Updated: February, 2026. No paid placements.
Here at Clay, we’re big believers in solid branding, and yeah, UX and web design too. We always emphasize that branding is not only about visuals, but it also covers a deeper layer of your product’s core, with branding companies playing a crucial role in shaping the future of brand identity through a forward-thinking approach.
Look, it’s tough work, and honestly? Sometimes you’re better off hiring the pros. Choosing the best branding agencies is essential, as top branding companies make bold moves to help brands stand out in a competitive market. So, we put together this list of top agencies worldwide to save you some headaches in your search.
What Is Our Criteria for Evaluating Agencies?
We don't just pick agencies because we like their style or they're trendy right now.
We’ve got our own checklist that we stick to. Basically, we look at how they think through problems, whether they can actually execute, and if they’re willing to show their work publicly.
When evaluating a top branding agency, we also consider their strategic insight and ability to deliver comprehensive branding solutions that cover everything from visual storytelling to high-design sensibility and creative execution.
Each agency can earn a maximum of 25 points across the five areas listed below:
- Strategic Foundation (0–5). How clear is their positioning work? How strong is the underlying logic behind the brand?
- Craft And Originality (0–5). How strong is the identity and storytelling work? How consistently does the quality hold up across multiple examples?
- System Thinking (0–5). What evidence is there to support the claim that they can construct a scalable brand system? Guidelines? Activation across various touchpoints? Design, measurement, and management for the long-term?
- Delivery Readiness (0–5). How well can they deliver in real-world conditions? Program scale, cross-functional coordination, complex rollouts?
- Trust Signals (0–5). What verifiable proof supports their claims, like detailed case studies, longevity, and credible third-party feedback when available? Outcome-based portfolios that highlight results such as increased lead generation or higher sales conversion?
Reputable agencies also conduct market research to analyze competitors, trends, and audience behavior.
It’s important that an agency has a defined, transparent workflow covering discovery, research, strategy, and visual design.
Be cautious of agencies that lack a portfolio or case studies, as this may indicate limited experience.
Disclosure
If you spot our own agencies on here, don't worry: we've marked them clearly and scored them just like everyone else. We also keep the scoring criteria public, so readers can judge the method, not just the result.
The World’s 16 Top Branding Agencies - February Rankings
1. Clay
A global branding & UX design agency blending AI, design & technology
- Locations: San Francisco
- Year Established: 2009
- Team size: 11-50 employees
- Budget: $100k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand architecture, verbal & visual identity, brand guidelines, brand experience
- Best for: startups, crypto & Web3, financial services, FinTech, eCommerce, technology, B2B, healthcare, retail, logistics
- Portfolio: https://clay.global/work
Clay is a global web, UI/UX, and branding agency. They'll care about your project just as much as they do our own work. With a strong focus on strategy and innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to branding, their goal is to always deliver timeless and strong designs that they can be proud of. They're good at transforming raw ideas into unique brands that stand out.
They have a team of true professionals, but what matters more is that they love what we do. Be it a startup or a Fortune 500 company, the Clay team is ready to show its creativity and expertise from the very first client pitch.
Our Score: 23/25
- Strategy and positioning 5/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 5/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 5/5.
Reviewer's take: We have the confidence to stop before it gets overdesigned. The real value, however, is the system thinking behind it. It’s the kind of identity that stays coherent when the company starts moving faster.
Independent Proof
- Clutch profile.
- CSS Winner profile.
- Awwwards profile.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
2. Pentagram
The biggest independent design firm working with brands worldwide
- Locations: London, New York City, Berlin, Austin
- Year established: 1972
- Team size: 251-300 employees
- Budget: $400k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand architecture, brand messaging, verbal & visual identity, brand guidelines, brand experience
- Best for: luxury goods & retail, technology & telecommunications, media & entertainment, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), education & non-profits, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, financial services & banking
- Portfolio: https://www.pentagram.com/work
Pentagram is the world’s largest independent design consultancy, uniquely owned and run by its partners. As a global design studio with locations in London, New York, Berlin, and Austin, Pentagram is one of the major long-standing firms in the design field. They’ve been around since 1972, and now they have 20+ design partners with unique expertise.
They offer many design solutions and perspectives through their collaborative partnership model. Of course, their portfolio includes many well-known names across industries.
