Have you had your current small business brand for a while and thinking of having a rebrand or are you just starting up and thinking about where to get started?

This blog is here to give you an overview of what you can do and some items to check-off as part of the rebrand.

What’s in a name?

So, you’re just starting out as a small business and you want to get your business started.

For me, I want a name starting with the letter ‘A’, so I parked myself on domain websites and just started typing.

You may have a name in mind that has a personal connection to you or you had a lightbulb moment to do with the nature of your business and thought I’ll have that.

Check the following:

  • Is the domain name available?
  • Is the name already used by another business?
  • Is the name available across social media channels?

If all the above is available, start with the social media channels and then the domain.

Logo Design

Yes, I’m aware the blog title says a rebrand is more than a logo but it is a fundamental part of any rebranding exercise.

A couple of things to think about when thinking about this:

  • Are you wanting to keep your exisiting logo?
  • Do you want to update your existing logo?
  • Do you want to completely overhaul your logo?

If you’re choosing to do a top to bottom overhaul of your logo, keep in mind your exisiting colour scheme as it’s still identifiable. Be sure that the new logo fits in with your exisiting marketing, so it’s not like you’re suddenly presented with what looks like a new unrelated business.

Communications

So, you’ve got a new logo design. Congratulations! What are you going to do next? If you’re an avid networker and participate in events and trade shows you may want to show off what your small business is all about.

Some items to think about:

  • Business Cards
  • Letterheads
  • Compliment Slips
  • Appointment Cards
  • Price Lists
  • Leaflets
  • Brochures
  • Roller Banners
  • PVC Banners
  • Name Badges
  • Vehicle Graphics

Be sure that your new logo design fits in with your exisiting marketing or you’ll have to go through the process of completely redesigning your entire communications. Which you may want to do, but it is something to think about if you want a smoother transition.

Make it catchy!

Have you got a tagline to add to your website, social media profiles and use on posts across your social media platforms?

  • Make it relevant to your business
  • Make it memorable
  • Make it easily transferable across your marketing

Use this on your marketing across all media to add continuity.

Be bold!

There’s nothing wrong with throwing out old ideas and taking a left field approach, you may want a quirky character or a sleek technology inspired font. The only limitation nowadays is imagination, as the printing side of things are capable of producing some fantastic results (budget permitting).