There’s a lot to be said for being scrappy in business. When you’re juggling the role of mom, entrepreneur, and everything in between, you learn to be resourceful. You figure out how to make things work with what you’ve got, often on a shoestring budget and with zero time to spare. You’re constantly in go mode—doing what you can, when you can.
That’s what makes the journey so exciting, right?
For many of us, that scrappy spirit is what gets us through the early days of entrepreneurship. You DIY your website, design a logo, and make it work. You’re proud of what you created. That logo you carefully crafted three years ago? It served your business well. You poured your energy into it, and it gave your brand a sense of identity that helped you stand out. That’s something to celebrate, because it’s part of your story.
But as your business grows, so do your needs. You’ve learned, evolved, and now it’s time to embrace the fact that your brand is also evolving. The pulled-together logo you were so proud of? It’s no longer quite the right fit for where you are now—and where you’re heading. And that’s okay! Growth doesn’t mean that you’re abandoning what worked before, it means you’re leveling up to something that serves your business’s future goals.
So how do you know when it’s time to take that step and invest in a new brand? Here are three signs that it’s time to upgrade:
1. That cute DIY logo from 3 years ago is starting to feel cringey when you add it to marketing touchpoints.
Remember the day you designed your logo on Canva and thought, “Wow, this is it“? At the time, it was fresh, fun, and maybe even felt a little personal—something that represented your brand’s early energy. Fast forward to today, though, and every time you put that logo on a social post or marketing material, it makes you cringe a little. Maybe it feels outdated, too “homemade,” or—worse yet—like it doesn’t reflect the growth your brand has gone through. If your logo now feels like a relic of your brand’s past, it’s a sign that it might be time for a redesign that’s in line with your business’s evolution. After all, your logo is the first impression people have of your brand, and if it’s not making the right impact, it’s time to give it an upgrade.
2. You get a twinge of envy when you see competitors share content, and wish your brand felt that refined and unique.
It’s a natural reaction: scrolling through social media or checking out a competitor’s website, and feeling that slight pang of envy as their content looks sleek, polished, and just… together. You see their brand messaging, visuals, and style, and it hits you—why doesn’t our brand look or feel like that? That feeling could be a subtle hint that your brand’s image no longer stands out like it once did. Maybe it’s not that your competitors are doing something you can’t; it’s that your own brand isn’t telling the story or capturing the vibe you want. A strong, unique brand identity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for staying relevant. If you’re not feeling confident in your brand’s look and feel, a rebrand might be exactly what you need to elevate your image and reconnect with your audience.
3. You avoid content creation because you actually don’t like your color palette, but can’t find the time to revamp it.
You’ve probably caught yourself staring at your brand’s color palette, wondering if it really represents your business today. The colors that once felt so “on-brand” now feel flat, uninspiring, or just… off. And every time you sit down to create new content—whether it’s social media posts, ads, or email templates—you drag your feet because you know the colors don’t reflect the energy or values you want to convey. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re working against the brand itself instead of with it. But here’s the thing: color is one of the most powerful tools in branding. If it’s making you hesitate every time you create content, it’s a sign that your brand needs a refresh. Investing in a more cohesive, modern color palette can make a world of difference in your content creation process—and in how your audience perceives your brand.
4. Your brand feels hard to explain or doesn’t stand out
If you find yourself struggling to explain what your brand stands for, or if your logo and design blend in with the competition, that’s a major red flag. A strong, well-defined brand should be instantly recognizable and easy to articulate. If it feels like a mishmash of ideas or lacks clarity, it’s time to get strategic and create something that clearly communicates who you are and what you offer.
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It’s easy to get stuck in the idea that your scrappy DIY brand is “good enough,” especially when you’re in the thick of running a business and balancing your personal life. But here’s the truth: if you want to show up online with the kind of confidence, clarity, and ease that your peers seem to have, it’s time for a change.
The transition from scrappy to strategic can be a game-changer. It’s about investing in a brand that truly reflects the heart of your business and the vision you have for the future. A brand that aligns with your values, speaks directly to your ideal clients, and positions you as the expert you are.
If you’re ready to take that next step and finally make 2025 the year your business really hits its stride, let’s talk about a brand refresh that will take your business to the next level. I can help you create a brand that doesn’t just look good—it works for you.
Head over here to inquire about the brand project that will completely transform your business in the year ahead. You’ve come this far, now let’s make sure your brand is ready for the next chapter. 💛
