designrush

What Is a Brand Strategy Agency?

A brand strategy agency specializes in helping businesses develop and implement a strategic plan to build a solid foundation for their brand and become recognizable on the market.

Brand strategy firms will work with a business to understand its unique needs and then develop a customized plan to help the company achieve its goals. The agency will also provide ongoing support to ensure that the brand strategy is executed effectively. If you want to take your business to the next level, working with a brand strategy company is a great way to start.

What Makes Brand Strategy Companies Unique?

As opposed to branding agencies, brand strategy companies prioritize a company's strategic plan that maps out how the company is positioned in the niche market and perceived by the target customers. Here are three things that set them apart:

#1: They Have a Deep Understanding of How Brands Work

Brand strategy firms who know how to position a brand in the market, how to create a unique identity for the business, and how to build awareness and equity should be what you’re looking for.

#2: They Are Experts at Developing Creative Campaigns

As experts in the field, brand strategy companies who are well-versed in telling a brand’s story in a creative and engaging manner could easily resonate with consumers when they create campaigns.

#3: They Know How to Measure and Track Their Campaigns' Success

Being data-driven is a must for brand strategy agencies. They use data and analytics to understand what’s working and what isn’t and adjust their strategies accordingly to deliver results.

Once the strategy is in place, the brand strategy firm will work with the client's marketing and advertising teams—if available—to ensure that all of the firm's communications are consistent with the positioning that they have agreed on.

Although a word of caveat here is that this can be a challenge, as it requires strict coordination between multiple teams and departments within a company. But ultimately, a brand strategy company can create a cohesive brand identity that will resonate with consumers and help a company to achieve its business goals.

So, if you’re looking for a brand strategy agency to help you with your branding efforts, look for one with these three qualities.

Word 'brand' and human figures working around it
88% of consumers find authenticity a key factor when deciding what brands they support
[Source: STACKLA]

What Do Brand Strategy Firms Specialize In?

Brand strategy agencies can offer various services, from brand positioning to messaging, to businesses, small or large. Below are some of the specializations you’ll encounter when looking for a brand strategy firm:

#1: Brand Identity

A brand strategy firm will help you develop and establish your brand identity. This includes your mission and vision statements, tagline, logo, brand style guide, brand story, voice and tone, plus, all the essential details to establish your desired brand positioning.

#2: Market Research

They will also conduct market research to help you better understand your target audience and what they're looking for. This information will be used to build customer avatars or buyer personas that will help develop targeted marketing and advertising campaigns that resonate with your target demographic.

#3: Omnichannel Management

Moreover, a brand strategy firm can help you manage and monitor your online presence. This entails monitoring and managing all the distribution systems in your sales channels to enhance customer experience, and making sure that branding is consistent on all platforms.

#4: Brand Campaigns & Promotions

Overall, a brand strategy agency can help you with all aspects of developing and promoting your brand. They brainstorm and strategize with your marketing or advertising teams to develop campaign storylines and ensure your brand reputation remains intact.

Check out the top graphic design companies.
FIND THEM HERE

Why Hire a Brand Strategy Agency?

You might want to consider hiring a brand strategy firm for many reasons. Perhaps you're launching a new product or service and need help creating a brand identity. Or maybe you're looking to rebrand your business and want some professional guidance. Whatever the case, a brand strategy agency can offer a range of services to help you achieve your goals.

One of the main things brand strategy agencies can help you with is building your brand reputation. According to Stackla’s latest report, 88% of consumers say that authenticity is a key factor when deciding what brands, they like and support. As we enter the age of authenticity, brands need to get real if they want to connect with their audience.

Aside from helping you build brand reputation and authenticity, below are some of the most important reasons why you need to outsource a brand strategy agency:

Reason #1: Insights and Expertise

Brand strategy agencies offer primary services, including brand positioning, messaging, and identity development. They can also help with market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting. In other words, they can provide the insights and expertise you need to make strategic decisions for your brand.

Reason #2: Cost-Effective Services

Another reason to hire a brand strategy agency is that they can save you time and money in the long run. Sure, hiring an agency might cost more upfront, but looking at the big picture, it will save you time and money because they will be able to do things more efficiently and effectively than if you try everything yourself.

