5 Things You Need To Know About Preparing For A Rebrand (2024)
You’re already an established business. You have a brand and have decided it’s time for a rebrand. Exciting times ahead!! As exciting as it is, it can also be quite daunting. You’ve actively taken a positive step towards investing, not only your money but your time. You want to get this right! It’s important to get it right.
So what’s the next step?
In this article, I’m sharing 5 unmissable tips that you should consider (action!) when preparing for a rebrand….
Over the last few years, I have worked with many business owners who have come to me because they are in need of a rebrand. They needed to refresh their existing logo, brand elements, and ultimately felt that they had outgrown their current brand, this leads me to my first point…
1 | Be sure you’re doing it for the right reasons
When considering a rebrand it’s super important to ensure you are doing it for all the right reasons. If you can relate to the following, then maybe it’s time to think to rebrand:
You have had a change in business direction
You are attracting the wrong clientele
You have lost your way a little and your branding has become inconsistent
You need to update or modernise the look and feel of your business
You have outgrown your original brand
Don’t get me wrong, I love rebranding a business but ultimately it’s about what is best for your business (your business vision and goals). This is why whenever I speak to a potential branding client I always ask WHY they are looking to rebrand. It’s such an important question.
If they say anything along the lines of “because they are bored of their existing branding” or “because they love XYZ’s branding” then that is a big no-no to rebrand.
Did you see our recent rebrand identity work:
Growth Ignition - helping organisations win more bids through comprehensive training programs, including bid writing, capture, sales, and APMP certification
Immetric - Swedish-based company, providing early-stage investments to help deep-tech start-ups to build the strongest foundations.
Thorne Wines - family-run, and independent, wine merchants based in Cambridge
2 | Do your homework (pre-project rebrand homework) properly
At KSD we have a process where all clients are tasked with doing some pre-project work, including filling out our comprehensive questionnaire and completing some tasks on Pinterest. This is an important step as it helps you to dig deep into the heart of your business and brand but also provides us with the insight to help create the right designs.
If you’re considering rebranding your business then it’s important for you to know the all details of your business and brand.
Knowing things like:
Who your ideal client/customer is (especially if your clientele has changed)
What your USP is
Where do you see your business in the future (think 1 year down the line and then 3 years down the line as well!)
The questions are all part of the KSD branding workbook - If you’re interested in getting your hands on it get in touch and let me know!
The prework really is one of the most important tasks involved in a rebrand, therefore I would definitely recommend it done thoroughly.
3 | Don’t underestimate the amount of time you will need
Rebrands take time. They are not something to be rushed. When preparing for a rebrand keep in mind that the whole process from start to finish takes time. From the initial point of contact, to receiving the prework, to completing it and ensuring we’re both on the same page, to then starting the design, and revision rounds, and then signing off and to launch.
A lot of time goes into the whole process, so make sure you have set time aside in your calendar. Trust me, your designer it will make the whole process even more enjoyable knowing that you’re 100% committed.
Related:
4 | Write a list of all the elements that would need to be redesigned
This is a biggie that most people forget about. Quick question - Do you know all the different areas where your logo appears?
I’m talking, about business cards, email signatures, Facebook pages, PDF handouts, and promotional postcards. And last but not least, your website!
Your logo and brand elements should be reflected in all areas of your business - online, offline, and in communication. When it comes to a redesign all these areas matter as they are the areas that then need to be updated once your rebrand is in process/complete. Therefore, don’t leave it to the last minute to collate this information, like point 3 above, and make sure you give yourself time to get organised. Plan ahead.
Tip - You can even use this list to make sure you have all the right elements designed for you so that nothing gets left behind or forgotten! - 20 ways to use your brand identity (not just your logo)
Don’t forget to check out our branding package which is deliberately flexible to ensure you get all the designed elements you require.
5 | Do your research to find the right designer for you
Last but not least, do your research to find the right designer for you. Design is really subjective, and every designer has their own style - their own USP, therefore it’s really worth taking your time to make sure you’re both on the same page. It’s equally important to make sure you are both a good fit for each other, as well as the project being a good fit.
Conclusion
A rebrand can take your business to new heights and is a great investment for if you do it for the right reasons, are committed and have done your homework.
It can be scary, but with the right designer it can be a breeze!
If you’re interested in working together on your rebrand, why not get in touch and drop me a line to get the ball rolling with a no strings attached chat?
