A good brand is all but everlasting. It continues to inspire students and staff alike years after its implementation, guiding school districts in their interactions with stakeholders and the public. 

Does your brand represent your school's spirit, or is it time for a refresh?

For everything you need to know about school branding, SportsGraphics is here to help. As Clarion providers of bleacher enclosures, branded wall pads, school branding consultations, and more, we've helped countless schools just like yours redefine themselves. 

Read on to see if it's time for yours to do the same!

You Blend Into the Competition

Whether your school is public or private, its image doesn't operate in isolation. Instead, it's viewed in the context of your competitors: other schools. 

Does your current brand have what it takes to make sure your school stands out from the crowd? If not, it might be time to step it up a notch.

You can assess this in several ways – one might be comparing your style guide to what you deem competition. 

Do they look TOO similar? 

You may also want to see if your school's mission and general "vibe" seem likewise.

Your Students Are No Longer Inspired

While staff and alumni might feel sentimental about your old colors and mascot, your students have no such thing. 

For your brand to have value to them, it must actively inspire them to be their best each and every day. Assessing whether or not this is the case can be tricky. 

Surveys are one option, though you'll need to phrase the questions in an age-appropriate, understandable manner. Few students are likely to comprehend the full extent of what the word "brand" means. 

You may also consider the collective values your students demonstrate – inclusion or determination, for example – and see if they match with what your brand is going for.

You Have the Opportunity to Expand

There's nothing like a new rec center or academic facility to catch the eye of potential enrollers, but to maximize your expansion's draw, you'll need a new brand to go with it. 

 

Modernizing and tailoring your image to appeal to a potential new demographic will draw that demographic in and show that you care about your facility and want to make a positive impression. 

Your Brand Isn't Making the Cut

Iowa ranks #2 for school sports participation in the US at 58.6%, and there's a case to make around the importance of how branding affects standards and fosters morale. 

It mirrors team values, and every detail matters to serve far more than just marketing, helping to build spirit and viewer support that is undeniable.

You Updated Your Mascot

Your school mascot is an icon, and it can be anything from a character to a logo. Its presence becomes part of the experience at events and around the school. 

Whether you're trying to build a new character or you want to replace an outdated one, rebranding is the perfect opportunity to update its look and align it more with your core values and school vibe.

You Want to Attract High-Quality Teachers

Branding will inspire your students and faculty alike, and one of the biggest challenges facing districts is low morale. This can make it challenging to get the staffing you need. 

One way to help counteract this is by creating new branding that promotes a fun and supportive environment and works to help empower the teachers, which can be an attractive commodity for potential new staff members.

SportsGraphics Has All the Branded Products You Need

Your branding does far more than work as a motivator; it helps create engagement and connection in the community. From gym wall pads to conceptual help with rebranding a school, we're your trusted one-stop shop if it's time for a big change. 

Let us help you get your rebranding off to a great start! Contact our team online or give our Clarion office a call today at 1-800-257-6405.