Don’t be afraid, your product will be treated with the same multifaceted approach. Pentagram’s professional team dives deep and delivers perfectly crafted, timeless designs.
Our Score: 23/25
- Strategy and positioning 5/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 5/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 5/5.
Reviewer's take: The thing with Pentagram is restraint. They can do loud, but they usually choose clarity. You see it in the typography, the spacing, the confidence to let one idea carry the whole system. That’s why their work ages well, even as others chase trend cycles.
Independent Proof
- Awwwards profile.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
3. Wolff Olins
Global brand builders, crafting transformative identities for over 50 years
- Locations: London, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles
- Year established: 1965
- Team size: 151-200 employees
- Budget: $450k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, identity design, brand activation, brand architecture, content creation, digital experiences
- Best for: technology & telecommunications, retail & consumer goods, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, arts & culture, non-profit & social impact
- Portfolio: https://wolffolins.com/work
Wolff Olins is another big and well-known name in the field. The agency was founded more than 50 years ago (can you imagine?), in 1965.
The team remains committed to a positive impact to this day. What does it mean in terms of designs? First of all, Wolff Olins advocates for sustainability and implements this philosophy in every project they do.
And honestly, you'd be pretty lucky to work with a team this experienced.
Our Score: 22/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 5/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 5/5.
Reviewer's take: They talk about impact, but it’s not preachy. It shows up as discipline. Fewer empty gestures, more thoughtful choices. That’s a rare kind of maturity in this space. For brands that need momentum and meaning at the same time, they’re worth a look.
Independent Proof
- DesignWeek article.
- AdWeek mention.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
4. Lippincott
A global company partnering with brands to build enduring legacies
- Locations: New York, Dubai, London, Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul, Sydney, Hong Kong, San Francisco
- Year established: 1943
- Team size: 201-250 employees
- Budget: $400k+
- Capabilities: brand architecture, naming, logo design, brand identity system, taglines, brand messaging
- Best for: technology, food & beverage, retail, non-profit, fashion, financial services, media & entertainment, travel & hospitality
- Portfolio: https://www.lippincott.com/work
Next up is another great long-standing firm that's been around since 1943. We're talking about Lippincott, true brand and design architects. It is a branding firm known for its comprehensive branding services, offering strategic, creative, and technical expertise to help companies develop a strong brand identity and stand out in a competitive market.
After decades in the game, they've learned to build brands that'll actually last instead of just handing you a style guide and calling it done. They truly take time to understand your brand, goals, and values.
Our Score: 21/25
- Strategy and positioning 5/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: They’ve been around forever, but the work doesn’t feel stuck or unfresh. Lippincott is patient in the best way. Lots of voices, lots of legacy, lots of opinions. They’re good in the messy middle, when the brand has grown, priorities clash, and nobody wants to admit what’s outdated.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
5. Design Bridge
Elevating brands with award-winning design since 1986
- Locations: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mumbai, Munich, New York, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, São Paolo
- Year established: 1986
- Team size: 1000+ employees
- Budget: $450k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand positioning, brand architecture, visual & verbal identity, naming, sonic & audio identity, packaging design & production, brand management
- Best for: financial services, art & entertainment, healthcare, non-profit, real estate, retail, technology, travel & hospitality
- Portfolio: https://www.designbridge.com/work
Design Bridge has also been around from XX century. But don't worry, because these guys really know how to put their experience to good use.
The team behind the iconic designs believes in the power of emotional connection. It's especially important in the nowadays crowded market. When people connect with your brand on an emotional level, they return.
Design Bridge goes deeper than creating aesthetic pages and identities. If you need a trusted, reliable partner for your project, this studio should be on your radar.
Our Score: 20/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 5/5.
Reviewer's take: Design Bridge is calm, confident, and surprisingly deep. If you’re tired of branding that looks great in a case study but disappears or fails in real life, they are worth a look. That’s the kind of agency that’s hard to ignore.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
6. Jones Knowles Ritchie
London-based creative agency building brands for scale, disruption, and good
- Locations: London, New York, Shanghai
- Year established: 1990
- Team size: 300+ employees
- Budget: $500k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand experience, brand positioning, packaging design, brand architecture, visual & verbal identity, naming, brand consultancy
- Best for: financial services, art & entertainment, healthcare, non-profit, real estate, retail, technology, travel & hospitality
- Portfolio: https://jkrglobal.com/work
JKR, as it's often called in short, is well-known for its strategic way of dealing with things. Besides aesthetics, the design team never fails to deliver bold designs. JKR has a reputation for making bold moves that help brands leap ahead of customer expectations and stand out in competitive markets.
