As a logo designer, simply creating exceptional designs and providing excellent customer service is just the beginning of building a strong reputation. Over time, I’ve found that a combination of various strategies helps elevate your profile and expand your reach. In addition to a robust logo design portfolio filled with inspiring case studies, here are some approaches I’ve used to effectively build my reputation: social posting, blogging, podcasting, video content, awards and juries, and social proof.
Social Posting: Consistency is Key
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for building your personal brand and positioning yourself as an expert in your field. However, it’s important to understand that there are many different platforms, each with its own set of rules and best practices. The key to success on any platform is consistency.
Given that there are only so many hours in the day, trying to be active on every platform at once isn’t feasible for most of us. My approach has been to pick one platform and focus on mastering it. By dedicating my time and energy to one social network, I was able to learn everything about that platform, ensuring that I posted good content and showed up consistently.
Think of a social platform like a fire. If you try to light ten fires at once, you’ll end up with nothing but smoke. But if you focus on lighting one fire and keep it burning, you’ll eventually be able to move on to the next one. Once you have a thriving community on one platform, you’ll only need to occasionally check in to maintain momentum while you build success on a second platform.
When I first started, I chose Twitter as my primary platform. It was one of the most popular social media channels at the time and offered an ideal way to share short, engaging content. With Twitter’s 280-character limit, I could easily fit posts into my daily routine—whether I was eating breakfast, waiting for a train, or, yes, even sitting on the toilet.
What to Post on Social Media?
The content you post on social media doesn’t have to be all original. In fact, I’ve found that it’s beneficial to share content from other experts in the logo design space. I maintain a list of blogs and resources that I find valuable, and when it’s time to post, I share these pieces alongside my own content. By continually sharing interesting and valuable information, I establish myself as a source of valuable content, even if I’m not the one creating it.
However, simply posting content won’t help you build a quality audience. Engagement is just as important. Always make sure to respond to messages, start discussions, and join in conversations started by others. The more you interact, the more you’ll grow your network and build a reputation as someone who provides value. The goal is to be present and engaged, rather than simply broadcasting your own content.
Blogging: Share Your Knowledge
Writing a blog is one of the best ways to share your expertise and demonstrate your knowledge. When I started, I wasn’t an accomplished writer—I struggled with writing in school, and I rarely read or wrote after finishing my formal education. But over time, I realized that writing about something I was passionate about—logo design—helped improve my skills and gave me a platform to showcase my knowledge.
I began using my blog as a way to document the lessons I was learning in my career. It was also an opportunity to answer common questions, provide insights into my design process, and share my journey as a designer. As I wrote more, my writing skills improved, and I found myself enjoying the process.
Blogging also gives you the chance to reach new audiences. Writing guest posts for other popular design websites or business blogs is another way to contribute to your reputation. When you share your knowledge in writing, you establish yourself as an authority and build a reputation as a thought leader in your field.
Hosting a Podcast: Connecting Through Voice
Podcasting is another excellent way to build your reputation, but rather than simply writing or posting, you’re speaking directly to your audience. With podcasts, people hear your voice and get to know you, like you, and trust you in the process. Unlike blogging, where it’s easy to hide behind your writing, podcasting adds a personal touch that helps strengthen your connection with your audience.
A podcast can be a solo show or a co-hosted one, or you can invite guests to add different perspectives to the conversation. I’ve found that podcasting helps build a deeper connection with listeners, and it’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise while also offering your audience valuable insights into the world of logo design. Whether you’re interviewing fellow designers or discussing design-related topics, a podcast allows you to share your knowledge in an engaging and accessible format.
Awards, Juries, and Social Proof
While the previous strategies help build your reputation through content creation and social engagement, awards and juries are another powerful way to boost your credibility. Being recognized by industry peers and organizations for your work can elevate your status in the design community and attract more high-quality clients. Submitting your designs to juries or award programs not only gives you a sense of achievement but also provides social proof of your talent and expertise.
Social proof—whether through client testimonials, positive reviews, or public recognition—reinforces your reputation and helps build trust with potential clients. People are more likely to trust a designer who has been recognized by others, so it’s essential to seek out opportunities for recognition, whether that’s through design awards, showcasing client testimonials, or gaining visibility through reputable platforms.
Final Thoughts
Building a reputation as a logo designer is about more than just creating beautiful designs. It involves consistently sharing your knowledge, engaging with your audience, and seeking opportunities for recognition. Whether through social media, blogging, podcasting, or industry awards, each of these strategies contributes to positioning you as a trusted expert in your field. Over time, as you build your reputation and grow your network, you’ll find that new opportunities will arise, leading to a successful and fulfilling career as a logo designer.
