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How to Write the Perfect Logo Design Brief in 3 Steps

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If you’re looking to create a logo for your business, then you’re in the market for a strong logo design brief. 

Whether you create your logo on your own, use a logo generator (like us!) or work with a designer, having a thorough logo design brief will make sure you come out with a logo that accurately represents your business. 

As you’re creating your brief, try to think about what your business stands for and the values that drive it. You need a design that will encompass these traits, using size, color, feel, etc.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at how to create a logo design brief that will help you get the perfect logo for your business!

Create Your Logo Design Brief in 3 Steps

By the end of this post, you should have all of the information you need to either create a logo for your business, or have a designer do it for you. 

It starts with defining what your business is and who it serves:

Step 1: Write Down Who You Are

In this part of the design brief, you’re going to start by defining your actual business. Write down the name of your business (and tagline, if you have one), what you offer, what your goals are, and who your customers and competitors are.

Include your business name & tagline.

Before diving into the deep end of logo design, you should start with the name of your business and slogan or tagline. There’s more to designing a logo than you might think, and all the details that you include now will help the person reading your brief – even if it’s you – create a logo that accurately represents the vibe of your brand.

When writing down your business name, be sure to include any specific capitalization requests and spacing needed in the title — for example, Ben’s Doughnuts vs. ben’sDoughnuts.

Describe what your business does and what you offer.

A good designer knows how to draw; a great designer knows how to help target your customers and users. In this section, you’re basically creating a design goal. Include 1-2 sentences about who you or your team (if applicable) are, and which products/services you offer. 

Here’s an example of an “About” section for a waterbirth-assistance business:

We are a team of midwives who are the go-to service for home waterbirth assistance. From providing inflatable baths to teaching hydrotherapy techniques, we help with every stage of the birthing process until delivery

Outline your brand goals.

What is the “why” behind your business – the reason you started it? Think about the deeper goal that’s motivating you to take the plunge. This could help a potential designer understand some of the values behind your business, in addition to simply clarifying them for yourself so you understand what you want your logo to stand for.   

A goal could be something like this:

To provide an empowering, safe, and relaxed birth environment for expecting mothers on the east coast. 

Define your target audience. 

Who is your logo actually meant to attract? As in, who is this person that your business was created to serve? Write 1-2 sentences and try to get specific here. Include details like demographics, hobbies, interests, and/or values. 

For example:

Expecting mothers living in the tristate area who are open-minded and health conscious. They are from low to middle income backgrounds, and they’re looking for a way to ease the stress of their first or subsequent births.  

List a few competitors.

This will allow you to take stock of some of the other logos out there, and see how your competitors use their designs to draw in their target audience. And, if you work with a designer, listing competitors will give them a chance to get to know your niche if they don’t already. 

By now, some basic design elements may be taking shape in your mind. Let’s go ahead and get those on paper, too! 

Step 2: Outline Your Design Preferences

Imagine a designer looking at your brief. So far, they have an idea who and what your business is. Now, you’ll want to focus their creativity with a nudge in the stylistic direction that you want, while still allowing them the freedom to do what they do best.

Choose your logo type. 

There are several types of logos , but the main distinction is that some logos have icons while others are purely name-based. Decide if you want an icon-based logo (a logo that includes a symbol or shape) or want to leave it as just your business name. 

Define a style direction (traits).

To do this, try thinking of your logo as having a personality; which adjectives would you use to describe it?

Here are some of the main adjectives that can express the look and feel of your logo, and what they mean in terms of logo design elements. For the best results, choose between 1-3 traits, but try to stick to 2 if you can.

Select your colors. 

Colors have different meanings, so you’ll want to choose colors that help convey the traits you outlined in the section above. 

If you have zero preference on the colors used, say so! Whether you’re working with a logo maker or a designer, this will allow them to unleash their full creativity. But, sometimes you may be constrained by brand design details that already in place, or maybe you happen to love a color that you saw elsewhere. 

Either way, it’s ok to add your color preferences. Make sure to include the color’s hex code , so you get the exact shade that you want. 

Choose your font. 

Last up in the design section of your logo design brief: Your font choice. There are a ton of fonts to choose from, and it’s okay if you don’t have a specific one in mind yet. Do your research about the different font families out there to get an understanding of what each type of font represents. 

You can always include the name of a family to give an idea of the general style you have in mind, and either you or the person/software you work with will narrow it down to a specific font later. 

Get inspiration. 

If you need to give your imagination a kickstart, head over to Google or Pinterest and start typing whatever comes to mind when thinking of your business or industry! This will help you get some logo design inspiration , and you can attach specific images that inspire you to your brief. 

You don’t have to stick to images of logos; any visually-inspiring thing that represents some kind of aesthetic that you like is fair game, like color palettes, signs, scenery, etc. 

Once you have all of this laid out, it’s time to outline the actual scope of your project.

Step 3: Define Your Budget, Timeline, and Number of Revisions

Try and give as much time as possible (or at least a realistic timeframe) to you and/or your designer. Your logo design may need some revisions, and, if you do work with a designer, you’re probably not their only client. 

So, by giving as much time as possible, you’re allowing them to plan and design effectively.

(And, if you’re in a time crunch, you should consider using an online logo maker to design your logo in just a few minutes!) 

Stick a date on the logo design brief that you can work with, and make sure to give enough time for potential revisions. 

Determine your budget. 

Be honest and truthful with your budget from the very beginning! Designers understand that you’re often restricted by how much you can pay. But if you’re paying too little, don’t be surprised if you get what you pay for.

A few budgeting tips:

– Learn to be upfront and honest when talking about money

– Choose to pay ‘per project’ or ‘per hour’ beforehand

– If hourly, ask for a time estimate

– Decide on the number of re-designs allowed (will they be included in the price?)

– Include the number of revisions you’ll expect to get for your budget amount, to help clarify both your and your designer’s expectations from the get-go. 

Grab your logo design brief template

We’ve attached a downloadable logo design brief template to help you outline everything we just covered! You can use the filled-in template as a rough blueprint for what your logo design brief should look like, but feel free to make adjustments as needed for your specific business and brand. 

Download the template, and start putting your logo thoughts on paper! 

Over to You

Remember, the more detail and information you put on your logo design brief, the more your final logo design will be in line with your brand and the message you want to give over to your audience. 

Whether you’re working with a designer or using a logo cretor, a detailed design brief is the first step to getting yourself a logo that will help attract attention and put your business out into the world. 

Want some inspiration before you begin working on your design brief? Head over to our logo maker and type in your brand name; it’s free to try, and it’ll give you some logo ideas to help you get started!

What Makes a Good Logo

8 Expert Tips for a Powerful Logo Design

From Brief to Brand: Unpacking the Logo Design Process

Kira Goldring

Now the Content Lead at Tailor Brands, Kira Goldring began her marketing career as a 17-year-old handing out flyers on the streets of NYC. She currently covers all things branding, marketing and small business, but she could talk your ear off about investment strategies or gripping literature without missing a beat. Say hi on IG - @kiragoldring 

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MARKETING INSIGHTS

How to design a logo from start to finish (complete guide)

• Kylie Goldstein
• 24 min read

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain →

A rite of passage for anyone starting their own business , creating a logo is an essential ingredient for effective branding, building recognition and dominating the market in any industry.

When you embark on your own logo design process, you’ve got to do it right. It’s an undertaking that takes time, thought, creativity and collaboration—and it’s 100% worth it. Contrary to what you might believe, you don’t need a large budget to hire a graphic designer or even a design background to make a quality logo—you can use a free logo maker .

From finding inspiration to choosing the right colors and font, this guide will map out how to design a logo from start to finish, so you can complete the process on your own. Your mission​​—should you choose to accept it—is to use these guidelines and create a logo that your audience won’t forget.

Here’s what we’ll cover in our guide:

What is a logo?

How to design a logo.

What makes a good logo  

How to trademark your logo

Best practices for logo design, best logo design tools, how to design a logo with ai, how to design a logo faq.

Ready to design your own logo? Start creating now .

A logo is a branded design that functions as a symbol for a particular business, representing the essence of its purpose and personality. Just like the ubiquitous Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches, your logo will become the face of your brand, acting as an identifying factor that audiences will recognize over time and ultimately associate with trust in your services, content or products.

Logos come in different forms , running the gamut from text-based to image-based and everything in between. Once complete, it is stamped across a business’s marketing assets, such as its website, business cards and packaging materials.

When you craft a logo of your own, start by finding the best logo maker to assist you. The Wix Logo Maker makes it possible to create a logo the way you want and customize the details of your design in a streamlined fashion.

Of course, you can always hire a graphic designer , but that can be a pricey endeavor that you may not have the resources for just yet. For a full explanation of price options, you can read more about logo design costs . Whatever option you choose, the following steps will ensure a smooth and satisfying logo building process:

Define your brand identity

Seek inspiration

Determine logo style

Choose a type

Decide on a color scheme

Pick a font

Outline a logo shape

Create a logo

Refine the results

Make a final decision

Put your logo to work

01. Define your brand identity

As crucial as your logo is to your business, it’s not the entire picture. Your brand consists of many components apart from this: a website, written content and marketing materials—just to name a few. All of these parts have one goal in common: they form a complete brand identity in order to successfully represent and market your business.

In essence, a brand identity is the distinct voice and visual appearance of your brand used to convey its mission with the rest of the world. You might say your brand identity is the soul of your business, and as such it needs to be reflected through its visual and written elements.

With this in mind, your logo should be consistent with the rest of your brand’s persona. It’s important also to think about how your brand values might be incorporated into your logo. If sustainability is important to you as a company, how can you make this shine through from your design into your finished logo? The same goes for any of the ethics you hold dear as a brand - from credibility, to trustworthiness, to reliability.

02. Seek inspiration

Inspiration comes in two ways—from outside and from within. So, we’re going to break this step into two.

First, explore the logo-verse around you. Pay attention to the best logos you come across on a daily basis, and be proactive by conducting online research. You can discover relevant logo trends and find interesting logo ideas by browsing different design blogs or the Pinterest boards and Behance or Dribbble accounts of established designers.

Creating a mind map is a great way to start off your logo design project. It can help you to think about how different elements will work together and how the design may be used in various contexts. Mind maps can also help bring clarity to complex ideas and provide an overview of how all the pieces fit together. They're often used as the starting point in a design process and can help designers explore different ideas while forming an overall plan.

Competitor research will help inspire your logo design, too. This way, you can see what people in your industry are doing, take note of what works and what doesn’t, and most importantly—ensure that your logo won’t be too similar to someone else's.

Next, look for inspiration within. Spend some time brainstorming your vision for the perfect logo. Take it seriously, but make it fun by creating a mood board or listing adjectives to describe your brand.

Here are some brainstorming questions to get the ball rolling:

What adjectives describe my brand?

Who is my ideal customer?

What colors represent my brand values and message?

What symbols or characters could I use in my design?

What are some of my personal favorite logos, and why?

These creative moments with yourself and your team are important for honing in on the message and purpose of your brand. Also, consider gathering your colleagues and friends to help get a well-rounded perspective.

03. Determine logo style

The combination of elements within any given logo come together to form a cohesive style. And by now, you might notice that—just like fine art—there are a variety of aesthetic styles a logo can embody.

While determining the stylistic direction of your logo might seem like an intuitive step, you should do this while contemplating the elements of brand identity and the inspiration you’ve collected.

Is your brand classic? Then you might go for a logo design with sophisticated fonts and basic color schemes. Is your brand minimalist ? In that case, you’ll want to avoid including complex imagery and choose to stick with a modern logo design . Is your brand hip? Then you can go for daring abstract designs or trendy logo layouts. If you are trying to figure out how to create a restaurant logo , for example, consider your overall restaurant theme and concept to narrow down the shapes and font you'll include.

