Rebranding is a transformative process for businesses of any size. It can redefine your company's identity and message significantly. This guide addresses common questions about rebranding, offering practical advice and insights. Discover if rebranding is the strategic move your organization needs now.
When should you rebrand?
Consider rebranding when:
- Post-mergers or acquisitions, like ExxonMobil's unification after Exxon and Mobil merged.
- Leadership changes signal new direction, such as Dropbox's refresh under CEO Drew Houston.
- Evolving core products or services necessitate a new brand image, like Netflix's shift to streaming.
- Outdated brand identity needs modernization, as Instagram did in 2016.
- Recovering from scandals or controversies to rebuild trust, like Facebook's transition to Meta.
Key steps in rebranding:
- Research your brand and market - Assess brand perception and analyze competitors.
- Set goals - Define what the rebrand should achieve, like increased sales or awareness.
- Develop a brand strategy - Focus on target audience, messaging, and positioning.
- Design a new visual identity - Update logos, color schemes, and other branding elements.
- Plan your rollout - Decide on the launch strategy and marketing plan.
- Implement across all touchpoints - Update your website, products, signage, etc.
- Measure and refine - Track KPIs and adjust your strategy as needed.
Creating an effective rebranding strategy:
- Know your audience - Understand their demographics and preferences.
- Stay informed on competitors and industry trends.
- Clarify your brand purpose, mission, and values.
- Set measurable goals - Aim for specific increases in traffic or followers.
- Map out strategies to achieve these goals.
Tips for setting rebrand goals:
- Aim for a specific increase in brand awareness.
- Monitor and improve social media sentiment.
- Target and attract new customer segments.
- Evaluate customer perceptions of the new brand identity.
Examples of successful rebrands:
- Old Spice reinvigorated its image with humorous ads, doubling sales.
- Apple, under Steve Jobs, embraced simplicity and innovation, creating an enduring brand.
- McDonald's updated its image with restaurant upgrades and digital initiatives.
Benefits of rebranding:
- New strategic focus
- Enhanced brand perception
- Increased differentiation from competitors
- Higher brand awareness and visibility
- Expanded market share and new demographics
- Boosted company culture and morale
- Stronger emotional customer connection
A successful rebrand, with careful planning and execution, can significantly elevate your company.
Supporting sources:
- Rebrand with a logo redesign: the perfect new brand identity
- 5 Top Rebranding Strategies & Examples to Make Your Own
- The ultimate rebranding checklist [2023]
- Building Strong Brand Identity: A Passion for Rebranding
- Revitalizing identities: The strategic power of brand revamp
- How to Evolve Your Brand Identity for a Dynamic Market
- Brand Identity: The Definitive Guide to Building a Strong Identity
- Rebranding Strategy you need to know in 2024
- Tips to avoid a bad rebrand (with examples)