Role of a Brand Marketing Strategist in Branding for Coaches

Understanding the Diverse Roles in Brand Strategy and Marketing

Have you ever wondered what goes into building a stellar brand? Whether it’s about ensuring a brand’s message resonates or determining the best marketing strategies, different roles come into play to make it all happen. Let’s delve into what a brand marketing strategist does and how their role compares to that of a brand consultant or a branding coach!

What is a Brand Marketing Strategist?

A brand marketing strategist is the mastermind behind crafting and executing strategies that prominently position a brand in the market. They have a knack for synthesizing market research, understanding consumer behaviors, and analyzing competitors to develop engaging branding initiatives^[1]. Essentially, they keep their finger on the pulse of market trends and customer preferences while ensuring that the brand stands out.

On a day-to-day basis, a brand marketing strategist is involved in researching, developing, and communicating strategic marketing plans to achieve the company’s goals^[2]. They lead various marketing efforts, whether for in-house campaigns or client projects, and collaborate extensively with multi-functional teams to ensure that these plans are effectively executed^[2:1]. With tasks ranging from analyzing trends to crafting compelling brand stories, their role is vital in maintaining brand consistency and enhancing visibility.

Photo by fauxels

Key Responsibilities

Some of the typical responsibilities of a brand marketing strategist include:

• Conducting in-depth research on market trends and consumer behavior^[2:2].
• Developing strategies to position the brand effectively in the market^[1:1].
• Collaborating with creative teams to implement marketing plans^[3].
• Presenting data-driven insights to clients and stakeholders^[1:2].
• Leading brainstorming sessions and idea-generation workshops^[1:3].
• Regularly performing brand audits to assess market positioning^[1:4].

What could I expect to pay to develop a personal brand with an experienced brand strategist for small businesses and solopreneurs?

Photo by Alexander Suhorucov

The cost of developing a personal brand can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the brand strategist’s experience, the scope of services provided, and your business’s specific needs. Small businesses and solopreneurs expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 for a comprehensive branding package. This typically includes services like brand strategy development, logo design, website creation, and social media planning.

An experienced brand strategist will help you define your unique value proposition and ensure your brand message resonates with your target audience. Investing in professional branding can be a game-changer, setting you apart from competitors and establishing a solid market presence.

Remember, while the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term benefits of a well-crafted personal brand can far outweigh the costs. Viewing this as an investment in your business’s future growth and success is essential. Check out this blog post about the significance of business differentiation vs copy-catting and my 7 Creative & Compelling Business Differentiators to Attract Customers

If the cost of branding for small businesses seems daunting, there is always online group coaching. You can find online group coaching and business and brand-building communities here.

Photo by Christina Morillo

Regarding compensation, brand strategists can command impressive salaries, especially those at the top of their field. According to data from ZipRecruiter, the highest-paid brand strategists in the United States can earn up to $241,500 annually. This figure represents the upper echelon of the profession, where experience, skill level, and location play significant roles in determining salary. On average, brand strategists make around $118,841 per year, but those in the 90th percentile can see earnings as high as $157,500.

Now, if you are looking for branding for your coaching practice or small business, remember that you would likely look into brand marketing agencies specializing in branding for small businesses like health coaching, life coaching, holistic health, or therapy practice. Even more likely, you would look for a solopreneur who specializes in brand coaching or consulting.

Interestingly, certain companies are known for offering top-tier salaries to brand strategists. For instance, Stanley Black & Decker provides an average annual salary of $146,448, making it one of the highest-paying employers in this field. Other notable companies include Capital One, which pays around $138,521 per year, and Tastemade, with an average salary of $94,369. These figures highlight the lucrative opportunities for brand strategists, particularly within industries like Information Technology and Manufacturing, where wages can be significantly higher than the industry average.

Moreover, geographical location also influences earning potential. Cities such as Richmond, CA, and Bellevue, WA, offer salaries that exceed the national average by substantial margins. In Richmond, for example, brand strategists can earn up to $148,876 annually, which is 25.3% above the national average. This trend underscores the importance of considering both industry and location when evaluating potential earnings in the brand strategy field.

