So, what do you think of the new logo / header graphic that NetProfitsToday has been sporting for the last week?
I had it done through a contest at 99designs.com.
If you’ve never heard of 99Designs before, here’s how it works.
- You want to have a header graphic, logo or entire website design created so you write a design brief describing what you want.
- You decide how much you are willing to pay (award as a ‘prize’).
- You post your contest for a fee of $39.00.
- Designers from all over the world submit their design concepts.
- You provide feedback to each designer, then pick a winner, and the designer is paid.
- Once you’ve paid, all rights to the winning design are transferred from the designer to you.
What I like best about this format is having so many design options from which to choose, as opposed to working with one designer who may not be able to translate your concept into a design that you really like.
Check out 99designs.com.
About Rosalind Gardner
Looks pretty cool Ros! Also Thanks for sharing 99designs.com with us, I’ve bookmarked the page for future reference. It’s always great to find these kind of resources.
The new logo looks like it could be ‘great’ for a “guitar” site. In fact, I believe there is an American guitarist who has this with the “red, white and blue” insignia.
I, too, liked the ‘old’ one better.
BE BLESSED!!
The old one was much better. More personal and warming. If it aint broke dont fix it! And your $39 worse off. My first reaction when I saw it was “why”?
Am I right in saying you’ve added your picture to the right side since?
Robin.
Hi Robin,
Yes, I put the new pic up there since the new logo went up and hate to say that I’m out a whole lot more than $39. It costs that much just to pay to play.
Cheers,
Ros
Ros,
As it happens, I went through a major logo change at a company I worked for in a different life. At the time I was blown away by the extreme negative reaction. “NO, NO, NO, please leave our status quo”, seemed to be the rallying cry but it took about ten days and it was never discussed again!
For what it’s worth, I think it’s pretty cool. It struck me as neat, clean and with the graph symbol definitely going in the right direction!
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the positive spin on the new logo. Hopefully the more recent changes will make a few folks happier.
Cheers,
Ros
Like the logo but why should paying someone to make it? I know some good graphic designer forum who can make a superb logo and banner as well and they are doing it for free.
To be honest, Ros, the former header was classier and more professional looking. It said this is a well done website and you need to stay. Which is only the truth.
Hi Rosalind,
I like the color scheme of the new one better than the old. However the picture of you on the old one was better. This new one is so low resolution that it looks grainy and is not as well lit.
You might think about putting your picture right next to the graphic which will show that you’re the owner of the site more clearly.
Hi Ros,
I’ve already commenetd on the logo on your Facebook page, so I won’t go on again :p
Just thought I’d put an idea out there – why not throw it out to your subscribers? Chances are there are more designer types than me on your list (a few on here by the looks of it). Designers do what they do because they’re passionate about it so, because your list loves ya, you might find someone who would do something pro bono…although the occasional paycheque is quite nice… : )
If not money, what about some marketing material from your back catalogue?
Sorry, I know this is kind of like locking the stable door after the dollars have bolted.
Glad to see you’re back in the header : )
Cheers,
-Mark
Hi, Rosalind.
I think that this new logo will work: it’s closer to a strict logo concept than the previous webpage header (besides it loses part of that “personal and warm feeling”).
On the other hand, i think that a professional design job shouldn’t be done as a contest with a prize. That’s probably because I have previously done many professional web design and branding tasks.
The only one with the guaranteed money is the contest holder website (99designs). So most designers that put a lot of effort weren’t paid for their job – which is rather discouraging.
Imagine this business model applied to house building: “House building contest. Every entrant is allowed to build as many houses as desired. Only one house will be paid. Oh, and every house should be professionally designed (we don’t want a house that falls apart).” Would that be fair?
When I first looked at the logo two things popped into my head:
1. The design and colors catch my attention.
2. It reminds me of the USA flag. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that…. )
I agree with some of the comments above. Since this blog is about your experiences, having your photo up in place of the logo icon is probably better. The Net Profits Today text looks fine.
Sue
Ros, The first thing that comes to mind when I see it I have seen that symbol somewhere before? it reminds me of what they use for charts..you know the ones in the movies or tv shows when the presenter is talking about sales.. this is like the token symbol they use for sales going up! anybody else notice that? I started to read all the replies to see if anyone else saw it but about halfway through I said to myself this will take all day! Ros you have a lot of fans!
