# Logo Design Checklist for Small Business — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz)

A 25-step checklist covering briefing, design, review, and final file delivery — in order, grouped by phase.

## Phase 1: Briefing

- [ ] Write a one-sentence brief: what the business does and exactly who it serves.
- [ ] List 3-5 brand adjectives the logo must communicate (e.g. friendly, premium, playful, trustworthy).
- [ ] Study 5 competitor logos — note what works, what looks generic, and what to avoid.
- [ ] Decide every place the logo will appear (website, packaging, social, signage) before designing starts.
- [ ] Pick 2-3 brand colors and write down their hex codes for consistent use.
- [ ] Choose a typography direction: serif, sans-serif, script, or custom lettering.
- [ ] Collect 3 inspiration references for style direction — inspiration, not copying.

## Phase 2: Design

- [ ] Design at large size first, then check it still reads clearly at 32 pixels (the favicon test).
- [ ] Keep the mark simple: it must work in a single color and in pure black.
- [ ] Confirm it scales down to business-card and app-icon sizes without losing detail.
- [ ] Avoid stock icons and visual cliches (generic swooshes, globes, clip-art) unless heavily reworked.
- [ ] Check the logo works reversed in white on dark backgrounds.
- [ ] Create a horizontal version and a stacked version for different layouts.
- [ ] Leave proper clear space around the logo — at least the height of one letterform on all sides.

## Phase 3: Review

- [ ] Show it to 5 people outside your industry and ask what kind of business they think it is.
- [ ] Ask what the logo makes them feel — the answer should match your brand adjectives from the brief.
- [ ] Run the squint test: blur your eyes — it should still be distinct from competitor logos.
- [ ] Test it in real mockups: website header, social avatar, printed receipt, and a sign if relevant.
- [ ] Sleep on it for 24 hours before approving — first impressions are honest and second looks are too.
- [ ] Check for trademark conflicts with a quick search of your country's trademark database.

## Phase 4: Final files

- [ ] Get vector master files: SVG and PDF (plus AI or EPS if your designer provides them).
- [ ] Get transparent-background PNGs at 300, 1024, and 2048 px widths.
- [ ] Get a monochrome one-color version for stamps, engraving, and single-color printing.
- [ ] Record your brand color codes (HEX, RGB, CMYK) and font names in one brand sheet.
- [ ] Store everything in a "Brand files" folder with a cloud backup — you will need these for years.