247: Has your Business Brand Become a Liability? How to Know When It’s Time for a Tune-up with Adam Chaloeicheep
Dec 5, 2023
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Adam Chaloeicheep, co-creator of the award-winning Free Time brand, discusses signs that indicate it's time for a rebrand, building a cohesive brand, the concept of brand therapy, Canva for business proposals, and personal anecdotes about launching a business.
A rebrand is necessary when the existing brand becomes a liability to the business, hindering sales and losing out to competitors.
Undertaking a brand refresh involves a strategic process that includes discovery, research, brand strategy development, visual brand creation, and the creation of brand guidelines.
Deep dives
Knowing When it's Time for a Brand Refresh
For businesses, there comes a point when a brand refresh or rebrand is necessary. One key indicator is when the existing brand becomes a liability to the business, hindering sales and losing out to competitors. Another sign is when the business model has shifted, requiring a name or identity update. A third clue is when the brand no longer aligns with the future direction of the company. These are the telltale signs that it's time for a rebrand. A strategic brand agency can guide businesses through the process, ensuring that the brand evolves to meet changing needs while still staying true to its core values and vision.
The Process of a Brand Refresh
When undertaking a brand refresh, a strategic process is followed. It starts with discovery and research to understand the business, industry, and target audience. Then, a brand strategy is developed, defining the foundational brand pillars, personality traits, and tonality. From there, the visual brand is created, including the logo, color palette, typography, and graphic elements. Applications such as websites, social media templates, and print materials are then developed to showcase the refreshed brand. The final deliverable is a brand guidelines document that serves as a reference for using the brand assets effectively.
Investing in Brand Strategy
Investing in brand strategy can have a significant impact on a business's success. While the cost may vary depending on the scope of the project, it is essential to view it as a long-term investment. A comprehensive rebrand can start around $50,000 and provides a full strategic process to create a strong, authentic brand. For those with smaller budgets, options like starter kits or brand refreshes are available at a lower cost. It's also worth exploring online resources, freelancers, or platforms like Upwork to find more affordable solutions. The key is to make a responsible decision based on the business's needs and resources.
The Power of Brand Therapy and Self-Sufficiency
Branding is not just about aesthetics; it also involves brand therapy and self-discovery. Working with a branding agency allows clients to explore and uncover their authentic brand, often leading to a sense of relief and being truly seen and understood. However, for those with limited resources, there are alternatives. Platforms like Chat GPT can assist in exploring brand strategy questions and provide guidance. Other resources like Behance and Canva offer inspiration and templates for self-sufficient brand building. The goal is to find a balance between self-sufficiency and professional guidance to create a strong, cohesive brand.
Has your business brand become stale, perhaps to the point of being a liability? After a few years, especially with major pivots, you may run the risk of losing clients and credibility. Sometimes it’s time for a tune-up and fresh tires, and sometimes, it’s time for a whole new brand engine.
As today’s returning guest, my good friend and part of the team behind the award-winning Free Time brand, recently featured on Behance. Adam Chaloeicheep says, “It’s about building the relationship with your customer. First impressions are really important.”
If you haven’t already, I suggest listening to our previous conversation first, 045: Behind the Free Time Brand with Adam Chaloeicheep, for a foundational overview of how Adam and team think about brand strategy more broadly. Today, we’re diving into how to know when you’re due for a rebrand.
More About Adam: Adam Chaloeicheep is co-founder of Together agency with his wife, Marisol Dahl, who I had the great pleasure of working with for five years in the early days of JBE. Adam is a creative business leader with over a decade of experience in a variety of startup areas including product and service concepting, building teams, operations, and brand-focused design and digital solutions. He is one of my closest friends (12 years and counting!), and a creative business leader with over a decade of experience in product and service concepting, building teams, and brand strategy. Together Agency is behind every big brand I have launched into the world including Pivot and Free Time.
🌟 3 Key Takeaways
Three key signs it’s time to rebrand: your brand is a liability to your business, your business model has shifted and you’re growing out of it, your brand name no longer works
Brand therapy: Sometimes it’s hard to let go of attachments to aspects of the old brand or business model. Stay focused on the bigger picture.
Tune-up moments: Customers and clients also get really excited to see something new. It reinvigorates interest and can become a moment where you show the world, “We’re still here, we’re still growing, and we’re refreshing and refining and polishing.”
📝 Permission
Be vulnerable; take some risks to put your whole self out there.
✅ Do (or Delegate) This Next
Sit with one of the creative questions from Together Agency’s client intake/exploration survey: What texture is your brand? If your brand were a plant, which one would it be? A song?