Modern markets demand more branding than ever before. Today, the Top 100 Brands in the world are worth a combined $6.9 trillion.

Consider this—the mention of smartphones immediately makes most people think of Apple. Or, talk about soft drinks and Coca-Cola immediately springs to mind. Through the power of branding, these companies have become so strongly associated with their products that they are the default choice for consumers worldwide.

With 77% of consumers making purchasing decisions based on name recognition, your company's brand identity cannot be left to chance. To fully leverage the power of branding, you will need a branding agency to curate your organisation's image.

Keep reading to learn what these agencies do, and if your business requires their expertise.

What is a branding agency?

What sets a branding agency apart from a typical marketing agency is its focus on the less tangible elements of a brand—the values, personality, and story of your company. Their role is to give life to a brand while mirroring your company's vision and mission.

Furthermore, branding agencies help to improve brand communication between a business and its customers. They create content that is consistent with your brand identity and resonates with your target audiences' needs.

Is a branding agency really necessary?

A strong brand is a powerful asset for any business. It can attract new customers, build loyalty, and command a premium price for your products or services.

Take a look at these numbers:

Having consistency in how you present your brand can increase revenue by up to 33%. Moreover, 86% of consumers prefer brands that feel authentic, as opposed to identities that seem forced or artificial. 90% of these consumers are even willing to pay more when buying from a brand that they have personal trust in!

But how do you forge such a potent brand? Here's what a branding agency can help do:

• Develop a clear brand identity: A strong brand identity is essential for any business. It is the foundation on which all of your marketing and communications efforts are built. A branding agency can help you to develop a brand identity that is consistent, memorable, and meaningful.
  
• Understand your target audience: A branding agency can help you gain insights into your target audience - their preferences, priorities, and what drives them. Such information is crucial in moulding a brand that reverberates with your audience.
  
• Create effective marketing campaigns: A branding agency can help you to create marketing campaigns that efficiently reach your target audience and spur sales. They can help you to develop a clear message, create compelling content, and measure the results of your campaigns.

Services provided by branding agencies

Branding agencies offer a wide range of branding services, including:

• Brand Consultancy: This involves working with you to understand your business, your target audience, and your brand guidelines and goals. The agency will then provide you with a branding strategy to grow your brand.
  
• Brand Identity: This involves creating a visual identity for your brand, including a logo, colour palette, typography, and other design elements. Having a constant visual theme is vital. Take Coca-Cola as an example; their signature shade of red and unique typography are instantly recognisable. With a Branding Agency, your company can also boast a distinctive visual theme.
  
• Web and Visual Design: This involves designing and developing a website that reflects your brand identity and meets your business goals. Having a good website can make all the difference in customer retention, and form an impression of your brand. Agencies can also develop marketing materials and other visual elements that help tell your brand story.
  
• Branded Content: This service comprises creating content that aligns with your brand personality and appeals to your target audience. This content can be deployed across various channels, like your website, social media, or email marketing campaigns

When you partner with Vantage Branding, you can even opt for additional funding support with the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), provided by Enterprise Singapore and tailored for local SMEs. Using this grant, you can get up to 50% support on our branding packages, letting you get your company off the ground and establish its place in the market.

When to hire a branding agency

The right time to hire a Branding Agency might be when:

• You're planning to rebrand or launch a new product: A branding agency can assist you in creating a fresh brand identity or rejuvenating your existing one. They can also help you develop marketing campaigns and brand messaging that leverage your new product.
  
• You're looking to make your design and image consistent: If your brand is inconsistent across different channels, then you may need to hire a branding agency to help you to create a more cohesive brand identity. They can align visual elements such as fonts, colours, and overall appearance across all your brand content.
  
• You're just starting out and unsure how to begin: For SME startups, initiating the process can be daunting. Engaging a Branding Agency can provide a solid starting point. The agency can manage initial steps like understanding your target audience through market research, strategy development, and creating your visual identity. You'll appreciate the guidance through the startup process of building a new brand.

If any of these situations resonate with you, you might want to consider collaborating with a branding agency. They can help you clarify your brand identity, create a consistent visual theme, and design marketing campaigns that will drive you towards your business goals.

Choosing the right branding agency

Once you've decided your business needs a branding agency, the next step is to select the right one for your business. Here are a few factors to consider when making your choice:

Agency's Portfolio: Look at the agency's portfolio to see examples of their work. This will provide a clear picture of their style and their capability to execute successful branding campaigns. It's crucial to select an agency with a proven track record of creating impactful and effective branding strategies.

Agency's Experience: The agency should have experience working with businesses like yours. This will ensure that they understand your industry and target audience. It's a good idea to refer to case studies and testimonials from previous clients. Referring to feedback from their previous partners will help you get an idea of how reliable they can be.

Agency's Communication Style: The agency should maintain open and effective communication with you throughout the branding process. This will guarantee that you are content with the end product. Full-service agencies remain engaged throughout the work process and accompany you every step of the way. Regular and dependable communication is vital for a successful project.

Establish your business identity with Vantage Branding today

If you're committed to growing your business, it could be the right time to hire a branding agency to strengthen your brand positioning.

Vantage Branding is a full-service Branding Agency that has worked with numerous brands, including Sentosa, NUS, Epson, and ST Engineering. Our team of seasoned brand consultants and designers can help you understand your target audience, develop your brand strategy, and create a visual identity that echoes your brand values.

Get in touch with us and learn more about how we can assist you in crafting a strong brand and achieving your business objectives today.