Is it time for new branding for your business?
By Jennifer Paulson
If you’ve been in this business any length of time, you can’t deny that the industry is always evolving. That means your business should also keep moving forward and progressing alongside it, including how you present your business to the public. Here are a few things to think about.
Logo Design
When you set out on your own, one of your first orders of business was to create a logo to represent your business. As graphic capabilities evolve, an older logo can look outdated if it features an out-of-style font, hard-to-see details, or a vibe that doesn’t go with who you are today. Take a hard look at your logo, ask others for feedback, and then work with a professional to update it, if needed. Just remember your logo will need to be updated everywhere your brand is represented.
Key Tip: If you embark upon a redesign, think timeless fonts, colors, and designs so you don’t need to revisit this branding element in the near future.
Brand Colors
Colors go in and out of style. Think about the avocado appliances of the 1970s and how they’d look in today’s kitchens. Your brand’s colors can also go out of style. Look around you at horse shows. Which colors are a little too common for your liking? How can you make a color combination all your own? Which palettes will stand the test of time while still making your business stand out?
Key Tip: Think about universally repeatable colors. If you choose a particular shade of blue, can you replicate that across all of your marketing, stall fronts, and swag? Consistency is key for successful branding.
Simplify
Revamping your brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. How can you keep things simple—and cost-effective? A simpler logo might be less expensive to embroider on caps and jackets. Common colors can be easier to find across your needs. Talk to the business that does your caps, jackets, stall curtains, and more for their tips to keep things simple but effective and modern.
Key Tip: Look at other small businesses, even those outside the horse industry, for inspiration on simple logos, universal colors, and impactful branding.
Final Takeaways
Rebranding doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one you should approach thoughtfully and with a plan to ensure that it’s beneficial for the long haul. Done hastily and without a plan, it can be a waste of resources and something you’ll have to visit again sooner than later.
