Branding Fails That Will Make You Cringe (and How to Avoid Them!)

We’ve all seen them—the branding disasters so bad they make you do a double-take. Whether it’s a logo that looks wildly inappropriate or a slogan that didn’t quite translate internationally, these fails are proof that branding is no joke.

But fear not! I’m here to help you avoid these pitfalls so your brand doesn’t end up as a meme. Let’s dive into some of the worst branding mistakes and, more importantly, how to steer clear of them.

1. The “Oops, That’s Not What We Meant” Logo

Ah, logos. The backbone of branding. They can be iconic (Nike, Apple) or a total disaster (too many to count).

• Branding Fail Example: A company once designed a "youth-focused" logo, only for people to point out it looked like… let’s just say, something very inappropriate. Let’s just say once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

• How to Avoid It: Before launching your logo, test it. Show it to multiple people (not just your designer) and ask for honest feedback. Also, consider flipping it upside down—you’d be shocked at what hidden meanings can appear!

2. The “Lost in Translation” Slogan

Sometimes, what sounds good in one language doesn’t quite translate well in another.

• Branding Fail Example: When Pepsi entered the Chinese market, their slogan "Come alive with Pepsi!" was mistakenly translated as "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead." (Which, unfortunately, is not a feature of Pepsi.)

• How to Avoid It: If you plan to go global, hire a translator—or, at the very least, Google Translate it and double-check with a native speaker.

3. The "Too Trendy for Its Own Good" Rebrand

Trends are great, but some brands go so deep into a rebrand that their customers no longer recognize them.

Branding Fail Example: Remember when GAP randomly changed its logo in 2010? No? That’s because it lasted only six days after public backlash. Customers were so confused that GAP had to backtrack and restore the original log.

How to Avoid It: If you’re rebranding, don’t shock your audience overnight. Take them on the journey—tease the new branding, explain the reasoning, and make sure it still resonates with your customers.

4. The “Font Catastrophe”

Fonts matter. Use the wrong one, and your brand could go from sophisticated to totally unreadable in seconds.

Branding Fail Example: There’s a reason Comic Sans is banned from professional branding (unless you’re making a lemonade stand sign). Also, some fonts, when spaced poorly, can accidentally spell very unfortunate words.

How to Avoid It: Stick to clear, professional fonts that align with your brand. And for the love of branding, check your spacing before you hit publish!

5. The “Trying Too Hard to Be Cool” Disaster

We’ve all seen brands trying way too hard to be "hip" with Gen Z, only to be met with pure second-hand embarrassment.

Branding Fail Example: When a brand tries to insert slang where it doesn’t belong. (Think: "We vibin', fam!" when the brand sells… printer ink.)

How to Avoid It: If slang isn’t naturally part of your brand voice, don’t force it. People can smell inauthenticity from a mile away.

How to Avoid Becoming the Next Branding Fail

Be intentional – Every element of your branding should be purposeful and align with your brand identity.

Get feedback – Before you launch anything, test it out on real people (outside your bubble).

Stay consistent – A strong brand is recognizable and consistent across all platforms.

Keep it timeless – Trends come and go, but strong branding lasts. (Just ask Coca-Cola.)

Final Thoughts: Branding is Your Reputation

Your brand isn’t just your logo or colours—it’s how people perceive you. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to creating a brand that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

And if you need help making sure your branding is on point, I’m here to help.

📩 Let’s talk branding! Visit mattblackcreatives.com to get started.