Part # 1. The Why? In my series of what I learn't about rebranding (specifically after rebranding myself)...
Well, firstly I had to be really clear on why I was rebranding... not simply because I was bored.
There are typically several key signs to look for if you're considering one. These might be:
You're embarrassed to share your business card or website
It's obvious you DIY'd or cobbled your brand together years ago
You're attracting the wrong clients
Your business has evolved, but your brand hasn't kept up
For me, my Creative Box branding hadn't kept up. The business has been evolving and it was also missing some of the key logo marks, such as the icon that I create as part of my Signature Brand Package for my own clients (gasp!).
So as much as I loved my branding, and it had done its job beautifully for many years, it was time.
Strategy: Part 2
As much as it would have been easy to slap some colours and a font together and call it done, I very much believe in strategy first, then design.
So I took myself through my very own brand strategy process.
I did this for the same reason I do it with clients. I trust it, and I know it works for a number of reasons:
It gives clarity and direction to the client (and it's so nice to see them breathe a sigh of relief)
I can get inside their heads and understand their business and thinking better
Together we make a better team
The questions, research, and drilling down into who my ideal client is, my positioning, what makes me different helped to create complete clarity.
(It also serves as a really good guide later when self-doubt creeps in.)
Because of that strategic foundation, it kept me on track when I got to the design stage.
Which I loved doing (of course)...
Design: Part 3
As a designer, of course I was going to love this part. And I'm grateful I followed my own process and completed the strategy first.
... because without it, I would have ended up in a whole lot of trouble 🙃
There were key things I needed to change in my existing branding that I knew weren't working any longer.
A script font that older people and young kids were having trouble reading, especially when sign-written on my old car.
I absolutely adored the brand work I was creating for clients, but I was lacking the custom illustrations, icons, and brand marks in my own branding. I needed to fix that... quickly!
But it was fun! And Creative Box now has a full visual system and a stationery suite like no other. It's vibrant and bold, and I love it.
Implementation: Part 4
Implementing a rebrand across all touch points might be the trickiest part of all. I feel like this is where people can feel a little overwhelmed... because it's not just one thing.
It takes a whole lot of confidence to change your messaging and visuals and then announce it to the world.
To save the brain fry, here's roughly how it goes:
Complete strategy and brand identity
Website and all marketing and digital material
Share sneak peeks with your audience
Announce to your email list
Notify shareholders and team members
Update all printed material with new brand visuals (e.g. business card, letterhead)
Update all digital touch points (e.g. social media profiles, website, directory profiles)
Update all physical material (e.g. signage, vehicles, uniforms)
And honestly? Seeing it all come together makes every single step worth it.
Rebranding yourself is one of the most vulnerable and exciting things you can do. But when it's done right? Pure magic!
Ready to create a brand that feels as good as the work you do. Then grab and let's chat. Book a free 20min discovery call here: https://calendly.com/creativeboxnz/20-minute-phone-call
Talk soon, Kelly