Speaking of branding, they always find a way to tell your product's story in a way that attracts the type of clients you aim for. In other words, be sure to receive a strategic narrative mixed with audacious design.
Our Score: 20/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 5/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: JKR has that rare mix of clarity and swagger. They’re excellent at turning ambition into something you can actually point to. They commit early, they commit hard, and the brand gets a backbone. You end up with a brand that feels alive, and that’s what matters most in the end.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
7. Siegel+Gale
Simplifying brands and driving success through strategic design since 1969
- Locations: New York, Dubai, Los Angeles, Shanghai, San Francisco, Tokyo, London
- Year established: 1969
- Team size: 201-250 employees
- Budget: $350k+
- Capabilities: brand messaging, brand voice, storytelling, content creation & strategy, brand management assessment, naming
- Best for: financial services, government communications, healthcare, technology, sports
- Portfolio: https://www.siegelgale.com/work
As Seigel+Gale puts it, and we totally agree, "simplicity is smart". The agency has been in business since its launch in 1969 and, to this day, delivers high-quality, design-award-winning work. It is also renowned for providing strategic insight to clients, helping them develop impactful and unique brand identities.
Here's what I dig about Siegel+Gale is that they're brutally honest and won't sugarcoat anything. No matter the client or the project, they focus on distilling complex concepts and turning them into living, breathing identities.
Our Score: 19/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: They’re allergic to fluff, in a good way. Their superpower is removing noise. Not adding personality for the sake of it, not dressing things up. If you’ve ever cringed at your own copy, this is the fix.
Independent Proof
- Transform Awards Asia 2025 page.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
8. Further (former DesignStudio)
Your London-based partner in visual storytelling and brand success
- Locations: London, New York, Dubai
- Year established: 2008
- Team size: 301-350 employees
- Budget: $1k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand architecture, digital strategy, employer brand strategy, visual & verbal identity, motion & sonic identity, naming
- Best for: startups & scale-ups, technology & innovation, consumer goods & retail, lifestyle & entertainment
- Portfolio: https://www.further.group/
These folks have been around for almost as long as we have, since 2008. Further (former DesignStudio) is a digital design agency with locations in London, New York, and Dubai, committed to giving clients customized solutions because they care about the result.
Despite still being quite a large agency, they tend to maintain their boutique-styled approach to projects.
Further is a strong option for those seeking a deep, comprehensive approach to their product. They have expertise in working with a wide range of organizations, including arts institutions, educational bodies, and media companies, delivering strategic branding and change management services tailored to these sectors.
Our Score: 18/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: They’re big enough to handle serious work, but they don’t act like it. The approach stays personal, the output stays specific, and you don’t feel like you’re being pushed through a standard process. That’s rarer than it should be.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
9. Saffron
Independent global consultancy transforming brands through strategic thinking and bold ideas
- Locations: London, Madrid, Vienna, Istanbul
- Year established: 2001
- Team size: 51-100 employees
- Budget: $300k+
- Capabilities: brand architecture, brand identity, brand positioning
- Best for: financial services, travel & hospitality, technology & telecommunications, consumer goods & entertainment, real estate, social impact
- Portfolio: https://saffron-consultants.com/work
Saffron is another expert on the market. The agency was founded in 2001, and since then, they’ve never failed to maintain high quality.
What sets them apart is their commitment to global fluency. If you wonder what that means, stay with me. Saffron recognizes the importance of interconnections in today’s world, that’s why they built a team of international strategists and designers.
Their approach is future-focused, helping brands prepare for future challenges and capitalize on upcoming opportunities through innovative branding strategies.
Bottom line? Saffron’s definitely one of the top players out there.
Our Score: 18/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 3/5.
Reviewer's take: Saffron brings a confident, editorial kind of craft. Clean, considered, and never overcooked. What I also trust about this studio is the perspective. They create brands that hold together even when the language, culture, and channels shift, and they have a proven track record of success.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
10. Labbrand
A global branding leader driving innovation and growth for ambitious brands
- Locations: Shanghai, Paris, New York, Singapore, Malaysia
- Year established: 2005
- Team size: 101-150 employees
- Budget: $300k+
- Capabilities: naming, brand identity, packaging, brand communication, brand strategy, brand management, brand positioning, brand architecture
- Best for: technology, fashion & luxury, education, entertainment, healthcare, real estate, financial services, auto, retail, logistics
- Portfolio: https://www.labbrand.com/work
Labbrand, as its name states, knows a lot about crafting meaningful projects. The firm was founded in 2001 in China. Since then, they have opened several offices worldwide.
