Great design and clever copy aren’t enough on their own. To create work that truly connects with audiences—and delivers measurable results—your team needs a strategist.
What a Strategist Brings
A strategist bridges the gap between vision and execution. They research the market, analyze data and uncover audience insights, then translate those findings into clear creative direction. The result? Campaigns that don’t just look good but resonate and perform.
Key skills a strategist adds to your team:
- Audience insight – understanding customer behavior and motivations
- Brand alignment – ensuring every message reflects your company’s goals
- Data-driven planning – turning analytics into action
- Cross-team clarity – keeping designers, writers and stakeholders on the same page
Why It Matters for Creative Work
Without strategy, even the most beautiful creative can miss the mark. A strategist keeps projects focused on business objectives while leaving room for bold, innovative ideas. They provide the “why” behind the work so creative teams can confidently craft the “how.”
How Industry Leaders Capitalize on Strategy
Nike
How they use strategists: Nike’s Brand Strategy and Consumer Insights teams dig deep into culture, sport trends, and audience behavior to guide global campaigns like Just Do It and localized community activations.
Impact: Their strategy team ensures each product launch and campaign resonates across different markets and subcultures.
Apple
How they use strategists: Apple employs brand and product strategists to marry design with market intelligence, ensuring that campaigns such as Shot on iPhone stay simple, consistent, and globally impactful.
Impact: Strategy keeps Apple’s storytelling clean and aspirational while supporting measurable sales goals.
Coca-Cola
How they use strategists: Global marketing strategists analyze cultural trends and consumer data to shape initiatives like Share a Coke, tailoring names, messages, and visuals for each region.
Impact: The campaign drove a double-digit increase in sales in several markets.
Airbnb
How they use strategists: Brand strategists partner with UX, content and product teams to build trust and emphasize “belonging,” leading to campaigns like Made Possible by Hosts.
Impact: Strategic insights helped Airbnb expand from a travel brand to a lifestyle movement.
How Portfolio Creative Can Help
If you need a full-time strategist or a contract consultant for a specific campaign, we connect companies with the right strategic talent. We understand the unique blend of analytical thinking and creative vision that makes a strategist invaluable.
Ready to add this crucial role to your team?
Let’s get creative!
