Wordmark/Logotype: These logos use typography or custom lettering to display the brand's name in a unique style. Examples include Coca-Cola and Google.
Symbol/Icon: These logos consist of a distinct graphic, emblem, or symbol without text. For instance, Apple's apple icon or Nike's swoosh.
Combination Mark: These logos merge a wordmark with a symbol, often placing them adjacent to each other or incorporating them into a single design, like the logos for Burger King and Adidas.
Emblem: Similar to combination marks, emblems integrate text and a symbol, but in this case, they are unified in a contained shape or structure. Examples are Starbucks and Harley-Davidson.
A well-designed logo should be memorable, versatile (able to be scaled and applied in different sizes and mediums), and representative of the brand's identity, values, and products or services. It aims to create an emotional connection with the audience and is a vital element of a company's branding strategy. Logos play a fundamental role in marketing, as they're prominently featured on products, websites, marketing materials, and more, serving as a visual representation of the brand.