Hi Dan,
That ‘sales going upward’ idea was exactly the perception I wanted to create. Glad you noticed.
Cheers,
Ros
First time on here but had to “speak my mind” like the others. I like the logo and it conveys the meaning of net profits. Here’s the kicker for me, I thought the site was going to be about the stock market or currency trading. That’s what the little arrow portrays to me, and, if that’s what you were going for then it’s great. Neither the title nor the logo represent affiliate marketing in my mind. Also, I agree with the others it does look like a guitar pick. A nice one. I’d use it.
E Serrano is correct too that the 99designs website is the only one guaranteed payment. It is free choice though for the designers to submit a project or not, so they are the ones who deem if it is worthwhile to them to put the effort into it. I think too that anyone can view the designs at 99designs.com if they know which contest to look under, so if Rosalind wanted to have her loyal followers give her feedback on the designs she could have let them know how to view what was there.
My thoughts on the picture in the upper right hand corner of the website – obscure and somewhat lost in the busyness of that side of the page. But hey! what do I know, I don’t even have a website.
You are an incentive to others and it’s obvious you know what you’re doing in order to have succeeded as you have. All the Best! Your site is loaded with good information. Thank you.
Hi Agars,
Welcome. Glad to hear that you appreciate the site and thanks for adding your thoughts on the matter.
Good point about the opportunity to let folks vote on the designs. I never thought of that possibility, only thinking that the new logo would be a surprise. And I agree with you about the current picture placement and do believe there’s another change coming up.
Cheers,
Ros
The logo is very professional. I just bought and read SAH for the first time and so much confusion has blown off. This is one of the top books that everyone should read if considering starting an online business. I started with SBI and it is an awesome tool but there were still so many things I didn’t know. Thanks for so openly sharing your knowledge. I’m now moving ahead by leaps and bounds.
Hi Rex,
Thanks for stopping by to tell us how you’re doing. Glad that I could help blow off some of that confusion.
Now don’t forget to pick up the latest copy, just released today.
Cheers,
Ros
Combo of:
Guitar pick
Stock market
Union Pacific Railway
Hey if that’s what you want…
Who am I to say otherwise!!
Hi Ros,
Sorry but your smile beats a cold corporate logo any day. I like the old logo.
Jerry
Hey Jerry,
I’m still smiling on the other side of the header.
Besides, folks who have met me in person say that looks way more like me than the other one did. Actually, I’m being nice… they hated that other picture.
Cheers,
Ros
Hey Rosalind –
Shoulda called me.
A wide variety of options is not necessarily the best idea, especially if you’re not a designer. And you should always have a designer who understands your needs – who understands you, and understands your market.
I don’t think it “represents” you in any way, really. When I look at it, it doesn’t “feel” like you.
Communicating with one designer who “gets” who you are is priceless.
Cheers!
Lisa
You’re probably right… I shudda.
But whattya mean it doesn’t look like me… you don’t have to be American to proudly sport red, white and blue do ya?
Ros
LOL!
It actually isn’t the colour scheme that felt wrong… it wasn’t reflecting YOU – the branding you have already established in the marketplace. You can re-vamp and update your look, but I am a firm believer in maintaining the core of your brand once established.
By the way… I actually LIKED your old blog. Because it is the central core of all your stuff, the fact that it was easy to navigate, lots of links, made it appealing to me. I also use the studiopress theme extensively, but usually only in niche areas, or tightly focused sites.
Rosalind,
I agree with most of the posts here, I like your older header better. Yes, I agree that this new logo looks cleaner, but I think it feels too clean and the triangle made me think of the stock market.
I always come back to your site because you are so personable and the new header doesn’t convey that feeling.
If you decide to try another designer, I will gladly recommend mine. And he charges much less than what you payed.
Let me know and thanks for allowing your readers to post our opinions.
Good luck and say hi to Yanik for me at the Underground!
Romy
Hey Romy,
Thanks for adding your comment. You’re very kind and true enough, I probably don’t want to encourage folks to think about the stock market at the moment.
Will definitely pass your howdy on to Yanik later this week.
Best,
Ros
Font is good. I would leave that. Maybe have “Net” in red and leave it be. Remove the guitar pick with arrow through it. It’s just too complex visually and aesthetically sub-beautiful. Maybe all you need is the type. I would go with type alone.
Hi John,
I might just go the route you suggested, although will stay away from putting Net in red, considering red means loss in the financial world.
