5 Signs It Might Be Time for a Brand Refresh
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In the ever-evolving world of business, staying relevant is crucial. Sometimes, a brand refresh is just what you need to capture attention, re-align your mission, and reinvigorate your business. But how do you know when it’s time to update your branding?
As a professional brand designer, I help bad-ass business owners like you create the brand of your dreams—one that truly communicates you mission and speaks the language of your ideal clients. It's time for your logo design, brand voice, and website to show people why you are the BEST of the best at what you do!
Here are five telltale signs that you might need to hit the refresh button on your business’s image:
1. Your Logo Looks Like It Was Generated by an AI Bot in Five Seconds
If your logo looks like it was whipped up by an AI logo generator or created in Canva in under five minutes, it might be time for an upgrade. While these tools can be great for quick and easy designs, they often lack the uniqueness and professional touch that a custom-designed logo can offer. A tell-tale sign that you DIY-ed your branding? You only have one version of your logo and you use it EVERYWHERE. A professional brand designer like This Way to Fabulous will create your logo mark, a sub-mark, icons, and more, all in different iterations of your brand colors.
Remember: Your brand is more than a logo. In fact, the logo mark itself is only like 20% of your brand. If people are mistaking your brand for a generic template, it’s time to refresh your branding.
Take
Action
Now:
Hire a professional designer to create a unique and memorable logo that reflects your brand’s identity and stands out in the market. Invest in a logo that tells your brand’s story and resonates with your audience.
2. Your Brand Colors Are Hurting People’s Eyes
Does your branding color scheme involve shades that blend together like camouflage in a rainforest? While it’s great to have a unique palette, it’s crucial that your colors provide enough contrast to be easily readable and visually appealing. High-contrast color schemes not only look sharp but also ensure your content is accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments.
You can't just pick your brand's colors because you like them. You need to think about what is readable, strategic, and accessible. If your website looks like an abstract painting and people need a magnifying glass to read your text, it’s definitely time to reconsider your brand color choices.
Take
Action
Now:
Use online tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to test your color palette for accessibility. Work with a designer (or us!) to develop a cohesive and accessible color scheme that enhances readability and user experience.
3. Your Brand's Tagline Makes People Cringe
Remember that catchy slogan you came up with in 2005? The one that seemed like a good idea at the time? Yeah, that one. If it’s causing more eye-rolls than chuckles, it’s time for a change.
A fresh, witty tagline can work wonders for your brand’s image. It should provide extra clarity about what services you provide (and who your ideal clients are) while showcasing your personality and unique brand voice. Above all, it should stand out and attract attention—it's your five-second elevator pitch!
Take
Action
Now:
Brainstorm new taglines that are concise, memorable, and reflect your brand’s mission and personality. Test them with a focus group or survey your audience to see which resonates the most.
4. Your Website Is a Digital Dinosaur
Did you know that more than half of all web traffic is seen on a phone? Not only that, but when a page loads faster, it actually increases conversions (see more about those stats here). It's not just about speed and appearances—it's also about optimizing your images and copy for SEO.
Is your website designed for mobile? Does it load faster than a dial-up connection? If the answer to either of these questions is no, your online presence might be in dire need of a makeover. A sleek, user-friendly website is essential in today’s digital age. If your site still uses Flash, it’s definitely time to upgrade.
Take
Action
Now:
Conduct a website audit to identify areas that need improvement. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and user-friendly. Invest in a professional web designer to create a modern, responsive website that enhances user experience.
5. People Don’t Know What You Do Anymore
If you’ve pivoted your business model multiple times but your branding hasn’t kept up, you’re sending mixed signals to your audience. Your brand should clearly communicate who you are and what you do—NOW.
If people are still associating you with your old business model, it’s time to realign your branding with your current mission. Need a bit of help from a professional? Book a coaching call with me and we can really clarify your new direction and how to communicate it.
Take
Action
Now:
Update your branding materials, including your website, social media profiles, and marketing collateral, to reflect your current business model and values. Consistently communicate your brand message through all channels to ensure clarity and alignment.
Updating your branding isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about staying relevant and resonating with your audience. If you’ve identified with any of these signs, it might be time to consider a brand refresh. After all, a little change can lead to big success.
Thinking about a brand refresh? Schedule a free Discovery Call today if you're feeling the pull to make some moves in your biz.
