Wordmark, Symbol, or Combo?
Here’s How to Choose the Right Logo Style for Your Brand
You’re ready to design a logo — but then you hit a wall.
Should it be just your name? An icon? A mix of both?
The answer depends on what stage you’re at, where you plan to show up, and how recognizable your business already is.
Let’s break down the three most common logo types — and help you figure out which one actually fits your brand.
1. Wordmark Logos
A wordmark is your brand name, styled typographically. Think: Google, Coca-Cola, or Buttered Branding.
Best for:
Newer businesses that need name recognition
Brands with unique or punchy names
Service-based businesses or personal brands
Skip if:
Your name is long, generic, or difficult to remember.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a business owner in Windsor, Toronto, Hamilton, or Detroit just getting started — a wordmark is usually the most practical and affordable route.
2. Symbol (or Icon) Logos
This is a graphic-only logo, no words. Think: Apple, Nike, or Target.
Best for:
Established brands with strong recognition
Product-based businesses that want visual shelf appeal
Brands that need a clean icon for packaging or mobile apps
Skip if:
You’re early in your brand journey. People won’t know what your icon stands for (yet).
Real Talk:
We see a lot of startups in Detroit and Toronto try to jump straight to an icon — but unless you’re investing heavily in brand awareness, it won’t stick.
3. brand Marks
This is where the magic happens. You get the wordmark and the symbol — together or separate. Think: Adidas, Doritos, or Spotify.
Best for:
Brands that need maximum flexibility
Businesses that want both name clarity and strong visuals
Anyone planning to grow across platforms (print, web, social, merch)
Skip if:
You’re super early-stage with no budget. brand marks usually require a more advanced design process.
We use brand marks for 90% of Buttered Branding clients — especially across Windsor, Hamilton, and Detroit — because they allow us to build out a full visual system that adapts as your brand scales.
TL;DR:
If you’re early-stage → go wordmark.
If you’re established → go icon if people already know you.
If you want a brand that can grow → go combo.
Still unsure which one’s right for you?
We help small businesses design logos that look sharp and scale smart. Book a discovery call with Buttered Branding and let’s figure it out.
