How to Know It’s Time for a Rebrand (or Just a Little Refresh)
The lowdown: Your brand is your business’s signature style and just like anything else, it can lose its relevance over time. When was the last time you truly evaluated it? Some of the signs that it might be time for a rebrand or refresh include: 1) You're no longer connecting with your audience; 2) Your visuals are inconsistent; 3) Your tone of voice feels disconnected; 4) You're blending in with competitors; 5) You're expanding to new platforms. Before diving in, gather feedback, know your audience and have a solid strategy in place.
Your brand is your business’s signature—it’s the first thing people notice and the reason they keep coming back. But let’s be honest: brands evolve, and so should yours. We’re not saying you need to completely rebrand every year, but it's important to check in regularly and make sure your brand is still doing its job.
When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your brand? Some of the questions we ask our clients are: Does your brand still tell the right story? Are your fonts still in tune with your products, or have they started feeling a bit tired? How does your colour palette hold up?
We also work with clients undergoing growth or a shift in direction, which often means their brand needs to evolve too. Whether launching new products, entering new markets, or pivoting to a different audience, a rebrand helps them stay aligned with their changing business goals. A fresh look and feel can reposition you for success, ensuring your brand communicates exactly what you want it to—now and in the future.
hOW To know it’s time for a refresh
1. You’re not speaking to your audience anymore
If your business has lost touch with the people you’re trying to connect with, that’s a sign it’s time to review your brand. Maybe your customer base has shifted, or maybe your business has grown and evolved. Whatever the case, if your messaging isn’t landing, it’s time to rethink things.
2. Your visuals are all over the place
Inconsistency is the enemy of a good brand. If you’re mixing fonts, colours or graphic styles you’re losing recognition. Good branding is about cohesion and when things start getting jumbled, your message gets lost or overlooked.
3. Your Tone of Voice Feels Off
If you scroll through your social posts or your email campaigns, does the way you talk to your audience feel a little disconnected from who you are now? Your brand voice should be a natural extension of your personality, and if it doesn’t feel that way, it’s time for a tune-up.
4. You’re Blending In with Competitors
If you look around and see a sea of businesses in your sector doing the exact same thing you are—same colours, same tone, same messaging—then you’re in danger of becoming invisible. A refresh can help you stand out and reclaim your space.
5. You’re Expanding to New Platforms
New platforms come with new design needs. If you’re launching an app, getting into e-commerce or jumping onto a new social platform, your brand needs to look and feel consistent everywhere.
We always work with our clients to make sure that before they jump into a rebrand or refresh that they’re doing it for the right reasons. Gather feedback, know your audience and have a clear strategy. A well-timed refresh or rebrand can make your brand feel more alive and relevant and support your business growth.
What Does the Rebrand Process Involve?
A rebrand process is about more than just a fresh logo or new colour scheme; it’s about realigning your brand with where your business is now and where you’re heading. At The Stories We Tell, our first step in the rebranding process is to understand your business goals and the current market environment. This includes analysing your target audience, what drives them and how your brand is perceived. Once we have a clear picture, we work with you on your brand’s story, mission, and values—getting to the heart of what truly sets you apart.
Next, we look at your visuals, tone of voice and messaging to ensure they align with the new direction. We update or refresh these elements to create a cohesive and compelling brand identity that resonates with both existing customers and new audiences. The process also includes testing and refining your brand across different touchpoints, from your website to social media and beyond, ensuring consistency and a strong, clear voice wherever your audience interacts with you.
Wrapping Up
Your brand is a reflection of your business’s identity and as your business grows, so should your brand. Whether you're looking to fine-tune or make a major shift in direction, a rebrand can help you communicate more effectively and stand out in a crowded market. By ensuring your brand tells the right story, speaks with the right voice and connects with your audience, you’ll set yourself up for continued success. Don’t wait until you’ve completely fallen out of sync with your audience—take the time to assess, adjust, and refresh. A brand that evolves alongside its business is one that’s built to last.