What in the world are favicons and why should you care?
Have you ever heard the term “favicon” and wondered what in the world it meant? If so, this article is for you because I’ll not only explain what these mysterious logo marks are but also how you can use them for your website
What are favicons?
Favicons, logo marks or icons, are the smallest version of your logo mark and a great way to share your brand in the smallest of places.
These handy pieces of your brand identity can also be called sub-marks and are specifically designed to be recognisable and on-brand at a very small scale.
Where do I use a favicon?
Using favicons on your website
One of the most common places to use a favicon instead of your full logo is to display in the browser tab when someone is on your website. Having a unique, identifiable icon on your browser tab helps people remember your site when they have a bunch of tabs open (I honestly can’t understand 1 tab at a time people! I’ve got at least 10 going at a time… on two different windows!).
The lovely sub-mark in my blog image is part of the brand identity I created for Babies After 35 which we used for the website favicon!
Using favicons on social media
Another great place to use your favicon is on social media, either in your profile photo if you aren’t a personal brand or as part of your content! I love seeing a delicate sub-mark on an Instagram post - it’s subtle but powerful branding that marks your post as yours and reminds people who’s talking to them.
Using favicons in other parts of your business
Finally, when you are creating something unique for your business and can't use your logo (or simply don’t want to use the full blown logo), your sub-mark is the perfect way to add a subtle branded touch to everything you create. Some great places to use favicons are on your business cards, packaging (hello, branded stickers anyone?) or on client gifts.
How to get a favicon for your brand?
If you’ve created your logo yourself, spend some time creating a very simple version of your logo or icon that can work in smaller spaces (16px x 16px is the typical size). Or, if you are working with a branding designer to create your logo (and hopefully your full brand identity), ask them to include a favicon in your logo kit! I always include favicons in my brand and website packages since I believe they are a crucial part of your overall brand identity.
Final Thoughts
These handy little elements of your visual brand are definitely small but mighty! Your favicon makes your business instantly recognizable and fills out your brand so your business can stay memorable, on-brand and recognizable even in the smallest of places.
