Let’s admit: there’s a moment in your business you’ve thought of rebranding at least once. Should I rebrand? Should I change my name? My logo? How would it even work? Will my old clients recognize me?

When I started out as Keshiew Studios, I was still a full time employee, working away as a software engineer 10 hours a day. I certainly didn’t have much time to pursue my branding side business.

The name “Keshiew Studios” was decided on a whim. It honestly didn’t have much deeper value except it felt similar to my own name and it felt cute, I guess. I just wanted to get started, not create a “brand”, ironically. But you know what, I stand by that decision. If I kept working on polishing my brand, I probably never would’ve gotten started.

I slowly started getting more clients. My design style became less trendy and more authentic. I took the plunge for my business, leaving my full time job to invest all of my time into my passion. I started collaborating and outsourcing with individual designs and strategists who specializes in different areas to give more value. I grew.

But I felt like my brand held back. The name was old: it didn’t represent who I am anymore. My colors didn’t match my design aesthetic. My website didn’t look or feel authentic. With a lot of thinking (and talking things out with my coach), I made the decision to go with a complete rebrand.

THE STEPS

I knew I wanted to completely up-level by brand. I didn’t want to play small anymore, I wanted to push myself out there with a complete fresh look. So here’s what I did during my rebrand period (hint: it wasn’t this easily):

1. I did my very first brand photoshoot!!

2. I created by own brand strategy, from core branding to positioning to target audience research.

3. With some help and ton of going back and forth, I settled on the name Second Society.

4. I created brand messaging that aligned with my strategy and who I wanted to reach.

5. Finally designed the brand identity of my dream business.

6. Redesigned by website to match my new messaging and branding.

7. Switched out my old domain to the new domain.

8. Updated my social media username, bio, profile picture and link.

9. Carried out my social media launch!!

WHY I LOVE MY REBRAND

1. The rebrand + brand photos have multiplied my inquires and sales!!

2. It makes me feel so much more aligned with the work I do and my design aesthetic.

3. All of my brand touch-points are so much more consistent.

4. My brand messaging is more refined and I love that it’s the same across all platforms.

5. It creates a more bespoke, indulgent experience to my clients, and that’s what matters most.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE READY FOR A REBRAND

1. If your brand no longer reflects your vision and your values

2. If you’re a little embarrassed to share your website or your socials with people

3. If you’re always comparing your business aesthetics with your competitors and trying to mimic them

4. If you have branched out or outgrown your branding

5. If you feel like just another garden-variety brand trying desperately to reach to your clients

6. If you’re struggling to raise your prices, or

7. If you want to reach to a new audience

there’s a good chance a rebrand is the perfect solution for you. My advice: just think about it. Don’t decide it on a whim. Sleep on the idea and tell it to a few of your friends. A rebrand is a massive change of direction for your brand. It’s a crucial step that should be taken in the right time and in the right way!

With love,

Kesh