Brand Strategist

What is a brand strategist?

A brand strategist is someone who helps companies develop and maintain their brand identity and strategy. They work on creating a strong brand image and positioning in the market.

What does a brand strategist do?

Usually, a brand strategist does the following:

• Conducts market research and competitor analysis to understand market trends and consumer preferences.
• Works with clients to define their brand vision, values, and target audience.
• Develops brand strategies and positioning to differentiate the company from competitors.
• Creates brand guidelines and standards for consistent implementation across all marketing channels.
• Collaborates with marketing and creative teams to develop brand messaging, campaigns, and visuals.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of brand strategies and adjusts as needed.

What does the day-to-day life of a brand strategist look like?

A brand strategist usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the company or project requirements. Their tasks may include:

• Conducting research and analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies.
• Collaborating with clients or internal stakeholders to brainstorm and define brand strategies.
• Developing brand guidelines, including logo design, typography, color palette, and tone of voice.
• Working with creative teams to create and review marketing materials, campaigns, and content.
• Monitoring and evaluating brand performance through analytics and customer feedback.

Where does a brand strategist work?

Brand strategists can work in various settings, including:

• Marketing agencies: Many brand strategists work in marketing agencies where they collaborate with different clients from various industries.
• In-house marketing teams: Some companies have their own marketing teams with dedicated brand strategists to develop and maintain their brand identity.
• Consultancies: Brand strategists may work in consultancy firms that specialize in brand strategy and provide services to multiple clients.
• Location: Brand strategists can work both in urban and rural areas across the United Kingdom, depending on the company's location and remote work opportunities.

What tools/software does a brand strategist use?

A brand strategist uses a variety of tools including:

• Market research tools: These tools help in gathering data and insights about consumer behavior and market trends. Examples include Statista, Google Trends, and Nielsen.
• Brand management software: These tools help in creating and managing brand guidelines, visual assets, and collaboration with creative teams. Examples include Brandfolder, Frontify, and Widen Collective.
• Project management tools: Brand strategists may use project management software to organize and track their tasks and deadlines. Examples include Asana, Trello, and Monday.com.
• Design software: Basic knowledge of design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva can be helpful for creating visual elements and brand assets.

What do I need to become a brand strategist?

There are a number of ways you can become a brand strategist, including:

• Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is common among brand strategists. Degrees in graphic design, business, or psychology can also be relevant.
• Relevant work experience: Some brand strategists start their careers in marketing or advertising roles and gradually transition into brand strategy. Building a portfolio of successful brand campaigns and strategies can be beneficial.
• Professional certifications: There are various professional certifications available, such as the Certified Brand Strategist (CBS) by the Brand Strategy Institute or the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) by the American Marketing Association.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to brand strategists, including:

• Senior Brand Strategist: With experience and expertise, brand strategists can progress to senior positions where they lead larger projects, manage teams, and have a higher level of responsibility.
• Brand Manager: Brand strategists can transition into brand management roles, where they focus on implementing and executing brand strategies, managing brand portfolios, and overseeing marketing campaigns.
• Creative Director: Some brand strategists with a strong creative background and leadership skills may advance to creative director roles, where they guide the overall creative direction and brand vision of a company or agency.
• Entrepreneur: Experienced brand strategists sometimes choose to start their own brand consultancy or agency, offering their expertise to a range of clients.

What jobs are similar to a brand strategist? (Include those with transferable skills that a brand strategist usually has)

• Marketing Manager: Marketing managers develop and implement marketing strategies for a company, including brand management, advertising, and promotion activities.
• Digital Marketing Specialist: Digital marketing specialists focus on developing and managing digital marketing strategies, including online branding, social media marketing, and content marketing.
• Market Researcher: Market researchers gather and analyze data to understand market trends, consumer behavior, and competitors, helping companies make informed business decisions.
• Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the creative aspects of marketing campaigns, including branding, visual design, copywriting, and overall creative direction.

What made you want to become a brand strategist?

How did you get your first brand strategist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a brand strategist?

Are you a brand strategist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers as brand strategists. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.