To Rebrand or Refresh, That is the Question

Do you ever feel like your brand is starting to look a little tired? Like it's not as fresh and exciting as it used to be? If so, you might be wondering if it's time for a rebrand. But wait, what about a brand refresh? What's the difference between the two? And which one is right for your business? Let's dive in.

Rebranding is akin to getting a complete makeover. It can be a big undertaking, but it can also be a necessary step if your current brand image is no longer effective. Brand refreshing, on the other hand, is like getting a new coat of paint, or a simple haircut. It's a more subtle change to your brand identity. 

So, do you need to rebrand completely, or can you just refresh your current brand?

In truth, the answer depends on a few factors, including the state of your current brand, your business goals, and your budget. We’ll discuss the key differences between rebranding and refreshing; and how to decide which one is right for you.

What is Rebranding?

Rebranding is essentially a complete overhaul of your brand identity. It (usually) involves changing your logo, tagline, website, marketing materials, and even your product or service offerings. Like we always say, your brand needs to be consistent across all customer touch-points, and so rebrands typically involve every element of the business.

There are a few reasons why you might need (or want) to rebrand. Sometimes this is due to a change in the business ownership or internal structure. Perhaps, your company is expanding into new markets. Or maybe it's just that your current brand is simply outdated, and no longer reflects your company's values.

Leaning towards a rebrand? It's important to do your research and make sure it's the right decision for your business. Rebranding can be expensive and time-consuming, and it's not always the sole answer. When done well, though, rebranding can give your company a new lease on life, helping you achieve your business goals.

So What is Brand Refreshing, in Comparison?

A brand refresh is a more subtle change to your brand identity. It involves updating your logo, tagline, website, and marketing materials, but it doesn't usually involve making any major changes to your core brand values.

Brand refreshing is a good option if your current brand is still effective, but you want to give it a modern update. It's also a good option if you're on a budget, as brand refreshing is typically less expensive than rebranding.

If you're considering refreshing your brand, it's important to work with a branding agency that understands your company and your goals. A good branding agency will be able to help you create a brand refresh that is both effective, and affordable. Win win. 

How to Decide Which One Is Right for You

So, how do you decide whether to rebrand or refresh your brand? Here are a few things to consider:

• The state of your current brand. If your current brand is outdated, irrelevant, or no longer effective, then you may need to rebrand completely. However, if your current brand is still effective, then a brand refresh may be enough.

• Your business goals. If you're expanding into new markets or launching new products or services, then you may need to rebrand to reflect these changes. However, if you're simply looking to give your brand a modern update, then a brand refresh may be enough.

• Your budget. Rebranding is typically more expensive than refreshing your brand but like anything it will come down to how many assets need refreshing and the overall size of the project. 

Rebranding and refreshing are both important decisions that can have a big impact on your business. So, what's the best way to decide which one is right for you? Choose to work with a branding agency that understands your company and your goals, as well as your industry.

At Beyond Billables, we have extensive experience in both refreshing and rebranding for a wide range of professional service businesses across law, wealth, recruitment and more. Drop us a line today to discuss your branding concerns, and we'll be in touch ASAP. 

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