The design team has always prioritized cultural differences. In other words, they craft with cultural sensitivity in mind. This approach allows brands to remain authentic and understand the nuances of the market.
Labbrand is also committed to ensuring brand consistency across various platforms and touchpoints, helping clients build cohesive and recognizable brand identities globally.
Our Score: 17/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 2/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: Labbrand’s edge is respect for context. They don’t assume one story fits everywhere. They shape the core so it stays consistent, then help it flex in a way that feels authentic instead of “localized by committee.”
Independent Proof
- International Sustainability Award by Luxary Lifestyle Awards.
- If Design Award profile.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
11. Anomaly
Creative powerhouse Anomaly blends strategy, design, and digital marketing for impactful brands
- Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London, Berlin, Shanghai
- Year established: 2004
- Notable branding projects: Mini, Corona Extra, Budweiser, Adidas, Johnnie Walker, Converse, Instagram Shopping
- Team size: 800+ employees
- Budget: $350k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, verbal & visual brand identity design, brand architecture, brand consultancy, product development
- Best for: technology, food & beverage, fashion, auto, retail, healthcare, beauty, non-profit
- Portfolio: https://www.anomaly.com/work
Anomaly, or as some might call it, a creative powerhouse, first saw the world in 2004. Since then, the studio never failed to amaze us with beautiful projects.
They built a broad portfolio over the years, including numerous brands we all know and love.
Anomaly sparks with purposeful disruption. They question the rules before breaking them, and are always open to bold ideas. As a creative partner, Anomaly provides clients with strategic and creative support throughout the branding process, collaborating closely to develop innovative brand solutions.
Our Score: 17/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 4/5.
- Visual identity craft 3/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 4/5.
Reviewer's take: Anomaly frames itself as a deliberate “deviation from the norm”, built to challenge legacy agency models. I feel like this agency is built around the idea that the old playbook is broken. You can feel that in the output. Less polish for polish’s sake, more solutions that behave across channels and actually fit how people discover brands now.
Independent Proof
- AdWeek recognition.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
12. Dentsu
Integrated marketing solutions for brands to connect them with consumers in a changing world
- Locations: Tokyo, New York, Singapore, Amsterdam, London, Dublin, South Melbourne, São Paulo
- Year established: 1901
- Team size: 35,000+ employees
- Budget: $500k+
- Capabilities: branding, media strategies,
- Best for: food & beverage, media & telecom, sports, logistics, entertainment, technology, healthcare & life sciences, e-commerce & fashion tech, electronics
- Portfolio: https://www.dentsu.com/us/en/our-work
Dentsu is a notable agency, headquartered in Tokyo. Just think about it: they’ve been around since 1901. And still delivering some outstanding work!
Dentsu offers comprehensive branding services, including brand strategy, identity development, and digital branding experiences for organizations seeking to evolve or establish their brand identity.
Be sure that turning to Dentsu for help means a lot more than simply rebranding. These professionals will recraft the core of your brand, reimagine the overall aesthetic, and teach you how to live in the new reality.
Our Score: 17/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 3/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 5/5.
Reviewer's take: If you want a “cute rebrand”, Dentsu is definitely not your choice. These guys are more like “fix the whole thing” without turning it into a bland “global brand” soup. I personally support their bold ideas and their ability to think quickly when needed.
Independent Proof
- Branding in Asia mention.
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
13. Mucho
Redefining creativity to build meaningful brands
Mucho Design Agency
- Locations: Barcelona, San Francisco
- Year established: 2002
- Notable branding projects: Visa, Triplus, Stern Grove Festival, Deem, José Andrés Group
- Team size: 51-200 employees
- Budget: $250k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand identity, brand architecture, naming, digital brand environment, content strategy, brand management, brand activation
- Best for: technology, entertainment, retail, hospitality, food & beverage, startups
- Portfolio: https://wearemucho.com/work
- Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/mucho
- Socials: Instagram
Now, everybody’s favourite name in brand identity design is Mucho. Mucho’s designers create bold, thoughtful, and future-focused designs by using a combination of creativity and design to develop brands that are not only a name, but a long-term experience that develops.
