How the Google logo has redefined branding
Marketers have an opportunity to learn more about successful branding every time Google has a new initiative. In fact, the company’s entire evolution makes a successful case study. The brand has a name and a logo which are known to more of its billions of worldwide users. Moreover, the entire Google logo history contains some essential branding lessons many should learn.
Being one of the most powerful online brands in the world, Google has stuck to a few branding principles throughout the years. Visual communication matters, so its logo has improved until it reached a peak of interactivity, friendliness and recognizability. You know a Google logo element when you see it. Also, you enjoy discovering its new forms and shapes. Learn more about your own brand by looking into the Google logo history!
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Brand construction
Google first showed off its name and logo back in 1997. The logo’s first version is far from impressive, carrying a strong 1990s vibe. However, the Google logo history was just beginning. At the time, Google was just a Stanford University project developed by two students. The logo seems to have been created using MS Word. Even though it was a private project, Google had a name and logo.
Google’s first logo should be a possibility branding lesson. Regardless of how tiny a project is, you should develop a brand around it. You can find possibilities anywhere. Moreover, you have enough time to improve your project after its release.
Brand release
Google Beta was officially released in 1998. The world saw a very improved logo, which resembled the one we know today. The color scheme was defined, together with the font. Color order differed. Moreover, the letters kept a slight 3D shadowing from its predecessor. However, the brand’s message was loud and clear – this is who we are, and we show everyone our name and logo altogether.
Many brands exist before their release version, and nobody stops you to improve and adjust before you release it. A brand needs to have a strong message and elements which tightly connect to the message it aims to send. Google’s task was difficult, as its target public consisted of everyone who uses the internet for any information. However, the brand managed to find a common message which was appealing for its public and the company could promote.
Mistakes can happen
Google brand managers decided to show off a logo which featured a resemblance to Yahoo!’s brand image. Between 1999 and 2010, the logo changed its color order to the one we know today. The first G changed from green to blue, in search for a more energetic and friendlier image. For one year, the logo also included an exclamation mark, which was quickly removed. 3D shadows and rounded edges were still there. However, since 2010 colors became brighter.
Google eliminated soon its common element to its competitor, Yahoo! The Google logo history doesn’t include an official announcement for this change. Therefore, you might feel the need to adjust a logo element if you receive signals from the market or it resembles with a competitor’s. You don’t need to announce adjustments, if they don’t also include a rebranding campaign.
Adjusting brand messages
The Google logo history includes another unannounced update. In 2013, the Google logo has gone flat. This was the first step of a transition to a friendlier and more interactive version. The logo included tome minor typographic changes which the end user could hardly recognize.
Logos are there for years and decades. However, you can update its elements and adjust its message. Consider reviewing your logo occasionally and see if it fits how your target audience has changed.
Rebranding to digital
Google announced a major change to it logo in 2015. It consisted of:
- A new font which was mad in-house. Product Sans is also used for Google’s mother-company, Alphabet. This font improves brand identification through contrast and use a better pixel grid.
- Google introduced animation to its logo by integrating more interactive elements, such as the loading dots.
- As screens get smaller, this version of the Google logo is now friendlier and more visible on smartphones and tablets.
- The brand values and message are now more in line with Alphabet company due to the common font.
When you announce a branding change, make sure that you consider all aspects that might make is spectacular. Announced rebranding campaigns involves no adjustments during the year it occurs. Consider messages, purpose and possibilities before any rebranding. Moreover, if you pay attention to details you can discover new elements to brand which is exactly what Google did.
Interactivity is essential
Google is a friendly, yet straightforward and innovative brand. The company had to create a campaign which emphasized its message. The Google doodles were first created in 1998, as out-of-office messages. This initiative was well-received, so the brand decided to explore the option. Today, Google doodles make the news, are interactive and personalized for countries and areas. They are targeted for both grown-ups and kids, as the Halloween doodles with games are.
You will need a way to outline your message. Such a marketing campaign answers to a simple question: why? Why you say your brand is in a specific way? These initiatives bring you closer to your audience and make your brand more human.
The Google Logo History Success
Google began as a school project and is now among the internet leaders. This was a long, yet calculated way to travel. The Google logo history includes details and fun facts which you can additionally research on the Internet. You can study the brand’s evolution and discover successful branding lessons. Google’s initiative worked for a mainstream public, even though niches, brand positioning and specific target categories now seem to rule the marketing world.
The Google logo history reveals inspirational and motivational branding lessons you should acknowledge. As your brand grows, you can research your public thoroughly and see which one you can apply.