5 Clear Signs Your Brand is Longing for a Refresh.

Believe it or not, your brand is a living, breathing thing, just like you. And as you continue your entrepreneurial journey and your business expands or changes direction, you might feel out of alignment with your brand. *eeek!* But never fear - there is a solution to this problem: it’s called a Brand Refresh.

Embarking on a brand refresh is more than just a makeover; it's an exciting and transformative experience that can breathe new life into your creative business journey. So, if you’ve lost that loving feeling for your logo and branding, it's high time to grab a cuppa, settle into your favourite chair and discover the solutions to the five signs you need a brand refresh. 

Sign Number 1: You’re suffering from brand shame.

Picture this: a client asks for your Instagram handle, and instead of confidently sharing it, you feel a pang of hesitation—*eeeek!*. Or perhaps you've cringed at the thought of handing out your business card, knowing it doesn't capture the essence of your business and the quality of what you do. 

These are classic symptoms of brand shame – a feeling no creative business owner should endure. You should be able to wear your brand like a badge of honour, and it should be something you’re super proud of. If it's causing you embarrassment or reluctance, it's an unmistakable sign that your brand deserves a fresh, vibrant identity that mirrors your pride in what you do.

To embark on this journey, start by identifying the elements that make you proud of your creative business. What values and qualities do you want your brand to embody? A brand refresh is your opportunity to align your visual identity with the emotions and values you want to evoke in your audience.

Sign Number 2: You DIY-ed your brand.

In the initial stages of your business, the DIY approach might have seemed like the perfect solution – cost-effective and time-saving – winning! However, as your business grows, so does the need for a professional, polished image. 

If your current brand lacks the finesse that comes with professional design, it could very well be undermining your business's credibility, doing you more harm than good. Especially when you’re in creative fields like interior design or styling. A brand refresh is not just a visual facelift; it's a chance to invest in a visual representation that communicates your business's essence, values, and unique selling points.

As you embark on the redesign process, consider seeking help from a professional branding or graphic designer. Collaborating with a skilled designer can bring fresh perspectives and insights, ensuring that your brand not only looks good but also authentically represents your business.

Sign Number 3: It no longer feels authentically you.

Your brand should reflect who you are, both as a creative business owner and as an individual. If, over time, you've felt a growing misalignment between your brand and your personal identity, it's a clear sign that your brand is due for a refresh. Authenticity (yep, that word we hear all the time) is the key to building genuine connections with your audience. They need to know you so they can learn to trust you and, ultimately, engage your services. Therefore, your brand should resonate with your personality, values, and the mission behind your business.

During the refresh process, take the opportunity to reconnect with your business's core values and your personal journey. Infuse these elements into your brand to create a visual identity that not only looks incredible but feels authentic to both you and your ideal client.

Sign Number 4: It looks outdated.

Visual aesthetics play a pivotal role in capturing and retaining your audience's attention. If your brand is stuck in a design time capsule, using fonts and elements reminiscent of an earlier era, it's a sign that your brand needs a makeover and fast. Outdated visuals can create the impression that your business is not keeping up with the times or lacks a forward-thinking approach, and your ideal client may not believe you can provide their desired results. This is especially important for highly visual industries like Interior Design. If you’re an Interior Designer or Stylist, your brand identity should be a reflection of the beautiful spaces you create. Ensuring your visuals match your design style and aesthetic should be a no-brainer.

As you embark on the redesign process, consider the visual language that resonates with your target audience and represents your own design style. Striking the right balance between timeless and on-trend ensures that your brand remains relevant over the long term.

Sign Number 5: You’re starting a new phase.

Much like life, business is a journey of growth, change, and evolution. If you find yourself at the threshold of a new phase – be it expansion, repositioning, or a shift in focus – it's the perfect moment for a brand refresh. Your brand should evolve alongside your business to reflect the current chapter of your entrepreneurial story.

Take the time to assess how your creative business has changed and what it aspires to become. What values and aspirations define this new phase? A brand refresh aligned with this transformation communicates your growth to existing customers and attracts new audiences who resonate with your updated style, mission and vision.

As you embark on the exciting journey of a brand refresh, remember that it's more than just a visual overhaul – it's a strategic investment in the future success of your business. Each element of your brand should be a deliberate choice, helping to visualise your story and the emotions you want your clients to feel. So, embrace the creative process and exploration, and get ready to move into a brand that not only looks fantastic but feels authentically, confidently and undeniably you. 

KB xo

Pssst! > Is your business in need of a brand refresh? I’d love you to get in touch and we can chat about what you’re after.