The Difference Between a Brand and a Logo

Many people are unclear the difference between a brand and a logo. What is a brand and how is it different from a logo? Not only for clients, some designers are also difficult to distinguish between a brand and a logo. Many designers claim they do branding, but more often that they are referring to logo or stationary design.

What is a logo?

Logo is a recognisable and distinctive graphic design that identities an organisation. The term logo derives from a Greek word, logotype. Logos means “word” and typos means “imprint”. Logo can be just words with no symbol, or just symbol. When brands have become popular, their logo can be just the symbol (for example the yellow M as in McDonalds). A good logo helps businesses in branding. It helps you communicate and represent your brand to the market.

How about a brand?

There are many definitions about the brand but the simplest one is: how people feel about your products, services and company. A brand is not just a logo and it is much more than your business card. A logo and stationary identity may be used to communicate the brand. However, it goes beyond that.

There are a lot of intangible elements affecting your brand. For example, the way your employees answer the phone, how your marketing strategy works, quality of your products, and so on.

Branding tells customers what they can expect from your products and services.

Conclusion

At the end, a brand is the most valuable asset a company can have. A brand comprises tangible and intangible elements relating to the company’s personality, culture, positioning, message, promises and value proposition. Great branding strategy helps businesses gain financial value.