In the dynamic landscape of marketing, we’re experiencing a resurgence of rebranding. Rebrands are a strategic marketing maneuver that can redefine or refresh a company or brand’s identity and set it on a trajectory for future success. While there are numerous elements to consider during a rebrand, signs and graphics are a pivotal piece in the rebranding process, acting as a powerful ambassador for brands as well as businesses that need to attract attention to get customer traffic. In fact, 60% of companies that refreshed their signage saw traffic increases of over 10%.* With so much goodwill and value of a company tied to the brand, marketing decision makers and business owners take rebranding very seriously.
Advertisers know people rely on emotions to make brand decisions, and quality signage can bring out a range of emotions for customers. Because of this, many of the most notable recent rebrands are leveraging emotions and nostalgia from McDonald’s to Burger King, Kraft Singles to 7-Up, as well as more recent controversial rebrands such as HBO to Max and Twitter to “X.” Then there’s the recent Jell-O rebrand with updated packaging that includes a new look and logos to attract kids and parents through a bright, simple design. Rebrands receive attention and often tap into emotional frameworks and associations people already have for brands. A finding from a national opinion poll conducted by FASTSIGNS reveals that quality signage brings out a range of emotions for customers, and more than two in five of those surveyed say signage makes them feel something, 41% say it makes them feel energized or excited.
“When more people perceive a brand-or a business--as dynamic, popular and on-the-move, it’s the kind of brand people choose to engage in business. It’s a key indicator of brand strength, brand momentum and continued opportunity for growth,” said Jennifer Herskind, Chief Marketing Officer of FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
To be a brand that people choose to engage in business, here are four ways dynamic signage and graphic solutions can play an important role in your rebranding efforts:
First Impression
Signage often serves as the frontline of your brand's first impression. Be it a monument sign, an exterior sign, a billboard, or a digital sign, it's often the first visual element that people attach to your brand. During a rebrand, updating your signage to reflect your new brand identity is not just important, it's a strategic imperative.
Projecting Your Brand Identity
Your signage should be more than just a nameplate; it should be a mirror projecting your brand's identity. It should embrace your brand's personality and image, everything from the color scheme and typography to the logo and messaging. Carrying this as a visual scheme throughout an environment or business can convey volumes about your brand stature, quality and value proposition. When rebranding, ensure that your signage aligns seamlessly with your new brand identity, effectively communicating the essence of your brand both internally and to the world.
A Key Player in Brand Recognition
Consistent and well-designed signage can significantly amplify brand recognition. By maintaining consistency in your graphic identity across all customer touchpoints--both in the physical world and the digital world, you can ensure that your brand identity is strategically and consistently integrated.
Signage: A Catalyst for Getting Noticed
Signage isn't just about brand recognition; it's also a powerful catalyst for getting noticed. Larger-than-life graphics, digital displays, and creatively designed signs can pique customer interest and encourage people to do a double take. This can be particularly effective during a rebrand, helping to generate buzz and excitement around your new brand identity.
Signage, graphics and custom visuals play a pivotal role in the rebranding process. It's not just about changing logos or colors; it's about creating a visual representation of what you want your brand to stand for that resonates with your audience, boosts brand recognition, and gets you noticed.
*The Economic Value of On-Premise Signage by The University of Cincinnati