Whatever style you decide on, determining this before starting the actual creation process will help you be on the lookout for elements that can bring it into fruition.

04. Choose a type

When you think about how to design a logo, keep in mind that there are different types of logos out there. From plain text to the inclusion of symbols or a lone image—the various forms that logos take on should be considered before you design your masterpiece. Each of them will shift the outcome of your design, so think about which is the best fit with your brand identity and the audiences who will see it.

Here we’ll outline some of the different types of logos for you to consider, for a more in-depth explanation you can read up on types of logos :

A wordmark consists of only letters displayed in a specific typeface. This kind of logo would include the name of your brand and can be great if you already have a catchy brand name.

Similar to a wordmark, a letterform (or monogram) logo design will be typography based. However, monograms will include only your business’s initials.

Logo symbol

Also known as brand marks or pictorial marks, logo symbols use a single icon to represent your brand (sans text). Brand marks done right have the potential to go viral, but keep in mind that it’s a challenge to achieve recognizability at first without including your business name.

Abstract logo

Straying from pictorial representation, an abstract logo makes use of geometric shapes to fashion an image that is truly unique. Over time, this arbitrary symbol will become interchangeable with your brand.

Apart from being one-of-a-kind, an abstract logo will open the doors for global companies, whose audience won’t have to worry about catching localized references or reading text in their non-native language.

An emblem logo represents a more classic style, and is usually designed to include badges, seals or crests with a text inside. While it embodies a traditional air, emblem logos have been successfully modernized and used in branding throughout the end of the 20th century until now.

Combination

As the name implies, a combination logo will include both text and imagery. This can mean a lettermark with a mascot, a wordmark with a logo symbol or abstract design or any combination in between. For beginners, a combination mark is a resourceful place to start, since imagery and text will work together to bolster your brand’s recognizability.

A dynamic logo is one that is adaptable and has the flexibility to change its color, shape and text, depending on the context. Unlike static logos, dynamic logos are always changing. For example, a logo version that is printed compared to an online version may vary. Think of how Google’s logo constantly changes to reflect current events and holidays. Similarly, the iconic MTV logo that has many iterations highlighting pop culture, cultural changes and trends is a prime example of a dynamic logo that embodies its brand values.

05. Decide on a color scheme

Colors hold an enormous power in their own right. Color psychology tells us that different hues and tones can elicit emotion from audiences, impacting their behavior. The intent when choosing a logo color scheme for your design serves two purposes: first, to get the reaction you want out of your customers and second, to enhance your brand’s recognizability.

Web colors are digital representations of a variety of colors used to create websites and other digital design projects. These colors can be used to convey a range of messages, from energy and enthusiasm to sophistication and trustworthiness. Web colors are typically defined as one of 16 million hues, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink.

When it comes to logo color options, we can divide them into three categories: black and white logos, monochrome logos or color combination logos. A black and white theme can suit your logo if you’re going for a sleek minimalist style or a classic design. Monochrome logos (logos that include a single color) work well with wordmarks and lettermarks, and can make a strong impact by further associating an individual color with your brand. Successful examples of this are the signature red associated with Coca-Cola or Tiffany’s Robin Egg Blue.

Black and white logos

Black and white logos are often seen as the most timeless and sophisticated. When designing a logo in black and white, it is important to consider the typeface, shape, and other design elements carefully.

Black and white logos evoke a sense of simplicity and minimalism, which is often seen as modern and chic. These logos can be used to create a feeling of luxury, sophistication, and quality. They provide viewers with a sense of security and trust as they embody an aesthetic that is timeless and classic. One of the most famous black and white logos is of course the Apple logo.

Red logos , when designed correctly, can be bold statements that stand out and make a lasting impression. Red is often seen as a powerful and eye-catching color that conveys strength, love and passion. Famous red logos include Netflix, Adobe and CNN.

Blue logos can be an excellent choice for a variety of design projects. Blue is often seen as a calming, cool color which can evoke feelings of trust and loyalty. It is also associated with intelligence and professionalism, making it an ideal choice for business or corporate logos. Some striking examples of the use of blue in designing a logo, include Pepsi, Phillips and Procter and Gamble.

Green logos

Green logos can be an excellent choice for a variety of design projects. Green represents nature, growth, and harmony, making it a great color for environmental-friendly brands. As a cool, calm yet vibrant color, green can evoke feelings of balance, creativity, and renewal. It is often associated with health and wellness, as well as natural products. Starbucks, Shopify and Sprite are some of the most well-known green logos.

Orange logos

Orange logos are vibrant and eye-catching, often used for brands that want to make a bold statement. Orange is associated with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism, making it an ideal color choice for businesses looking to project a sense of confidence and growth. It can be used to create designs that are both playful and sophisticated. Famous brands using orange in their logos include MasterCard, Nickelodeon and Amazon.

Pink logos can be an excellent choice for a variety of design projects. Pink is often seen as a playful, lighthearted color which conveys warmth, femininity, and romance. It is also associated with youthfulness, creativity, and energy. As such, pink logos can be used to create designs that are both modern and inviting. Some of our favorite pink logos include Barbie and Pepto Bismol.

Purple logos

Purple logos  can be an excellent choice for a variety of design projects. Purple has long been associated with royalty, luxury and sophistication. It is also seen as a color that sparks creativity and imagination, making it a great choice for brands looking to create designs that are both elegant and whimsical. Some of the most iconic purple logos include Cadbury, Hallmark and Yahoo.

Yellow logos

Yellow logos  are among the most recognizable colors in the world. It is often associated with positivity, happiness and warmth, making it an ideal choice for brands looking to convey a sense of optimism. Yellow is also linked with intelligence and clarity, making it a great color choice for educational or informational logos. Some popular yellow logo examples include McDonald's, Shell and Best Buy.

Gray logos are a popular choice for designs that seek to convey a feeling of sophistication, modernity, and professionalism. With its neutral tone, gray is seen as a timeless color that can be used to create designs that are both classic and contemporary.

Gray logos are versatile and can be used to depict many different messages. For instance, they can be used to create a feeling of elegance and luxury, or a sense of minimalism and modernity.

Logo color combinations have a strong effect too, and impact the overall logo psychology . The right mixture will perfectly complement an abstract logo design, and will create variation and depth when working with a combination logo type. If you go in this direction, it’s recommended to stick to just 2-3 hues. Decide if you want your color combination to be complimentary (using colors that lie directly across from one another in the color wheel) or analogous (using colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel). Need more help deciding? You can check out these logo color ideas to help you get started. Or get exploring with a color palette

Don’t forget, the colors of your logo should be guided by your brand identity in order to maintain consistency.

06. Pick a font

If you plan to design a wordmark, lettermark or a combination, you’ll need to contemplate what are the best fonts for your logo . Similar to your choice of color, your choice of typography should amplify your logo’s personality and visibility. While there are endless varieties of fonts out there, you can start by ruling in or out some basic typeface families: serif, sans-serif, script or highly stylized typefaces.

It’s best to opt for web safe fonts when designing a logo. Web safe fonts are those that are widely available across all operating systems and devices, making them the perfect choice for designers who want to ensure that their finished product looks consistent on different platforms. While there is no single definitive list of web safe fonts, a few popular choices include Arial, Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman, and Courier New.

Your font can be applied to your logo design in different ways. A minimalist design might call on you to include a simple serif or sans serif font—something clean, readable and straightforward. When working with a combination logo, the same need for a clean and readable font might apply, but you’ll also need to take into account the alignment and balance of imagery with your text.

Sometimes, typography can be used in interesting ways to become an intriguing design element on its own. Lately, many brands attempt to design wordmarks or lettermarks with overlapping text or embellished fonts that stand out.

Font emphasis is an important concept to consider within your logo typography. It refers to how much emphasis is placed on certain words or characters in the design. With font emphasis, designers can draw attention to specific words and make them stand out from the rest of the text.

07. Outline a logo shape

As your logo comes together, consider which shapes you’ll integrate into your design. Logo shapes can be used in a variety of ways, from the entire composition to small details within the overall design. Shapes play a major role in perception and making logos instantly recognizable.

Understanding logo psychology and the impact shapes can have on emotions will empower you to design a purposeful logo that delivers your brand message authentically.

All shapes can be divided into three categories:

Geometric shapes are all created by unique configurations of lines, points and curves, and are most frequently symmetrical. These include circles, triangles, rectangles, squares and lines.

Organic shapes, also known as free forms, refer to any kind of naturally occurring figure. These shapes are most commonly irregular and asymmetrical. Organic shapes include leaves, flowers, water droplets or other shapes found in nature. They also include spirals, rounded edges and curved shapes.

Abstract shapes don’t follow any rules, and can take on many diverse forms. Sometimes created by merging other existing elements, or creating something completely new, abstract shapes are great for storytelling or evoking emotion. Abstract logos can be thought-provoking and engaging. Just remember, they must still embody your brand identity.

Geometric shapes in more detail

Squares are one of the most popular shapes used in logo design. They are versatile and can be used to create a variety of effects, from bold and impactful to modern and minimalistic. Squares can also be used in combination with other shapes, text, and colors to create an eye-catching design.

Hexagons are a shape that is often used in logo design due to their complex and interesting form. Hexagons are six-sided shapes with interior angles that total 720° and exterior angles of 120°. They can be used to create designs that draw the eye and stand out from the competition, as well as communicate a sense of stability.

Important logo shape concepts

Visual hierarchy is an important aspect of logo design, as it helps to guide viewers to the most important elements first. It dictates how information is presented and how it should be read. Making sure that visual hierarchy is used effectively in a logo design is key to creating a design that stands out and communicates the desired message.

Negative space is an important design element that is often overlooked but can have a dramatic effect on how a logo is perceived. Negative space, also known as white space, refers to the area between and around elements in a design. By including negative space in a logo design, designers are able to create balance and contrast that draws attention to the most important elements in the design.

Silhouette is an important tool used in logo design as it helps to create a recognizable and memorable design. Silhouette involves eliminating all unnecessary details from a design, leaving only the essential elements that will help to create an iconic logo. By using silhouettes, designers are able to create bold and dynamic designs that stand out from the competition.

08. Create a logo

Do it yourself (DIY) logo design can be a great way to create an effective logo without the need for expensive professional services. By understanding how design elements such as color, font emphasis, kerning, shapes and silhouettes work together, anyone with access to a logo maker, can create a stunning logo that is sure to draw attention and stand out from the competition.

Once you’ve outlined your elements, it’s time to open the Logo Maker, become your own designer and put it all together until your logo vision becomes a reality.

The platform uses AI to guide you step-by-step (see our guide on best AI logo generators for more AI uses). The process begins by asking you questions similar to what we’ve covered above, prompting you to enter your business name, describe your brand identity and define its style and personality. After that, it will generate a group of results which you can choose from and edit for further customization.

If you’re working with a graphic designer, this will be the point at which you communicate your vision, leaving them with the task of creating a sample of logo options to start with.

They may then provide you with a mockup of your logo. ​​This is a crucial part of the process, as it allows designers to see how their designs will look in real-life situations. Mockups help designers and their clients visualize how their logos will appear at different sizes and how they may be used in different contexts. Depending on how a logo design is used, mockups can allow for a better understanding of how the design will look in various scenarios.

"A truly successful logo goes beyond just imagery; it tells a story that deeply connects with its audience. Crafting such a logo involves blending elements that reflect the brand's identity, appeal to its target audience, and embrace modern design trends."

Yaya Aaronsohn, Head of Brand Maker at Wix

Pro tip: It's recommended to produce a few finished logos and different variations that you like before finalizing your decision. This should include black, white and monochromatic versions of your logo design.

09. Refine the results

Perhaps you’ll nail your logo design in one shot—but it’s more likely that you’ll want to go back to the options generated by the logo maker or graphic designer to further refine and customize your results.