The unique style of Mucho allows for both a competitive edge and deep connections to audiences in all parts of the world.
With offices in Barcelona and San Francisco, Mucho’s expertise spans multiple industries, transforming brands into identities and business strategies. Their design work is both how far they can go (which is a very long way) and creating a connection with their audience (which is a very deep connection).
Our Score: 17/25
- Strategy and positioning 4/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 2/5.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
14. Snøhetta
A global architecture and design firm known for its innovative and sustainable projects
- Locations: Oslo, New York, San Francisco, Innsbruck, Paris, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Shenzhen
- Year established: 1989
- Team size: 351-400 employees
- Budget: $500k+
- Capabilities: brand development, brand strategy, product design, naming, visual identity, brand activation, communication & PR
- Best for: architecture, education, retail, sports, art, public space, travel & hospitality, technology, healthcare
- Portfolio: https://www.snohetta.com/projects
Snøhetta was founded in 1989 in Norway, it’s our northernmost agency in the list.
They tend to stick to what’s called a multi-sensory brand storytelling, meaning that they go beyond traditional branding to design spaces, digital experiences, and company cultures that reflect your brand’s essence.
Snøhetta is also recognized for creating memorable brand experiences that connect with audiences on multiple levels, enhancing engagement and emotional connection.
The studio’s portfolio boasts famous Scandinavian work and brands, so if you ever feel like adding a touch of Norwegian spark to your project, that’s your go-to choice.
Our Score: 16/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 4/5.
- Brand system and rollout 4/5.
- Proof and trust signals 2/5.
Reviewer's take: There’s a Scandinavian clarity to what they do, but it’s not sterile. You can tell the studio is used to designing for real people moving through real spaces, which makes their brand experience work feel grounded. They’re great at stitching together space, digital, and story so it feels like one experience, not just a logo pasted onto everything.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
15. APART Collective
Crafting purposeful brands and digital experiences
APART Collective Agency
- Locations: Milan, Florence
- Year established: 2011
- Notable branding projects: Charles Leclerc, Tech Europe Foundation, Benetti Yachts, Azimut Yachts, Will Media, Freeda, Monnaie de Paris, EuroItalia, Weschool
- Team size: 11-50 employees
- Budget: $100k+
- Capabilities: brand strategy, visual identity, digital design, UX/UI, naming, creative direction, brand architecture, digital brand environments, interface design
- Best for: luxury, technology, lifestyle, cultural, automotive, yachting, media & entertainment, education & social impact sectors
- Portfolio: https://apart-collective.com/works
Discover the team of talented professionals who collectively form APART Collective. They call themselves "the maestros of orchestrating the marriage of brands with the pixels of the internet into powerful stories and experiences." From their inception in Milan, APART has evolved from a boutique studio into a multifaceted company that has worked with more than 200 clients within 20 different industries.
APART's solution-oriented work is built upon a foundation of thoughtful strategy coupled with a distinct style of artistry and digital craftsmanship. At APART, merging a company's vision with a creative digital presence is at the core of everything they do - from developing identity systems to creating immersive commercial website design.
Our Score: 15/25
- Strategy and positioning 3/5.
- Verbal identity and naming 3/5.
- Visual identity craft 3/5.
- Brand system and rollout 3/5.
- Proof and trust signals 2/5.
Independent Proof
- Google Maps reviews.
Last verified Feb 2026.
How to Choose a Brand Development Agency?
Top Branding Agencies Comparison
A consistent brand, across your site, product, social, decks, and ads, is not just a nice-to-have. It can directly impact revenue. Some studies put the upside at up to 23% when a brand is presented consistently.
Most companies do a full rebrand every 7 to 10 years. But the brands that stay sharp usually do smaller refreshes in between. Think of it like maintenance. You keep what works, you update what’s dated, and you stay competitive without reinventing everything.
Here’s how to pick the right agency:
1. Get clear on what you actually need
Before you talk to anyone, write down your goals. Do you need a new identity?
A sharper message. A better website. A tighter product UI. A launch that feels more premium. The clearer you are, the easier it is to find the right partner.
2. Make a shortlist based on relevance, not hype
Look for agencies that have solved problems like yours.
