Your logo is more than just a pretty symbol — it’s the face of your brand, the first thing people see, and often the image they remember most. A powerful logo builds trust, makes you look professional, and tells your audience what you’re about — often in just a few seconds. But creating a great logo is only the beginning. Once you have your logo, what you do with it can make or break your brand presence. Whether you’re launching a new business or rebranding an existing one, here are 8 essential things you need to do with your logo to make sure it works for you — not against you.
1. Save It in Multiple File Formats (Properly)
Your logo isn’t just going to live in one place — it’ll be on business cards, websites, social media, shirts, signs, and maybe even product packaging. Each of those uses requires different file types.
Key Logo File Types to Save:
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): Ideal for web use and never pixelates
EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator): Editable, scalable source files for professional printing or design
PNG: Transparent background, best for digital use
JPG: Compressed file, good for email or website use when a transparent background isn’t needed
PDF: Great for sending to printers and vendors
Pro tip: Keep a folder with organized subfolders like “For Web,” “For Print,” “Black & White,” and “Logo Variations.”
2. Create Multiple Variations of Your Logo
A single logo version won't work in every situation. To make your brand flexible and polished, you need a logo system, not just one design.
Types of Logo Variations You Should Have:
Primary Logo: The full version with your brand name and icon
Secondary Logo: A stacked or horizontal version for different layouts
Icon or Submark: A simplified symbol or initials for small spaces (like favicons or profile pictures)
Wordmark Only: Just the business name in the brand font
Black & White Versions: For one-color printing or minimalist designs
By using the right version for each space, you keep your brand looking clean and intentional, not squeezed or awkward.
3. Add It to Your Website Immediately
Your logo should live in the top left corner of your website — it’s where users instinctively look for it. But it shouldn’t just exist there — it should enhance your brand across your site.
Tips for Logo Placement on Your Website:
Make sure it's clickable (linking to your homepage)
Ensure it scales for mobile responsiveness
Include your favicon (small icon in browser tabs)
Use it in your footer for consistency
And don’t forget: your logo should look crisp on both light and dark backgrounds, so keep versions handy to suit both.
4. Incorporate It Into Your Social Media Profiles
Your social media presence should be instantly recognizable — even in a sea of scrolling. That starts with your logo.
Where to Use Your Logo on Social:
Profile picture: Use your icon/submark or simplified version
Cover/banner images: Add your full logo alongside your brand message
Post templates: Brand your graphics to keep a cohesive feed
Watermarks: Protect your content and promote your brand
Consistency across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube makes your brand look trustworthy and professional.
5. Print It On Branded Materials
Physical materials still make a powerful impact — especially if you’re running a service-based or local business. Your logo should be front and center on everything from packaging to promo materials.
Branded Materials to Consider:
Business cards
Flyers, brochures, and signs
Uniforms or team apparel
Stickers or packaging
Invoices, proposals, and letterhead
This not only reinforces your brand identity but also helps your audience associate your visual presence with professionalism and reliability.
6. Integrate It into Your Email Signature
Your email signature is a branding opportunity that often goes overlooked. It’s a perfect place to showcase your logo and subtly reinforce your identity with every message you send.
What a Branded Email Signature Can Include:
Your logo (small, left-aligned works best)
Name, title, contact info
Website or scheduling link
Social media icons
Tagline or mission
A clean, branded email signature shows attention to detail and helps build trust — especially in client communications.
7. Use It in Your Brand Guidelines
Brand guidelines (also known as a style guide) are essential for maintaining visual consistency — especially as your team grows or you start working with outside vendors and designers.
What to Include in Your Logo Section:
Proper logo usage (dos & don’ts)
Minimum sizing and padding rules
Color versions (full color, black, white)
Background rules (when to use which version)
File format references
Having brand guidelines ensures your logo always looks intentional and never gets stretched, squished, or placed awkwardly. If you ever hire a designer, print shop, or social media manager — these guidelines are gold.
8. Protect Your Logo (and Brand Identity)
If you’ve invested in a unique logo, it’s worth protecting. While it won’t stop copycats completely, securing legal protection can give you peace of mind and ownership rights.
Steps to Protect Your Logo:
Trademark It: File a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or relevant authority in your country
Keep proof of creation: Save dated files, design drafts, or invoices from your designer
Avoid using free logo generators: These rarely offer unique or copyright-safe designs
Trademarking your logo protects your brand from impersonators and sets the foundation for future growth.
Bonus Tip: Make Sure Your Logo Reflects Your Brand Personality
Even after all the technical steps, remember this: your logo is a visual ambassador of your brand. It should reflect your values, personality, and promise.
Ask yourself:
Does it feel bold, minimal, fun, or professional?
Does it attract the kind of clients or customers you want?
Would someone remember it after seeing it once?
If the answer is yes — you’re on the right track.
A logo alone won’t build your brand — but how you use your logo will. By saving it correctly, applying it consistently, and building brand assets around it, you turn your logo into a powerful branding tool. It becomes the anchor of your visual identity — something people recognize, remember, and trust.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an old design, I create bold, strategic, and high-converting logos that do more than just look pretty — they move people to take action. Contact Us if you need a logo designed.