This is the stage when you’ll edit and polish your logo options. Use the tools available to fine-tune your size, layout, colors, font, shape, style and imagery until you get the results you want.

Professional-grade graphic design software plays a significant role in allowing users to refine their logos. It means users can manipulate images, create detailed designs and logos, and even animate designs with ease, so use them to your advantage. Leading examples of this kind of editing software include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and FontShop International.

Don’t forget to review your logo in all of the different file formats it will eventually be displayed in. File formats determine how the final image will be presented online and in print. Different types of files are used for logos depending on how it is going to be used. For instance, .jpg, .png, .svg and .eps file formats are all commonly used for print media while .gif and .webp file formats are commonly used for online media. It is important to consider how the logo will be used before deciding on a file format, as this will ensure that the design looks its best no matter how it is viewed. It's not uncommon to have your logo saved in several different file formats.

10. Make a final decision

Now that you have logo options you’re happy with, it’s time to make a final decision on your design.

If you’re active on social media, you can get even more feedback by surveying your audience (or for things like church logos , you can ask members of the church). Try posting options onto your feed and asking followers to vote on the results. Not only is this a great way to see how the public reacts, it’s a smart marketing tactic that will definitely build brand awareness around your new visual identity .

Peer review is also an important part of the logo design review process as it allows designers, or anyone who has created a logo, to get feedback from others on how their designs can be improved. This can help ensure that the final logo design meets specifications, looks professional and communicates the desired message for the target or intended market.

A peer review should include feedback on how different elements such as color, font emphasis, kerning, shapes and silhouettes work together. It should also include asking how the logo makes the reviewer feel. Although it’s your logo and you have the final say, it’s a good idea to present your designs to trusted colleagues, friends or family to see their reaction. Collecting several different opinions is important.

Once you’ve got all this feedback, you can take it or leave it. Just keep in mind that some of these individuals may represent your ideal audience, so it will be interesting (not to mention valuable) to hear their comments before you make a consensus.

Last but not least, weigh in on your results and choose the logo design that both speaks to your audience and satisfies your company vision. This is when it’s time to confirm that it matches your brand style guide as well. Don’t settle for anything less than the logo of your dreams.

11. Put your logo to work

You’ve got a logo you love—now it’s time to put it to work. Start by downloading high quality image files of your logo. PNG and JPG files will work well on your website and social media platforms. A vector file (SVG or PDF ) will allow for more scalability—ensuring the quality of your logo’s image at any size and across printed materials. You can read our thorough guide to logo sizes for more in-depth information.

Once your logo files are downloaded, it’s time to stamp it on all of your brand’s marketing assets. This includes your website, business cards, packing material and anything else you want to be branded. If your logo is complex for some of these locations, you can create a simpler variable logo to go along with it. This is especially helpful for your website's favicon or a YouTube logo , or for packaging where logo real estate is smaller.

Finally, include your logo and specifications for future use in your brand style guide . This will ensure that your business’s appearance remains consistent as it continues to grow and evolve.

What makes a good logo

While most aspects of your logo design will unfold throughout the creation process, there are definitely some essential logo design tips to keep in mind from the start. So, before you become your own graphic designer, take note of these top tips that make for a good logo:

Simplicity: The phrase “less is more” has never been more fitting. In most cases, the least complicated logos are the easiest to recognize, so try to design a logo with a simple message that’s easy for people to connect with.

Representative: Your logo should appeal to your target audience and portray your business values. Make sure that the elements you use in your design are relevant to your industry and accurately represent your brand.

Timeless: You may want to spruce up your logo design over time, but you should aim to design this logo as if it were your last. By focusing on quality and avoiding designs that are too trendy, you’ll create a logo that will stick with you throughout the years. You can always explore trends, and take a look ahead at the future of logos to keep a pulse on what is relevant, while maintaining a timeless design.

Versatile: You’ll want a design that looks good no matter where it’s placed. A logo that can be resized and displayed on different media from the start will increase your brand’s visibility and avoid inconvenient limitations.

In addition to these qualities, your logo design process should also be developed with the following ideas in mind:

Fluidity is an important concept to consider when designing a logo. It refers to how elements of the design flow together, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. A logo that has fluidity will look aesthetically pleasing, as the components work together in harmony to create an appealing design.

Signage is an important tool for businesses looking to promote their brand and another important concept to keep in mind when designing a logo. Signage can be used to advertise products and services, create way-finding cues, and even draw attention to a business's unique aesthetic. When designing signage, it is important to take into account how the design will be seen from a distance, how it will be viewed in various lighting conditions, and how the colors and fonts will interact with each other. Signage should also be designed to stand out from the crowd and make an impact on viewers.

Innuendo can be an effective tool when it comes to logo design as it allows designers to hint at a deeper message or meaning without explicitly stating it. This subtlety can draw attention to the logo, allow for deeper contemplation and encourage people to think about how it ties into the company's brand. By using innuendo in logos, designers can evoke a greater emotional connection with customers and create a memorable design that stands out from the competition.

Readability is an important factor when it comes to choosing logo fonts. When creating a logo, designers should take into account how easily the design can be read and how quickly viewers can process the information. A logo should be designed in such a way that it is legible and easy to understand at a glance.

Font weight refers to how thick or thin a font is and how bold its characters are. Different font weights can be used to make text stand out or blend in with the background, depending on the desired effect. For example, a bold font weight can be used for the main text to draw attention to it, while a lighter font weight can be used for smaller details.

Kerning is used to adjust the space between individual characters to create a more aesthetically pleasing look. By applying kerning, designers can make sure that text looks uniform and balanced. It also helps create better readability by ensuring that characters don’t appear too close together or too far apart.

Graphic design and logo creation are essential parts of designing a logo. A well-designed logo should be eye-catching, memorable and communicate the desired message through the use of shapes, colors and fonts.

Once you've created your logo, you might want to consider trademarking it. With trademark protection you can secure the exclusive rights to use your logo and prevent it from being used by someone else.

When it comes to trademarking a logo in the US, you'll need to work through the following steps, you can also use a trademark attorney to guide you through the process:

Conduct a trademark search, to make sure your logo design isn't already registered by someone else in use by another business. You can do that here .

File a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) . You can do this online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

Provide all necessary information about your logo. This will include a description of it, including specific words or slogans used in it, as well as is specific colors and designs.

Submit the application fee. Prices start from US$250 per class as of 2023. The prices will vary depending on your filing basis, the number of classes the logo is registered under and other factors.

Wait for your application to be reviewed. This may take several months.

Respond to any office actions the USPTO sends you. If they have any questions or concerns related to your application, they'll send you one of these. You'll then be expected to respond to their questions within a reasonable time frame.

Accept your trademark registration once it's approved. As part of this you'll receive a registration certificate from the USPTO. Your trademark will then be valid for ten years, and it can be renewed as long as you're still using it as part of your business operations and branding.

You might also want to consider copyrighting your logo. In the United States, copyright protection for a logo is automatic once its created, but you can register your logo with the U.S. Copyright Office to obtain additional legal protection.

Creating an effective logo requires careful consideration of design principles and brand identity. Here are some best practices to follow when designing a logo:

Simplicity: A simple logo is easier to recognize, remember and reproduce across different mediums. Avoid overly complex designs or excessive details that can clutter the logo and make it difficult to scale.

Memorability: A good logo should be distinctive and leave a lasting impression. It should have a unique element or visual hook that sets it apart from competitors and makes it easily identifiable.

Relevance: The logo should align with your brand's personality, values and target audience. Consider the message you want to convey and choose design elements that resonate with your brand's essence.

Versatility: The logo should be adaptable to various applications, from website headers to business cards to merchandise. Ensure it maintains its integrity and legibility across different sizes and mediums.

Timelessness: Avoid trendy or faddish designs that may quickly become outdated. Aim for a logo that has a classic and enduring appeal, with a timeless quality that can represent your brand for years to come.

Appropriateness: The logo should be appropriate for your industry and target audience. Consider the cultural context and avoid using imagery or symbols that could be misinterpreted or offensive.

Color choice: Colors evoke emotions and can influence brand perception. Choose from logo color ideas that align with your brand's personality and target audience. Consider color psychology and the cultural associations of different colors.

Typography: The typeface you choose should be legible, visually appealing and appropriate for your brand's tone. Consider the overall style of your logo and choose a font that complements the design.

Scalability: The logo should be scalable to different sizes without losing its clarity or impact. Ensure it looks good when enlarged or reduced, from a website icon to a billboard advertisement.

Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues, potential customers or design professionals to refine your logo. Iterate on the design based on feedback and make adjustments to improve its effectiveness.

Before you start designing your logo, it's important to have the right tools. Here are a few essentials:

Pencil and paper: Sketching out some preliminary ideas is a great way to get started. Don't worry about making perfect drawings - just get your ideas down on paper.

Vector graphic design software: Vector graphics software is crucial for creating logos that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Wix Logo Maker uses vector graphic design software, which means that the logos you create are scalable to any size without losing quality. This is important because it means that you can use your logo on a variety of different mediums, from business cards to billboards, without having to worry about it looking pixelated or blurry. Fonts: The right font can make a big difference in the look and feel of your logo. There are many great free fonts available online. Wix offers a variety of free fonts that you can use to customize your logo. These fonts are available in a variety of styles, including sans serif, serif, script and decorative fonts. You can also upload your own fonts if you have a specific font in mind.

Free logo design tools: If you're short on time or money, there are many free online logo design tools available. These tools typically offer customizable templates that can help you create a professional-looking logo in minutes. However, it's important to note that you may have to purchase the final vector file if you want to use your logo for professional purposes.

Top online logo design tools:

Wix Logo Maker : Wix Logo Maker is an AI-powered platform that enables businesses and individuals to create professional logos in a matter of minutes, without any prior design experience. It offers a user-friendly interface, a vast library of templates and a range of customization options to cater to diverse branding needs.

VistaPrint: VistaPrint is a popular online printing company that also offers a logo design tool. VistaPrint's logo design tool is easy to use and offers a variety of templates to choose from. Yellow Pages Canada: Yellow Pages Canada is a Canadian online directory that also offers a logo design tool. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface, a vast selection of customizable templates and a range of design elements to cater to diverse branding needs. No matter which tool you choose, make sure you experiment with different designs and get feedback from others before you finalize your logo.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to design a logo with AI :

1. Choose an AI logo generator.

2. Enter your business name and industry.

3. Select a logo style.

4. Choose a color palette.

5. Add a symbol or icon.

6. Review and edit your logo.

7. Download your logo.

Here are some additional tips for designing a logo with AI:

Be specific in your instructions. The more specific you are in your instructions, the better the AI generator will be able to understand your needs and create a logo that you love.

Don't be afraid to experiment. The AI generator will create a variety of different logo options for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors and fonts until you find a logo that you love.

Get feedback from others. Once you have created a few different logo options, get feedback from others to see which one they like best.

Use your logo consistently. Once you have chosen a logo, be sure to use it consistently across all of your marketing materials. This will help to create a strong and recognizable brand identity.

How can I create a logo for free?

The best way to make a logo for free is to choose a free logo maker, such as the Wix Logo Maker. This will allow you to choose from pre-designed logos, or you can work with the tool to hone your own design. Free logo makers allow a certain degree of customization, in terms of the logo coloring and design. They also allow you to create your logo on a computer or phone.

How can I create a logo as a beginner?

How can i design a logo on my own, is it easy to make a logo, what makes a good logo, why do you need a logo, what not to do when designing your logo, related posts.

