If you’re a business owner or freelancer, branding must be on your radar. Think you may need a rebrand? Here are some useful tips.
A Little FYI About Branding:
Branding is a marketing tactic used all over the world. Your business card? Part of your brand. What about your website? You better believe it. The colors in your logo? Yep, that too. You see, branding isn’t just for big-time businesses. It’s for anyone- from a small business to a corporation. So, what is it, anyway?
First of all, branding is much more than color schemes and website design. A substantial company presence provides recognition for the company and creates a positive change, while an ineffective strategy equals a more negative outcome, such as a decline in revenue. You’ll need the utmost care and precision when deciding on what your label will be and what it will look like in the future. Your branding strategy is what stands behind
It’s the little things that matter.
For example, think about Old Spice, the men’s deodorant brand. Instead of appealing exclusively to older men, the brand now sells to males of all ages. Why? After a simple rebranding of their marketing strategy using a more ‘millennial-appealing’ approach, guess what? They’re now one of the most highly regarded names in the industry. The title may fool you, but their marketing team has outsmarted the elements. Sexy, bold, and innovative, Old Spice is a perfect example of what to do for a rebrand, and that’s to listen to your audience.
In short, branding is the face of your company. It’s how others perceive you and the lasting impression it leaves on your audience. By using the right strategy, your brand communicates your personality and builds your reputation. So, how do you know if it’s time for a change?
Here are some signs:
- Your mission or business model has changed. It’s not uncommon for companies to end up in an unexpected place from where they initially started. However, if your business no longer reflects who you are as a company, it’s time for a new look.
- You have an outdated website, business cards, or logo. Ever feel nervous about handing out your business card, and it had nothing to do with your crippling anxiety? Is your website so old that you felt the need to take it down and tell the world that it’s ‘under construction’ because you’re ashamed of its prehistoric appeal? If you’re not reeling in any new business, this could be why.
- You’ve merged with another company. Do your customers know? How does this change your appearance? These acquisitions are an ideal opportunity to restructure your brand. Rebranding should be one of the first items of business to tackle after a merger or acquisition.
- You’ve expanded your services. Have a whole new menu to offer? As companies grow, they sometimes broaden or modify their services. When this happens, make sure your brand still accurately reflects your company’s vision.
- Your brand is often confused with your competitor’s. Your marque should exemplify your company’s core values and ideas. If you realize that your brand looks similar to another, more well-established label, it will seem as if your values and beliefs have gone out the window. Your customers will go next.
To sum it all up, if you find yourself wondering whether it’s time for a new brand, then it most likely is. Without a strong, effective strategy, your company will lose recognition and thus, lose customers and revenue that you’ve worked so hard to maintain. If any of these signs apply to your brand, contact Design Zone today to learn how we can help.