If the cost of branding for your health coaching practice seems daunting, there is always online group coaching. You can find online group coaching and business and brand-building communities here.

Now, you might ask how this compares to a brand consultant or a branding coach. While some skills might overlap, each role has distinct responsibilities and focuses.

Photo by CoWomen:

Brand Consultant

A brand consultant predominantly focuses on shaping and refining a brand’s identity. They participate in short-term projects and provide expert advice to improve brand image and performance^[4]. Their role is more about laying down foundational strategies that address immediate branding needs such as logo redesigns, rebranding strategy, or launching new brand initiatives^[4:1]. They delve deep into data to streamline and enhance the brand’s unique identity and focus on differentiating the brand from competitors^[3:1].

Moreover, a brand consultant leverages their insight to guide brands through challenges like merging companies or launching new products^[5]. Their perspective is crucial when a brand needs re-strategizing to overcome setbacks or to capitalize on new market opportunities.

When considering hiring a brand consultant, it’s essential to understand the various pricing structures and what you might expect to pay. The cost of brand consulting services can vary widely based on several factors, including the consultant’s experience, the scope of the project, and the market they serve.

Hourly Rates: Brand consultants typically charge between $50 and $500 per hour. For more experienced consultants or those working within larger branding agencies, rates can range from $100 to $700 per hour. These rates reflect the consultant’s expertise and the complexity of the work involved.

Project-Based Fees: Many branding specialists prefer to charge per project rather than by the hour. Project-based fees can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller projects to tens of thousands for more comprehensive branding strategies. This approach allows clients to clearly understand the total cost upfront.

Monthly Retainers: Some brand consultants offer monthly retainer agreements for long-term, ongoing services. These retainers can vary significantly, starting at around $1,000 per month and going up to over $10,000, depending on the level of service and support required.

or small business owner, personal branding services can cost between $2,000 and $50,000. This investment typically includes essential elements like a professional website, logo design, and brand positioning.

Small Business Branding: Outsourcing professional branding services can also be a significant investment for small businesses. A professional logo design might cost between $500 and $5,000, while a complete brand identity package, including business cards and stationery, could range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

Ultimately, the cost of hiring a brand consultant will depend on your specific needs and the expertise you require. Do your due diligence, ask for precise price estimates, and ensure your chosen consultant or agency aligns with your business goals and values.

If the cost of branding for your health coaching practice seems daunting, there is always online group coaching. You can find online group coaching and business and brand-building communities here.

Jessie May Keezle Brand Marketing Strategist, Consultant, and Coach for The Impact Tribe

In contrast, a branding coach works alongside their clients, helping them discover their brand’s unique voice and guiding them on amplifying it[6]. Think of it this way: if a brand marketing strategist and consultant tell you what to do, a branding coach will work with you to realize your brand’s best practices.

They focus on empowering clients with the knowledge and skills to maintain their brand’s growth [6:1] independently.

A branding coach is particularly beneficial for those who already have a vision for their brand but need continuous support and accountability to implement their ideas [6:2].

Personal Branding Helps You Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness

When considering the cost of hiring a branding coach, it’s essential to understand the various factors that influence pricing. According to Latinpresarios, personal branding package pricing can range from $597 to $3,000 or more, depending on the deliverables included. This wide range reflects the different service levels and expertise branding coaches offer.

For those looking for a comprehensive approach, the Ultimate Personal Branding Pricing Guide suggests investing in your brand can cost between $2,000 and $50,000. This investment covers essential elements such as a decent website, a baseline branding guide, good-quality headshots, and content creation. These components are crucial for attracting, educating, and converting potential clients.

Additionally, the cost of a brand style guide can vary significantly. As noted on Upwork, you might pay anywhere from $60 to $350, depending on the graphic designer you hire. This guide typically includes your logo, color palette, typography, and other visual elements that define your brand’s identity.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of branding services can differ based on whether you choose to work with a freelance consultant or a more prominent agency. According to Guru, small branding agencies and freelance consultants charge approximately $2,000 to $25,000 for a fully custom-designed website, while larger agencies may have higher rates.

