What’s the Smartest Way to Transition from an Old Brand to a New One?
By Dave Burnett, Online Marketing Expert at AOK Marketing • Last updated: June 17, 2025
Key takeaways for a successful brand transition
- Use 301 redirects to preserve SEO and traffic.
- Standardize your new brand identity visually and verbally across all channels.
- Coordinate communications to smoothly shift public perception and customer trust.
How do I migrate from the old domain to the new brand name?
Start by mapping every old URL to its new equivalent using permanent 301 redirects. This preserves SEO value and ensures users and search engines are correctly redirected.
- Maintain content structure as closely as possible to avoid broken links.
- Manually update top backlinks using tools like Ahrefs and outreach to domain owners.
- Keep analytics consistent — ensure your Google Analytics, UTM tags, and Search Console tracking transfer over smoothly.
What steps ensure consistent brand identity across platforms?
Rebrands succeed when the new brand is presented with absolute consistency. Focus on both design and messaging.
- Create and apply a brand style guide — logo, fonts, colors, imagery.
- Update all customer-facing platforms: website, social, product, support, print.
- Develop a tone-of-voice guide. Align all copy — from blog posts to support scripts — with this identity.
How can I communicate the brand change clearly?
Customers won’t understand your change unless you explain it proactively. Your communication plan should span all major touchpoints:
- Send an email announcement: Introduce your new brand with clear reasoning and benefits.
- Post transition messaging on social media profiles and pinned posts.
- Run display ads or retargeting explaining the brand evolution.
- Create a press release or thought leadership piece detailing the transition.
Why should I publish a content piece explaining the transition?
Publishing a single authoritative asset about the rebrand anchors your story and gives stakeholders clarity. Options include:
- A blog post explaining the reasoning behind the new brand
- A YouTube video introducing your new identity and what it means
- A long-form case study detailing the rebranding journey and goals
Include visuals, before-and-after comparisons, and internal insights. Link this content from your homepage and email it to your list.
How do I transfer credibility from the old brand to the new one?
Even with a new name, your results and team haven’t changed. Showcase continuity and build new trust by highlighting past success.
- Repackage case studies and testimonials from the old brand under the new identity.
- Use social proof banners: “Trusted by 100+ clients under our previous name.”
- Create a “Track Record” page showing results from both brand phases.
How can I drive traffic and rebuild authority under the new brand?
Publishing high-value content is one of the fastest ways to earn backlinks and grow authority. Focus on:
- Lead magnets, success guides, or ROI calculators in your niche
- Guest posts or podcast appearances where you explain the transition
- Running retargeting campaigns highlighting new value propositions
The more content you publish tied to the new brand, the faster you will establish recognition in search engines and in your market.
What are expert tips for a seamless brand transition?
- Treat your rebrand as a campaign, not just a visual change. Launch with narrative and goals.
- Repeat what already worked under your former identity — proven ads, funnels, and content — but with updated branding.
- Involve your audience in the change: ask for feedback, share lessons learned, preview what’s coming next.
Real-world proof that rebranding works from zero
GS1 US: Relaunched their paid media with no history and saw a 37% drop in CPA and 33% growth in transactions.
DND Finance: Entered a new market with a brand-new product and achieved a $1.60 CPA — 68% under goal.
Ron White Shoes: Pivoted campaigns after failure and achieved a 21.5x return through focused rebranding.
About The Author
Dave Burnett
I help people make more money online.
Over the years I’ve had lots of fun working with thousands of brands and helping them distribute millions of promotional products and implement multinational rewards and incentive programs.
Now I’m helping great marketers turn their products and services into sustainable online businesses.
How can I help you?