Gray Matters Graphic Design & Photography

Graphic Design and Photography

Comprehensive Guide for Launching Your New Logo & Brand Design

Small Business GuidanceSarah Vogl

Rolling out a fresh new logo and brand design is such an exciting moment! It’s the start of a new chapter for your business, and you want to ensure everyone sees it. This guide will help you launch your brand with confidence, step-by-step, across your website, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re updating your digital presence or refreshing your print materials, we’ll ensure your new look is everywhere it needs to be. Let’s get your brand out there and looking fabulous!

If you’re hiring Gray Matters for your project, we offer hourly assistance with any of the steps listed below to help launch your new logo or brand. We’re also happy to meet with clients by the hour to guide you through using DIY tools available to business owners who want to manage some of their marketing efforts. Whether you need help with social media images or setting up brand visuals on your website, we can tailor our support to fit your needs, empowering you to take control of your brand.

1. Review & Organize Your Logo Files

Before you start, ensure that all logo variations and formats are available.

If you haven’t yet hired your graphic designer, ensure their service includes delivering all of the necessary files (especially the vectors) before signing a contract.

  1. Vector Files (.AI, .EPS): Use for high-quality print applications (banners, billboards).

  2. Raster Files (.PNG, .JPG): Best for digital use (social media, websites).

  3. Icon Variations: Full-color, monochrome, and transparent background versions.

  4. File Sizes: Large for print, smaller for web use. You’ll need both for flexibility.

  5. File Formats for Specific Platforms: Check if any platforms you frequently use (LinkedIn, Etsy) require unique formats or specific resolution sizes for logos.

2. Website Update

Ensure the new logo is consistent across your website:

  1. Header & Footer: Your new logo should feature prominently in these areas.

  2. Favicon: Update the small browser tab icon with a simplified logo mark. (For Squarespace, the file should be a .png between 100x100px and 300x300px.)

  3. Test Responsiveness: Check how the logo looks on your site's desktop, tablet, and mobile versions to ensure readability and proper scaling.

  4. Update Social Sharing Image: A social sharing image is the visual preview that appears when someone shares your website or content on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. It usually includes your logo, a key graphic, an eye-catching design, and text snippets like your title or tagline.

    This image is crucial because it’s often the first thing people see when your brand is shared online. A compelling social sharing image can capture attention, improve click-through rates, and ensure your brand makes a memorable, professional impression at first glance. (On Squarespace, the best size is 1200x630px)

3. Social Media Branding

Update your visual identity on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter:

  1. Profile Pictures & Cover Photos: Ensure the new logo fits the platform’s image dimensions. This is crucial for both profile images (square) and cover photos (rectangular).

  2. Instagram Story Highlights: Add custom covers for Story Highlights that use elements of your brand design.

  3. Scheduled Post Announcements: Prepare social media posts introducing the rebrand to your audience with key messages about why you’ve updated your look.

4. Email Signatures

Update your email signature with the new logo and any relevant branding colors or fonts:

  1. Professional Email Platforms (Gmail, Outlook): Ensure your new logo looks sharp and consistent on various email services.

  2. Team-wide Update: If applicable, have all employees update their signatures to maintain consistency in communication.

5. Google Business Profile

If your business is listed on Google, update your profile with the new logo:

  1. Profile Photo: Update the main business image that shows in Google searches and Maps.

  2. Brand Guidelines: Make sure your contact details, descriptions, and uploaded photos align with the new visual direction.

6. Printed Materials & Merchandise

Refresh all printed materials to reflect the new brand identity:

  1. Business Cards: Reprint with the updated logo and brand colors.

  2. Stationery: Ensure the letterhead, invoices, and envelopes feature the new design.

  3. Promotional Products: Order new merchandise like branded mugs, stickers, T-shirts, name tags, and pens featuring the updated logo.

7. Third-Party Listings & Marketplaces

If you’re listed on other websites (Etsy, Yelp, etc.), update your logo and branding there:

  1. LinkedIn & Etsy Banners: Update custom banners and logo marks that appear in listings.

  2. Brand Consistency: Check any directories, local business websites, or review platforms to ensure consistency.

8. Marketing Collateral Update

Refresh your promotional materials:

  1. Brochures, Flyers, & Posters: Use the new logo and colors in all digital and physical marketing materials.

  2. Ads & Banners: Update both digital and print advertisements to reflect the new branding.

9. Announce the Rebrand to Your Audience

Let your customers and partners know about the rebrand with a clear, engaging message:

  1. Launch Campaign: Plan a comprehensive launch campaign across all platforms (email, social media, website) to introduce your new logo and explain the thought process behind the change.

  2. Behind-the-Scenes Content: Consider sharing a blog post or video that shows the journey of creating the new logo. This helps your audience connect with the rebrand on a personal level.

10. Monitor & Respond to Feedback

After launching, monitor feedback and impressions:

  1. Surveys & Polls: Ask your audience about the new look.

  2. Engagement Analysis: Track analytics (website clicks, social media engagement) to see how the rebrand impacts your audience’s interaction with your brand.

11. Update Digital Ads & SEO

Don’t forget to refresh paid ads and SEO listings:

  1. Google Ads: Make sure your ad banners and display ads feature the new logo.

  2. SEO Listings: Update any visuals or descriptions associated with search engine listings for consistency.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure a seamless integration of your new logo and branding across all platforms, helping to maintain a consistent and professional brand identity.