How a Brand Strategist Elevates Your Business
At 19 Ideas, being a brand strategist means more than having a deep understanding of branding principles and strategies. We believe that your brand is bigger than a logo or a sign; it’s everything you do and say and the way people remember you. Therefore, no approach to branding or rebranding is one size fits all.
Brand strategists have years of experience backed by finely tuned processes and approaches that allow them to help businesses create and manage their brand identities effectively.
If you’re wondering what a brand strategist is and how they can support your business goals, here are the highlights:
Understanding Branding Fundamentals
A brand strategist is well-versed in the fundamentals, including the importance of brand identity, brand positioning, and brand messaging. They understand that a brand is more than a logo or name; rather, it’s a complex set of perceptions and emotions associated with a product, service, or company.
Conducting Market Research
Brand strategists conduct thorough market research to understand the target audience, market trends, and any competitors. This research informs the development of a brand strategy that will resonate with the intended audience. It ensures they understand the “why” as completely as they understand the “what” or “how.”
Creating a Brand Story
Developing a brand story sets the foundation for your brand with a Mission, Vision, Core Values, Value Proposition, Personality Traits, and Brand Promise elements. Brand strategists know how to align the team or client about how and why the business exists and set the stage for future brand development.
Creating Visual Identity
Brand strategists may work with a design team in creating or refining the visual elements of a brand, such as logos, color schemes, typography, and design guidelines. They ensure that these elements are consistent and effectively convey the brand’s identity. They can even compile them into a Brand Book, which aids those less familiar with the brand in making critical decisions.
Perfecting Brand Voice
Crafting the right brand voice is crucial. Brand strategists develop key messages in a unique voice that aligns with the brand’s values and resonates with the target audience. They are also capable of creating communication plans for conveying these messages through various marketing channels, including advertising, social media, and public relations.
Measuring and Analyzing Performance
Brand strategists use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of their branding efforts. This might include tracking brand awareness, customer sentiment, or market share. They use this data to make informed decisions about the brand’s direction.
Igniting Effective Collaboration
Successful branding requires collaboration with other professionals, such as designers, copywriters, and business owners. A brand strategist works effectively with other team members to ensure they’re interpreting the current brand correctly and working towards a version of that brand that is accurate and true.
Openness to Feedback
An effective brand strategist is open to feedback and understands how and when to pivot. A branding project isn’t complete without buy-in from all stakeholders, and the ability to be flexible is paramount to a brand being received well by both the business owner and the public.
Being a brand strategist involves a combination of strategic thinking, creative skills, market analysis, and the ability to communicate effectively. It’s a multifaceted role that plays a crucial part in shaping how a brand is perceived in the marketplace.
If you’re thinking about hiring a brand strategist for your next project, consider their approach, process, and proven track record. A good branding agency will likely have dozens of examples in their portfolio that give you a good idea of how effective and thoughtful their work is.
If you’re interested in speaking with one of our brand strategists about your next project, reach out to start the conversation.