Do You Need a Logo Refresh or a Complete Logo Redesign?

You probably already know how important a logo can be for your business. Not only is it used on everything from your website to your social media, it's also a way to visually communicate something about your brand. Think about how clean and modern the Apple logo is. That alone tells you what to expect from their products. Plus, it's distinctive enough that you can always tell when you're dealing with Apple versus a competitor. If you feel your logo doesn't quite reflect what your company stands for, you might be considering a logo refresh or a logo redesign. But how do you know whether you need a refresh or a complete redesign? Let's go over the difference between the two and why you might choose one over the other.  

Logo Refresh

A logo refresh is a great way to modernize your existing logo, make small changes, or show your brand's evolution. With a refresh, you preserve your brand's visual integrity while allowing for a subtle evolution. This could mean a change in font or colors, or trimming the excess from your logo. You'll want to use a refresh when your logo starts to look dated, or when you're having trouble using it in various places. For example, if you've been using your logo on letterhead and now have to get used to using it on social media, you'll want a different format and size. Your letterhead might have a horizontal logo, but social media needs something that stands out in a small circular format. When you do a logo refresh, rather than completely redesigning your logo everywhere, you might want to develop a secondary version of your logo for other use cases. This is a way to make sure your logo keeps up with the times and can be used wherever you need it.  

Logo Redesign

When your logo needs a complete overhaul, a logo redesign is what you'll want. This is great when you're working to reinvent your business in some way. Maybe your target audience has changed, or you're changing your company's name. This can be common for law firms named after partners, or for companies going through a merger of some kind. Keep in mind that your target audience can also shift across generations. Maybe you've always targeted 20-year-olds, but that group is becoming more heavily Gen Z than Millennial. You won't always need to adapt to these generational shifts, but it's worth considering whether your target audience is starting to respond to different visuals.  

Which logo design option is best for your business?

If you're still not sure whether a logo refresh or a logo redesign would be better for your business, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We'd be happy to help you decide what your brand needs next.