What's it like to be a brand strategist?

I'm curious about the role of a brand strategist. What does their day-to-day work look like, and what skills are important for someone in this position? I'm considering a future in marketing or advertising.

A brand strategist holds an integral role within a business, setting the course for the company's outward image and messaging. The day-to-day work can vary greatly depending on the company size and type, but many of the tasks typically include conducting market research, developing and maintaining brand guidelines, working with creative and marketing teams to establish and execute marketing campaigns, and tracking and analyzing business performance metrics to gauge the effectiveness of strategies.

As for skills, being a successful brand strategist requires both creative and analytical thinking. The ability to understand and interpret market trends, consumer behavior, and company data is essential. This analytical skill will help you create effective brand strategies that resonate with target demographics and align with company objectives.

Creativity comes in when you're figuring out how to differentiate your brand from competitors and how to resonate with your audience. You'll need to be able to come up with innovative ideas to make your brand stand out. Communication skills also come into play significantly as brand strategists frequently collaborate with various departments and need to effectively convey their ideas and plans.

Strategic thinking is another must-have. This role often involves planning for long-term goals, predicting market changes, and creating flexible plans that can adjust as necessary. And of course, a deep understanding of marketing principles, brand theory, and consumer psychology will serve you well in this role.

Keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all approach, and developing your distinct style can make you an asset within a marketing team. Every brand and every industry will have nuances that need to be considered and strategized for, so adaptability is key. If you're considering a future in marketing or advertising, this could be a great path for you!