When you finally start a business, one of the first things you consider is your logo. 

It’s a symbol that represents your brand, so you want it to stand out. You put your ideas, thoughts, and sometimes your personality into its design because you want it to align with your vision. 

But what happens when the logo is clearly outdated or no longer fit for purpose? It’s definitely time to consider a redesign. Many business owners dread making this change, and it’s understandable. Redesigning a logo involves more than just a new design; it often means revising other elements and touchpoints like your website, business cards, letterheads, invoices, etc. The thought of it can feel overwhelming. 

Nevertheless, your logo is the face of your business, and an outdated design could stifle your brand’s potential. So, how do you know when it’s time for a change? 

Here are six signs that indicate it’s time to redesign your logo.

1. Poor Design
   

   It’s no surprise that most small business owners handle all the initial design by themselves to save time and money, and while this is admirable, you need to remember one thing: Design templates can never replace the need for the touch of a professional graphic designer.
   What you may lack in creative thinking, a skilled designer brings naturally. And a professional designer understands how to design logos that are not only visually appealing, but true to the very essence of your brand. The professional will also ensure that the logo embodies your brand’s personality and values, which ultimately increases its effectiveness.

2. Misalignment with Services

   Almost all businesses grow beyond what they were first known for and expand their services to the growing marketplace. The logo you started with may no longer be relevant to the services you offer, or it may be limiting your service scope. It might be sad to admit that the logo you once loved is now limiting your business appeal.
   If your logo feels outdated or too closely tied to the services you offered in the past, it might be limiting your brand’s potential. A refresh could better align your visual identity with your current offerings, helping you appeal to new audiences and communicate the full scope of your business. A modernised logo that reflects where your business is headed rather than where it started can pave the way for continued growth and relevance in your industry.

3. Outdated Design 
   

   If your business has been in operation for a while and your logo has never gone through a retouch or a change since the business’s inception, then this is a sign that you are in need of a logo retouch or change.
   Trends in design and branding change over time, and what looked modern when you started may now feel old and outdated and no longer resonate with your target audience.
   You might worry that updating your logo could cause your customers to feel disconnected from your brand, but even the most recognisable global brands like Apple, Nike, and Google have successfully evolved their logos without harming their businesses. In fact, their logo changes allowed them to stay relevant in changing markets, signalling growth and innovation to their customers. A new logo can breathe new life into your brand and show your audience that you’re staying current without losing the core essence of your business.

4. Compatibility Issues
   

   If your logo was designed in the early 2000s or early 2010s, it was most likely intended for use in print media.
   However, marketing has evolved dramatically, and digital media is now the norm. Your logo must be adaptable enough to appear well on a wide range of formats and devices, from websites and mobile applications to social media platforms and online advertisements.
   An outdated logo designed for print may not scale well, lack the flexibility to appear properly in small formats, or fail to stand out on modern devices. If your logo appears pixelated, deformed, or amateurish in digital format, it’s time for a change.
   A modern logo should be adaptable for both print and digital spaces, ensuring it remains sharp, impactful, and recognisable no matter where it’s displayed.

5. Negative Feedback from Customers
   

   If you’ve been receiving a lot of negative comments about your logo from clients, it’s a solid indication that a change is needed. Your logo is one of the first things people notice about your company, therefore it must give a good impression.
   If customers feel it’s outdated or unappealing, listening to their feedback and updating your logo can help improve your brand’s image and make it more relatable to your audience.

6. Brand Refresh
   

   It’s completely normal for a business to feel the need for a brand refresh.
   Over time, your company might grow, change direction, or expand its services, and your original logo may no longer represent that.
   A brand refresh, including updating your logo, can help you better connect with your audience and reflect where your business is now. 

Conclusion

Logos are a significant component of your brand and if any of the things we’ve explained hold true for you, it’s time to refresh your logo.

Brand Mavins can help with that. We don’t just swap fonts or change colours. We take the time to understand what your brand represents and design a logo that reflects it clearly. One that feels current, works across platforms, and leaves the right impression. If your logo no longer represents where your business is today, we’re here to help fix that.