But ‘aesthetically sub-beautiful’ is definitely a term to which I can relate. Love the flourish.
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros Well…. I like the design. It does remind me, and probably all guitar players of a plectrum. It’s very ‘corporate’ though and although you are obviously a business woman because you are so successful – I would associate something softer with your personality – albeit only my impression over the few years I have been following your sites/blogs.
Anyway – thanks for your brilliant information. You and Jim Daniels are the two people I place most trust in on the internet marketing scene.
Hi David,
Thanks very for adding your comment and compliment. You’re very kind.
Interesting to realize what perceptions we create through our writing. Perhaps ‘something softer’ comes from my steady drone about quality and karma? Or, the extra 10 pounds?
Maybe I should work harder to convey the woman who passes on solid lines in her 500SL just because she can (OK, I only did that once but it was FUN!) or swears like a trucker when she hears mass media leading people astray?
Hmmm…
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros,
I really like the way ‘Net Profits Today.com’ looks but the logo is hmmmm… not very original. You see the arrow technique used a lot online, especially for buying and trading stocks. There is nothing sparky about it for you per sae.
Like you said though, we will get used to it if you like it and want to keep it:o) We love you and will be loyal to you no matter what your logo is! Carolyn
Hi Carolyn
Yours was the first comment I saw this morning — and what a nice one to start the day by. Thanks!
Cheers,
Ros
Hello Ros,
First time responder. I tend to like the logo. First thought I had, that it was a heart with out the dip in the top. Second was a telephone off the hook. Of course the graph line through the center seems to me to be clear. Am I weird for seeing all of this at once? The point is that it tends to spark the mind and gets it prepared for better things.
George
Well, I have to go with the majority on this one.
I also like the old logo and header better – much better.
I liked your picture on the old header – no so much this one.
I also agree with the others – your logo looks like a guitar pick
(that’s what I thought it was).
And the colors are kind of drab – not bright and cheery like your
disposition. But… your content is still fantastic.
Cheers
Hi Ros,
There will always be the glass half empty people who will bag things given the opportunity. Really, I think your logo is fine – nice and fresh. And, in the overall scheme of things your ‘logo’ has very little importance – your ‘brand’ is you. People spend too much time blethering on about logos and brand recognition and all manner of corporate wank-speak if you’ll pardon the expression and setting too much store by these very small issues – often it’s a way for a creative or ad agency to justify charging exorbitant sums for 10 minutes work. What is really important is how you demonstrate your skills – don’t worry about your logo – the proof is in the pudding!
Lynda.
Hi, Lynda.
I understand your point of view, but professional logos aren’t a “10 minutes work”. Maybe the final design could be drawn in 10 minutes. But finding a meaningful concept that really depicts the company business needs a lot of tests and scraps. It’s hard to summarize every main company feature in a graphic plus a text. It’s not just graphic design: it’s also large amount of symbology and psychology.
You would be surprised by how a simple logo can decide if a new visitor stays on your site or clicks on your links. A good logo is like a good post title: it may attract people’s attention and convey a trustworthy feeling.
On the other hand, this is specially critical for start-up businesses. Probably we all would change some design element. But I really think this logo will work. As you said, Lynda, what really matters after all is that Rosalind will keep writing high-quality content. With such a good reputation, Rosalind just needed an easily recognizable symbol.
Hi E Serrano,
Very much appreciate there are different schools of thought on this issue. I have worked in advertising for many years and our school of thought has always focussed on quality of content rather than design. Not that the graphic designers don’t have a job to do -they do – the 10minutes was said tongue in cheek, but I do know that sometimes it can take not vast amounts more time than this once the ”think’ has been done! We have always focussed on spending the clients budget less subliminally by making sure the content really talks through the message. This works for our clients, many of whom it should be acknowledged are small businesses with low budgets. Any books by David Ogilvy talk this through. Always appreciative of the debate! All the best. Lynda.
Agreed, Lynda: content should always be the priority. You cannot expect a business to become a succesful one by wrapping a lot of “nothing” in an appealing design. Thinking about the right communication solution is a much more critical task than developing a specific design.
The earlier one was prettier, more interesting and ‘human’. This one is dry, less friendly and does not speak to your very high quality.
That’s my input.
jh
I love it!!! Perfect for today’s new business climate. Simple, elegant & very professional.