What is a Brand Strategist? Reasons to invest in one!

In today’s world, it seems like everyone has a cousin or family member who claims to be a brand strategist. Even designers are adding this title to their name in order to charge more for their services. Despite this, clients still struggle to understand what a brand strategist does and how they can help their business.

As a brand strategist myself, I always take the time to clear up any misconceptions my clients may have before we begin working together. One of the first things I do is explain two important terms in simple language to help them understand what a brand strategist does.

Let’s start with “brand.” While there are many definitions out there, I define it as the meaning people attach to you or your business – just like a reputation. Different people might perceive your brand differently based on their experiences and feelings towards you, but through branding efforts, you can influence those perceptions and shape your desired image.

Now onto “strategy.” Simply put, it means developing a plan to achieve a goal. This makes the brand strategist the person responsible for creating that plan.

So when you combine these two definitions, it becomes clear that a brand strategist is essentially the planner who develops the strategy needed to build and strengthen your brand. With this understanding in place, clients can better appreciate the value of having a skilled brand strategist on their team.

In this article, we will explore how a brand strategist can benefit your business and why it is important to invest in one.

Creating a successful business is never easy, and one of the most important components is having a sound brand strategy. A brand strategist can help you develop the strategies and tactics that will ensure your company’s success by putting your unique mark on everything you do. But what makes this type of professional so valuable to businesses?

Market Research and Analysis

One of the key responsibilities of a brand strategist is to conduct market research and analyze consumer behavior. They use this information to understand what consumers are looking for in a brand and how the company can differentiate itself from its competitors. This research can help identify areas of opportunity and inform the development of a brand positioning that sets the company apart and appeals to its target audience. A brand strategist can also help identify target segments and craft messaging that resonates with these consumers.

Brand Positioning

A brand strategist will work with your company to define its unique brand positioning, which is the foundation of your brand strategy. Brand positioning is the way your brand is perceived by your target audience and the value it offers compared to your competitors. A brand strategist will help you identify your brand’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) and develop a brand positioning statement that articulates your brand’s unique value proposition. A well-defined brand positioning will help you communicate your brand’s value to your target audience and differentiate it from your competitors.

Consistent Brand Identity

A brand strategist will create and implement brand guidelines that ensure consistency in all branding efforts. This includes everything from your logo and website design to your advertising and customer service interactions. Consistent branding across all touchpoints helps build brand recognition and credibility with your target audience, making it easier for them to identify your company and remember your brand. It also helps ensure that all communication accurately reflects your brand identity and values.

Increased Customer Loyalty

A strong brand helps build trust and loyalty among consumers, which can lead to increased sales and customer retention. When your brand is consistently communicated across all touchpoints and consistently delivers on its promise, consumers are more likely to develop an emotional connection with your brand. This emotional connection can result in repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which can help drive new business and increase brand recognition.

Competitive Advantage

A well-defined brand strategy provides a competitive advantage, as it helps the company stand out in a crowded marketplace and be easily recognizable to its target audience. A strong brand also helps establish your company as an industry leader, making it easier to attract new customers and partners. It can also increase the perceived value of your products or services, making it easier to command a premium price.

Better Communication

A brand strategist can help your business communicate more effectively with its target audience. They can help you craft messaging that resonates with your target audience and develop a tone of voice that reflects your brand’s values and personality. This can help build a stronger emotional connection with your target audience and increase engagement with your brand.

Long-Term Vision

A brand strategist can help you develop a long-term vision for your brand. They can help you identify areas of opportunity and develop a plan to achieve your brand goals. This can include everything from expanding into new markets to launching new products or services. A brand strategist can also help you monitor the success of your brand strategy and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are on track to achieve your goals.

In conclusion, investing in a brand strategist can benefit your business in many ways. From conducting market research and developing a brand positioning statement to creating consistent brand identity