When it comes to creative design work and branding, auto shops and mechanics aren’t the first things that come to mind. But even a gritty business like this needs an attractive logo that’s reflective of the underlying brand.
Why Your Logo Matters
It’s easy to assume that a logo doesn’t matter to an auto shop. It might matter to a tech company, but not my business – you think.
But think again.
It doesn’t matter if you’re changing oil or manufacturing smartphones your logo matters. Here are three reasons why:
- Makes a first impression. Before a customer walks into your shop, they’ll have seen your logo online or from the street. If you invest in marketing and advertising, it’s possible that they’ve seen it on billboards, mailers, or social media. Your logo goes before you and makes a first impression. If it’s a well-designed logo, that first impression will be a positive one.
- Provides brand recognition. A customer might not notice your logo the first time they see it…or the second…or even the third. But eventually, your customers and community become familiar with your logo. This brand recognition can make you the go-to option when people need work done on their vehicles.
- Differentiates your shop. In addition to establishing brand recognition, a good logo differentiates your auto shop from others in the area. This makes it easier to reach the customers you want.
We’ve only scratched the surface. Entire books and courses have been developed on why logos matter. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to take it seriously. And if you do, you’ll put your business in a place to be successful for years to come.
4 Tips for a Killer Auto Shop Logo
Every brand demands its own unique logo, but the underlying principles of logo design remain true across the board. Whether you’re hiring a professional designer or using an online logo maker to do it yourself, you’ll find the following tips helpful:
1. Get to Know Yourself
Trying to design a logo without having an intimate understanding of who you are (as a business) is a costly mistake. You’ll end up with either a very generic logo, or one that’s misaligned with your company’s focus. Thus, the first step is to define your brand identity.
There are plenty of online guides and resources that will teach you how to define your brand identity – so we won’t get into too many details here Just know that specificity is king. Spend some time zeroing in on your values, principles, and goals. It’ll serve you well in logo design and beyond.
2. Keep it Simple
The days of complicated logos are gone. Today’s best logos – Google, Apple, Nike, etc. – are all extremely simple. Yours should be, too.
Simple doesn’t mean boring, though. There’s still ample room for creativity. The goal, however, is to avoid being overwhelming. Make it just memorable enough and you’ll get the desired result.
3. Avoid Cornering Yourself
This isn’t usually going to be a problem for an auto shop, but it bears emphasizing. Logos are a commitment. Yes, you can replace one later on – but it’s expensive and costly (financially and reputationally). So the last thing you want to do is corner yourself.
In other words, don’t do anything restrictive with your brand that would limit your ability to expand in the future. This means avoiding things like geographical references or focusing on specific services. (Sure, you might only do brakes right now, but what if you want to do oil changes and tires in the future?) Work through these things and make forward-thinking decisions.
4. Think About Visibility
Visibility is big for an auto shop’s logo. Assuming your shop is on a main road, people are going to see your signage from far away. If your logo has tons of intricate details and sensitive typography, it might be hard for people to pick up on these elements. (This is another reason why simple logos tend to do better.) For simple and branded logo design online tools like Mojomox logo maker will help.
Set Your Auto Shop Apart
Your business is more than a logo. If you want to be successful, you have to provide value, build trust, and wow your customers. But a logo certainly helps you achieve those goals. Done poorly, it can hold you back. Design well and it’ll propel you forward – giving you every chance to be successful.
