As a business grows, its brand may need to change to reflect this growth. This is where rebranding comes in to play. Rebranding can be a smart option for a business when the business needs to be projected in a new light, but it must be done correctly to avoid losing business. Here are some things to keep in mind during the rebranding process:
1. Make sure you have a valid reason for rebranding.
Before going through with rebranding, you must have a clear reason why. Rebranding can be a difficult and messy process and you need to be sure that it will truly benefit your business. Some reasons for rebranding include:
- To set yourself apart from your competitors
- Entering a new market or gaining new customers
- Getting rid of a dated look to boost sales
- Recovering from a negative image
When you have a clear purpose for rebranding, then you should go ahead with the process. If you don’t have a clear reason why, then it may be better to continue business under your current brand.
2. Research and develop a new brand vision.
Create a vision for how the new brand is going to be. Choose a name that is clear, specific and accurately represents your current business. When choosing a new name, do your research. Make sure that stakeholders and employees are on board with the changes that are being made.
3. Make a plan for how to rollout the rebrand.
Having a plan in place is extremely important for a smooth rebranding process. This plan should include exactly what is going to be changed and how it is going to be done. No detail is too small! Make sure to include:
- Updated Logo
- New email signatures
- Promotional items
- Building signage
- New website design
- Marketing strategy
- SEO services
- Social media accounts
When creating a plan, make sure you have a budget for exactly how much everything is going to cost and be sure that everyone knows which part of the rebranding process they are responsible for.
4. Showcase your new brand to the world.
When you have your plan in place, it’s time to showcase your new brand to the world. Be consistent across all platforms. Put posts out on social media showcasing your new brand and make sure your website showcases the rebranding. Don’t be shy about getting the word out – schedule a press release, go to the media, or create advertisements reflecting the new change. Make sure that your customers know about the rebranding to avoid losing their business.
