Best Branding Companies for Startups in 2023
By StackServe
You never get a second chance to make a first impression! This saying is not only true in everyday life but for your business as well. In today’s competitive business landscape, a strong brand is crucial for any startup looking to make a lasting impression.
Branding is so much more than having a cool logo and a color scheme, branding is a whole vibe! From the visual elements to the tone and aesthetic of your website and social media, every aspect of your brand should reflect the unique identity and mission of your company.
We’ve compiled a list of the best branding agencies for startups in 2023. These agencies are all well-equipped to help you elevate your branding efforts and create a cohesive, impactful brand.
However, our list is just a starting point – there are countless other talented agencies out there. If you’re looking for more options in your specific area of the world, be sure to check out our feature page on branding agencies to discover a wider range of options.
What to Look for in a Branding Agency
Pricing – Many companies, particularly startups are tempted to go for cheaper branding solutions. However, this can often prove to be a costly mistake in the long run, as subpar branding can harm the company’s reputation and image.
Investing in a reputable and experienced branding agency from the start will ultimately save time, money, and resources in the future.
Portfolio – A diverse portfolio demonstrates an agency’s ability to create a variety of brands, tones, and styles. Some agencies focus on specific industries, which may be great for a startup that is looking for a strategy geared toward a niche industry.
Many other agencies offer services to all types of businesses which shows their ability to create and innovate for a range of clients. It really depends on your needs as to who you should select.
Reputation – An effective way to identify strong candidates is to look at the branding of businesses whose online presence you admire, and ask them who they worked with to create their brand. Most companies would be happy to share this information and even provide recommendations based on their experiences.
Additionally, reading testimonials and looking for proof of brand success will ensure the agency you are considering has a proven track record.
Process – If you treat the selection process as an interview and ask detailed questions to determine if the agency is a good fit, it will leave less room for disappointment.
Ask about their branding process, approach, communication methods, and success metrics to gain a better understanding of if the agency is a good fit for your startup. This will give you a clear picture of their capabilities and ensure that you select an agency that aligns with your company’s goals and values.
Top 10 Branding Companies for Startups in 2023
Fazer
Location: New York, NY
About: From start-ups to Fortune 500s, Fazer works for companies across every sector to create brands that are noticed. Their experienced team not only creates brands but re-vamps existing brands to give them the boost they need in order to stand out.
Service Focus: Brand strategy, visual ID & design, brand messaging, brand narrative, and brand architecture.
Motto
Locations: New York City, NY, Dallas, TX & UK
About: Motto is a full-service global branding agency that was started in 2017 by two college dropouts who had $250 but one big vision. That vision turned into a reality and now they are one of the biggest branding agencies in the world and offer service in seven different languages! Their clients include Disney and Hershey’s so that just shows they definitely know what they’re doing.
Service Focus: Brand and business strategy, brand definition, brand positioning, and brand architecture.
RNO1
Locations: San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA, Vancouver, Canada & Vilnius, Lithuania
About: RNO1 fuels the growth of purpose-driven brands through strategy activation, design empowerment, and marketing adoption – just ask AirBnB and Microsoft, a couple of their clients.
Service Focus: Brand development, naming, logo design & visual identity, communications and digital presence.
Unfold
Location: North Port, FL
About: Unfold has helped to change the game in branding and their dynamic team has developed a unique approach that will take you much further than so many of the cookie-cutter agencies out there. The team understands the importance of a great brand and can bring your vision to life with beauty and clarity. They’re also industry leaders and innovators when it comes to illustration to make your graphics pop!
Service Focus: Branding, illustration, websites, and apps.
Bynd
Location: Orlando, FL
About: Bynd designs and builds programs, products, and platforms for the most ambitious brands. They’ve helped Netflix, YouTube, Google, and Warner Brothers to help evolve their brands to conquer the world so if you’re looking for a company that can get you into the big leagues, Bynd is the one!
Service Focus: Customer experience audit, visual design, prototyping, solutions architecture, cloud platform transformation, product/market fit, and vision & strategy.
Ramotion
Locations: San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY
About: Ramotion is a top tier branding and design firm that has been designing brands and products for startups since 2009. Their clients have seen over $750M raised and $3.5B in exits – wow.
Service Focus: Branding, web design, UI/UX, app design, design system
Mimosa
Location: Berlin, Germany
About: If you’re looking for an edgy, cool vibe then Mimosa is the company you want to build your brand. They combine research, art, production, and business expertise to produce an elevated digital experience. Their team spans across 10 countries and speaks 8 languages so no matter where you are in the world, they can help you!
Service Focus: Strategy, branding, web design, advertising, communications, visual art, design systems, advertising, social media, and experience design.
WANT Branding
Locations: New York, NY, Miami FL, San Francisco, CA
About: WANT creates brands for every kind of business and they start at the beginning – helping you to name your brand, give it an identity, research your industry and create a strategy that speaks to the highest value your brand delivers to your customers.
Service Focus: Everything branding – brand strategy, brand naming, brand identity, and brand research.
Cultivate
Locations: Chicago, IL & Bozeman, MT
About: Cultivate is a branding agency that helps you build a brand from the ground up with a refined approach they’ve developed over the years. They even offer a free ‘build a brand’ ebook on their website so you can get a look at what it takes to create a brand that is remembered.
Service Focus: Full-service branding agency that offers branding, creative, website development & design, and app development & design.
DD.NYC
Location: New York, NY
About: DD.NYC is an award-winning branding company that creates amazing websites using modern web design practices. Their approach makes their clients feel like part of the team as they work to create a brand that will stand out in the world.
Service Focus: Full-scale branding agency offering branding, web design, graphic design, UI/UX, logos, and packaging.
Branding Companies Near Me
Our list of top branding companies will provide you with a variety of options to choose from, making it easier for you to find the perfect agency that can help elevate your startup and increase your online presence.
With the wonders of remote work, you can find a top-notch agency near you, or even across the globe! Once you find THE ONE, no matter where they are located, you’ll know!
Final Thoughts
There are so many creative branding agencies out there that have building a brand down to a science. With a vast array of offerings, these agencies will work with you to create a cohesive and effective brand that resonates with your target audience.
Take your time selecting one, and even make sure to do a few interviews, because one wrong move can have your client skipping over your site and heading over to your competitor’s!
