How to Know If You Need a Designer, a Strategist, or Both

You’ve been in business long enough to know that your brand is more than just a logo or a website. But lately, something feels off. You’re showing up consistently, landing some opportunities, maybe even getting referrals but your brand presence isn’t matching the level of work you’re doing behind the scenes.

And that gap raises the question every growing consultant, creative, or nonprofit leader eventually faces: what do I actually need right now: a designer, a strategist, or both?

The answer depends on where you are in your business and what’s holding you back from connecting with the right clients. Let’s break it down.

When You Need a Designer

If your brand strategy feels clear but your visuals and website just don’t match the level of work you’re doing, you probably need a designer.

A designer helps you:

• Translate your ideas into visuals that look cohesive and professional
• Build a website that functions smoothly and reflects your expertise
• Create brand assets that keep your message consistent across platforms

But here’s the catch: design alone won’t solve deeper positioning problems.

When You Need a Strategist

If your messaging feels scattered, you’re attracting the wrong level of clients, or you’re not sure how to package your offers, a strategist is who you call.

A strategist helps you:

• Clarify your audience and the transformation you’re really offering
• Position your services for the level of client you want to attract
• Build a roadmap so your brand decisions actually support your bigger goals

But here’s the catch: strategy without design means you’ll have a plan… that doesn’t always translate visually.

When You Need Both

The truth? Most growing consultants, creatives, and nonprofit leaders need both.

Because what’s really keeping you stuck is the disconnect between how you’re positioned and how you’re presented.

That’s where strategy and design work together:

• Strategy defines the message and direction.
• Design brings it to life so your audience actually feels it.

When the two align, your brand stops being a placeholder and starts being a growth engine.

Key Takeaway

Don’t base your next business investment on what feels easiest or most exciting. The decision shouldn’t come down to personal preference it should be guided by what your business actually needs right now.

If your message and positioning are clear but your visuals are falling short, prioritize design. If your offers, audience, or messaging feel scattered, focus on strategy. And if both are holding you back? Pair them together so your brand is as clear as it is compelling.

Ready to Figure Out What’s Next for You?

If you’ve been wondering what your brand actually needs in this season, I built something to help.

Take the Brand Shift Quiz to discover which stage your brand is in and whether your next step should be strategy, design, or both.