brand change in business

BRANDING   |   POSTED ON 10.12.2018

Creating a Case for Changing Your Company’s Branding

We have clients who approach us with an established brand and a strong presence in their industry, but they recognise that they need to review their brand and make changes.

However, sometimes there is reluctance within the company to change, particularly drastic change and usually from the upper management of the company. The reservations are usually due to fears that their traditional customers won’t like the change. The person in the company who usually approaches us understands the importance of branding and they realise that to stay competitive, they can’t stay as they are. They often need help on how to move forward with a branding strategy so everyone buys into the idea and understands its benefits for their company and their audience.

Past success doesn’t mean future success

Often businesses have experienced considerable success over the past ten to twenty years and have seen steady growth. They have built an authenticity backed by a history of business that’s very comforting for clients. They perceive the company as a business they can rely on and this quality of delivering over a period of time is very attractive to clients. But today there is so much choice and brands must continue to make a case for themselves as to why they’re still relevant to their market.

business client lost rebrand

Losing sight of your market

The danger with heritage brands is that management can lose sight of the shifts in the market. Changes in consumer needs can change little by little over time and when a business finally realises they need to look at their brand, they can find the gap between them and their audience has widened.

It’s usually triggered by an event such as losing a large contract or client, a loss in the company’s market share or a new savvy competitor gaining traction and taking some of their market. These shifts can prompt management to start asking questions about who they are, what do they do, why have things changed, who is to blame and what’s causing their business results to decline.

Often heritage businesses get caught up in the day to day running of the business and lose sight of how the market is moving and changing. They often have the view that they have a successful model and they just need to refine the model internally and that will be enough. This kind of thinking and strategy can become a barrier to change and even the idea of evaluating and looking to change things can be a threat in itself.

changing brand in changing market

The branding strategy to move forward

The key to moving forward is to understand what the business needs to change and take the guesswork out. It’s about leveraging the great brand qualities the business has built over the years and understand what got them to where they are today. What are the values and characteristics that clients believe in and trust? It’s about keeping what’s working and changing what isn’t working for clients. Sometimes it’s about altering the conversation and bringing to life your unique story. If you are a family business, you can talk about your history and beginnings, as well as the knowledge and skills that have been handed down over generations.

Refocus on your brand story

The biggest challenge for established businesses is to really understand the essence of their brand. Over the years they’ve often been so focused on their procedures and delivery that they have difficulty expressing what makes them special.

We often find that companies don’t understand the true value they provide. They can take for granted the things they do in the business. ‘I didn’t think that I needed to tell our clients that’ is a common response from companies. We often highlight things that they do behind the scenes which their client is unaware of but actually adds enormous value. Often companies have all the ingredients to tell a great story but the narrative is buried. It’s about evolving their story to appeal to the current market and communicating it well.

branding for client needs

Meet the needs of your clients

Remember your clients have also been evolving over the time you’ve been in business; they may have new management, fresh ideas or a new focus. If you lose sight of what’s happening in their organisation then you start to lose the connection you once had. What are the client’s priorities now? Are you fulfilling their needs? Are you still relevant to them?

If you’re not constantly analysing your market and keeping your relationship with your clients strong, your brand faces an existential crisis. Brands that have not moved with their audience and looked to the future will fail. As the market gets increasingly crowded with agile competitors that eat up their market share, whatever is left of their audience will desert them.

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If your business needs help with changing your brand to meet your customers’ current and future needs, talk to us and let’s evaluate your company’s branding.

FAQs

1. What are the key indicators that my company needs a rebrand?

A strong indication is when your brand no longer resonates with your target audience. This could be due to changes in market trends, consumer preferences, or your company’s evolution. Other signs include declining market share, negative brand perception, or internal inconsistencies in brand messaging.

2. How do I measure the return on investment (ROI) of a rebrand?

While it can be challenging to quantify the exact ROI of a rebrand upfront, you can set clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure its success. These might include increased brand awareness, improved customer satisfaction, higher sales, or increased market share.

3. How can I effectively communicate the need for a rebrand to stakeholders and employees?

Transparency and open communication are crucial. Clearly articulate the reasons for the rebrand, emphasizing how it aligns with the company’s goals and benefits all stakeholders. Involve employees in the process to foster buy-in and ownership.

4. What is the typical timeline for a rebrand project?

The timeline varies depending on the scope of the rebrand. A comprehensive rebrand can take anywhere from six months to a year. However, smaller-scale refreshes can be completed in a shorter timeframe.

5. How can I mitigate the risks associated with a rebrand?

Thorough market research, competitor analysis, and internal stakeholder alignment can help minimize risks. Developing a comprehensive rebranding plan with clear milestones and contingency plans is also essential.

6. What role does brand identity play in attracting and retaining customers?

A strong brand identity creates a lasting impression and builds customer loyalty. It differentiates your company from competitors, communicates your values, and establishes emotional connections with your target audience.

7. How can I ensure that the new brand aligns with our company culture and values?

Involve employees in the rebranding process to capture the essence of your company culture. Conduct internal surveys and workshops to identify core values and translate them into the new brand identity.

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