4 Logo Variations Every Brand Needs To Have

Have you ever wondered why your brand needs different logo variations? Why isn’t one logo enough Well, your brand shows up in a lot of places! From business cards to websites, each one needs something a little different.

The thing is, one logo can’t fit all of these places perfectly. A big, detailed logo might look great on a website header but won’t work as well when shrunk down to a tiny fav icon. That’s where having different logo variations helps.

Today, I’m excited to share the four essential logo variations every brand should have: the primary, secondary, submark, and icon. Understanding and using these variations will help your brand make a great impression everywhere it goes.

Here are the four essential logo variations every brand should include:

1. Primary Logo

Your primary logo is the main symbol for your brand. It’s the one you use most, especially where there’s lots of space to show it fully.

This logo includes your complete brand name and usually a special symbol that shows what your brand is about. It should stand out and really reflect your brand’s purpose, helping to attract the people you want to reach.

When I design a primary logo, I focus on making it not only clear and visible but also a true representation of the brand’s personality and values. A good primary logo should catch people’s eyes and be memorable, making a strong first impression. This is important because the primary logo is often the first thing potential customers will see.

Where it’s used: Websites, storefronts, and main marketing materials

2. Secondary Logo

Secondary logos are more simple versions of your primary logo.

They include the key elements but are adjusted to fit into smaller spaces or less formal settings where your main logo might be too much. This could mean making the text shorter or mixing up the parts to keep the logo clear and effective.

Having secondary logos is important because it allows for your brand to be easily recognized in different situations. Whether it’s on social media, product packaging, or business cards with limited space, these logos help maintain your brand’s look and make it easy to remember. They give you flexibility in how you present your brand without losing its recognizability or visual impact.

Where it’s used: Social media headers, product packaging, and business cards.

3. Submark

Submarks are even simpler, often just a symbol, monogram, or initials.

They’re perfect for very small spaces where bigger logos just won’t work. Even though they’re small, submarks should clearly represent your brand. 

These tiny logos are great for things like profile pictures, watermarks, and small branded items. They help maintain brand visibility even in the smallest of spaces, making sure every touchpoint with customers reflects the brand identity.

Where it’s used: Social media profile pictures, watermarks, and small branded items

4. Brand Icon / Fav Icon

This version of your logo is simplified to just one main element, often without any text. A good brand icon should be clear and recognizable on its own, clearly showing it’s part of your brand.

Fav icons are ideal for browser tabs, where text can clutter the small space. Fav icons should be easy to spot right away, so your brand stays consistent and stands out, especially with so much going on online.

Where it’s used: Small branded items, browser tabs and app icons

Why This Matters for Your Brand

These 4 logo variations prepare you for any marketing situation, from your website footer to social media graphics. Keeping things consistent is key to making your brand stand out and building trust.

Staying the same on all platforms strengthens your brand identity. It’s important that your message is always clear and strong, wherever you are.

How I Can Help:

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, Danielle, but I’m not sure how to create these logo variations for my brand,” don’t worry! I’m here to help. I specialize in brand design and can help you develop a comprehensive set of logo variations that communicate your brand’s unique story and style effectively.

Check out my new brand design identity intensive package, and let’s make your brand shine in every possible way!

Remember, in the world of branding, flexibility and consistency are your friends. With the right set of logo variations, your brand can make a stunning impression everywhere it goes.

Ready to improve your brand? I’m here to help you every step of the way!