The No-Nonsense 13-Step Checklist for Rebranding (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Clients)

So, you’re ready to uplevel your brand? It is definitely the most cathartic process you will go through, short of clearing out your childhood bedroom!

Maybe you’ve outgrown your current brand, or you’re pivoting to something new and exciting. Whatever the reason, I’ve developed a fast, effective checklist for you to capture all the elements that will need an update in this big bold refresh of yours!

Grab a coffee (or a wine, I won’t judge), and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of rebranding:

Pre-Rebrand Phase

Legal Preparation

1. Register New Business Name
2. Update business licenses and permits
3. Inform tax authorities of name change
4. Update/obtain new trademarks and copyrights
5. Consider legal consultation

Planning and Strategy

1. Develop a rebranding announcement strategy
2. Create an FAQ page about the rebrand
3. Establish a review process for all changes
4. Set deadlines and goals for rebrand implementation

Content and Asset Audit

1. Perform a content audit
2. Update or create new brand guidelines document
3. Produce new photo and video assets

Design and Development

Visual Identity

1. Create new logo and visual elements
2. Update brand colour palette and typography
3. Design new marketing materials templates

Digital Identity

1. Acquire new website URL
2. Create new email addresses
3. Design new email signatures

Website Development

1. Implement new visual branding on website
2. Update all content to reflect new brand voice
3. Revise URLs and set up redirects
4. Update meta tags, titles, and descriptions
5. Check and optimise page speed
6. Ensure mobile responsiveness
   Internal Preparations

Internal Systems

1. Update CRM system
2. Revise internal documentation and templates
3. Update internal communication platforms
4. Train staff on new brand guidelines
5. Update employee uniforms and name tags
6. Revise company signage
7. Update vehicle wraps or decals

Financial Updates

1. Inform bank of name change
2. Update bank accounts and cheques
3. Revise invoices and receipts
4. Update insurance policies

Tech Tune-Up

1. Update analytics and tracking tools
2. Revise automated systems (email responses, chatbots, phone systems)
3. Update computer logins and file server names

Roll-Out Phase

Digital Launch

1. Set up email forwarding from old addresses
2. Set up redirects from old domain
3. Update online directories with new URL
4. Create/update accounts on all social media platforms
5. Update account names, bios, profile pics, and cover images
6. Update Google Business Profile
7. Revise profiles on review sites
8. Update online advertising accounts
9. Update industry-specific listings

Marketing Material Updates

1. Update digital marketing materials
2. Revise traditional marketing materials
3. Update billboard and newspaper ad templates
4. Revise product packaging and labels
5. Update company merchandise

Legal and Contractual Updates

1. Revise contracts with clients, suppliers, and partners
2. Update website terms of service and privacy policy

Customer Communication

1. Prepare and distribute a press release
2. Inform clients via email, letter, or phone
3. Inform followers of the change on social media

Digital Marketing Adjustments

1. Update SEO strategy for new brand terms
2. Revise paid advertising campaigns
3. Adjust email marketing templates and strategies
4. Update social media marketing plans

Post Roll-Out Phase

Quality Control

1. Conduct thorough checks for old branding across all touchpoints
2. Monitor website performance and search rankings post-rebrand

Feedback and Optimisation

1. Gather feedback from customers and employees
2. Make necessary adjustments based on feedback
3. Continue to monitor and optimise brand performance

 

Phew! That’s a lot, right? But trust me, covering all these bases will make your rebrand a much smoother operation!

Remember, rebranding isn’t just about slapping a new logo on everything and calling it a day. It’s about aligning your brand with who you truly are and where you’re headed. It’s about creating a brand that feels authentically, undeniably you.

With this checklist in hand, you’re not just rebranding – you’re setting yourself up for some serious success.

If you feel you are looking for a brand that is uniquely and authentically you, let’s chat. After all, the world needs more authenticity.