What are Custom Icons?
The power of custom icons is employing mini graphics to represent your business services, headings, systems and processes. While their uses are endless, a solid set of icons should be integrated into all your branding—both online and in print. They’re not just symbols of work, but decorative, and identifying tokens of your brand persona.
They can also signify the tipping point between a good website and a super cool and memorable one.
Generic Icons vs. Custom Design
Chances are, the icons you saw on one website are the same ones you’ll see on most others (shoutout to Lordicon for their services). The truth is, free icons are starting to feel a bit redundant. Generic icons overlook the unique character of your business and fail to capture the essence of your services.
Custom icons, on the other hand, give a clear, digestible piece of your brand personality.
Let’s Compare:
Check out Mosh. Their custom icons are fun, sketchy, comedic, and say everything about the brand you’re investing in. Compare the vibe and personality of these icons to Juniper’s—or the lack of them—and you’ll notice a huge shift in trust and perception. Does Juniper seem more professional because they don’t have ‘cartoons’ on their site? Or does that make them feel less authentic, more robotic, and distant?
Original icons also help create a powerful brand identity, independent of photography and videography. Every great business starts from humble beginnings, but that doesn’t mean you need the perfect office to show the world your brand.
Look at Cortex Telehealth. Their entire website and branding are built using custom assets, and in our opinion, it stands the test of time.
If you still can’t see the power of custom icons, I’m not sure what else to say. They’re more than a pretty picture—custom icons are a branding tool, and should never be undermined. Look at Apple’s interface: a completely unanimous extension of the brand itself, luxurious, sleek, innovative tech design.
