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The Difference Between a Brand and a Logo

Logo and Branding: What's the Difference?

Brand vs Logo vs Brand Identity and Branding: Whats the difference?

There is a lot of confusion surrounding these terms and what they mean. They are often jumbled together as being one and the same. However, there are clear distinctions between them.

And, to develop a cohesive brand, its important to understand the differences and how each supports the bigger brand picture.

What is a Logo?

A logo at its most basic is simply an icon, written text, or both that tells people your brand name and what your business does.

In the grand scheme of things,泭a logo is important;泭its a key part of a brands identity, it helps build brand recognition, and it can convey elements of your brands personality and value.

However, a logo on its own is not your brand.

Many people use logo and brand interchangeably, but this is wrong.泭Your logo design泭is only one part of your brand identity.

A logo is a key part of your branding and brand identity but its not your brand

What is a Brand?

Brands are a collection of perceptions, feelings, and ideas consumers have about a specific company. Organizations and professionals work hard to present a specific image to the world both directly and indirectly. Your brand is a function of your branding efforts and how consumers receive these efforts.

Brands crystalize over time as their actions and practices become the norm. More evident values are easier for consumers to absorb and share with others.泭 Nike is viewed as a high-quality, fashionable fitness brand. The company has worked hard to sell the best products they can and have positioned themselves at the forefront of several trends. As a result, Nikes brand matches the image they work hard to convey.

Its important to remember that brands arent instantaneous and cant be forced. Companies must earn their reputations by being consistent, always projecting the same appearance to the world, and most importantly, maintaining their audiences trust.

What is Branding?

While brands are formed over time by consumers perceptions, companies can help this process along. Branding refers to all the actions organizations take to build the image they want consumers to notice. Unlike a brand, branding is an active process and encompasses both activities and decisions that affect how a companys identity develops.

Branding covers the most basic elements of a companys identity, starting with the values an organization stands for. The process includes logo design, color palettes chosen, and the way this brand mark is deployed. Additionally, it covers a companys voicehow it communicates with consumers, the words they use, and the tone they take when speaking.

On a larger scale, branding also includes the way advertising and marketing materials are designed, how theyre deployed, and where theyre presented. Essentially, branding is an umbrella concept that covers泭堯棗滄泭you build a brand. It includes all the touch points you create to build an identity that is both泭memorable and cohesive.

What is Brand Identity?

When you begin the branding process, what youre attempting to create is an identity. This is the way you want the world to see you, and includes all the concepts weve covered before, from logos to branding. A brand identity is the result of a consistent branding strategy and includes all the touch points your company uses to express your company values and image.

Brand identities encompass a variety of items that serve a unique purpose. These are some of the most important aspects of your brand identity:

  • Your logo泭 The most outward visual representation of your brand and company identity
  • Business materials泭 This includes letterheads, business presentations, business cards, and materials you share with corporate partners or clients
  • Non-visual communications泭 Items such as radio ads and similar audio communications, tactile displays, and other interactive materials
  • Messaging泭 The more direct ways you communicate with your audience, either directly or indirectly
  • Marketing materials泭 Your marketing strategy will include visual materials such as books, your website, brochures, and flyers
  • Product packaging泭 When someone buys your products, its important to consider how the packaging and design fit with your brand image
  • Signage泭 This refers to both interior and exterior design of your companys look and physical locations

Conclusion

As you can see, logos, brands, branding, and your brand identity are all unique aspects of a bigger picture.

Your brand identity and how its perceived by others is the culmination of all the things you do as a company and business.

While your brand is the result of arduous work and your consumers perceptions, knowing how to use the different branding tools available to you will help you create a company image that will help your business and resonate with audiences.