchase a car (German or Japanese) as well

Reduce prices to keep your customers wallets open :

People are avoiding making expensive and big purchases, so its better that you drop your product prices for time being. In fact, by reducing your prices, you are forcing your customers to keep shopping.

Ease your customers’ fears :

All the gloom and doom news has frightened laymen. When we hear big business tycoons claiming being bankrupt, they get more scared. They are holding back their money thinking it will help them in worst times. Help them relax by understanding that this economic melt-down shall pass soon.

Win their trust :

Firstly, if you want to close a deal with any of your customer try to agree with their perspective. Make them feel that you understand and agree with them. Once they get a feeling that you can understand their problems they will accept your offers.

Respect their dreams :

We all have dreams and want them to be true as soon as possible. To customers, our products and services take them closer to their dreams. Show your sensitivity towards their values and tell them how you can help their dreams come true.

Offer special discounts and bonus :

It’s human nature that “discount” and “Free Coupon” tags always attract customers. Invite customers with special discount days or adding a line of products that customers have been asking for.

Extra services would do some good :

Try offering some extra service of your same field. For example, if you clean residential homes, why not start cleaning windows or cleaning offices. It will get more people approaching you and getting all things done from same place.

Low budget advertisement :

Advertising is always important throughout for every business to get customers flowing in. Rather than avoiding your business advertisement during critical period of recession its better to look for some cheap ways to promote your services. Try some online advertisement with blogging, as earlier I mentioned wonders of blogging for small businesses.

If you aim to achieve a matchless corporate identity in this busy world of brands, you need to make your presence feel strongly. To survive in this era of tough competition we have to work deadly hard to make our brand unforgettable for the customers. In my last few posts, I have been discussing all the sources to help you achieve unique corporate identity but today I bring you another way of promoting a product.

The recipe of creative advertisements can keep the customers motivated and convinced about a brand. Many social brands have entered our lives with wrapped up emotions and beliefs. Creative advertisements help the big corporate companies reach the minds of their customers in a very subtle but unforgettable way.

Undoubtedly, Pepsi and Coca-Cola are the most successful brands of the world. Respectively, introduced in the year 1886 and 1903, both were rivals to each other trying to dominate the carbonated soft drinks market. Since the very first day, both the brands got into global advertisement war through print ads and video ads, trying to lead each other.

I would like to share the clever concepts these corporate brands have been using to advertise their products. You have to share which of these two you think has been leading the market until now and why, because Pepsi and Coke, both have been putting in their best to get to the top.

Pepsi Ads:

Diet Pepsi:

Pepsi Lemon Twist:

April Fool prank for Coke:

Mini Pepsi Cans:

Amazing Diet Pepsi:

Pepsi Max:

Coke Ads:

It’s my Coke:

Coke Straw:

Lemon Coca Cola:

Coca-Cola ad on apartment block:

A Classic never goes out of style:

Is Quality your trust:

Pepsi Vs Coca Cola:

Knock it!!:

Joy of Pepsi:

Pepsi murdered by a gang of Coke:

            I consider redesigning of logos a healthy and pleasant exercise, as it helps you maintain a unique corporate identity. However, one should be lucky enough to get the redesign work out successfully for the brand. It is a little rude to say that Kraft food products tried to come up with a joyful logo to make its customer smile with appreciation but unfortunately the redesign blunder made everyone laugh with annoyance. The new logo makes you wonder if the designer ran short of creative ideas while redesigning the logo.

The press releases explain the beauty and aim of the rebranding as below. Have a read.

Positive aspects of the redesign: Capital bold fonts of the old logo have been replaced by the lowercase text, adding a soft and welcoming look to the logo. The lower case letter “K” is believed to be the best part of the redesign. The red smile ends with a colorful burst of seven colors, each standing for a division of the company but at the same time it has been deeply criticized as well.

I think I have discussed my perspective over the redesign quiet openly without knowing what you all have got to say about it. So, I take my hands off and pass it to you.