What Are Branding Strategies? (And Why They Matter More Than You Think)
What Are Branding Strategies?
In today’s crowded market, branding isn’t just a logo or a color palette. It’s the story you tell, the feeling you create, and the place you claim in your customer’s mind.
Branding strategies are the intentional plans you use to shape how people see and experience your brand. They guide everything from your messaging to your visuals, making sure you’re not just seen — you’re remembered.
Without a clear strategy, brands drift into the background.
With the right strategy, brands become magnetic.
Why Branding Strategies Are Essential
Let’s be real — if you’re not strategically building your brand, you’re leaving it to chance.
And in today’s landscape, chance doesn’t cut it.
Effective branding strategies help you:
- Stand out from a sea of competitors
- Connect emotionally with your audience
- Create loyalty that lasts beyond a single sale
- Command higher prices by increasing perceived value
- Grow faster because people remember you
According to Lucidpress, consistent branding across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%. That’s a strategy paying for itself.
Core Types of Branding Strategies
Not every brand uses the same approach. Here’s a breakdown of some major branding strategies you’ll see winning today:
1. Personal Branding
This is all about building a brand around an individual.
Think Oprah, Gary Vaynerchuk, or even social media creators carving out massive audiences.
If you’re the face of your business, personal branding can give you a huge advantage — people connect faster with other people than with faceless companies.
Example: Marie Forleo built an entire empire around her personal name, personality, and values.
2. Corporate Branding
Here, the brand is bigger than any one person.
It’s about creating a recognizable identity for the entire organization.
Think Apple. Nike. Amazon.
You know the name, the logo, the vibe — even if you don’t know who’s running the company.
Corporate branding focuses on:
- Visual identity
- Customer experience
- Company mission and culture
3. Product Branding
Some businesses create distinct brands for their products rather than the company itself.
Example:
Procter & Gamble owns Tide, Pampers, and Gillette.
Each has its own branding, own voice, and own customer base.
This strategy works if you offer multiple products to very different audiences.
4. Service Branding
Service branding focuses on creating standout customer experiences.
It’s about making the service itself so memorable that the brand grows by word of mouth.
Example: Ritz-Carlton isn’t just a hotel — it’s a service brand known for legendary hospitality.
5. Co-Branding
This happens when two brands collaborate to create a product or service together, combining their audiences for mutual gain.
Example: Adidas x Gucci.
Two strong brands teaming up to create hype, exclusivity, and new relevance.
6. Cause Branding
This strategy connects your brand with a larger mission or cause, helping customers feel good about supporting you.
Example: Patagonia doesn’t just sell outdoor gear — they advocate fiercely for environmental protection.
Cause branding works because people want their purchases to mean something.
How to Build a Branding Strategy That Works
If you want to stand out (and you should), here’s what you need to do:
1. Know Your Audience
You can’t be everything to everyone.
Get specific. Who are you trying to reach? What do they care about?
2. Define Your Brand’s Core Message
What’s the one thing you want to be known for?
Simplify it. Sharpen it. Make it unforgettable.
3. Create Visuals That Match Your Message
Design matters. Your logo, colors, typography, and imagery should all tell the same story visually.
(Need help with this? Urban Creatives specializes in creating bold brands that stand out).
4. Stay Consistent Across Every Platform
Consistency builds trust.
Whether someone finds you on Instagram, your website, or at an event, the brand experience should feel seamless.
5. Be Bold Enough to Stand Out
Safe is invisible.
Different is memorable.
Dare to say something different, show up differently, and own your unique space.
Real-World Example: Liquid Death
Liquid Death didn’t just sell water.
They branded it like heavy metal and rebellion — and created one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the world.
Their strategy included:
- A daring brand story (“Murder your thirst”)
- Edgy packaging
- Targeting a totally overlooked audience for water (young rebels)
That’s the power of a smart branding strategy.
Branding strategies are not optional anymore.
They’re your game plan for winning attention, building loyalty, and growing your business faster than your competitors.
If you want to be more than just “another option” —
If you want to be the only option people think about —
It starts with bold, smart branding.
Ready to take your brand to the next level?
Let’s talk about your strategy. 🚀
