Should I buy a premade logo?

Building on the previous article about logos, let’s explore the idea of using a premade logo from a stock page.
As a logo designer, I can acknowledge that, for some, this can be a great solution.
However, it comes with conditions, and you must be prepared to invest effort (and money) to make it work for you.
Before you dive into the world of pre-made logos, here are some crucial questions you should have clear answers to:

Your Brand Identity:
Who are you as a brand, and what does your business stand for? What sets you apart? Why people should care about your brand and what you sell?
How do you see it grow?

Target Audience:
Who is your target audience? Do you (as a brand) understand their interests, sources of inspiration, problems, and life goals.
What channels will you use to engage them?

Marketing Strategy:
Do you have a marketing strategy that combines industry knowledge, audience insights, and your business goals?
Are you a disruptor bringing a breath of fresh air by going against the grain? Or are planning to exert a silent power of excellent service or exceptional product?

Verbal and Visual Language:
Do you know how you wnat to your brand to sound and be perceived?
What language, both verbal and visual, will resonate with your audience the most?

Timeline and Priorities:
What’s your deadline for launching your brand, and do you know which parts of the visual identity you must have before the launch?

Industry Position:
Where do you fit in your industry? Do you know your niche?

Logo Usage:
How do you plan to use the logo? Will it be primarily for digital or print, or both?

Brand Voice:
What will be the tone of voice for your brand? Are you more romantic and gentle, or straightforward and candid?

Competition Analysis:
Are you looking at your competition? What are they doing, and how are they presenting themselves?
Do you see an opening for your brand? Is there a niche that you will happily sit in?

Brand Styling:
How will you style your brand? What imagery, fonts, and graphics will you use? Will this style align with your message and communication approach?

Brand Guidelines:
Will you create guidelines to maintain brand consistency? And promise (really promise) to stick with them?

Additionally, there are some essential facts to consider before purchasing a stock logo:

Non-Exclusivity:
The graphic you receive is non-exclusive, meaning other businesses, potentially even in your industry, can use the same logo.
This may lead to confusion and lost clients.

Trademark Limitations:
You might not be able to trademark a stock logo since it’s not exclusive to your brand.

Design Assistance:
You might still need a designer’s help to integrate all elements into a cohesive visual identity.

So, before you opt for a stock logo, make sure you’ve noted answers to these questions and are aware of the limitations that come with it.