Brand Strategist

A brand strategist assists companies identify the market they want to target and then determines the most effective way to engage with the market to ensure that the people in the same demographic are happy with the offerings of the business. In the process a successful brand strategist also seeks for opportunities to increase the visibility and reach of the brand by expanding the demographic and the potential market for the products of the company.

The thing a strategist for brands would usually do for a business is to assist the people who make the decisions within the organization look at the company from the perspective of their intended consumer group. The brand manager works to identify the key elements that influence purchase decisions lead consumers to choose certain businesses while rejecting other brands. Typically, an expert in brand strategy will look through reports of market research that are based on demographics and behaviour patterns and try to identify areas where it is possible for the business to take action to increase its brand's visibility. Sometimes, the brand strategist will be looking for new demographics for consumers and create reports and suggestions for increasing brand recognition beyond the areas that are identified by the company and marketing. In these instances the brand strategist will take into consideration market research and the costs to acquire new clients, when they present the viability of this strategy to the board members. One of the most important aspects of a branding strategist's work is making sure that advertising and marketing initiatives remain "on the brand". That is, they are a reflection of the overall strategy that has been designed to increase positive consumer awareness. The strategist typically works closely with the marketing, advertising, and departments of design to ensure that the efforts are in line with the company's growth strategy.

In order to work as brand strategists one must usually possess a degree from a university in marketing or another similar discipline in business related to consumer behaviour. Brand strategists are often employed as consultants outside of companies however larger companies with many products or services might employ the brand's own strategist who are employed to guide their marketing strategies. A typical brand strategist is in a workplace during the normal hours during the business week.

As a brand strategist in India with 3-6 years of experience, these are the main responsibilities you can expect:

• Develop and implement strategies to position the brand effectively in the market, considering the target audience, competitive landscape, and brand objectives.
• Conduct thorough market research to analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges for the brand.
• Create and execute brand communication strategies across various channels to build brand awareness, engage the target audience, and enhance brand reputation.
• Monitor and analyze brand performance metrics, such as market share, customer satisfaction, and brand equity, to evaluate the effectiveness of brand strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Major educational qualifications required for Brand Strategist are:

• A degree in marketing, business branding, communications, or a related field is required.
• Experience as a brand strategist or in a similar position.
• Great communication abilities, both in writing and written.
• Experience in facilitating meetings with clients.
• A problem-solving and analytical mindset.
• Innovative and captivating storyteller.
• Strong research skills.
• A strategic thinker.
• Great presentation abilities.

The Brand Strategist plays a key role in developing and implementing effective branding strategies. Professionals with 3-6 years of experience in India's marketing industry may consider alternative roles to broaden their career scope. Here are four options worth exploring:

• Marketing Manager: A role that involves leading and overseeing marketing campaigns, developing strategies, and managing a team to achieve business objectives.
• Digital Marketing Specialist: A position focused on developing and executing digital marketing campaigns, utilizing various online channels to reach and engage target audiences.
• Creative Director: A role that entails leading and managing a creative team, overseeing the development of brand visuals, and ensuring consistent brand messaging.
• Market Research Analyst: A position centered on gathering and analyzing market data, identifying trends, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

The job role of a Brand Strategist in India is projected to experience substantial growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for brand strategists, indicating a favorable trajectory. As per Google's latest data points, the future outlook for this position appears promising, with a surge in employment opportunities anticipated. Therefore, those interested in pursuing a career as a Brand Strategist in India can expect favorable job prospects and long-term growth in this field.