Guest Blogger Sascha K Alexander on Rebranding
Recently, I reached out to other authors on social media and asked if anyone would be interested in being a guest blogger on my site. I explained that I talk to my audience about writing, publishing, audience building, and my books. And I am happy to say that I received a guest blogger named SK Alexander who wrote a helpful piece about How to Effectively in Four Steps.
How to effectively rebrand in four steps
Branding is a dynamic process, and sometimes your current brand no longer hits the mark. A rebranding can boost
your image and attract the right audience. Here's how to nail it in four simple steps: Plan, Create, Implement, and
Evaluate.
Author: Sascha K. Alexander
A rebranding becomes necessary when the current branding no longer aligns with the desired objectives, and a
fresh approach holds greater potential for your business’s growth. It is a complex process that transforms parts of
your brand, for instance, visual elements like logos or colors, or adjustments to verbal aspects such as your
brand’s story. Sometimes, a complete overhaul, including a name change, may be necessary.
For authors, rebranding presents an opportunity to refine your image, connect better with your audience, or
communicate your messages more effectively. It can also enhance visibility in the market and positively influence
your brand’s perception. Ultimately, rebranding aims to alter public perception and attract new readers.
To succeed effortlessly, follow these four steps:
Step 1: Planning
Once you've committed to revamping (parts) your brand, you must plan the entire project. Set clear goals and
establish measurable milestones. Prioritize the needs and preferences of your target audience, as it facilitates
broader reach and engagement.
Beyond financial investment, a rebranding also demands a considerable amount of time. It includes designing and
then updating logos, colors, fonts, or texts on your author platform. Hence, allocate sufficient time and resources
for each stage of the process.
Don’t forget to establish a communication strategy to convey your upcoming changes and boost brand
recognition. Share your motivations and involve your audience in the process.
Step 2: Creation
Your brand’s visual elements are your first opportunity to make a positive impression or turn prospects off.
Therefore, it's crucial to develop a carefully planned visual strategy that aligns with your goals for your
rebranding. Your logo and color palette should set you apart from other authors and convey your messages
clearly across all platforms. Keep your branding consistent to make it memorable.
To create or update your visual elements, it’s best you seek the expertise of a professional designer. With their
grasp on your brand, business, and target audience, they’ll provide an objective perspective to help you identify
and overcome obstacles.
Moreover, it’s crucial that your brand’s story and author persona accurately reflect who you are and what you
stand for. Thus, make sure that the aspects that define what distinguishes your brand from your competitors are
easily discernible to your audience.
Step 3: Implementation
Go through and update every touchpoint where you interact with your audience. Ensure consistency and clarity
across your website, newsletter, social media profiles, as well as (printed) marketing materials.
Before you go public, try to create a bit of hype and excitement. Release teasers and previews in the weeks
leading up to the official relaunch to attract more attention. When the time comes to go public, present your
rebranding as a story. Highlight what you like about your changes, but also how your changes benefit your
audience.
Transparent communication is key during this phase. Be open and honest about the reasons behind your
rebranding.
Step 4: Evaluation
Finally, pay attention to how your changes impact your audience and verify that your efforts yield the desired
results. Measure the success of the rebranding against set goals and criteria, such as revenue, brand awareness,
and customer retention.
Be receptive to feedback and consider it as an opportunity for improvement. Seek input from your subscribers
and followers through surveys, reviews, or direct conversations. Stay open to constructive criticism and be
prepared to make adjustments accordingly to ensure long-term success. Also, be prepared for differing opinions;
not everyone will embrace the change. It's impossible to satisfy everyone.
Key Takeaways
A successful rebranding enables you to reposition your brand within the market and carve out a distinct identity.
It is a strategic endeavor that demands meticulous planning and execution for optimal results. You should
approach the start of your rebranding just as carefully as you did your initial market entry. Back then, the goal
was to draw attention to your brand. Now, the goal is to make people aware that your brand has changed.
Remember to establish a robust communication plan for upcoming changes and boost brand recognition. Involve
your audience during the process to foster a sense of inclusivity and connection.
Depending on the scope and scale of the changes, your rebranding may have a significant impact on how your
readers perceive and interact with you. Therefore, consider factors such as associated costs, potential
ramifications across different facets of your business, and the time required for seamless implementation.
About Sascha K. Alexander:
Sascha K. Alexander's multifaceted career spans nearly two decades of writing, marketing, and (online)
communication. For his “Essentials for Authorpreneurs”, he draws from his varied experiences to teach
fundamental lessons about self-publishing practical lessons and pragmatic solutions that authorpreneurs can
easily implement. For more information, go to https://sk-alexander.com/for-authorpreneurs/.