This is a guest post by Dylan Mazeika.

A few ways of getting a good logo for a good price

A logo can make [or break] a company but it can also lighten one’s wallet substantially. Luckily there are several alternatives to hiring high-end graphic designers which provide good work and save money. These methods can help reduce cost a little, reduce cost a lot, or eliminate it altogether.

Reduce cost a little: Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer

Hiring a freelance graphic designer doesn’t have to be extremely costly. Should you choose to go this route there are some tips which can save money. The goal here is to talk with a designer, decide what exactly the logo should look like and then have the logo made to specifications, all within budget. Assuming the designer charges per hour, this really adds up if you go into the process without some idea of what you want.

Before contacting a designer write down your logo concept in as much detail as possible. Figure out who the target audience is, approximate size and color, and what message or emotion the logo should convey. The last aspect is probably the most important. A logo can instill confidence, friendliness, reliability, and a myriad of other messages. Bringing the designer a clear concept will shave hours off of the process and possibly hundreds of dollars. Hiring a professional will most likely result in a great-looking logo you like.

Reduce cost a lot: College Newspapers and Publications

A great way to save money is by contacting a college publication. Do some research and look at the publication’s website or newspaper. Ask yourself if the artwork is aesthetically pleasing; is it the kind of look you want; does it appear like someone with talent designed the page and artwork. If the work looks good then call their art department and hire someone to make a logo.

College students working for the newspaper have access to professional software and experienced professors. Some college newspapers offer to design a free logo for companies wishing to advertise—advertising costs are usually very cheap as well.

Reducing cost a lot: Logo Contest Sites

Small business owners and entrepreneurs have been utilizing logo contest sites for years. This option requires a fee (anywhere from $50 to $400) to start a contest, and depending on how much you paid, can generate upwards of 400 logos. Websites like 99 designs offer a 100% money back guarantee if none of the logos are chosen.

Eliminating cost altogether: Create Your Own Logo

Websites exist that offer tools to create your own logos. The free logo creating websites can be a strong tool for start-up companies. This option is completely free and very user-friendly for those not familiar with graphic design. If money is an issue then this is the best choice which allows one the freedom to create and tweak logos at no cost.

Don’t expect perfection on the first draft

Don’t get discouraged if the logo you received isn’t perfect! Clients usually know what they like but can’t articulate the exact specifications. Designers oftentimes do drafts upon drafts leaving clients to critique multiple designs until the exact logo is created. Ever hear the phrase “I will know it when I see it”? This is especially true in logo design.

Dylan Mazeika is an online writer with a background in marketing and small business. He enjoys writing articles and guest posts on the latest business and design trends, and assisting small business owners with free logo design.