Building brands + websites with intention for creatives

Ribbon & Ink is a full service branding studio that works with small creative businesses to create brands with strategy and beautiful, purposeful content-driven websites to go with them. 

Welcome to the Blog

get a free website assessment

The Danger of the Back Burner Brand: Why Putting Off Your Rebrand Is Costing You Clients

July 2, 2025

Filed in: Uncategorized

Signs You Need a Rebrand | website and branding for small business ; elevate your brand identity; professional brand design; brand and website overhaul

Let’s talk about something I hear all the time:

“I’ve been meaning to rebrand, but it’s just not the right time.”
“I know my website needs help, but I’ll deal with it later.”
“I’ve outgrown my brand… but maybe next year.”

Sound familiar? These are all signs you need a rebrand.

You’re not alone—but if you’ve been putting off a rebrand, it’s time for some real talk. Because the truth is: your “back burner” brand strategy is hurting your business more than you realize.

What Is a Back Burner Brand?

A back burner brand is what happens when your business has grown, your skills have improved, your client experience is stellar—but your visual identity and website are still stuck in the past. Maybe you DIYed it when you first started. Maybe it used to work but now feels off. Maybe you don’t hate it, but you know it’s not truly aligned with where your business is now.

The result? You start attracting the wrong people—or worse, no one at all.

Signs You Need a Rebrand | website and branding for small business ; elevate your brand identity; professional brand design; brand and website overhaul

First Impressions Always Matter

Here’s the tough truth: your brand and website are often the first thing potential clients see. If your online presence doesn’t reflect the level of care, professionalism, or style you bring to your work, you’re likely sending the wrong message.

Think of it like this:
Would you show up to a job interview in sweatpants?

No way.

Because you know that first impressions matter. So why treat your website or brand any differently?

When clients land on your site, they’re forming an instant opinion. If your branding is outdated, disjointed, or just not “you,” they might assume you don’t take your business seriously—or worse, that you won’t take them seriously.


What You’re Really Saying When You Delay

When you keep putting your rebrand on the back burner, here’s what you’re really saying:

  • “I’m okay with missed opportunities.”
  • “I’m fine with attracting clients who aren’t the right fit.”
  • “I’ll let another year go by without showing my best work.”

But you don’t really feel that way, do you?

Most people I talk to about rebranding know they need a change. They feel disconnected from their visuals. They struggle to raise prices or shift directions because their brand doesn’t support those moves. And yet—fear, budget concerns, or just plain overwhelm keep them from moving forward.


The Cost of Staying Stuck

Yes, a quality rebrand requires an investment. A good designer isn’t going to slap a logo on a mood board and call it done. You’re paying for strategy, design expertise, marketing know-how, and a deeply intentional process.

But what you gain is far more valuable:

  • Confidence to raise your prices
  • Clarity in your messaging and audience
  • A beautiful, functional website that books dream clients
  • A brand that supports your growth—not holds it back

You’re not “too small” for a rebrand. You’re not “too late.” But if you want to step into your next season with intention, it’s time to stop waiting.


Ready to Ditch the Sweatpants Brand?

If your brand is still wearing sweats while the rest of you is ready for the spotlight, it’s time to make a change. Let your visuals catch up to the incredible business you’ve built.

Because your work is worth it.
Because you are worth it.
Because your dream clients are out there—waiting to be wowed.

Let’s upgrade your first impression.

Click here to get started with a custom brand + website design experience.

Signs You Need a Rebrand | website and branding for small business ; elevate your brand identity; professional brand design; brand and website overhaul

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *