Should My Logo Be Text, an Icon, or Both?

Why Your Logo Design Matters

A logo is one of the most important visual elements of your brand—it’s what makes your business recognizable, builds trust, and sets you apart from competitors. Whether you choose a text-based logo, an icon, or a combination of both, your logo should reflect your brand’s personality, values, and industry. A well-designed logo is memorable, scalable, and versatile, ensuring it looks great on everything from business cards to billboards.

Choosing the right logo style depends on your business goals, industry, and audience. Some brands thrive with a wordmark (text-only logo), while others benefit from an iconic symbol that speaks for itself. A combination of text and imagery can offer the best of both worlds, allowing flexibility as your brand evolves. Let’s break down the different logo styles and determine which one is best for your business.

Text-Based Logos (Wordmarks & Lettermarks)

What Is a Text-Based Logo?

A text-based logo consists entirely of typography, with no accompanying symbol or icon. There are two main types:

• Wordmarks – Full company name logos (e.g., Google, Coca-Cola, Visa).
• Lettermarks – Abbreviated initials or monograms (e.g., HBO, NASA, IBM).

Text-based logos rely on custom fonts, unique letter arrangements, or color treatments to stand out. These logos work well for brands with short, memorable names or businesses that want to emphasize their name in branding efforts.

When to Use a Text-Based Logo?

• If your brand name is strong and unique, a text-based logo can reinforce name recognition.
• Businesses in luxury, law, finance, and fashion often use text logos for an elegant, timeless feel.
• If you want a clean and professional look, a well-crafted wordmark or lettermark is a great option.

Pros & Cons of Text-Based Logos

✔ Easy to read and recognize, ensuring brand recall.
✔ Strong brand name association, making it clear who you are.
✔ Works well across various platforms and branding materials.
✖ May lack visual distinctiveness without a creative font or styling.
✖ Less scalable for small icons—text-based logos may be harder to use in profile pictures or app icons.

Icon-Based Logos (Symbol-Only Logos)

What Is an Icon-Based Logo?

An icon-based logo features a symbol, emblem, or abstract mark without text. Well-known examples include:

• Apple’s bitten apple
• Nike’s swoosh
• Twitter’s bird

These logos are designed to be recognizable at a glance, relying on strong visual association rather than words. Many brands start with a combination logo before transitioning to an icon-only logo once their branding is well established.

When to Use an Icon-Based Logo?

• If your brand has strong visual storytelling potential, an icon-based logo helps create instant recognition.
• Great for apps, social media, and global businesses that need a symbol that translates across languages.
• Ideal for companies with long or complex names that may not be readable in small sizes.

Pros & Cons of Icon-Based Logos

✔ Highly scalable and flexible—works well in small sizes, such as app icons.
✔ Can become instantly recognizable without needing words (think Nike or Apple).
✔ Works well for global brands, since symbols transcend language barriers.
✖ Harder to establish brand recognition without an accompanying name in early stages.
✖ May require explanation if the symbol isn’t immediately clear or intuitive.

Combination Logos (Text + Icon Together)

What Is a Combination Logo?

A combination logo includes both text and an icon, giving businesses the flexibility to use them together or separately. Brands like Adidas, Burger King, and Mastercard use combination logos effectively by pairing a recognizable symbol with their brand name.

When to Use a Combination Logo?

• If your business is new and needs strong brand recognition, a combination logo helps establish your identity.
• Great for brands that want versatility, as the text and icon can be used together or separately depending on the platform.
• Useful for companies that plan to transition to an icon-only logo once brand recognition grows.

Pros & Cons of Combination Logos

✔ Best of both worlds—you get text recognition and a distinct icon.
✔ Flexible for different uses—text can be used for print, while the icon works well for social media.
✔ Easier to transition to an icon-only logo in the future.
✖ Can look cluttered if the text and icon aren’t designed cohesively.
✖ More complex to design compared to single-element logos.

How to Choose the Right Logo Style for Your Brand

1. Consider Your Industry and Audience

Your logo should align with your industry expectations and customer preferences. For example:

• Corporate and luxury brands favor text-based logos for a classic, upscale look.
• Tech startups and modern brands often use icon-based or combination logos to stand out.
• Retail, fitness, and entertainment brands thrive with bold and recognizable symbols.

2. Think About Long-Term Scalability

Your logo needs to work on all platforms—from websites to packaging to mobile apps. If your logo is too complex, it might not scale well for small formats like social media profile pictures or app icons.

3. Ensure It’s Timeless, Not Trendy

Your logo should last for years without looking outdated. Avoid overly trendy fonts or symbols that may lose relevance quickly. A strong logo remains effective even as design trends evolve.

4. Plan for Future Growth

If you plan to expand into new products or markets, your logo should be adaptable. Many companies start with a combination logo and later drop the text as their brand recognition increases (e.g., Starbucks and Apple).

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Logo Style for Your Business?

Choosing between text, an icon, or a combination logo depends on your brand identity, target audience, and long-term vision.

✔️ Text-Based Logos work well for brands with a strong name and a professional, timeless appeal.
✔️ Icon-Based Logos are ideal for global recognition and digital-first companies.
✔️ Combination Logos provide maximum versatility, allowing for future brand evolution.

At MKTG DESK, we specialize in branding and custom logo design to help businesses create timeless, impactful logos that elevate their brand presence. Whether you need a wordmark, an iconic symbol, or a combination logo, we’re here to help. Contact MKTG DESK today to craft a logo that makes your brand unforgettable!