Small business owners, let’s talk about something that might be on your mind lately: rebranding. It can fill you full of dread, excitement…or maybe even a combination of both (trust me I’ve been there!). But facing up to the realities of whether your business needs a rebrand could be the one of the most important steps you can take towards a better future for your business. Let’s look at a few of the red flags that could be flying in plain sight as signs that your business might need a rebrand and what you can do about it.
1. Your low-res visuals don’t cut it anymore
An AI generated logo might have served it’s purpose when you first started out, but DIY branding doesn't always look so professional when you try to scale it up for all your online or offline branded assets, such as your website, on signage etc. What reflects better on your business: pixelated and blurry logos or high-res, crisp branding? I think the answer is clear! (See what I did there?). Professional looking design instantly creates value and is a clear sign that your business means business.
2. One logo = one dimensional
A stand-alone logo on it’s own can’t communicate everything you want your brand to say to your target audience. Expanding your brand’s visual identity allows you to tell potential and actual customers or clients who you are and what you’re all about at a glance through all the different branded elements. Whether you are a product-based or service-led brand, consider how a bespoke colour palette, font pairings, brand patterns, branded templates and multiple logo options can all work together to show depth, personality and consistency in your customer's brand experience from start to finish.
3. Your competitors are doing it better
Okay, constant comparison is not always healthy (I'm a firm believer in own lane, own race, own pace). HOWEVER…we all know part of being a successful business is to stay ahead of the game. If your brand is getting lost in the sea of competitors through same-y or lower quality design, you need a brand that cuts through the noise and speaks to your people. I would urge all business owners to regularly take 15 mins out of their day to do a bit of competitor research, both online and on social media. This provides a great lesson on who's missing a trick and who's smashing it. Tip: also research other businesses you love who aren't your competitors and jot down why they stand out to you. Chances are, their branding will be one of the factors that draws you to them. Applying some of this magic to your own business will mean you become a pack leader, not follower.
4. You're pivoting your business
The best businesses are able to adapt to changing conditions. Niching down, changing your target audience or core offering are all possible ways your business model might shift. But is your branding still relevant? If you're planning a pivot, you really need to review and evolve your branding in line with this. What's more, this is the perfect time to get your perfect new look to create stand-out communications, telling your audience all about your new business direction!
5. You've fallen out of love with your branding
It’s not you, it’s me... Well actually it is you (you being your current branding in this lil role play ;0). As a business owner, you’ve got to live and breathe your brand, so you NEED to feel the love. Whether you're in the first year your business journey or much further along, if there’s something that’s irking you about your branding - or worse, giving you the ick - something’s gotta give! A rebrand will give the kiss of life back into your love for your business and help you stay motivated to drive it forward.
So, you’ve answered yes to one or more of the above; what’s next? Don’t panic! With the help of a professional brand designer, you can get your new branding to where you want it to be and beyond. My blog on how to create a compelling brand is a great place to start to get you thinking about creating branding that speaks to your perfect people. Choose a brand designer (freelancer, studio or agency if budget is no object) who you feel aligned and connected to, who you trust and who gets you and your business from the get-go - I can't emphasise enough how important trust is from the start.
I love helping lifestyle brands make a positive impact through their branding and rebranding, empowering them to love their brand. How? Well, I work collaboratively with them throughout a a strategic process, starting with a 360 brand review. This allows me to create a selection of unique concept options for them to consider. Next follows a process of honing and refining your new beautifully crafted brand identity, and finally, helping you take your brand out into the world with confidence through tailored 1-2-1 Canva training using your new brand assets. As I work on a freelance basis, my packages are affordable and fair, but professional and structured to give you the best of both worlds.
Find out more about my signature package and how you can work with me - I’d love to hear about your rebranding project and how we can grow your business together!
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