Industry experience helps, but it’s not everything. What matters is whether they can show smart thinking, strong craft, and work that feels intentional, not trendy. Agencies are often categorized based on their specific expertise, ranging from global strategy for enterprises to agile identities for startups.
3. Stress-test the fit early
Ask how they work. Who’s actually on the team? How are decisions made?
Give them a real challenge you’re facing and see how they think through it. You’re not looking for free work. You’re looking for their judgment, their questions, and whether they understand the problem quickly.
When selecting a top branding agency, pay attention to their creative execution and strategic branding capabilities, as these are crucial for building a memorable and differentiated brand.
4. Compare proposals like a strategist, not a shopper
When proposals come in, don’t just scan the price. Look at their plan. Is the approach clear? Does the timeline make sense? Are the deliverables practical? Do they show how they’ll get from today’s mess to a brand you can actually run?
Reputable branding companies and branding firms should have a defined, transparent workflow covering discovery, research, strategy, and visual design. A structured methodology in branding typically includes clear phases: discovery, strategy, design, and implementation.
5. Choose the partner you trust to push you
Your top two should feel like collaborators, not vendors. You want a team that listens, but also challenges you when the brief is vague, or the safe option is tempting? Pick the agency that gets your world and can deliver creative work that still works in the real world.
Take a look at their portfolios
Always look for outcome-based portfolios that demonstrate specific outcomes such as greater lead generation or increased conversion. Agencies without portfolios or case studies should be approached with caution, as they are probably inexperienced.
Note for rapidly changing markets such as crypto
If your industry is crypto, you need an agency that integrates branding with the realities of digital products.
Ultimately, choose the agency you resonate with most. Magic happens when the chemistry is right, the outcomes are defined, the team has a clear direction of where you want to be in terms of end goals, and not just of what you want to execute next.
FAQs
Picking the Right Agency
What Does a Branding Agency Do?
A branding agency articulates how your business should appear to others and how it should be perceived. Most teams will handle the brand strategy, the naming and the messaging, the visual identity and the brand guidelines, and then assist in the implementation of all of these across digital, products, marketing, and campaigns.
How Is a Branding Agency Different From a Marketing Agency?
Branding begins with an identity, a positioning, and a framework of how to speak. The marketing side is about the activities that create brand awareness through campaigns, channels, and demand generation for the purpose of driving awareness, leads, and revenue.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Choosing a Branding Agency?
The biggest visual approach can cause mistakes. Don’t settle for a pretty proposal; it is most likely something that is not copyable. Look for a clear process, examples that show iterative, scalable systems; avoid vague case studies, unclear file ownership, and no plans for rollout or governance.
How Do I Know If I Need a Branding Agency or an In-House Team?
Most likely, if you are looking for a full repositioning or new identity and cross-channel roll-out, that would be an agency. If it is mostly ongoing production and consistency, then in-house would be the better long-term fit. Many teams start with an agency to set the system, then go in-house to maintain it.
What Questions Should I Ask a Branding Agency Before Hiring?
Be clear about the process with the agency, who is on the account, the deliverables, and the relevant case studies. It is important to be clear about the type of research and positioning, support for roll-out, timelines, structure of pricing, and ownership of the files.
Budget and Contracts
How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Branding Agency?
How much you should budget varies by agency, and the complexity of the project. As a rough guide, you should budget:
- $10,000–$20,000 for simple sites
- $30,000–$75,000 for mid-range, custom builds.
- $100,000+ for enterprise or more complex digital experiences.
Who Owns the Brand Assets and Source Files After the Project?
This will be dependent on your contract. Typically, you should hold the final brand assets and source files once a payment has been made. The agency will most likely keep rights to their tools, frameworks, and templates that existed prior to the project. Make sure you have editable files, and keep usage guidelines and rights to fonts, images, and other licensed materials.
Scope and Deliverables
What Services Should I Expect From a Branding Agency?
Most branding agencies offer strategy and positioning, messaging, visual identity, and brand guidelines. Many also support rollout, such as website direction, product UI alignment, templates, and ongoing brand management.
What Deliverables Should I Expect From a Branding Agency?
Most branding projects include various elements of Strategy, Positioning, Messaging, and Visual Identity. Common deliverables include Brand Story and Pillars, Voice and Tone, Logo set, Typography and Colors, Design Elements, and Brand Guidelines. A lot of agencies also include templates and support for rollouts.
