Logo Design Tips for Small Businesses: What Makes a Logo Work

Name: Hethel Print & Design
Address: Unit 22, Hethel Engineering Centre, Chapman Way, Hethel, Norfolk, NR14 8FB, GB
Telephone: 07769 200277

October 29, 2026

Your logo appears on everything: business cards, signs, vans, clothing, your website and your social media. A good logo makes all of those look professional. A poor one makes everything harder. Here's what we've learned from designing logos for businesses across Norfolk.

1. Keep it simple

The most memorable logos are simple. They're easy to recognise at a glance, easy to remember and easy to reproduce. If your logo needs explaining, it's probably too complicated.

2. Make sure it works small

Your logo needs to work as a tiny social media icon, on a pen and on the chest of a polo shirt. Fine details, thin lines and long taglines disappear at small sizes.

3. Make sure it works in one colour

Sometimes your logo will be printed in a single colour, such as on embroidered workwear, a stamp or a black and white newspaper ad. A strong logo still works without its colours.

4. Choose colours carefully

Colours carry meaning and need to look right on screen and in print. That's why it helps to understand CMYK vs RGB.

5. Pick readable fonts

Avoid fonts that are hard to read or that everyone else is using. Your business name should be clear even from across the road on a sign.

6. Think about everywhere it will go

Picture your logo on a van, a hoodie, a roller banner and a business card. Does it work horizontally and stacked? You may need a few versions.

7. Get the right files

Make sure you receive your logo as a vector file (such as AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) as well as PNG and JPG. Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is essential for signs and banners.