And I totally get it. It’s an exciting time, right?
But my keen bean, because you’re so thrilled you can’t choose which concept resonates with you the most.
And you’re struggling to make a final decision.
Which means you want to show all your friends, family and your cat too right?
Because they’ll help you to decide, yeah?
However what happens next is, you get confused.
Because your uncle Barry didn’t like the shade of purple, your best friend from primary school thinks it’s pretty and your cat walked away from you.
So what now?
You’re stressed, more confused and grumpy at your cat.
I’m pretty passionate about making sure you’ve got the right logo for you and an effective logo doesn’t come down to a popularity contest. Especially if the people you’re showing it too don’t really understand what you do.
Today I’m sharing why you shouldn’t show your logo design proofs to every Tom, Dick and Harry.
Let’s begin.
Are they in your target market?
I want to ask you this question as it makes all the difference when you decide on your logo concept.
Because my friend, here’s the thing.
I’m sure the people you’re asking probably have good intentions, but unless they know your brand and relate to what you offer, they’re not going to give the best opinion.
Let’s have a look at an example.
Have you ever popped your logo concepts into a Facebook business group?
If you haven’t, are you thinking, ‘whaaat? I always get great feedback from questions I post in business groups.’
And if you have, did you end up super confused?
Either way, here’s why you shouldn’t post your logo concepts in a Facebook group.
It’s actually a big mistake!
You’re asking a large group of randoms here and I bet my next skinny flat white and biccy that these people know nothing about you, your business or your brand.
So they’re going choose based on what looks nice to them, without knowing anything about your brand or your audience.
And this brings us to the next point.
What’s the design trying to achieve?
Not everyone is going to like your logo.
And that’s ok because not a popularity contest. It’s about genuinely connecting with your target audience.
A logo is about aligning with your people so they not only buy from you, but they engage and connect with your brand.
And like I said above, if you open the floodgates for opinions from a mass audience in a Facebook group, you’re going to get lots of opinions that don’t mean anything.
Sorry, you guys.
To make things worse, your brain will end up resembling my kid’s bedroom. Just as (messy) confused as it started.
So unless the people in your trusted Facebook group are strictly in your target audience, I’d think twice before posting.
It’s a similar outcome if you ask for help from all the staff members in your office. You’ll end up confused and overwhelmed because everyone’s opinion is so different.
Hey, everyone has an opinion, right?
Of course, they do, but they only matter (for your logo concepts) if they come from someone within your target audience.
After all, they’re the ones you want to seriously impress and connect with.
Have they read your brief?
Now your business has a badass brand strategy, right?
I’m sure it does because before a graphic designer (like me) starts creating your logo concepts, they discussed the brief for your project with you in detail.
So you and your graphic designer worked pretty darn hard together to create your brand strategy.
We designers extract all the information you provide us in your brief. So we create a logo that’s going to connect with your ideal customer.
So then, why show your logo concept to someone who hasn’t read your brief??
Did they do the groundwork you did to uncover your brand personality?
Following on from the above.
If you’re showing your concepts to someone who doesn’t know your business or your brand personality, you won’t get helpful feedback.
Because if they haven’t done the groundwork of truly understanding what your business is all about, they’ll miss the idea, point, or colours your designer used to reflect it.
And I bet your designer presented you with logo concepts that bring out the best in your brand’s personality.
Keep your mum out of it
I know you love your mum because I love mine. However, asking for her opinion on your logo is a mistake.
Yes, it’s comforting to turn to your fam for guidance, but unless they’re in your target audience, don’t ask them.
Sorry, mum!
Now my parents love absolutely everything I do and show them.
Love you too, dad.
But I don’t ask them what they think about the logo’s I design, because I know I’m not going to get constructive feedback.
And when you’re trying to decide on a logo design, you want the most useful comments and suggestions, so the feedback leads to a positive outcome.
Which again is, your logo aligns and connects with you and your target audience.
Hey, if you want your mum to say she totally loves it, that’s okay too.
But for constructive feedback that leads to your business decision, don’t ask for her opinion.
Ask a strategic group of people if you’re confused about which to pick
If you’re still struggling to select the best design, I want to give you some tips on how to ask for constructive feedback.
Now you’re probably thinking. Kat, this seems like a lot of work to make a decision.
But hey, getting opinions back like “yeah, I like it” or, “maybe a lighter blue” isn’t helpful.
So find a group of people you know are in your target audience.
If you’re an established brand, you can mix it up with current customers or clients as well.
And here’s what to tell them,
- A bit about your why for starting your business
- A short sentence for the vision of your brand
- List 4-5 of your brand values
And finally, ask them what they like and don’t like about your concepts.
As doing it this way will get you the constructive feedback you’re looking for.
In conclusion, you want your brand to flourish.
So when receiving feedback on your logo design concepts, make sure it’s strategically from people in your target audience.
Hey my friend, are you still feeling a little confused about your logo?
Please don’t be, because I’ve got you covered.
If you’re struggling with how to best choose your favourite logo concept then click to download my FREE “Top Tips to help you choose your favourite logo concepts”.
Or, if you need help to develop a logo for your business then get in touch here.
Kat xxx