You’re a business owner and entrepreneur.  You’re great at your specialty or area of focus, which is why you started your business in the first place.  It’s amazing how many new things you have to figure out, learn and take on as a business owner running a successful business today.

Your branding is just one of those things.  And what might seem easier on the surface can sometimes get a little confusing once you start digging deeper and searching out those experts who can help you.

That’s why I wanted to write this article, so that you have a clear understanding of the main differences and the key takeaways when you hire a Brand Strategist (that’s me!) versus a Brand Designer (a totally separate but amazing service!).

WHAT COMES FIRST - THE LOGO OR THE STRATEGY?

This is one of the most common mistakes I see entrepreneurs make.  One of the first things you’re excited to do when you start your business is establish your brand name and design your logo!  And, I agree, it’s totally exciting to do that.

However, when you start with your brand identity which includes your primary and secondary logos, your color palette and font systems, you’ve skipped a step.  If you haven’t taken the time to determine your overall brand strategy, the design or logo you’re creating may not hold the meaning you intend.

The answer?  BRAND STRATEGY INFORMS BRAND DESIGN.

WHAT A BRAND STRATEGIST DOES FOR YOU

A Brand Strategist is helping you to build the foundation of your brand, to bring you clarity in who you’re serving, why your business exists, and the mission you’re embarking on.  

You figure out the purpose of your brand, the overall messaging, vision, values, taglines and how to talk about your brand and business in a way that resonates with your dream clients.  

The design and style of your brand are part of your overall branding, but a designer will take the brand strategy you’ve built and translate it into aligned design.

WHAT A BRAND DESIGNER DOES FOR YOU

As I mentioned, a Brand Designer is responsible for creating your brand identity.  This is the overall look, feel and essence of your brand and is the translation of your brand strategy.

If you’re assigning meaning to your brand in the strategy process, that meaning should come across in the design that’s created.

Brand Designers are uber talented because they have to capture the heart of your brand in a style that will be aligned and identifiable to you and the business you’re building.

A SIDE BY SIDE RECAP OF BRAND STRATEGIST VS BRAND DESIGNER

As a Brand Strategist, I help you build the foundation of your brand, and it creates a plan of action that helps tell you how to show up, how to attract your ideal clients and how to create messaging that draws them in.

I believe in also having great branding resources at my fingertips for all my brand strategy clients, and so I refer out to some wonderfully talented Brand Designers as well as Brand Photographers.  

If you’re interested in getting more clarity on your brand strategy foundation, check out my Half-Day Brand Clarity Intensive and get in touch!