25 of the best logos to learn from

9 logo design trends to look out for in 2024

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How to Build a Detailed Business Plan That Stands Out [Free Template]

Updated: March 29, 2022

Published: March 11, 2022

While starting a company may seem easier now than ever before, entrepreneurs have an uphill battle from the moment they start a business. And without a clear, actionable business plan for selling, marketing, finances, and operations, you're almost destined to face significant challenges.

This is why crafting a business plan is an essential step in the entrepreneurial process.

In this post, we'll walk you through the process of filling out your business plan template, like this free, editable version :

Download a free, editable one-page business plan template.

We know that when looking at a blank page on a laptop screen, the idea of writing your business plan can seem impossible. However, it's a mandatory step to take if you want to turn your business dreams into a reality.

That's why we've crafted a business plan template for you to download and use to build your new company. You can download it here for free . It contains prompts for all of the essential parts of a business plan, all of which are elaborated on, below.

This way, you'll be able to show them how organized and well-thought-out your business idea is, and provide them with answers to whatever questions they may have.

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

• Outline your idea.
• Pitch to investors.
• Secure funding.
• Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Building a Successful Business Plan

In the next section, we'll cover the components of a business plan , such as an executive summary and company description. But before we get to that, let's talk about key elements that should serve as building blocks for your plan.

For some entrepreneurs, the thought of writing a business plan sounds like a chore — a necessary means to an end. But that's a bad take.

A solid business plan is a blueprint for success . It's key to securing financing, presenting your business, outlining your financial projections, and turning that nugget of a business idea into a reality.

At the core, your business plan should answer two questions: why your business and why now?

Investors want to know why your business is entering the market, i.e. what problem it's solving and how it's different from what's currently out there. They also want to know why now is the right time for your type of product or service.

At a minimum, your plan should:

• Be more realistic than idealistic: Too often, business plans focus too much on how things could be instead of how they are. While having a vision is important, your plan needs to be rooted in research and data.
• Legitimize your business idea : If an idea fails on paper, it's a signal to go back to the drawing board. In doing so, you avoid losing precious time or money chasing an unrealistic idea.
• Position your business for funding: To get your business off the ground, chances are you'll need financial backing. Even with a solid business idea, investors, lenders, and banks still need convincing. An effective business plan will outline how much money you need, where it's going, what targets you will hit, and how you plan to repay any debts.
• Lay the foundation: Investors focus on risk – if anything looks shaky, it could be a dealbreaker. Ideally, your business plan will lay down the foundation for how you'll operate your business — from operational needs to financial projections and goals.
• Communicate your needs: It's nearly impossible to communicate your needs if you don't know what they are first. Of course, a business’ needs are always changing — but your plan should give you a well-rounded view of how your business will work in the short and long term.

So back to the question of why and why now – consider three things:

• Your industry – How does your product or service fit within your industry? Are you targeting a specific niche? Where do you see the industry going in the next five to 10 years?
• Your target audience – Who are you targeting? What challenges are they facing? How will your product or service help them in their daily lives?
• Your unique selling proposition (USP) – What sets you apart from your competitors? Is it your product/service features? Your company values? Price?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you'll be equipped to answer the question: why your business and why now.

How to Build a Business Plan

• Executive Summary
• Company and Business Description
• Product and Services Line
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Legal Notes
• Financial Considerations

Featured Resource: Free Business Plan Template

1. cover page.

Your business plan should be prefaced with an eye-catching cover page. This means including a high-resolution image of your company logo, followed by your company's name, address, and phone number.

Since this business plan will likely change hands and be seen by multiple investors, you should also provide your own name, role in the business, and email address on the cover page.

At the bottom of this page, you can also add a confidentiality statement to protect against the disclosure of your business details.

The statement can read as follows: " This document contains confidential and proprietary information created by [your company name]. When receiving this document, you agree to keep its content confidential and may only reproduce and/or share it with express written permission of [your company name] ."

Remember to keep your cover page simple and concise — and save the important details for other sections.

Why it matters: First impressions are everything, and a clean cover page is the first step in the right direction.

Example of a Cover Page

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary of your business plan provides a one- to two-page overview of your business and highlights the most crucial pieces of your plan, such as your short-term and long-term goals.

The executive summary is essentially a boiled-down version of your entire business plan, so remember to keep this section to the point and filled only with essential information.

Typically, this brief section includes:

• A mission statement.
• The company's history and leadership model.
• An overview of competitive advantage(s).
• Financial projections.
• Company goals.
• An ask from potential investors.

Why it matters: The executive summary is known as the make-or-break section of a business plan. It influences whether investors turn the page or not — so effectively summarizing your business and the problem it hopes to solve is a must.

Think of the Summary as a written elevator pitch (with more detail). While your business plan provides the nitty-gritty details, your Summary describes — in a compelling but matter-of-fact language — the highlights of your plan. If it's too vague, complicated, or fuzzy, you may need to scrap it and start again.

Example of an Executive Summary Introduction

"The future looks bright for North Side Chicago, particularly the Rock Hill Neighborhood. A number of high-end commercial and residential developments are well on their way, along with two new condo developments in nearby neighborhoods.

While the completion of these developments will increase the population within the neighborhood and stimulate the economy, the area lacks an upscale restaurant where residents and visitors can enjoy fine food and drink. Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will provide such a place."

3. Company & Business Description

In this section, provide a more thorough description of what your company is and why it exists.

The bulk of the writing in this section should be about your company's purpose – covering what the business will be selling, identifying the target market, and laying out a path to success.

In this portion of your business plan, you can also elaborate on your company's:

• Mission statement
• Core values
• Team and organizational structure

Why it matters: Investors look for great structures and teams in addition to great ideas. This section gives an overview of your businesses' ethos. It's the perfect opportunity to set your business apart from the competition — such as your team's expertise, your unique work culture, and your competitive advantage.

Example of a Values/Mission Statement

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will be the go-to place for people to get a drink or bite in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The mission is to be North Side's leading restaurant, with the best tasting food and the highest quality service."

3. Product & Services Line

Here's where you'll cover the makeup of your business's product and/or services line. You should provide each product or service's name, its purpose, and a description of how it works (if appropriate). If you own any patents, copyrights, or trademarks, it's essential to include this info too.

Next, add some color to your sales strategy by outlining your pricing model and mark-up amounts.

If you're selling tangible products, you should also explain production and costs, and how you expect these factors to change as you scale.

Why it matters: This section contains the real meat of your business plan. It sets the stage for the problem you hope to solve, your solution, and how your said solution fits in the market.

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for this section. For instance, one plan may delve into its ability to market in a more cost-effective way than the competition, whereas another plan focuses on its key products and their unique features and benefits.

Regardless of your angle, it's critical to convey how your offerings will differ from the competition.

Example of a Product/Service Offering

"The menu at Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will focus on Moroccan cuisine. The stars of the menu (our specialties) are the Moroccan dishes, such as eggplant zaalouk, seafood bastilla, tagine, and chickpea stew. For those who enjoy American dishes, there will also be a variety of options, from burger sliders and flatbread pizza to grilled steak and salads.

The food at Jay Street will have premium pricing to match its upscale atmosphere. During the summer months, the restaurant will have extra seating on the patio where clients can enjoy a special summer menu. We will be open on all days of the week."

4. Market Analysis

It helps to reference your market research documentation in this section, like a Porter's Five Forces Analysis or a SWOT Analysis ( templates for those are available here ). You can also include them in your appendix.

If your company already has buyer personas, you should include them here as well. If not, you can create them right now using the Make My Persona Tool .

Why it matters: Having an awesome product is, well, awesome — but it isn't enough. Just as important, there must be a market for it.

This section allows you to dig deeper into your market, which segments you want to target, and why. The "why" here is important, since targeting the right segment is critical for the success and growth of your business.

It's easy to get lost (or overwhelmed) in a sea of endless data. For your business plan, narrow your focus by answering the following questions:

• What is my market? In other words, who are my customers?
• What segments of the market do I want to target?
• What's the size of my target market?
• Is my market likely to grow?
• How can I increase my market share over time?

Example of a Market Analysis

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will target locals who live and work within the Rock Hill Neighborhood and the greater North Side Chicago area. We will also target the tourists who flock to the many tourist attractions and colleges on the North Side.

We will specifically focus on young to middle-aged adults with an income of $40,000 to $80,000 who are looking for an upscale experience. The general demographics of our target market are women between 20 to 50 years old.

A unique and varied Moroccan-American menu, along with our unique upscale atmosphere, differentiates us from competitors in the area. Jay Street will also set itself apart through its commitment to high-quality food, service, design, and atmosphere."

5. Marketing Plan

Unlike the market analysis section, your marketing plan section should be an explanation of the tactical approach to reaching your aforementioned target audience. List your advertising channels, organic marketing methods, messaging, budget, and any relevant promotional tactics.

If your company has a fully fleshed-out marketing plan, you can attach it in the appendix of your business plan. If not, download this free marketing plan template to outline your strategy.

Free Marketing Plan Template

Outline your company's marketing strategy in one simple, coherent plan.

• Pre-Sectioned Template
• Completely Customizable
• Example Prompts
• Professionally Designed

Why it matters: Marketing is what puts your product in front of your customers. It's not just advertising — it's an investment in your business.

Throwing money into random marketing channels is a haphazard approach, which is why it's essential to do the legwork to create a solid marketing plan.

Here's some good news — by this point, you should have a solid understanding of your target market. Now, it's time to determine how you'll reach them.

Example of a Marketing Plan Overview

"Our marketing strategy will focus on three main initiatives:

• Social media marketing. We will grow and expand our Facebook and Instagram following through targeted social media ads.
• Website initiatives. Our website will attract potential visitors by offering updated menus and a calendar of events.
• Promotional events. Jay Street will have one special theme night per week to attract new clients."

6. Sales Plan

It doesn't matter if your sales department is an office full of business development representatives (BDR) or a dozen stores with your products on their shelves.

The point is: All sales plans are different, so you should clearly outline yours here. Common talking points include your:

• Sales team structure, and why this structure was chosen.
• Sales channels.
• Sales tools, software, and resources.
• Prospecting strategy.
• Sales goals and budget.

Like with your marketing plan, it might make sense to attach your completed sales plan to the appendix of your business plan. You can download a template for building your sales plan here .

Why it matters: Among other things, investors are interested in the scalability of your business — which is why growth strategies are a critical part of your business plan.

Your sales plan should describe your plan to attract customers, retain them (if applicable), and, ultimately, grow your business. Be sure to outline what you plan to do given your existing resources and what results you expect from your work.

Example of a Sales Plan Overview

"The most important goal is to ensure financial success for Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant. We believe we can achieve this by offering excellent food, entertainment, and service to our clients.

We are not a low-cost dining option in the area. Instead, the food will have premium pricing to match its upscale feel. The strategy is to give Jay Street a perception of elegance through its food, entertainment, and excellent service."

7. Legal Notes

Your investors may want to know the legal structure of your business, as that could directly impact the risk of their investments. For example, if you're looking for business partners to engage in a non-corporation or LLC partnership, this means they could be on the line for more than their actual investment.

Because this clarification is often needed, explain if you are and/or plan to become a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other.

You should also outline the steps you have taken (or will need to take) to operate legally. This includes licenses, permits, registrations, and insurance.

The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Why it matters: The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Example of Legal Notes

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant is up-to-date on all restaurant licenses and health permits. Our business name and logo are registered trademarks, presenting the possibility of expanding locally."

8. Financial Considerations

Ultimately, investors want to know two things:

• When they will earn their money back.
• When they will start seeing returns on their initial investment.

That said, be clear, calculated, and convincing in this section. It should cover:

• Startup costs.
• Sales forecasts for the next several months/quarters.
• Break-even analysis for time and dollars.
• Projected profit and loss (P&L) statement.

Facts and figures are key here, so be as specific as possible with each line item and projection. In addition, explain the "why" behind each of these sections.

