If you own a small business or offer services as a freelancer, creating a logo is the first logical step you should take. With this logo, people can associate your work with you and no one else. It can also help you build trust and establish long-lasting relationships with customers.
However, when you start a new business, budgets can be tight, and you can’t always afford to hire a graphic designer. That doesn't mean you need to settle, as multiple websites offer both free and paid options to create a professional-looking logo, even if you have zero knowledge in design.
1. Canva: Choose a Logo Template and Play Around
Canva is a great website to help you create all types of designs, including anything from resumes to calendars, and even logos. The secret to its simplicity lies in its templates.
After you register for a free account, click Create a Design and pick Logo. This will lead you to a variety of logo templates that are arranged by subjects. For instance, you can look for a law logo, a beauty logo, or a music logo, and start browsing the options.
After you pick a template that looks appealing, you can change the text, move elements around, and adjust the colors and fonts to better fit your brand. Or, you can keep it exactly as-is.
The free version of Canva will allow you to download your finished creation as 500x500px. However, you can bypass that by creating a custom design with your desired dimensions, copying your creation there, and resizing the elements.
The Pro version of Canva allows you to resize and download your design in a variety of different file types, as well as download the logo with a transparent background.
2. Adobe Spark: Pick a Logo and Insert Your Business Name
Similar to Canva, Adobe Spark offers a variety of templates. To start working on your logo, you need to create a free account and create a new project.
After you click the Templates tab on the right of the screen, type "logo" in the search box, and you’ll see numerous suggestions for a potential design. Most templates have the words "Business Name" on them, which help you understand exactly where to enter the right information and envision your final product.
The great thing about Adobe Spark, when compared to Canva, is that you can download the logo with a transparent background using the free version.
You can also resize the logo to any size using the Resize tab on the right, and download the same logo in different picture qualities for a variety of platforms. This option is also available with a free account.
3. Tailor Brands: Learns Your Business and Caters to Your Needs
This website offers a more systematic approach to designing a logo, and gives you plenty of options based on your business and the message you want to convey. It starts by asking you for your business name and tagline, followed by the types of services you’re offering and your industry.
Then, it provides one of three options for the look of the logo—you can choose whether you want to base your logo off of an icon, business name, or your initials. The customization options will differ depending on the type of logo you choose.
At this point, you need to create a free account to view the custom designs. Each creation is laid out to present how it looks on a business card, letterhead, website header, and so on.
You may decide to keep one of the designs as-is, or customize it further with different fonts, spacing, and styles. With the free version, you are only able to download small versions of the logo (for Pinterest, Apple and Android Store, and your email signature).
If you want to download your logo in bigger sizes, or download it with a transparent background, you'll have to upgrade. The good news is, you can always sign up for the free trial and download everything you need.
You will retain ownership of the logo, and will also be able to create other designs with the same style and color scheme. Some other designs you can create include Instagram Stories, a Facebook cover, a website banner, and more.
4. Logaster: Pick Your Name and Industry and Receive Multiple Options
Logaster may not have as many customization options as Tailor Brands, but it has the same concept, offering you a ready-made logo that's tailored to your needs. You start by providing your business name and a tagline (if you have one).
Then, you receive a variety of options, which may not quite hit the mark. You can narrow down your industry to get more tailored suggestions, and pick a specific color scheme. When you click Preview & Download, you’ll see how that logo looks in all different situations.
The next step, for either downloading or customizing your logo, is to create a free account. With an account, you can change colors, fonts, as well as download the logo on a white background with the dimensions of 330x150px. A favicon is also free to download.
Anything on top of that requires an upgrade, which is more expensive than all of the previous options we mentioned in this article. However, it may be worth it if you plan to use the logo across social media, marketing materials, or products, as this website offers it all.
Can a Website Really Replace a Graphic Designer?
These websites can provide a great solution for someone looking to get their business off the ground as fast as possible, with little to no investment. You can go as basic as you want, or explore every minor detail to fit your vision.
However, one thing that these websites cannot replace is the professional eye. Often, a graphic designer can provide you with insight from their years of experience, which no website can. They can also tell you if you’re using too many colors, picking a childish font, or not drawing enough attention. The choice is yours.