What Should Be Included in Brand Guidelines?
Brand guidelines should cover how to use the identity consistently across teams. Include positioning summary, voice and tone, logo rules, typography, color, imagery, layout, components, and dos and don’ts. Add practical examples for common touchpoints like decks, landing pages, product UI, and social.
Do Branding Agencies Help With Naming and Messaging?
Yes, many do. Naming can include exploration, trademark screening support, and final recommendations. Messaging usually includes positioning, value proposition, brand promise, key messages, and a voice and tone system that scales across marketing, sales, and product.
Timeline and Collaboration
How Long Does The Branding Process Take?
Most branding work lasts between 6 and 12 weeks of strategy, messaging, and identity work. Naming, guidelines, and a rollout over multiple touchpoints extend larger programs to 3 to 6 months.
Who Should Be Involved Internally During a Branding Project?
You typically need a decision maker, a project owner, and leads from marketing, product, and sales. In reviews, include key stakeholders from customer success or recruiting if the brand impacts those areas. Narrow the feedback group, and designate one final approver to reduce delays.
Brand Strategy and Positioning
What Is the Difference Between Brand Strategy, Positioning, and Messaging?
Brand strategy is the high-level direction, who you are, who you serve, and what you stand for. Positioning is your sharp market stance and differentiation. Messaging is how you express that positioning in clear language across channels.
How Do I Know If My Positioning Is Not Working?
When it becomes clear that a person doesn’t understand what you do, and/or the uniqueness of what you do and how your brand is most commonly perceived, then you know your positioning (or lack of it) is a problem.
Discernible symptoms include extended sales cycles, consistent discounting, low conversion on pages that are most critical, inconsistent messaging from the company as a whole on what the brand does, and the positioning being difficult to define for the ideal customer.
Rebrand and Change Management
Can a Branding Agency Help With Rebranding?
Yes. Agencies can refresh or rebuild your brand based on what changed, like your product, market, or audience. A good rebrand includes strategy alignment, updated messaging and identity, and a rollout plan that keeps the transition consistent.
What Should a Rebrand Rollout Plan Include?
It should define what changes, when it changes, and who owns each update. Include priority touchpoints, a phased timeline, migration guidelines, templates, and QA. Add internal enablement, launch messaging, and governance so the brand stays consistent after release.
Results and Measurement
Why Is Branding Important For Businesses?
Branding shapes how people recognize you, trust you, and choose you. A strong brand clarifies your positioning, makes your messaging consistent, and helps you stand out across every touchpoint, from sales to product to marketing.
How Do I Measure the ROI of Branding?
Start with a baseline, then tie outcomes to business goals. Common measures include improved conversion, higher win rates, increased pricing power, stronger inbound quality, and faster sales cycles. You can also track efficiency gains like fewer rewrites, faster production, and more consistent messaging across teams.
What Metrics Should I Track After a Rebrand?
Track branded search, direct traffic, conversion rate on key pages, and lead quality. On the revenue side, watch win rate, sales cycle length, and average deal size. Internally, measure adoption, like brand guideline usage, template usage, and consistency across touchpoints.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From a Branding Refresh?
Early signals often show up in weeks, like better messaging clarity and improved landing page conversion. Bigger outcomes, like stronger pipeline quality and pricing power, usually take 3 to 6 months as the brand rolls out across channels and teams.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a branding partner, the impact of making the right decision is high. Your brand is essentially your first impression, your voice, and your means of market growth during a market disruption. Each of the agencies on this list does great work, but every agency works in a completely different manner.
You might prefer the structured and more strategic perspective of Lippincott. Perhaps Saffron’s global perspective fits better. Regardless, the smart move is the same. Dive deep into their case study work and determine the correlation of the problems they solve and your brand vision. Then, make the decision to partner with the agency that provides strategic brand value in the area of your greatest focus.
Thanks for reading!
About Clay
Clay is a UI/UX design & branding agency in San Francisco. We team up with startups and leading brands to create transformative digital experience. Clients: Facebook, Slack, Google, Amazon, Credit Karma, Zenefits, etc.
Learn moreAbout Clay
Clay is a UI/UX design & branding agency in San Francisco. We team up with startups and leading brands to create transformative digital experience. Clients: Facebook, Slack, Google, Amazon, Credit Karma, Zenefits, etc.
Learn more
