Your company’s brand encompasses your overall commercial identity. Everything — from your online presence to messaging about your goods and services — is included under the umbrella of your brand. Although plenty of factors go into making up your collective brand and how it’s perceived by the public, your company logo deserves some of the most serious consideration.

Your logo has the ability to communicate a particular message regarding who you are as a company. When hiring a professional log design company to execute on your vision or fulfill your needs for a logo, it’s important to carefully navigate your options. Here are 3 key steps to selecting and working with a designer for your logo project.

logo design

1. Vet Design Firms

When selecting a firm to complete your logo design project, some key requirements must be met. First of all, does the firm in question have its own website? If the answer is no, that’s a red flag: Time to move on! Assuming the company in question does have a website, take a look at that site as well as the company’s overall portfolio. You need to be comfortable with the work the firm has already done to be sure it can do great work for you. Also, be wary of companies that are unwilling to dedicate time to understanding your needs and goals. You don’t want to end up with a clip art logo or a poorly thought out design that isn’t personalized or unique to your brand.

2. Be Clear on Your Budget

Go into the logo design project with a firm idea of your budget, and be prepared to stick to your guns on this point. Miscommunication will only complicate matters, so be clear on what you intend to spend from the beginning to avoid confusion. Be realistic in your amount so you can steer clear of surprises or regrets down the line. Also, remember, as with all things, you’ll get what you pay for.

3. Know Your Brand Personality

The most important factor in getting a good result at the end of your logo design project is understanding your brand and its personality. The more you can communicate that idea clearly to the designers of your logo, the happier you’ll be with the end result. Other important notions to express openly and often are your intended brand message, how you want to present yourself to potential customers and even your vision for the future — however far-fetched that might seem right now.

A logo is often the first image people see and associate with your company, so obviously it carries a lot of weight. A recognizable logo can help you create a strong and noteworthy brand. It’s worth it to take the extra time and make an investment in one that works to communicate the right message.

Follow these 3 tips while working with a professional design firm, making sure you clearly communicate your specifications, budget and goals. Chances are you’ll end up with a logo that suits the spirit of your company and helps you spread the word about what you do.