Congratulations on your rebrand! Rebranding is a powerful way to refresh your company’s identity, aligning it with your evolving goals and audience. This is an exhilarating time, and we’re here to help you make the most of the buzz. Now that the big change is official, it’s essential to follow through with strategic actions to maximize your rebrand’s impact. Here’s a step-by-step guide to solidifying and sharing your new brand identity:
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Publish a Press Release
A press release is the best way to announce your rebrand to the public. Draft a statement explaining the motivation behind the rebrand, how it aligns with your company’s vision, and what it means for your customers. Post it on your website, so you can link to it in emails, social media, and announcements. This helps customers understand the value of the change and deepens the connection with your new brand identity.
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Trademark Protection
By now, you’ve likely ensured that your new brand name, logo, and tagline are available for use, but finalizing trademark protection is a crucial next step. Consider the types of trademarks available:
- National vs. State Trademarks – Register nationally for broader protection.
- Word Mark vs. Brand Mark – Protect both your name and logo.
Consult a trademark attorney to finalize these protections, and be sure to add trademark details to your updated brand guidelines.
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Update Brand Guidelines
New branding calls for a fresh set of brand guidelines that encompass everything from your logo to your tone of voice. Make sure this document is accessible to everyone in your organization so that all future communications and visual elements are consistent. Updated guidelines should cover:
- Visual Identity – Logos, color palettes, typography, and imagery.
- Messaging and Tone – Voice, language, and style.
- Usage Rules – Guidelines for logo usage, fonts, and any prohibited modifications.
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Refresh Visual and Digital Assets
Revamp your website, social media profiles, email signatures, and marketing collateral to reflect your new branding. Here’s a breakdown:
- Website – Update logos, colors, and messaging. Add a popup announcing the rebrand, and link it to your press release for more context.
- Social Media – Change profile pictures, cover photos, and bios across all platforms.
- Marketing Materials – Refresh brochures, business cards, letterheads, and presentations.
- Product Packaging – Update packaging, labels, or any physical elements displaying the brand.
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Notify Key Stakeholders
Ensure everyone connected to your business is aware of the rebrand:
- Employees – Host a meeting or distribute an announcement that explains the rebrand, shares brand guidelines, and provides access to updated materials.
- Clients/Customers – Send a direct email, newsletter, or post on social media to inform customers about the rebrand.
- Partners and Vendors – Notify suppliers and partners, so they can update their records and any co-branded materials.
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Optimize SEO and Online Listings
Updating your digital presence goes beyond visuals; it also includes optimizing your brand name and keywords across search engines and directories:
- SEO – Refresh keywords and meta descriptions to reflect your new brand identity.
- Google My Business & Online Listings – Ensure your updated brand name, logo, and contact info are consistent across all directories, review sites, and Google My Business.
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Update Internal Systems and Documentation
Internal systems also need to reflect the new brand:
- Invoices, CRMs, HR Documents – Update branding across all platforms and paperwork.
- Contracts and Proposals – Reflect the new brand name in any legal or customer-facing documents.
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Advertising and Public Relations Campaign
To spread the word about your rebrand, launch an advertising and PR campaign:
- Public Relations – Reach out to industry publications, local business journals, and bloggers to cover the story.
- Advertising Campaigns – Update visuals and messaging across digital ads, print ads, and any sponsored content. Highlight the reasons behind the rebrand and emphasize the benefits for customers.
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Domain Name and Email Updates
If your rebrand includes a new domain name, redirect your old domain to the new one. Here are some key tasks:
- SEO Impact – Use Google Search Console to transfer your SEO authority (or “juice”) to the new domain.
- Email Updates – Update email addresses to reflect the new domain. Redirect old email addresses to ensure no messages are missed.
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Handle Legal and Financial Changes
Notify the necessary regulatory and financial entities:
- Business Licenses – Update your business license to reflect the new brand, either through a DBA (Doing Business As) or an LLC change.
- Legal Documents – Amend contracts, licenses, permits, and insurance policies as necessary.
- Financial Institutions – Inform your bank and accounting software of the change, and update your invoices, QuickBooks, and D&B registration.
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Monitor Feedback and Be Ready to Adjust
Finally, gauge how your rebrand is being received. Monitor customer feedback on social media, review sites, and your website. Adjust as needed based on this feedback to ensure the rebrand resonates positively with your audience.
More Than A Logo
A rebrand is more than just a new logo; it’s a strategic refresh of your company’s identity. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your rebrand is legally secure, visually consistent, and seamlessly integrated across all business facets. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, and enjoy the strengthened brand presence that comes with a successful rebrand!
Ready to elevate your brand? Call Fisher Agency today to start your rebranding journey and make your vision a reality!