I'm Hannah May - Creative Director + Brand Advisor working with founders to turn their biggest ideas into brands that truly matter. Here is where I share the thinking behind the work. Brand insights, cultural commentary and observations from deep in the field of brand building.
Does Your Brand Actually Help You Land Bigger Opportunities?
I was put on the spot last week by a wonderful new potential client (she may be reading this) who asked me a question I wasn't prepared for. Towards the end of the call she asked me this: "You say the brand work that you do is helping clients speak on bigger stages, get book deals and land top partnership clients. So how does building your brand contribute to that?"
And it made me stop and think. These are the results that my clients have told me have happened through feedback forms but I never really stopped to articulate how it becomes possible. So here was my answer to her:
How does building your brand really help you land book deals, speaking stages and partnerships?
01. Your authority becomes clearer and stronger
The branding process brings into focus your unique thought leadership. It helps you articulate your ideas, frameworks, points of view and value in a way that makes you light up inside. Bookers, agents and collaborators are looking for people who have something to say, and say it loud. Marketable personal brands and points of view that will excite and align with their audience values.
02. You put yourself forward for opportunities you previously wouldn't have
So many of my clients are holding back from going after what they want. They don't feel confident to send potential collaborators toward their brand as it feels amateur and don't want to waste the outreach if their brand isn't where they want it to be. You cannot sell like an expert leader when your brand is giving beginner.
03. You get taken more seriously
There's a real difference between a brand that feels DIY and one that feels intentional and professional. Publishers, event organisers and partners look at this and it contributes massively to whether they will collaborate with you. Strong brand attracts strong brand. Bigger players start to notice and respect your work and can see how collaborating with you will benefit them.
04. You create recognition through consistency
A bit of a marketing and brand psychology one.. Branding gives you repeatable cues and recognisable codes. Language, visuals and ideas that make you not just attractive but memorable. The stronger your brand message and visuals, the more likely you are to stick in the minds of people who interact with you. Especially if consistent over time. And being top of mind is half the work in landing bigger opportunities.
Who is really looking at your brand when opportunities are on the table?
All of these elements work together to position you as the leader that you are. Making you undeniable to the people who matter. Which is why when I create brands I'm not only thinking about your customers - I'm thinking about your whole audience ecosystem and network that contributes to visibility and growth.
Publishers, partners, event organisers and collaborators are drawn to distinctiveness, strong POV, an engaged community and someone who feels real. When your brand, message and digital presence align, it becomes obvious what you stand for and why you're worth paying attention to.
So if these are your goals, you best believe a strong brand will get you there.
If your goals include bigger stages, stronger partnerships, and press that converts, your brand needs to be doing its job. Explore our consultancy and positioning work or our visual identity services. For more of this thinking weekly, join the Big Brand Moves newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A founder-led brand with clear positioning, strong visuals and a distinct point of view will outperform a bigger brand with diluted messaging. The opportunities go to the brands that feel undeniable, regardless of team size.
Most of my clients start seeing shifts within the first few months. More confidence in outreach, stronger responses to pitches, more inbound interest. The full compounding effect builds over 6-12 months as consistency and visibility stack up.
This is the gap I see most often. The work is brilliant but the brand is not carrying it. When the brand catches up to the quality of the work, the first impression matches the reality and things accelerate.
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