Rebranding can mean a lot of things, but generally it refers to the process of reevaluating and refining the image, feel, and even offerings of your blog or business. Since our goals and audience can change over time, rebranding gives you the opportunity to best fit your market (and yourself!).
When I first started as a designer in 2008, I designed anything I could get my hands on — flyers, business cards, mixtape covers, posters, t-shirts and more. I didn’t really have a strong niche and was known for being a “one stop shop.” When I learned more about business and discovered the importance of finding a target audience, I knew I needed to radically alter how I did things. I completely changed the name, mission statement and brand elements (such as colors and fonts) of my business. Now, my business is more successful and I’m really happy with my new brand. Here are five things I learned during the process that will help you with the launch of your own brand — whether you’re starting from scratch or redoing something that no longer fits you.
Related Post: Why I Rebranded My Business To My Own Name
1. Study your new audience.
Instead of studying my new audience and what they wanted from me, I studied my competition. It’s great to know who your competition is, but sometimes we have a tendency to be overly “inspired” by our competitors. I spoke like them and built my website like them. If I had studied my new audience I would’ve been able to find the right words to attract them rather than to imitate someone else.
2. Position myself.
Saying that I’m the best isn’t enough to actually have clients think you’re the best. It’s important to define what makes you different and position yourself to be valuable to your audience. Good ways to do this are by blogging and case studies. It’s a way to show proof that you’re an expert in your field.
3. Brand everything.
After settling on a new name for my business, I designed a logo and website, but neglected to create business cards, consistent social media accounts, and an email signature. It’s pretty hard to build brand recognition when your brand isn’t consistent. Generously sprinkle your new logo and brand colors on anything that connects to your business or blog. That way, if someone stumbles on your Facebook page, they’ll be able to connect it back to you.
4. Build anticipation.
Although I completely changed my audience and scope of work, I think it would’ve been beneficial to share the journey with my existing audience. Giving subtle hints through social media that something new was coming would’ve been a great way for people to anticipate my rebrand and get excited about the upcoming release.
5. Perfect timing.
Let’s be honest, perfect doesn’t exist. I launched months longer than I should have because I was so focused on perfection. While I didn’t build anticipation strategically, the little bit of anticipation that I grew eventually died down because people were exhausted from waiting. Honestly, you should launch before you’re ready and tweak on the go.
Doing a rebrand for your business can make a huge impact if done correctly. What are some rebrand strategies you would suggest?
I’m planning on launching my rebrand this Monday. It’s been in the works for a few weeks now and I can’t wait to share it! 🙂 Really great tips!!
This is super helpful, as I’m hoping to rebrand my blog and start my own photography business very soon! Thanks! 🙂
We’ve just launched our lifestyle+clothing+jewelry brand two days ago. There was a looong time of prior research, building our audience and creating strong and supportive social media (Instagram, mainly). This post came just in the right time and I agree with all of the points you’ve mentioned. I think, knowing what is your audience and where it actually hand out is the crucial point and most like the right one to start from. That’s what moved us to build this: https://instagram.com/knottoself/
Super helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Nikki
http://www.thepinthemapproject.com
I’m in this process right now! Thanks for the tips, Melyssa!
I think you definitely nailed some key points here! Especially when it comes to the consistency of your brand online and on social media. I also believe that nailing down an actual vision and mission statement for your brand are things you should nail down before you launch. Thanks for your awesome incite!
thanks for sharing, love posts like this, super helpful
To understand that “perfect” Timing does not exist is so important and at the same time so difficult to put into practice. So, thank you for that reminder to do start before being ready. 😉
Remembering that perfect timing doesn’t exist is SO important!
I’m currently in the middle of a re-brand – there’s so many different things to take into account! The timing issue will be a big one for me – I know I like to have nearly everything figured out and in order before presenting it to my audience but with some things you need to just jump in and work along with it. Thanks so much for this great post!
Thanks for your comment, Bambi! Finding the right time can be hard, but sometimes you just have to jump first and grow wings on the way down. 🙂
Middle of a re-branding as well. Its hard to turn your attention on yourself when your “in business” to help others. I have the tendency to go all-out for someone else but when it comes to my own brand…I’m almost idealess or indecisive. Thanks for the post-its a good reminder on how to organize your own brand.
This is a great post for beginners and step by step instruction will really help them. I totally agree with you in that before starting our business we need to know what our customers demand.
http://www.ads2020.marketing/
Indeed but adding on to the above points, you can also do brand promotion or blogger outreach as well so as to create a perfect anticipation among the well targeted audience. You need to selectively target bloggers for brand launch who can create a well awareness among their influencers. Blogmint is one such platform where you can find your targeted bloggers for your brand launch.
Hi! Just dropping by to let you know this post is mentioned here: http://www.techyourblog.com/use-pinterest-define-blog-brand-topic/ Thanks for all the great info!
Thanks so much Hannah!
Hey Maya you just pointed out all the things I have been dealing with. Of late I have had opportunities to hand out business cards, but no – I don’t have them yet. My times are out with my product. I had to decide whether I wanted to go about my usual process of getting everything up to my standard or get sloppy just to meet my time lines. There was only one choice. Great advice. Thank you. Rachel.
Thank you so much for sharing, Rachel! It can be difficult at time, but I know you can be wildly successful with your brand!
Hello Maya
Really helpful points you have curated out here. Yes, there is always a hurdle in your way until you don’t know how to sell your ideas. Thanks for the post. I learnt something useful today. Have a nice day.
Thanks
Regards Martin