So, if you're looking to build or rebuild your brand from the ground up, hiring a brand strategy company is something to consider as they often set the scene and tone for your big launch. With a reliable brand strategy firm, you can elevate your brand’s identity and achieve the success you've been dreaming of for your business.

How Much Do Brand Strategy Services Cost?

There is no set answer to the question of how much brand strategy companies charge for their services. The amount will depend on several factors, including:

  • Size and scope of the project
  • Company experience
  • Brand reputation
  • Client's budget

However, brand strategy companies generally charge by the hour or by the project. Hourly rates can range from $100 to $250 per hour, while project rates can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of how much a brand strategy company will charge is to request a proposal from a few companies listed above and compare their rates.

We ranked the best product marketing agencies.
FIND THEM HERE

How To Find the Right Brand Strategy Firm for Your Business?

Branding is an essential part of any business. It helps you to build recognition and create a unique identity for your company. However, developing an effective brand strategy can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider, from your target audience to your company values.

Fortunately, there are plenty of brand strategy companies out there that can help you develop a solid and coherent brand identity. Below are some of the steps you can take to find the strategy firm that perfectly fits your brand:

Step #1: Choose According to Services That Fit Your Needs

When choosing a brand strategy company, it's essential to consider its services. Some companies focus on research and analysis, while others offer creative and design services. The right company for you will depend on your specific needs and objectives.

Step #2: Consider Your Resources

It's also worth considering the size of the company and its team. A larger company may have more resources at its disposal, but a small company may be more nimble and able to provide more personalized service. There are plenty of brand strategy agencies in the market so you’ll surely find one that fits your goals and budget.

Step #3: Do Your Research and Shop Around

Once you've narrowed down your options, take the time to read reviews and case studies. This will give you a better idea of the quality of their work and whether they're a good fit for your business. Ultimately, finding the right brand strategy company is all about doing your research and taking the time to find the perfect match for your needs.

5 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Brand Strategy Company

When looking for a brand strategy agency to help build your brand image, it's essential to ask the right questions. Here are some of the top questions to throw at them when interviewing:

Question #1: What Services Do You Offer?

Make sure the firm you're considering offers the specific services you need. For example, if you're looking for help with rebranding, ensure they have experience with that service.

Question #2: What Is Your Process?

It's essential to understand how the brand strategy firm works and what its process may be. What are the first steps of working together? What are the timelines? Where would your team come in? This will help you determine if they're a good fit for your project.

Question #3: What Are Your Rates?

Be sure to ask about rates upfront so there are no surprises later. Get a sense of what the firm charges for its services and whether or not it fits within your budget.

Question #4: Who Are Some of Your Past Clients?

Ask for some examples of past clients the firm has worked with. This will give you a better idea of their experience and expertise in your line of business would help.

Question#5: How Do You Measure Campaign Success?

Find out how the firm measures success, what tools they use, and how they determine KPIs on projects. This will give you a better understanding of their goals and objectives for your campaign.

Asking these questions will help you narrow down your search and find the right brand strategy firm for your needs. But most importantly, take your time and ask as many questions as possible to decide which firm is right for you.

Takeaways on Brand Strategy Agency

First, it's essential to understand your goals and objectives clearly. What are you trying to achieve with your branding? What does brand strategy success look like? Once you have a good sense of your direction, you can narrow down agencies specializing in the kind of work you're looking for.

Second, don't be afraid to ask for referrals. Talk to friends, colleagues, and other businesses in your industry. Anyone who has worked with a brand strategy agency before will likely have valuable insights to share.

Third, come prepared with questions when you're ready to start meeting with agencies. It would be best to ask about their process, branding approach, and experience. Understanding their team, culture, and work style is also helpful. The more you know about an agency, the better equipped you'll be to make a decision.

Choosing the right brand strategy company is a critical decision for any business. By researching and asking the right questions, you can find a brand strategy agency that perfectly fits your needs.

Best of luck!

Scroll up to Find the Top Brand Strategy Agencies and Pick a Partner Today!