Owner PULP Brand Studio & Ooey Gooey Creative
Hiring someone to “do your branding” is easy.
Hiring someone who understands your business — and can turn that understanding into clarity, consistency, and growth — that’s a different story.
A brand strategist isn’t there to make things look pretty. They’re there to make things make sense. And the difference between “cute branding” and a brand that converts comes down to one thing: skills.
If you’re not sure what a strategist actually does behind the scenes, start with What Does a Brand Strategist Do (and Why It Matters for Business Growth)
The best strategists don’t start with design — they start with direction.
They ask the right questions:
What are you trying to build?
Who are you trying to reach?
What makes your brand different?
Strategic thinking connects your vision to your voice. It’s the foundation that keeps your branding from becoming just another trend.
If someone’s leading with logos instead of long-term goals, you’re not talking to a strategist — you’re talking to a designer.
To see how strategy and creative work together, check out What Is a Brand Studio (and How to Choose the Right One)
A strong strategist can take your big, messy ideas and turn them into simple, powerful messaging.
They know how to talk to your audience, not at them.
They can explain what you do in a sentence that actually lands — no buzzwords, no confusion.
Because if your message isn’t clear, your clients won’t take action.
And if your strategist can’t explain your value simply, they can’t expect anyone else to, either.
Communication is the make-or-break skill in strategy. It’s how your brand stops sounding “like everyone else.”
Brand strategy without research is just guessing.
Your strategist should come to the table with real insight — not just opinions.
They study your competitors, your market, your audience behavior, and cultural trends before building a single slide.
That’s how you stop guessing and start positioning with purpose.
A strategist’s decisions should be rooted in data and intuition. One keeps you relevant; the other keeps you human.
Every memorable brand has a story — not the “once upon a time” kind, but the kind that connects your values to your customer’s needs.
A strategist knows how to pull that story out of you and make it meaningful.
They help you sound human without oversharing, confident without posturing, and relatable without trying too hard.
Good storytelling isn’t fluff — it’s the reason people choose you over someone else.
Once that story is built, your brand specialist keeps it consistent across your visuals and voice. Read more in What Is a Brand Specialist (and How They Keep Your Brand Consistent)
You can’t grow a recognizable brand without consistency.
The best strategists create systems that make it easy for your team to stay on-brand — from tone and color palettes to file organization and templates.
They’re not just creative; they’re organized.
They think about how your brand will scale before it even starts growing.
If your strategist can’t build structure, your brand won’t hold together long-term.
Because consistency isn’t about being repetitive — it’s about being recognizable.
When your strategist has all these skills, your business finally stops running on chaos and starts running on clarity.
You’ll notice it fast:
Your message clicks with your audience.
Your visuals feel like your business again.
Your team stops second-guessing every decision.
You finally have time to focus on growth instead of re-explaining your brand every week.
That’s the power of strategy — it gives your brand focus, direction, and consistency.
If you want to see how strategy fuels measurable business results, read The Role of a Brand Strategist in Business Growth
A skilled strategist doesn’t just shape your visuals; they shape how your business is perceived, remembered, and chosen.
They build structure, confidence, and clarity — so you can finally stop reacting and start leading.
When you invest in a strategist with these skills, you’re not just improving your brand — you’re building a business that runs smoother, sells easier, and grows faster.
If you’re ready for that level of clarity, start here → What Is a Brand Strategist (and Why Every Business Needs One)
When you’re hiring a strategist, look for someone who:
Asks smart questions — not generic ones.
Speaks clearly and confidently about your goals.
Balances strategy with creative direction.
Talks about your business outcomes, not just “making things pretty.”
If they start with templates and trends instead of listening and asking, that’s your sign to keep looking.
You don’t need a decorator for your brand — you need a director. Set up your Discovery Intro Call with Erin today!
Hi, I Erin and committed to helping you build a brand you love!
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