Thinking about a rebrand...
Out of context: Reply #10
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- d_rek0
The first big design job I had for out of college was working for a small studio in Downtown Detroit. There was little to no information available to them on the internet. Their website was a complete farce (literally a jpeg image with a list of services).
I distinctly remember the CD of the studio saying on more than one occasion "I like that our website is ambiguous it makes us look like Detroit's best kept secret." The owners, who where somewhat pretentious artsy-types shook their heads approvingly, as if this was a sound business tactic.
For the next 2.5 years while I was at the studio I watched them struggle again and again to reel clients in. Virtually every client they worked with commented "So what's up with your website anyway?"
So... after wondering after my job security for those 2.5 years the studio still has it's doors open. They have since launched a website (that I designed and went through a maddening approval process) is literally a glorified slideshow that still explains little-to-nothing about what they do as a studio. Again, I distinctly remember one of the last new clients I worked with there saying "You have some nice pictures on your website but it doesn't tell me anything about you guys... I had no idea you did all the stuff you did until I came to your office."
That being said I suppose if you're confident and feel that your Brand is established enough (like say the way Ideo or Pentagram or or Sagmeister or any well established name) then sure, go for it. But remember that your website is a business tool. It may make the difference in helping a prospective client work with you or not. In the end though I think it boils down to if you feel that your website helps / hinders you in terms of new business.
- TL;DR: Don't be the 'best kept secret'. Get your name and work out there. It's no use to anyone if you're not showing it.d_rek