However, keep in mind that information overload is a risk, especially when it comes to data. So, if you have pages upon pages of charts and spreadsheets for this section, distill them into a page or two and include the rest of the sheets in the appendix. This section should only focus on key data points.

Why it matters: One of the most important aspects of becoming "investor ready" is knowing your numbers. More importantly, you need to understand how those numbers will enhance your business.

While it's easy to write a number down on paper, it's more important to understand (and communicate) why you need capital, where it's going, and that your evaluation makes sense.

Example of Financial Projections

"Based on our knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry, we have come up with projections for the business.

Starting with an expenditure of $400,000 in year 1, we forecast sales of $1,500,000 and $2,800,000 for years two and three. We expect to achieve a net profit of 15% by year three."

9. Appendix

A detailed and well-developed business plan can range anywhere from 20 to 50 pages, with some even reaching upward of 80.

In many cases, the appendix is the longest section. Why? Because it includes the supportive materials mentioned in previous sections. To avoid disrupting the flow of the business plan with visuals, charts, and spreadsheets, business owners usually add them in the last section, i.e. the appendix.

Aside from what we've already mentioned – marketing plan, sales plan, department budgets, financial documents – you may also want to attach the following in the appendix:

• Marketing materials
• Market research data
• Licensing documentation
• Branding assets
• Floor plans for your location
• Mockups of your product
• Renderings of your office space or location design

Adding these pieces to the appendix enriches the reader's understanding of your business and proves you've put the work into your business plan without distracting from the main points throughout the plan.

Why it matters: An appendix helps the reader do their due diligence. It contains everything they need to support your business plan.

Keep in mind, however, that an appendix is typically necessary only if you're seeking financing or looking to attract business partners.

Use a Business Plan Template to Get Started

Writing a business plan shouldn't be an insurmountable roadblock to starting a business. Unfortunately, for all too many, it is.

That's why we recommend using our free business plan template. Pre-filled with detailed section prompts for all of the topics in this blog post, we're confident this template will get your business plan started in the right direction.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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2 Essential Templates For Starting Your Business

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How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Noah Parsons

24 min. read

Updated May 7, 2024

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. 

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a business plan that’s detailed enough to impress bankers and potential investors, while giving you the tools to start, run, and grow a successful business.

• The basics of business planning

If you’re reading this guide, then you already know why you need a business plan . 

You understand that planning helps you: 

• Raise money
• Grow strategically
• Keep your business on the right track 

As you start to write your plan, it’s useful to zoom out and remember what a business plan is .

At its core, a business plan is an overview of the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy: how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow. 

A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It’s also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals. 

After completing your plan, you can use it as a management tool to track your progress toward your goals. Updating and adjusting your forecasts and budgets as you go is one of the most important steps you can take to run a healthier, smarter business. 

We’ll dive into how to use your plan later in this article.

There are many different types of plans , but we’ll go over the most common type here, which includes everything you need for an investor-ready plan. However, if you’re just starting out and are looking for something simpler—I recommend starting with a one-page business plan . It’s faster and easier to create. 

It’s also the perfect place to start if you’re just figuring out your idea, or need a simple strategic plan to use inside your business.

Dig deeper : How to write a one-page business plan

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• What to include in your business plan

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally just one to two pages. Most people write it last because it’s a summary of the complete business plan.

Ideally, the executive summary can act as a stand-alone document that covers the highlights of your detailed plan. 

In fact, it’s common for investors to ask only for the executive summary when evaluating your business. If they like what they see in the executive summary, they’ll often follow up with a request for a complete plan, a pitch presentation , or more in-depth financial forecasts .

Your executive summary should include:

• A summary of the problem you are solving
• A description of your product or service
• An overview of your target market
• A brief description of your team
• A summary of your financials
• Your funding requirements (if you are raising money)

Dig Deeper: How to write an effective executive summary

Products and services description

This is where you describe exactly what you’re selling, and how it solves a problem for your target market. The best way to organize this part of your plan is to start by describing the problem that exists for your customers. After that, you can describe how you plan to solve that problem with your product or service. 

This is usually called a problem and solution statement .

To truly showcase the value of your products and services, you need to craft a compelling narrative around your offerings. How will your product or service transform your customers’ lives or jobs? A strong narrative will draw in your readers.

This is also the part of the business plan to discuss any competitive advantages you may have, like specific intellectual property or patents that protect your product. If you have any initial sales, contracts, or other evidence that your product or service is likely to sell, include that information as well. It will show that your idea has traction , which can help convince readers that your plan has a high chance of success.

Market analysis

Your target market is a description of the type of people that you plan to sell to. You might even have multiple target markets, depending on your business. 

A market analysis is the part of your plan where you bring together all of the information you know about your target market. Basically, it’s a thorough description of who your customers are and why they need what you’re selling. You’ll also include information about the growth of your market and your industry .

Try to be as specific as possible when you describe your market. 

Include information such as age, income level, and location—these are what’s called “demographics.” If you can, also describe your market’s interests and habits as they relate to your business—these are “psychographics.” 

Related: Target market examples

Essentially, you want to include any knowledge you have about your customers that is relevant to how your product or service is right for them. With a solid target market, it will be easier to create a sales and marketing plan that will reach your customers. That’s because you know who they are, what they like to do, and the best ways to reach them.

Next, provide any additional information you have about your market. 

What is the size of your market ? Is the market growing or shrinking? Ideally, you’ll want to demonstrate that your market is growing over time, and also explain how your business is positioned to take advantage of any expected changes in your industry.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write a market analysis

Competitive analysis

Part of defining your business opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage is. To do this effectively, you need to know as much about your competitors as your target customers. 

Every business has some form of competition. If you don’t think you have competitors, then explore what alternatives there are in the market for your product or service. 

For example: In the early years of cars, their main competition was horses. For social media, the early competition was reading books, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

A good competitive analysis fully lays out the competitive landscape and then explains how your business is different. Maybe your products are better made, or cheaper, or your customer service is superior. Maybe your competitive advantage is your location – a wide variety of factors can ultimately give you an advantage.

Dig Deeper: How to write a competitive analysis for your business plan

Marketing and sales plan

The marketing and sales plan covers how you will position your product or service in the market, the marketing channels and messaging you will use, and your sales tactics. 

The best place to start with a marketing plan is with a positioning statement . 

This explains how your business fits into the overall market, and how you will explain the advantages of your product or service to customers. You’ll use the information from your competitive analysis to help you with your positioning. 

For example: You might position your company as the premium, most expensive but the highest quality option in the market. Or your positioning might focus on being locally owned and that shoppers support the local economy by buying your products.

Once you understand your positioning, you’ll bring this together with the information about your target market to create your marketing strategy . 

This is how you plan to communicate your message to potential customers. Depending on who your customers are and how they purchase products like yours, you might use many different strategies, from social media advertising to creating a podcast. Your marketing plan is all about how your customers discover who you are and why they should consider your products and services. 

While your marketing plan is about reaching your customers—your sales plan will describe the actual sales process once a customer has decided that they’re interested in what you have to offer. 

If your business requires salespeople and a long sales process, describe that in this section. If your customers can “self-serve” and just make purchases quickly on your website, describe that process. 

A good sales plan picks up where your marketing plan leaves off. The marketing plan brings customers in the door and the sales plan is how you close the deal.

Together, these specific plans paint a picture of how you will connect with your target audience, and how you will turn them into paying customers.

Dig deeper: What to include in your sales and marketing plan

Business operations

The operations section describes the necessary requirements for your business to run smoothly. It’s where you talk about how your business works and what day-to-day operations look like. 

Depending on how your business is structured, your operations plan may include elements of the business like:

• Supply chain management
• Manufacturing processes
• Equipment and technology
• Distribution

Some businesses distribute their products and reach their customers through large retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains. 

These businesses should review how this part of their business works. The plan should discuss the logistics and costs of getting products onto store shelves and any potential hurdles the business may have to overcome.

If your business is much simpler than this, that’s OK. This section of your business plan can be either extremely short or more detailed, depending on the type of business you are building.

For businesses selling services, such as physical therapy or online software, you can use this section to describe the technology you’ll leverage, what goes into your service, and who you will partner with to deliver your services.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write the operations chapter of your plan

Key milestones and metrics

Although it’s not required to complete your business plan, mapping out key business milestones and the metrics can be incredibly useful for measuring your success.

Good milestones clearly lay out the parameters of the task and set expectations for their execution. You’ll want to include:

• A description of each task
• The proposed due date
• Who is responsible for each task

If you have a budget, you can include projected costs to hit each milestone. You don’t need extensive project planning in this section—just list key milestones you want to hit and when you plan to hit them. This is your overall business roadmap. 

Possible milestones might be:

• Website launch date
• Store or office opening date
• First significant sales
• Break even date
• Business licenses and approvals

You should also discuss the key numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common metrics worth tracking include:

• Conversion rates
• Customer acquisition costs
• Profit per customer
• Repeat purchases

It’s perfectly fine to start with just a few metrics and grow the number you are tracking over time. You also may find that some metrics simply aren’t relevant to your business and can narrow down what you’re tracking.

Dig Deeper: How to use milestones in your business plan

Organization and management team

Investors don’t just look for great ideas—they want to find great teams. Use this chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire . You should also provide a quick overview of your location and history if you’re already up and running.

Briefly highlight the relevant experiences of each key team member in the company. It’s important to make the case for why yours is the right team to turn an idea into a reality. 

Do they have the right industry experience and background? Have members of the team had entrepreneurial successes before? 

If you still need to hire key team members, that’s OK. Just note those gaps in this section.

Your company overview should also include a summary of your company’s current business structure . The most common business structures include:

• Sole proprietor
• Partnership

Be sure to provide an overview of how the business is owned as well. Does each business partner own an equal portion of the business? How is ownership divided? 

Potential lenders and investors will want to know the structure of the business before they will consider a loan or investment.

Dig Deeper: How to write about your company structure and team

Financial plan

Last, but certainly not least, is your financial plan chapter. 

Entrepreneurs often find this section the most daunting. But, business financials for most startups are less complicated than you think, and a business degree is certainly not required to build a solid financial forecast. 

A typical financial forecast in a business plan includes the following:

• Sales forecast : An estimate of the sales expected over a given period. You’ll break down your forecast into the key revenue streams that you expect to have.
• Expense budget : Your planned spending such as personnel costs , marketing expenses, and taxes.
• Profit & Loss : Brings together your sales and expenses and helps you calculate planned profits.
• Cash Flow : Shows how cash moves into and out of your business. It can predict how much cash you’ll have on hand at any given point in the future.
• Balance Sheet : A list of the assets, liabilities, and equity in your company. In short, it provides an overview of the financial health of your business. 

A strong business plan will include a description of assumptions about the future, and potential risks that could impact the financial plan. Including those will be especially important if you’re writing a business plan to pursue a loan or other investment.

Dig Deeper: How to create financial forecasts and budgets

This is the place for additional data, charts, or other information that supports your plan.

Including an appendix can significantly enhance the credibility of your plan by showing readers that you’ve thoroughly considered the details of your business idea, and are backing your ideas up with solid data.

Just remember that the information in the appendix is meant to be supplementary. Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section.

Dig Deeper : What to include in your business plan appendix

Optional: Business plan cover page

Adding a business plan cover page can make your plan, and by extension your business, seem more professional in the eyes of potential investors, lenders, and partners. It serves as the introduction to your document and provides necessary contact information for stakeholders to reference.

Your cover page should be simple and include:

• Company logo
• Business name
• Value proposition (optional)
• Business plan title
• Completion and/or update date
• Address and contact information
• Confidentiality statement

Just remember, the cover page is optional. If you decide to include it, keep it very simple and only spend a short amount of time putting it together.

