Is it time for a rebrand of your business?
Rebranding is a delicate but very popular decision. A lot of major companies are jumping on the rebranding wagon – from Uber to Dunkin Donuts to Weight Watchers and dozens more. If your company is considering a rebrand it’s helpful to ask the right questions. We sat down with M3 Group Marketing Specialist Zach Krieger for his take on the topic.
Why should a company rebrand? Any organization should take a good look at their brand every five years; that doesn’t mean a HUGE change or overhaul to the look/messaging/culture of the company, but it gives leadership an opportunity to reassess what they’re striving for and what tools are needed to achieve those goals. Sometimes that means tweaks to messaging or a tagline, sometimes that means a new logo, color scheme, website, etc.
What are a few things a company should consider when rebranding? Strategy. Why do we do things the way we do them? How can we do things better? What do people think of when they hear our name or see our materials? A good strategy will put you in a situation to answer these questions and allow you to explore what pieces and parts you might need to ensure your whole team is working towards a singular goal, under a unified message.
Should they develop a logo first or a strategy? Why? Always a strategy! You might not even need a new logo or name change … if the strategy dictates that this is something to explore, then maybe. But, the most successful brands are never created on a whim.
Why should a company use an agency instead of attempt this in-house? Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t see the label from inside the bottle?” Organizations know their businesses very well, they know their customers very well, they know the industry and the products and the peak seasons. Nine out of 10 people don’t know much about branding. Some may think having a social media page and possibly a sharp business card is a great brand. Agencies are brand professionals. Branding is a force that comes from every aspect of the organization, from top to bottom. An agency specializes in giving organizations the tools and direction they need to sustain a look and feeling to associate with their brand in all aspects, internally and externally.
Any other tips for companies considering rebranding? Designate a budget and be on the same page with internal leadership when looking at this process. Don’t just dip your toe in this; branding is a process and takes time. Proper resources and time NEED to be considered when looking at your brand. There also needs to be a trust factor in the people/agency you decide to work with – don’t turn your creative consultants into order takers. Agencies are trying to empower your organization through new ideas and process… don’t restrict them because that is “the way we’ve always done it”. Lastly, HAVE FUN with this … a brand is something that the TEAM needs to buy into; leadership, employees, families, customers, etc. are your “brand ambassadors”. Give them a reason to have good feelings when it comes to your brand.
If your company is considering a rebrand, let the qualified team at M3 Group help. Contact us at 517-203-3333 or visit our webpage at www.M3Group.biz.