Investing in a branding coach or consultant should be considered a strategic move to enhance your brand’s visibility and market positioning. By understanding the various pricing structures and their entailments, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and budget.

Discover online business-building & brand-building communities here!

Yes, there is!

Enter the online branding communities for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. With a low monthly fee and access to online brand-building courses, an online community led by branding coaches, consultants, and brand strategists leverage their expertise in group sessions.

These communities provide valuable resources and foster a supportive environment where members can share experiences, ask questions, and receive feedback from peers and experts. This collaborative approach helps to accelerate learning and implementation, making it easier to build a strong, recognizable brand without breaking the bank.

Many of these online branding communities also offer exclusive webinars, live Q&A sessions, and personalized feedback on your branding efforts. You get tailored advice and actionable insights specific to your business needs. Participating actively gives you the confidence and knowledge to take your brand to the next level.

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enhance your brand and work closely with experienced branding professionals, joining an online branding community could be the perfect solution.

Online Branding Communities can start at less than $100/month. See our Business Building Communities in our business directory here and our Brand-Building Communities here.

Meet The Impact Tribe, An Empowering Business and Brand-building Community for Women Entrepreneurs Ready to “Boom Your Brand.”

Discover all of the fantastic entrepreneurship courses over at MindValley for as low as $100/mo for an all-access personal and professional development pass here.

Discover all of the fantastic entrepreneurship courses over at MindValley for as low as $100/mo for an all-access personal and professional development pass that includes:

• Building an Unstoppable Brand with Jeffrey Perlman
• Business Freedom Blueprint with Eric Edmeades
• The Science of Personal Branding with Gerard Adams or
  Scale Your Business to $1 Million with Verne Harnish

While all three roles—brand marketing strategist, brand consultant, and branding coach—intersect in the branding sphere, they each offer unique contributions:

• 

  Brand Marketing Strategist vs Branding Coach vs Consultant

  Brand Marketing Strategists are primarily involved in ongoing market analysis, strategic planning, and implementation. They ensure that a brand’s marketing efforts are coherent and effective across different channels.

• Brand Consultants are focused on short-term interventions to improve brand identity and performance. They provide expert, actionable advice for specific projects.
• Branding Coaches provide long-term guidance and support, working with clients to help them independently understand and implement branding strategies.

Bringing it All Together

So, what role should you consider if you want to enhance your brand’s presence? It depends on your current needs. Do you need a detailed and data-driven strategy to improve your brand’s market position? A brand marketing strategist is your go-to expert. A brand consultant might provide the precise direction needed for launching a new product or undergoing a rebranding exercise. And if you’re seeking continuous support and a partner in your branding journey, a branding coach or online brand-building community could be invaluable.

Embracing these varied expert inputs could significantly elevate your brand’s performance and presence in ways that align perfectly with your strategic goals. Remember, the secret to a successful brand lies in the strategy and the synergy of collaborative and specialized roles.

Suggested Reading:

• The Competitive Edge: Discovering the Impact of a Business Differentiation Strategy on Success
• What is a Brand Strategist?: Job Role and Responsibilities
• Branding 101: Everything You Should Know About Building Your Brand
• Discover 5 Steps to a Winning Content Marketing Strategy
• Advisor vs Consultant: Who Drives the Most Business Growth?
• How to Be a Standout Podcast Guest & Build Your Brand

Cited Sources:

1. What is a Brand Strategist?: Job Role and Responsibilities
2. Comeet.com/Resources/Job-Descriptions/Marketing-Strategist
3. https://www.comeet.com/resources/job-descriptions/brand-strategist
4. https://workello.com/senior-brand-manager-job-description-2/
5. https://www.indoorpassage.com/admin/job-description/brand-strategist
6. https://advisorycloud.com/blog/advisor-vs-consultant-who-drives-the-most-business-growth