Dig Deeper: How to create a business plan cover page

How to use AI to help write your business plan

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can speed up the business plan writing process and help you think through concepts like market segmentation and competition. These tools are especially useful for taking ideas that you provide and converting them into polished text for your business plan.

The best way to use AI for your business plan is to leverage it as a collaborator , not a replacement for human creative thinking and ingenuity. 

AI can come up with lots of ideas and act as a brainstorming partner. It’s up to you to filter through those ideas and figure out which ones are realistic enough to resonate with your customers. 

There are pros and cons of using AI to help with your business plan . So, spend some time understanding how it can be most helpful before just outsourcing the job to AI.

Learn more: 10 AI prompts you need to write a business plan

• Writing tips and strategies

To help streamline the business plan writing process, here are a few tips and key questions to answer to make sure you get the most out of your plan and avoid common mistakes .  

Determine why you are writing a business plan

Knowing why you are writing a business plan will determine your approach to your planning project. 

For example: If you are writing a business plan for yourself, or just to use inside your own business , you can probably skip the section about your team and organizational structure. 

If you’re raising money, you’ll want to spend more time explaining why you’re looking to raise the funds and exactly how you will use them.

Regardless of how you intend to use your business plan , think about why you are writing and what you’re trying to get out of the process before you begin.

Keep things concise

Probably the most important tip is to keep your business plan short and simple. There are no prizes for long business plans . The longer your plan is, the less likely people are to read it. 

So focus on trimming things down to the essentials your readers need to know. Skip the extended, wordy descriptions and instead focus on creating a plan that is easy to read —using bullets and short sentences whenever possible.

Have someone review your business plan

Writing a business plan in a vacuum is never a good idea. Sometimes it’s helpful to zoom out and check if your plan makes sense to someone else. You also want to make sure that it’s easy to read and understand.

Don’t wait until your plan is “done” to get a second look. Start sharing your plan early, and find out from readers what questions your plan leaves unanswered. This early review cycle will help you spot shortcomings in your plan and address them quickly, rather than finding out about them right before you present your plan to a lender or investor.

If you need a more detailed review, you may want to explore hiring a professional plan writer to thoroughly examine it.

Use a free business plan template and business plan examples to get started

Knowing what information to include in a business plan is sometimes not quite enough. If you’re struggling to get started or need additional guidance, it may be worth using a business plan template. 

There are plenty of great options available (we’ve rounded up our 8 favorites to streamline your search).

But, if you’re looking for a free downloadable business plan template , you can get one right now; download the template used by more than 1 million businesses. 

Or, if you just want to see what a completed business plan looks like, check out our library of over 550 free business plan examples . 

We even have a growing list of industry business planning guides with tips for what to focus on depending on your business type.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re writing your business plan. Some entrepreneurs get sucked into the writing and research process, and don’t focus enough on actually getting their business started. 

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not talking to your customers : This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s easy to assume that your product or service is something that people want. Before you invest too much in your business and too much in the planning process, make sure you talk to your prospective customers and have a good understanding of their needs.

• Overly optimistic sales and profit forecasts: By nature, entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. But it’s good to temper that optimism a little when you’re planning, and make sure your forecasts are grounded in reality. 
• Spending too much time planning: Yes, planning is crucial. But you also need to get out and talk to customers, build prototypes of your product and figure out if there’s a market for your idea. Make sure to balance planning with building.
• Not revising the plan: Planning is useful, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. As you learn more about what’s working and what’s not—revise your plan, your budgets, and your revenue forecast. Doing so will provide a more realistic picture of where your business is going, and what your financial needs will be moving forward.
• Not using the plan to manage your business: A good business plan is a management tool. Don’t just write it and put it on the shelf to collect dust – use it to track your progress and help you reach your goals.
• Presenting your business plan

The planning process forces you to think through every aspect of your business and answer questions that you may not have thought of. That’s the real benefit of writing a business plan – the knowledge you gain about your business that you may not have been able to discover otherwise.

With all of this knowledge, you’re well prepared to convert your business plan into a pitch presentation to present your ideas. 

A pitch presentation is a summary of your plan, just hitting the highlights and key points. It’s the best way to present your business plan to investors and team members.

Dig Deeper: Learn what key slides should be included in your pitch deck

Use your business plan to manage your business

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it gives you a tool to manage your business better. With a revenue forecast, expense budget, and projected cash flow, you know your targets and where you are headed.

And yet, nothing ever goes exactly as planned – it’s the nature of business.

That’s where using your plan as a management tool comes in. The key to leveraging it for your business is to review it periodically and compare your forecasts and projections to your actual results.

Start by setting up a regular time to review the plan – a monthly review is a good starting point. During this review, answer questions like:

• Did you meet your sales goals?
• Is spending following your budget?
• Has anything gone differently than what you expected?

Now that you see whether you’re meeting your goals or are off track, you can make adjustments and set new targets. 

Maybe you’re exceeding your sales goals and should set new, more aggressive goals. In that case, maybe you should also explore more spending or hiring more employees. 

Or maybe expenses are rising faster than you projected. If that’s the case, you would need to look at where you can cut costs.

A plan, and a method for comparing your plan to your actual results , is the tool you need to steer your business toward success.

Learn More: How to run a regular plan review

Free business plan templates and examples

Kickstart your business plan writing with one of our free business plan templates or recommended tools.

Free business plan template

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Download a free one-page plan template to write a useful business plan in as little as 30-minutes.

Sample business plan library

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How to write a business plan FAQ

What is a business plan?

A document that describes your business , the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy, how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

What are the benefits of a business plan?

A business plan helps you understand where you want to go with your business and what it will take to get there. It reduces your overall risk, helps you uncover your business’s potential, attracts investors, and identifies areas for growth.

Having a business plan ultimately makes you more confident as a business owner and more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.

What are the 7 steps of a business plan?

The seven steps to writing a business plan include:

• Write a brief executive summary
• Describe your products and services.
• Conduct market research and compile data into a cohesive market analysis.
• Describe your marketing and sales strategy.
• Outline your organizational structure and management team.
• Develop financial projections for sales, revenue, and cash flow.
• Add any additional documents to your appendix.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a business plan. However, these are the 5 most common that you should do your best to avoid:

• 1. Not taking the planning process seriously.
• Having unrealistic financial projections or incomplete financial information.
• Inconsistent information or simple mistakes.
• Failing to establish a sound business model.
• Not having a defined purpose for your business plan.

What questions should be answered in a business plan?

Writing a business plan is all about asking yourself questions about your business and being able to answer them through the planning process. You’ll likely be asking dozens and dozens of questions for each section of your plan.

However, these are the key questions you should ask and answer with your business plan:

• How will your business make money?
• Is there a need for your product or service?
• Who are your customers?
• How are you different from the competition?
• How will you reach your customers?
• How will you measure success?

How long should a business plan be?

The length of your business plan fully depends on what you intend to do with it. From the SBA and traditional lender point of view, a business plan needs to be whatever length necessary to fully explain your business. This means that you prove the viability of your business, show that you understand the market, and have a detailed strategy in place.

If you intend to use your business plan for internal management purposes, you don’t necessarily need a full 25-50 page business plan. Instead, you can start with a one-page plan to get all of the necessary information in place.

What are the different types of business plans?

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan: The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used when applying for funding or pitching to investors. This type of business plan follows the outline above and can be anywhere from 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix.

Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

One-page business plan: This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business. You’ll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences. It’s most useful for those exploring ideas, needing to validate their business model, or who need an internal plan to help them run and manage their business.

Lean Plan: The Lean Plan is less of a specific document type and more of a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, test, review, refine, and take action based on performance. It’s faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan covers the “who” and “what” of your business. It explains what your business is doing right now and how it functions. The strategic plan explores long-term goals and explains “how” the business will get there. It encourages you to look more intently toward the future and how you will achieve your vision.

However, when approached correctly, your business plan can actually function as a strategic plan as well. If kept lean, you can define your business, outline strategic steps, and track ongoing operations all with a single plan.

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

Table of Contents

• Use AI to help write your plan
• Common planning mistakes
• Manage with your business plan
• Templates and examples

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Creating Your Logo Should Be At The Top Of Your Business Plan

This page may contain links to Amazon.com or other sites from which I may receive commission on purchases you make after clicking on such links.  Read my full Disclosure Policy

Logos have power. Think about Nike, McDonald’s and Apple Computers. If you’re like most people, within the first few seconds of seeing these logos, you think about these businesses. Logos distinguish you from other businesses, even if the company name is similar. Discover the importance of your branded logo and consider developing one as your next business goal.

First Impressions Count

Your logo is normally the first thing people see, and they’ll start to make a judgement about your business with a single glance. On a web page or brochure full of text, eyes will naturally be drawn to a logo. If it doesn’t fit the business, then that first impression may be a bust.

Logos Imply Stability

You may not have been in business for 50 years, but when people see a logo, they get a sense of permanence. With a good logo, they expect that you are serious about your business and will have staying power. Anyone can buy a domain name, put up a website and start a business. But those who have created a matching logo for their business stand out in the crowd.

Show That You’re a Professional

An appropriate logo conveys integrity and credibility , says BlogTrepreneur. It says you are experienced and confident enough to display your brand to the world. Gaining the trust of potential customers is an important benefit of designing a professional looking logo.

Memorable Associations with Your Business

It’s important to make a “good” association. A hastily designed logo will be with you for a long time — check out Business Insider’s picks for the worst logo designs . Some of them are for large companies with big graphic design budgets. All of them will make you wonder who reviewed and approved these things!

Research your competition and the logos they’ve designed. Check out logo design services for examples to get you started thinking about the image you want to make. When you have a draft of your logo, ask other people for their input. What do they think of when they see your logo? You want a good association between the logo and your business.

Designing Your Logo

Simplicity is the key. Use one or two fonts and colors only. Match the colors with the tone of your business.

According to the Branding Strategy Insider, red, orange, and yellow tend to create excitement , so those colors might not be a good choice if you market to clients with ADHD . Pastels are calming, but may be more effective if your business caters to busy moms than if you offer productivity workshops in the corporate world.

Keep text to a minimum or use none at all. The image construction should convey the right message. If you feel the need to add words to describe the company, then the logo design isn’t working well.

Even the shapes in a logo are important , says the Small Business Chronicle. An angular logo conveys motion and speed suitable for a high-tech company or an aftermarket auto parts distributor. A rounded logo matches a service company’s need to convey trust and service. Play with various shapes to see what they say about your company.

Use the same logo throughout your marketing materials, including brochures, stationery, and business cards. You want people to see your logo and link it with your company. Don’t confuse them with variations. You are better off starting out with a very simple logo and then redesigning it as your business grows.

Until recently, Iwas unable to offer logo design, though I’ve always been happy to collaborate with graphic designers of my clients’ choosing. I’m happy to announce that I’ve now partnered with a graphic designer to create custom logos for the websites I develop. If you’re in the market for a new logo and website, please read about my  Website and Blog Design Services .

Image © Kusuriuri /  depositphotos

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A former professional organizer, I now eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, watching movies, and cooking.

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A well-written business plan can help a company secure funding, attract investors, and move toward achieving its goals. A business plan writing service provides expert guidance and support to founders looking to create an effective plan. Use TRUiC’s business plan writing service logo generator to create a design that’ll convey professionalism, expertise, and trust to your potential clients.

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Learn more about this industry by checking out our How to Start a Business Plan Writing Service guide or if you need help thinking of a name for your small business, try our Business Name Generator .

Creating Your Business Plan Writing Service Logo

Every business needs a plan. Unfortunately, some people who intend to start businesses don’t know how to assemble a formal business plan to attract investors and guide the company through its early stages. If you possess this skill set, your work as a business plan writer can help many new companies get going.

