Rediscover your purpose. Realign your message. Reignite your stakeholders and impact.
A well considered brand is the foundation for authentic connection.
iFactory specializes in higher education branding services that help colleges and universities uncover, articulate, and elevate their institutional identity. From brand discovery to brand audits to full brand refresh initiatives, we guide higher ed institutions through the critical process of aligning strategic priorities and mission with brand, and experience to ensure your institutional brand resonates with the audiences that matter the most.
Whether you’re preparing for a website redesign, leadership change, or strategic planning;, facing enrollment pressures, or trying to reach new student audiences, a strategic college brand assessment and tune up is an essential investment in long-term growth.
Authenticity and audience. Brand strategy is about being true and being responsive– knowing yourself and knowing your audiences today, then serving them well."
The work is revitalizing our campus... It's helping to change the culture around our work. It's energizing us and helping make us a community."
Process
Defining Your Brand
Discover
We assess your current brand– as expressed and as embodied– and uncovering opportunities.
- Brand audit to assess strengths and weaknesses
- Stakeholder interviews for context, alignment, and buy-in
- Audience surveys and focus groups to build relationships today
- Competitor analysis to inform brand positioning and find the space you can own
Articulate
We define your brand platform so it’s clear, compelling, and actionable.
- Audience personas (primary & secondary)
- Value proposition and proof points (“reasons to believe”)
- Positioning statement
- Brand personality, tone, and messaging guidelines
Concept
We explore creative directions to bring your refreshed brand to life.
- Logo redesign concepts that balance fresh impact with brand equity
- Messaging ideas tailored to each audience
- Visual identity concepts
- Concept testing to ensure authenticity and resonance
Execute
We help you launch and socialize your refined brand to energize advocates and seed lasting adoption.
- Branded collateral templates (business suite, social graphics, PPT decks)
- Comprehensive brand guidelines for visual and messaging consistency
- Brand launch kit with assets for rollout
- Socialization strategies to inspire internal and external champions
Why a Strong Brand Strategy Matters in Higher Ed
A clear, compelling brand helps your college or university:
- Stand out in a competitive recruitment market
- Build trust and credibility with prospective students and families
- Align and energize internal stakeholders across departments and leadership
- Improve the ROI of marketing, enrollment, and fundraising efforts
In today’s higher education landscape, your brand is your first impression but goes far beyond it. It’s the thread that unites you. It’s your promise. It’s your identity. Your college brand is how you do what you do, how you make people feel, and what makes you essentially you.
Hiram College
Exploring the Possibilities
A fresh take on brand. A reinspired community of brand evangelists.
A refresh of brand positioning, pillars, creative concepts, messaging, and documentation helped Hiram sharpen their message to prospective students.
15%
Increase in enrollment
Ready for Your Next Chapter?
Whether you need a full brand refresh strategy, a logo redesign, or a plan to strengthen brand consistency, we’ll help you shape an identity that reflects your vision, strengthens relationships, and delivers results.
We’re happy to discuss your goals and help you consider how best to approach this work.