Rebrand success: Expert strategies for maximum brand impact

Rebranding is more than a new logo or tagline—it’s a strategic shift that ensures your brand remains relevant and aligned with business goals. For brand managers, a successful rebrand requires careful planning, stakeholder alignment, and a strong execution strategy.

In a recent webinar, branding experts Maarten Evertzen of VIM Group, Blake Howard of Matchstic, and Espen Harstad from Papirfly shared their insights on why rebrands fail and how organizations can set themselves up for success.

Define strategic drivers and measure success against business goals

Before embarking on a rebrand, establish the underlying business reasons. Are you repositioning to reach a new audience, aligning with a merger, or responding to market shifts? Clarity on your objectives will shape the scope and direction of the rebrand.

Once you have clarified these business reasons, success can be measured by tangible business impact—brand perception, market positioning, and revenue growth—not just visual appeal. Align KPIs with business objectives to track progress effectively.

Conduct in-depth research to inform decision-making

A data-driven approach ensures your rebrand is built on insights, not assumptions. Assess your current brand equity, audience perceptions, and competitive landscape. Avoid rebranding for the sake of change—every decision should serve a strategic purpose.

Plan for full implementation and allocate resources effectively

Rebrand execution extends far beyond design. Updating assets across all touchpoints—digital platforms, physical locations, internal materials—can cost 15-20 times more than the design phase alone. Budget accordingly to avoid hidden costs and disruptions.

For every dollar you spend in design, you would be paying between $15 to 20 in implementation. And that’s a figure people are not always aware of. You need to budget the actual change process itself, not just the design.

Choosing the right agency partner is equally critical. Seek a team with relevant industry experience and a collaborative approach that aligns with your internal culture. Look for agencies that provide strategic insight and creative guidance, not just execution. Ensure there’s good chemistry and a shared vision between your team and the agency.

Engage internal stakeholders early and drive cross-departmental alignment

Even if confidentiality is required, involving key internal teams from the outset ensures smoother implementation. Marketing, product development, HR, and operations all play a role in embedding the new brand.

Clear internal communication fosters buy-in and ensures employees can confidently represent the refreshed brand. Externally, customers and partners need to understand the rationale behind the rebrand to maintain trust and engagement.

Execute a phased rollout and manage timelines realistically

A phased approach reduces risk and allows for refinements along the way. Prioritize high-impact brand elements—website, social media, key marketing materials—before transitioning less visible assets.

Avoid the temptation to rush the process. A well-paced rollout ensures consistency and minimizes operational disruption.

Use the rebrand as a catalyst for operational improvements

Beyond aesthetics, rebranding presents an opportunity to streamline workflows, update brand governance, and improve asset management. Implement tools that enhance efficiency and enable teams to maintain brand consistency at scale.

During a rebrand, you can educate people not only on the brand, but also on how they can execute faster with more efficiency and more effectiveness in going to market with the new brand.

By following these strategic principles, brand managers can navigate the complexities of a rebrand with confidence—ensuring the new identity resonates both internally and externally while driving meaningful business impact.