You’ll need a logo for your new business plan writing service, but designing one might be outside of your comfort zone. Not to worry - with a little guidance from existing business plan writing companies, you can land on a great logo in short order. We have picked out three example businesses to help you get started.

Logo Colors for a Business Plan Writing Service

New business owners treat their young business as a member of the family. They are fully committed to the success of the venture, and they don’t want to trust just anyone with something as important as their business plan. The first step toward earning client trust is picking the right colors for your logo.

Let’s take a look at three samples to see what colors are favored in this industry.

• Plan Writers . This business uses black letters in its logo, along with a symbol that is colored in gold.
• Pro Business Plans . Blue is the color of choice in this logo, with two different shades being featured.
• Wise Business Plans Ⓡ. Black lettering is used in this logo, along with an orange symbol and a script white “W.”

There isn’t a common thread among these three examples as they all use different colors for their logo. With that said, each business keeps the theme professional and restrained. There are no wild, bright colors included in any of the logos, as you might see for an entertainment business or even a restaurant.

When designing any logo, whether it is for a business plan writing service or some other kind of company, it’s essential to match your design to the brand you’d like to create. As a business plan writer, you want to be taken seriously and be trusted, so strong and professional colors are the way to go.

Business Plan Writing Service Logo Icons and Symbols

The same line of thinking for color selection is going to apply to your choice of icons and symbols. Think about what you would want a prospective client to think about your brand and then try to convey that message through your logo design.

For Plan Writers, the approach was to create a “PW” icon in gold that sits to the left of the name of the business. This small design is clean and crisp and definitely speaks to professionalism. The same can be said for our other two examples. Pro Business Plans uses three triangle shapes that may be meant to represent arrows, while Wise Business Plans has a traditional ink pen writing the letter “W.”

It’s okay to be creative when designing your icon or symbol; just be sure to stay on the professional side of things. You would not want to use a cartoonish design or one that could in some way take away from the image of your business.

Find the Right Font for a Business Plan Writing Service Logo

If you have the itch to get a little creative with your logo design process, don’t do it when picking out a font. For font selection, it’s best to play it safe and stick with a traditional option that is easy to read and will render well on all screens.

Each of the three businesses we are profiling in this article did well to choose a basic font. All three use sans-serif fonts that don’t distract at all from the professionalism the brand is trying to convey. The only deviation is the script “W’ used by Wise Business Plans, but that is a nice design element and doesn’t take away from the logo’s readability overall.

Your logo may be the first interaction that a potential new client has with your business. What do you want them to think? If you are going for a trustworthy, experienced appearance, you’ll do well to follow the lead of these three example business. Lean toward the side of simplicity in this design, pick a clean font, and add a sharp symbol to make the design memorable.

How to Use Our Free Logo Generator

Follow the simple steps below to create, personalize, and download your company logo design in just a few clicks:

1. Enter Your Business Name and Tagline

The TRUiC business plan writing service logo generator requires you to add your business’s name and optionally a tagline, or slogan, to help generate your design.

Still need help finding a name for your company? Then check out our review of the Best Business Name Generators and find the service that will work best for you and your small business.

2. Choose a Type of Logo Design, Font, and Color Scheme

You’ll have to choose between having a business plan writing service logo with a graphic or a text only design.

Option 1: Graphic

This type of design displays your business name with a themed business plan writing service graphic that will be displayed in a few different layouts. The graphic will either sit next to your company name, or it will sit above it.

Then, choose your favorite font style and color pallet to generate your first set of choices.

Option 2: Text 

This type of business plan writing service logo displays your business name or just its initials in a stylized way using creative fonts and typography . 

After this, you’ll choose a color pallet and generate your choices.

3. Generate Business Plan Writing Service Logo Options

Our generator creates thousands of business plan writing service logos to choose from. Search through our numerous options and explore!

4. Customize Your Business Plan Writing Service Logo

You've found a design you like; you can now customize it further by changing up the font and color. If you aren't happy with the changes you made, there is a reset button so that you never lose your original result.

5. Download Your Business Plan Writing Service Logo

We make downloading your design hassle-free with no email requirements and no sign-ups of any kind — simply download and you’re done.

Our business plan writing service logo generator will provide you with a high-resolution design in a scalable vector graphic (SVG) file format . This file format is the best for logos because it is easily editable and can be resized as small or as large as you need without losing any quality.

6. After Downloading, Make Sure Your Logo is Unique

Now that you have decided on your favorite business plan writing service logo design for your venture, you should conduct a trademark search to ensure that it is unique.

Learn more about how to trademark your professional logo and ensure its availability by visiting our guide on How to Trademark Your Business Brand .

Confirm that your new design is unique by taking the following steps: 

• Perform a reverse image search on Google.
• Formally conduct a trademark search using a lawyer specialized in trademarks.

7. Bring Your Business Plan Writing Service Logo to Life

Once you’ve generated your logo design, it is yours to keep and use for promotional materials.

We recommend using a service like  Zazzle , which provides quality printing services for a variety of materials, including business cards, flyers, banners, letterheads, and so forth.

Our logos can also be utilized for branding, social media (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google, etc.), and more.

If you already have a business plan writing service logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . 

Looking for additional design inspiration? Explore more of our small business logo generators .

8. Get Your Domain and Start Creating Your Website

Once you have your business plan writing service logo, you can start building your brand and creating your website. 

Learn how to build a website on your own with our guide. Alternatively, you can get started with GoDaddy's free website builder which offers the best option for creating a professional website and is user-friendly.

Find out why GoDaddy is our top choice for anything to do with business websites by reading our GoDaddy Website Builder Review .

Things to Consider When Picking a Logo

It's best to brand your company with a logo that includes symbols, icons, colors, and fonts that clearly represent what you’re selling to your customers. Luckily, TRUiC's Free Logo Generator  offers a large variety of options for all kinds of styles and branding options.

Color Psychology - Colors can help define the mood of your venture. Consider which color scheme will best represent your business plan writing service when using the color editor and creating your company brand with our logo maker.

Accessibility - When it comes to creating an accessible design, the font you choose should be easy for customers to recognize, and color contrast is vital for readability.

Icons vs. symbols to make your own logo design - Symbols can help to represent your business, like products you sell or the type and quality of service you offer.

For example, a logo for a CBD oil shop could be depicted as a leaf; the symbolism being that it’s earthy, organic, natural, or all of these. 

Font style - Choosing the right font is important since fonts capture the attention of customers and show what they can expect from your company. 

If you own a more formal business, such as an accounting firm, you’ll likely want to choose a font that is more minimalistic and professional. If you’re opening a company such as a toy store, you’ll probably want to choose a font that is more fun and whimsical. 

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners .

Why should I use TRUiC's Free Logo Maker?

TRUiC's user-friendly Online Logo Maker was created for entrepreneurs with little to no design experience. It's 100% free to use, doesn't require any personal information, provides users with a high-resolution file, and offers helpful steps for users to take after they download their unique design.

Do I own my business plan writing service logo design?

Yes — once you download a logo, it is yours to have for either personal or professional use.

What file format is my logo?

Once you create your business plan writing service logo, you can download it as both a high-resolution SVG file, which allows you to scale your design to any size without loss of quality, and as a PNG file for any of your social media accounts.

How do I make a logo?

One way is to have a professional designer make a logo for your brand. Another option is to use a tool like TRUiC's Logo Generator, which uses templates to help your company make a design.

Do I have to sign up for anything to get my business plan writing service logo?

No, there is no email sign-up of any kind. The TRUiC Logo Creator does not take any personal information; it is completely free with no strings attached.

How soon can I use my free business plan writing service logo?

You can download and use your new business plan writing service logo immediately.

How much does it cost to create a logo using TRUiC's Logo Generator?

Using TRUiC’s business plan writing logo generator is completely free, with no email sign ups and no strings attached.

Once you’ve downloaded your online logo, you can use it for any commercial or personal purposes. We recommend getting marketing and promotional materials, like business cards through Zazzle .

How to plan a logo design project—from start to finish

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of planning a logo graphics project in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

A strong logo is one that's easily recognized and remembered. Think of Nike's swoosh or Twitter's bird. It's the perfect graphical representation of a company. But a logo's design doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of a well-defined project plan at the start of the creative process. A great plan helps you as the designer understand the company and customers you'll be creating a logo for. It also ensures you and your client are on the same page through every step of the project.

In this guide you'll learn the essential steps to plan a logo design project...

• 1. Project plan Set up a place to plan your project
• 2. Brief Define the concept and goals
• 3. Research Analyze competitor logos
• 4. Brainstorming Generate ideas & sketches for your logo
• 5. Moodboard Set the visual direction
• 6. Presentation Gather feedback from your team and client

1. Project plan

Traditionally, a project plan might be scattered across various emails, to-do lists, spreadsheets, and documents, making it hard to keep track of everything. A central project plan combines these artifacts into one easy-to-access place. It will evolve over the lifespan of your project but usually includes:

• Market research
• Your ideas and sketches
• A checklist of tasks
• Inspiration and moodboards
• Various concepts
• Client feedback
• Handover plan

Create a new board for your logo project plan

Create a new board

Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

Choose the Logo Design Plan template

Choose a template

Each new board gives you the option to start with a beautiful template.

It’s crucial to set a strong foundation from the start. A clear, inspiring, and informative brief provides the structure and direction for designers to do their best work. Logo Design briefs typically include information about the brand/client, goals, specific deliverables, visual references, target audience, and important dates.

First, open the Brief board

You’ll find the board to create your brief on the Logo Design Plan board. Double-click the Brief to open it and start adding the goals, concept and defining the audience.

Double-click the  Brief  board to open it.

Describe the brand personality

Write out the tone or personality you want the logo to reflect. Should it be modern or classic? Formal or playful? Loud or minimal? Young or mature? These simple style choices can help steer designers in the right direction to creating a logo that accurately reflects the organization.

Add a note to describe the brand.

Drag a note card onto your board

Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

List the deliverables

What are the specific outputs your client requires? Their logo will likely be displayed in a variety of places, from business cards, to websites, packaging, clothing and more. Clearly describe how the logo will be used. This will help you create a logo that works in all environments—something that's easy to read at a small size but also looks amazing scaled up on the side of a building.

Add a note to describe the deliverables.

Describe the target audience

This is where you describe a specific type of audience and detail what’s important to them. What brands do they love? What's their current relationship with the product or service? What design styles best are they drawn to? Answering these questions will enable your team to think about the project from the perspective of your audience and design something that grabs their attention.

Add a note to describe your audience.

Share the finished brief with your team

Once you’ve made any final tweaks, it’s time to share the completed brief with your team or client, organize a kickoff meeting, and get started. If you want to learn more about writing a logo design brief, check out our in-depth Logo Design Brief guide .

Share the brief with your team.

Share a read-only link with others.

Click Share in the top right of your board. You can add a Welcome message for viewers, allow comments, set a password or embed the board in another app or website.

3. Research

It’s important to know how your logo will compare and standout against the other brands in your category. The Brand Positioning Map template is perfect for identifying your opportunity in the market. It's a simple way to ensure your brand will stand out against your competitors when designing a new logo or rebranding your company.

Open the Brand Positioning board

You’ll find this board on your Logo Design Plan board. Double-click the Brand Positioning to open it and start mapping out your competitors.

Double-click the  Brand Positioning  board to open it.

Choose the  Brand Positioning  template.

Map out your competitors

Start by adding the logos or names of the other companies in your market. Then define which part of the market you'd like to own. You'll start to uncover ways you can differentiate yourself. If you're designing a new logo for your company, this will let you see which styles, colors and fonts your competitors use and ensure that you visually standout from the pack.

Drag files from your computer.

Upload a file or document

Click the "Upload" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.

4. Brainstorming

When a new logo design project kicks off, you'll be bursting with ideas. Now is the perfect time to go wild and explore as many different options as you can. And brainstorming is the ideal way to do it!

