THE DESIGN DIARIES: ISSUE NO. 02
 
Look, launching a rebrand is hard - I get it.
 
(And now I really get it lol)
 
Even after being in business for just a few years, I felt like there was a mountain of tasks I needed to tackle in order to launch my rebrand. I mean, I basically had to update everything!
 
Just thinking about it made my mind begin to melt.
 
BUT! We made it through, First name / friend. And now I'm here to spill alllll my secrets and top-notch tips I learned about how to make your rebrand go as smoothly as possible.
 
In the next few weeks, I'll be dropping a 5-part series in your inbox, going over step-by-step how I planned my rebrand and how I executed it. 
 
Why? Because I see on a day-to-day basis on how overwhelming it can be for business owners when they need to make this kind of change, and launching a new brand or website should be an exciting time!
 
And, ya know, because I just went through it.
 
So whether you're in the midst of a rebrand, deciding if you think you may need one, or are simply curious - read on, my friend.
 
And while you're at it, make sure to download my Brand Launch Checklist! This is where I go into detail about each step you need to take in order to launch your rebrand - without feeling like you want to pull your hair out!
 
Tackling my rebrand: part 01
What needed to change, and why?
 
Listen, a lot of things can change in a year.
 
At the beginning of 2023, my website and branding were working fine for me! However, as the year went on and clients came and went, I started noticing a need for change. 
 
The biggest thing that tipped me off? My client inquiries.
 
Now don't get me wrong - I have LOVED each and every one of my clients this year. Rest assured, I am not talking about them
 
Rather, a good majority of my website inquiries were unfortunately not my ideal client or target audience, and I was constantly having to sift through, educate, or turn away those unqualified leads. 
 
Bummer!
 
Now keep in mind, when I say “unqualified," I do not want you to think that I'm saying that they're necessarily “bad”! Unqualified leads can simply mean a number of things:
  • You don't offer the service they need / want
  • Your timelines don't line up
  • Their budget isn't ready for the investment
  • They aren't the type of business or industry that you specialize in
  • And more!
Your brand and website should be attracting your ideal clients, so you can spend less time sifting through inquiries that aren't.
 
So what did I do? I put my head down and made a list of all the things about my business that were no longer serving me in the way I needed, in order to determine what exactly needed to change. 
 
This will look different for everyone, but for me it looked something like:
  • Operating under my own name instead of a business/studio name keeps my audience seeing me as a “amateur freelancer,” when I want to be seen as an expert.
  • Therefore, I constantly have to spend time sifting through inquiries that don't value my expertise or services, instead of having a consistent stream of qualified leads.
  • I am constantly having to answer the same questions about my services to my inquiry leads that my website should be answering.
  • My pricing is incredibly low for the industry standard and no longer reflects my level of knowledge or expertise, which can often attract leads that don't value what I offer.
  • After working with multiple clients, I'm learning what best serves them and their business, and I need to adjust my packages and services.
  • My branding feels too youthful and immature, and a little outdated, which keeps me from being seen as the professional that I am.
And voila! After making this list, it became pretty clear that what my business desperately needed was a complete rebrand and website overhaul.
 
Your turn!
 
Maybe you're wondering if your business is in need of a rebrand. Maybe you already know, but need to determine what it is exactly that needs to change. 
 
Use these questions to get an idea of what may not be working for you in your business, and determine what goals you have for your rebrand:
  1. Do you feel like your current branding accurately reflects who you are as a business and what your values are?
  2. How is your target audience responding to your branding and website? Are they responding in the way you'd like?
  3. Is your website attracting your ideal client or customer? Is your inbox full of inquiries from your ideal client type, or do most of them fall under “unqualified”?
  4. Has your business evolved significantly since the last time you did your brand or website? Have your services changed? Has your target market shifted?
  5. Are you accurately representing your brand's image consistently across all channels?
  6. How confident are you in your branding and website as opposed to your competitors?
Once you answer these questions, you should have a good idea on whether or not it's time for some changes! 
 
And if you're looking for a professional who not only knows how you're feeling, but knows how to guide you through this seemingly daunting process, I'd be more than happy to chat!
 
I know how it can feel to want so badly to continue on your business's growth, but feel like your current brand or website is holding you back. 
 
That's why I spend my days linking arms with my clients, and guiding them through a stress-free and streamlined process to get their business where it needs to be!
 
All you have to do is click the link below, and I'll be in touch to schedule a quick, no-commitment Discovery Chat to see where you're at and how I can help!
 
xo, Karlie
 
 
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