When it comes to marketing your business, something as simple as a memorable graphic or catchphrase can help you immensely. A business logo or slogan can create brand recognition and help you establish your business reputation.

When you think of Nike, what do you think of? For most people, the image of the Nike swoosh or the words “just do it” automatically jump into their mind when they think of the company.

When you see an image of an apple with a bite taken out of it, what do you think of? Many people will answer that question with either “Apple Computers” or “iPod”. Several years ago, Dell Computers created a successful string of commercials that featured a teenager saying, “Dude, I’m getting a Dell”.

Even though the commercials have been off the air for some time, there are probably many people who tell their friends and family the same statement when they purchase a new computer.

Establishing your own business logo or slogan can help people remember your business in the same way. Perhaps you have a website and someone visits for the first time and considers making a purchase, but then they decide to comparison shop. They may end up looking at several sites before making a decision.

It is common for people to get so caught up in looking at different websites that they cannot remember which ones they have even been to. If your website featured a catchy logo or slogan, your visitors would have an easier time differentiating between you and your competition.

If your logo or slogan involves a common word or object, they may think of your business every time they hear that word or see that object. For instance, if you have a business related to children and an elephant is featured in your logo, each time your customer sees an elephant, they can end up thinking of you. The more they think of you, the likelier it is that they will buy from you.

When deciding which type of logo to use, think about your business and how you want to be perceived. Who is your target market and what type of things are they interested in? If your target market consists of grandmothers who are active, adding a rocking chair to your logo may insult them. However, featuring an older lady in tennis shoes or a in a jogging suit doing pilates may make them laugh. This could be the type of logo that will stick with them and make them remember you.

The same goes for your slogan. Think of how you want to be represented and what appeals to your target market. Stay away from anything offensive, such as curse words or slang.

You will also want to stay away from trends. Your business logo and slogan can be with you for years. What is “cool” today can be “cold” tomorrow. Plan for a long-term investment and stick with what you will be proud of five or ten yeas from now.