Brainstorming is a classic creative technique for generating new ideas quickly. You can use it to help dream up new styles, explore color combinations, or as a sketchbook for logo ideas. It’s best thought of as a way to light up our imagination.

First, open the Ideas board

You’ll find the board for brainstorming on your Logo Design Plan board. Double-click the Ideas board to open it and start brainstorming.

Double-click the Ideas board to open it.

Start with an overview of the project

What's the brand or company you're designing a logo for? Add a short note that describes the project so everyone can reference it as you're generating ideas. It might be a simple description of the brand, its values or personality.

Add a note to describe the project.

Generate lots of ideas

Now it's time to get creative. Start adding any ideas that relate to the brand. Think about how you'd like to use color, the shapes or symbols the could reflect the company, and the overall style you're trying to achieve.

Don't worry about evaluating your ideas yet, that will come later. Just add as many as you can. Setting a timer for 5 minutes is a great way to create a sense of urgency and prevent people from judging their thoughts.

Add a note for each idea.

Sketch ideas

Designers often sketch 20+ possible ideas for the logo before picking a few directions. This is your opportunity to go wild. Explore different letterforms and symbols that could work. Is there a shape that communicates the product or service your client provides?

Use the Drawing feature in the left-hand toolbar

You don't have to be a world class illustrator to sketch ideas, just focus on producing as many as you can—the polish will come later.

Finally, group your ideas into themes

Once you've selected the strongest ideas, it's time to sort them into groups and connect the dots. This allows you to uncover patterns or similarities in your thinking. Add a title that describes each group of ideas. When you've finished grouping, you're left with the key themes that will guide your project.

You're done brainstorming

Now that your brainstorming session is complete you have some exciting new directions to explore for your logo design. Remember, creativity and inspiration are constantly evolving. Come back and add to the brainstorm when inspiration strikes.

5. Moodboard

During brainstorming, you imagined the different parts of your project. It's time to start exploring some visual directions with a moodboard. Moodboards can help you visualize any aspect of your project. They can be literal and practical (featuring fonts, color schemes and images that you actually plan to use in the final design) or they can be more about exploring tone and mood. You can create a moodboard for each of these separately or mix them all into one board. There are no strict rules.

First, open the Moodboard

You’ll find the board to make your moodboard on the Logo Design Plan board. Double-click on the Moodboard to open it and start adding your inspiration.

Double-click the  Moodboard to open it.

Collect existing material

Start by adding any existing material you have—this could include client references, positioning statements or images you've saved as inspiration. Just drag them onto your board. They might not make it into the final moodboard, but they're still a great place to start.

Add inspiring imagery and motion

The imagery you choose to include in your moodboard can have big influence on the look and feel of your project, so choose carefully! These images can define things like tone, cropping and color.

If you're the type of person who keeps a collection of images in an inspiration library , now's the time to see if you've already got something that could work. Or you can start by searching for visual elements from around the web. There are lots of fantastic sites where you can find great visual inspiration for free, like Dribbble , Behance and Designspiration .

Use the built-in image library.

Use the built-in image library

Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.

Install the  Milanote Web Clipper

Save images from other websites straight to your board.

Save content from the web

With the Web Clipper installed, roll over an image (or highlight text), click Save, then choose the destination in Milanote. Return to your board and find the content in the "Unsorted" column on the right.

Transform your board from messy to organized

Once you have all your inspiration and color references in one place, the next step is to arrange your ideas to create the perfect composition. Start by exploring composition and introducing hierarchy. Place a key element such as a logo to anchor your board, and change the size and position of the remaining elements to indicate their importance and relationships to one another.

Resize your images to add hierarchy.

Resize images

Drag the corner of an image to resize it. Double-click the corner to return it to its original size.

Crop images.

Crop images

Double-click an image and press edit to crop or rotate it.

You’ve finished the moodboard!

Now that your moodboard is complete, you have a powerful starting point for your logo design project. Remember, you can create multiple moodboards to explore different visual directions.

Next, we'll jump ahead and prepare a place to present the logo design concepts.

6. Presentation

How you present your design work is just as important as the actual artwork itself. It's here that you get to tell the story and strategy behind your work, not just share the final artwork.

Whether you're presenting in person or remotely, it's important to display your concepts in a way that's easy for others to compare and discuss, and most importantly shows your work in the best light.

First, open the concepts board

You’ll find the empty Concepts board on the Logo Design Plan board. Double-click to open it and start adding the organizing your presentation.

Double-click the  Concepts board to open it.

Arrange your concepts

Start by uploading the concepts you've designed so you can share them with your team or client. Provide a few examples of the logo in different environments. E.g. If it's a logo for a clothing brand, show how the logo will looks on its own, on store signage and on packaging or wrapping paper.

Explain your thinking

Next, include some written notes about each concept. This will help explain your ideas and keep everything in context. Refer to the client's goals you set earlier in the Logo Brief and the visual direction from the Moodboard to communicate the path to this point. Try to provide reasons why these concepts will provide the perfect visual brand for the client's company. Explain how they embody the brand personality and why they'll appeal to the target audience.

Add a note to describe each concept.

Agree on a concept

Ensure that everyone involved agrees on the concept direction before you start finalizing the logo artwork. Try to keep the conversation focused on the strategy behind the logo rather than discussing just the visual aspects. Consider how the logo addresses the goals, audience and requirements. Lastly, make sure you stay open to suggestions and improvements and try not to take criticism personally.

Share the concepts with your team.

Invite editors to your board

Open the "Share" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.

Start a conversation about the options.

Start a comment thread

Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.

Mark your favourites using reactions.

Add emoji reactions to your content

Select an image or note and choose "Add reaction" from the left toolbar.

You're all done!

Hopefully, this guide has helped you become more organized during your logo design project. If you're just starting a new project, use the Logo Design Plan template below to get set up in minutes.

Plan your next logo design project

Get all 6 templates in the logo design pack.

Sign up for free with no time limit

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How to start a candle business in 2024: 5 easy steps to selling candles from the comfort of your home

Starting a candle business can be an excellent source of additional income.

Small business owners fear they won't survive a second Biden term

Katlyn Swaffer and Maher Youssef explain how their small businesses have been affected by inflation and call on President Biden to address the issue.

Americans are rapidly working on side hustles as an additional source of income.

Fifty-four percent of Americans have begun a side hustle in the last twelve months, according to MarketWatch, as a means of making more money in addition to a primary source of income. 

All you really need to start a side hustle is an idea and an understanding of how to execute that idea. Taking a creative approach to your entrepreneurship can include a hobby-like business, and one of the more popular ones today is candle making.

Whether you have made a candle before or not, through trial and error, there are simple tricks to producing a product that is unique from what else is on the market.

One side hustle that can bring you extra income is a candle business. You can begin the business at home, selling online and at local craft fairs.  (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)

WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR FLOURISHING GARDEN? HERE ARE 4 WAYS TO TURN YOUR CROPS INTO CASH 

You can make candles in your own home pretty easily. Here's a guide to get you started on your candle business. 

• Learn how to make candles from home
• Come up with a brand name, logo and label for your candles
• Write a business plan
• Register your business
• Decide how you are going to sell and get your business going

1. Learn how to make candles from home

The first step to starting your business is learning how to make candles. You'll need minimal supplies to get you started, including containers for your candles, wax, wicks and fragrance. 

It will take trial and error to perfect the look of your candle, the wick placement and the amount of fragrance you need for the perfect scent. If you want to add color to your candle, you'll also need to purchase dye. 

At first, the top of your candle may not appear totally smooth, your wick may be crooked, or you may not have enough fragrance for the scent. 

Practice makes perfect. The more candles you make, the better you'll get and the quicker you'll be ready to sell.  (Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

All the candles you make during your trial and error period can be gifts for friends and family because they probably won't be good enough to sell.

You could also buy wax molds to add uniqueness to your candles. 

TIPS FOR SELLING EGGS AND TURNING A PROFIT RIGHT FROM YOUR BACKYARD 

Once you have made numerous candles with success, you're ready to move to step two. 

2. Come up with a brand name, logo and label for your candles

You will need a unique brand name and logo for your business and a label for your candles. 

Your brand name should be something unique and memorable. You'll also want to create a logo for your business and a label to put on each of your candles. 

On each candle should be your brand name/logo as well as information about the candle itself, like the scent, instructions and safety information. 

3. Write a business plan

All businesses start out with a plan. 

A business plan is a document that describes the company and also highlights its goals. 

In a business plan, you can include elements like the mission statement, the products offered, the target audience of the company, marketing plans and financial information. 

HOW TO START A LEMONADE STAND WITH YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER 

Your business plan is by no means set in stone. As your company grows and changes, your plan will, too. You can always make edits to your business plan when needed. 

4. Register your business

To run a business, you'll need to register it. The process varies depending on your state, so you'll need to look into the legal requirements where you live to avoid getting fined or having your business shut down. 

Once your business is registered, you'll receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is given to businesses for tax purposes.  

Also, make sure you obtain any necessary business licenses or permits in the state to legally operate your business. 

You'll want to have all these legal steps taken care of before you start selling candles. 

Make sure to have the scent of the candle and the name of your business clearly displayed on each container.  (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)

5. Decide how you are going to sell and get your business going

Now, it's time to officially launch your business. 

You will need to determine a price for your candles. According to Forbes, you'll want to aim for a 25% to 50% profit margin, so keep that in mind when you are considering how much to charge. 

You should create a website for your business with your contact information for customers to reach out to you. You can also sell your candles through your own website. 

Another way to sell is through an online marketplace like Etsy. 

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE 

It's also a good idea to start social media channels for your business. Include high-quality pictures of your product on these channels. 

Social media is not only a great way to market your business, but another way you can sell your candles. 

During the warmer months, consider buying a booth at a local craft fair to sell your products. This is a great way to spend some time outside while also speaking directly with customers. 

Elon Musk may have a plan to get Donald Trump back on X

• Elon Musk's X is planning a live town hall event with Donald Trump, The Wall Street Journal reported.
• The platform is reportedly partnering with NewsNation and will show the events on both outlets.
• The relationship between Trump and Musk appears to be warming up.

Elon Musk 's X appears to be planning to host a live town hall event with Donald Trump .

The social media platform, which has been pushing toward video content, is partnering with cable network NewsNation and will air the events on both outlets, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Its unnamed source said a date for the event had not been finalized.

The Journal reported that X also plans to host a similar town hall event with rival presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

X did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

The plan would bring Trump back to Musk's platform, where he was previously an influential and active user before his account was banned following his supporters' attack on Congress on January 6, 2021.

Musk reinstated the account in late 2022 after he took control of Twitter, but Trump has only posted once since then.

Related stories

The personal relationship between Trump and Musk also appears to be strengthening.

In a separate report, The Journal said that Trump was considering giving Musk an advisory role if he regains the White House in November.

The outlet said the pair had discussed ways for Musk to provide input on border security and economic policies, though the title and details of Musk's role remain unclear.

Musk later denied the report on X : "There have not been any discussions of a role for me in a potential Trump Presidency."

The Tesla CEO also defended Trump after a Manhattan jury convicted him of 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush-money trial, calling the case a "trivial matter."

Despite the Thursday verdict making him the first former president to become a convicted felon, some billionaires are nevertheless revealing their support for Trump.

Bloomberg reported that prominent business and finance figures were starting to embrace the possibility of another Trump presidency.

Following the Thursday verdict, Omeed Malik, president of 1789 Capital, said the ruling would have "less than zero impact" on his support for Trump.

According to multiple reports, Pershing Square Capital Management CEO Bill Ackman is also considering a public announcement backing Trump.

Watch: What happens when Elon Musk moves markets with a tweet

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