Why Action Comes Before Strategy in Branding

Here’s the thing about brand strategy, especially when you’re just starting to dig into it: it can feel like you need to have everything figured out before you can take action. There’s often this idea that strategy comes first (the perfect plan), and then action follows (just execute the plan and poof—success).

And honestly, in some cases it does.

But what if I told you that most of the time, the action comes first?

In case you’ve missed how obsessed I am with her, let me introduce you to Katie Wyer Art—a perfect example of how intentional action and clarity can come together in a way that supports your vision and goals.

Katie doesn’t seem to wait for a “perfect” strategy. In the years I’ve known her, she dives in headfirst with what she has. Recently, she’s been using the prompts from my winter Brand Strategy & Storytelling Subscription, even posting something awesome the very first day she opened the subscription content. The result? A super sharable, inspiring post that spoke volumes. It was her way of saying, and inviting others to say:

• “This is the year I am giving you everything I’ve got.”
• “This is the year I am giving purpose to every single day.”
• “This year I’m putting courage and determination before fear.”

It was raw, real, and relatable. She stepped into the new year not just with a set of goals and a hope that they’d come true, but with a commitment to show up with whatever she has that day—and she created something that her audience could connect with (and share) right away.

Here’s the secret: Brand strategy isn’t about waiting for the “perfect plan.” It’s about creating a path in response to what you want, what you’re willing to give, and the vision you’ve set for the year.

So what’s holding you back? Don’t wait for things to be just right—embrace the process, commit to intentional action, and start showing up like you mean it. The right strategy will reveal itself as you follow through on your decisions, discover your work in the world, and help you carve out the path you’re meant to walk.

If you’re dying to have an intentional business partner for a day who cares just as much about your story and success as you do, I’d love to help you align your actions with a strategy crafted to unearth a deeper connection with your audience and come alive in your purpose. The winter Brand Strategy & Storytelling Subscription is closed for enrollment right now, but I also offer dedicated strategy days.

These days are highly sought after for good reason. For the day, you’ll have my undivided attention and energy as we handcraft a tailored marketing plan that not only is an authentic reflection of you and your values but further elevates your business as one-of-one in your industry. From building community through brand messaging and storytelling, to competitive analysis, creative direction, and identifying a timeless and universal brand story, you’ll walk away with an unwavering sense of belonging as well as a backbone to take on your next growth chapter with confidence.

It’s no secret that behind every memorable brand experience is a custom strategy and a deeply-inspired founder who dared to invest in one.

So if, like Katie, you too feel called to step into your next evolution, yet need guidance in unearthing clarity in your deeper purpose; you’ve come to the right place. Inquire here for strategy days, brand design, or web design.

For more brand strategy, storytelling, and design resources to grow your business in 2025, click here to visit my Freebies page where you can snag the free storytelling guide for brands. This page is full of free downloads, design recommendations, the best business tools for running your business, as well as curated playlists for brands I’ve built. (Playlists are kind of my thing.)

For more support with the strategy and intention behind your business, visit the Brand Strategy & Design Shop and connect with me on Instagram for all the latest storytelling tips, brand features, and untamed studio behind the scenes.