The question is – how do you go about choosing a branding agency in Manchester? We get it – It’s a struggle. There’s so much talent out there. But fear not, we're here to simplify the process for you. In this guide, we'll explore why branding agencies are essential and spotlight six standout branding agencies that excel in branding in Manchester.

The Importance of Branding Agencies

Why should you hire a branding agency, then? Imagine accessing a diverse suite of services, all under one roof. Branding agencies are not just cost-effective solutions but hubs of talent where you benefit from the combination of multiple perspectives, inputs, and areas of expertise. The power of branding for businesses is huge—it can completely transform how you’re seen, how you connect with customers, and build loyalty that keeps them coming back.

In Manchester, you can expect the best from these brand agencies, as they bring together quality talent and innovative techniques to craft standout branding strategies that speak to your business. Here, creativity is not just about individual skills but a collective effort that amplifies your brand’s message across various platforms. With a branding agency, you’re not just hiring a single service; you’re getting a team of experts who have a unified objective to bring your brand to the forefront.

Who We Are and Why Trust Us

You can trust us because we’re class at what we do. We have a reputation here at MadeByShape and it’s a good one. We have industry awards under our belt and have established ourselves as a cornerstone of the branding community. Our experience spans many high-profile projects, collaborating with big-name brands across diverse sectors. We’re talking about branding for the likes of Gary Neville and Sacha Lord. Our expertise in branding is not only clear through our portfolio but also through our ability to deliver the goods consistently with our knowledge of brand design and strategy. We specialise in all the areas that matter – brand development, web design, web build and SEO. Our key services enable us to consistently deliver the best results.

How We Rated Them

We know we’re the best out there but we get it – you’ll think we’re biased 😉. If you’re looking for a suitable branding agency, we’ve already done the research so you don’t have to. We developed a comprehensive rating system based on six critical aspects:

• Portfolio: The variety and quality of work.

• Reputation: Recognition through awards and third-party testimonials.

• Service Focus: Specialisation in branding relative to other services.

• Size of the Agency: Both large and small brand agencies offer different benefits.

• Culture: The agency’s work environment and values.

• Innovation: Frequency and quality of thought leadership contributions and projects.

Each agency was scored from 0 to 5 on these criteria, culminating in a total possible score of 30.

Overview of Top Branding Agencies

#1 – MadeByShape

While it might seem like we're tooting our own horn, the numbers speak for themselves. At MadeByShape, we consistently earn high marks across our portfolio, reputation, and innovative efforts. We have a 5-star Google review rating and many positive testimonials to prove we deserve this spot as #1. Though we're a smaller branding agency—which some might view as a limitation—we see our size as a strength. Our team may be little, but this allows us to deliver highly personalised services and build close relationships with our clients.

Why does MadeByShape stand out?

We’ve won awards for the work we do and are recognised in the industry for our high quality branding. We specialise in branding, web design, and SEO, bringing deep expertise and top service to these key areas. We have a diverse portfolio across many different industries, showcasing our creative capabilities and adaptability. But what makes us different? When we say we work with different industries, we mean it. One minute we’re shaping a brand for a firework supplier or office designers, and the next, we're tackling a major brand overhaul for a blood plasma company in the US. It changes every day.

Here’s the thing: We really listen to our clients. We tailor our strategies to meet the unique needs of each client, creating highly personalised and effective branding solutions. It’s part of our culture – client communication has never been better. We’re committed to innovation – constantly exploring new ideas and techniques to stay at the forefront of design and branding. Through our blog and thought leadership, we position ourselves as an expert in the field, adding value to our services. Our website not only displays our work but proves our expertise in creating engaging digital experiences. We're also listed in the Manchester Directory too.

We’re not just another branding agency, we’re THE go-to branding agency everyone wants and needs. 

#2 – co&co

Next up is co&co! co&co secures its #2 ranking through a strategic focus on branding and personalised services. They are particularly good at creating impactful and measurable brand strategies that resonate deeply with target audiences. Everything they do is backed by thorough research and tightly aligned with what each client wants to achieve, making sure all their branding efforts really count. Being a smaller branding agency gives co&co the edge to provide that tailored, one-on-one service big firms often miss out on, letting them really dial into what each client needs.

This brand agency takes a ‘no fluff, no bullsh*t approach’ which sets them as unique in their industry. This strong internal culture not only draws in some mega talent but also helps keep clients on board long-term. Their direct and clear communication further sharpens their project management and client relations, positioning them as the go-to agency for businesses after fresh, effective branding solutions.

#3 – MadeByAlphabet

Known for their creative approach, MadeByAlphabet has a diverse portfolio that showcases their broad skill set. They scored high in portfolio and culture, reflecting their commitment to quality and collaborative work environment.

MadeByAlphabet distinguishes itself with a keen focus on crafting bespoke and thoughtful brand identities. They dive deep into each client’s objectives, translating them into visually striking and strategically effective brand solutions. Their client base is diverse, handling projects for emerging startups to large businesses, showcasing their adaptability in different sectors.

While MadebyAlphabet excels in bespoke design, they don’t rank as highly as MadebyShape and co&co due to its smaller scale service offerings.

#4 – BGN

BGN has a strong portfolio and has an excellent reputation in the branding industry. They are good at crafting detailed and strategic brand identities that really hit the mark. They dive deep into understanding their clients' goals and turn these insights into standout visual and strategic brand solutions.

BGN stays ahead of the curve by embracing the latest design trends and innovations, keeping their work fresh and relevant. They offer a full suite of branding services to ensure their clients' brands look good and resonate well in the market. Their collaborative spirit means they work closely with clients to make sure the final product is exactly what’s needed.

While BGN is a standout branding agency, MadeByShape and co&co edge them out due to a broader range of services, appealing to clients looking for comprehensive digital solutions. MadebyShape also tends to showcase more innovation and thought leadership, positioning them as industry leaders. Additionally, their diverse and high-profile client portfolio boosts their visibility and reputation more significantly than BGN.

#5 – Gorilla Studio

Gorilla Studio grabs the #5 spot with its fresh take on branding, really shining when it comes to crafting engaging digital content. Their focus on pushing creative boundaries is evident in their portfolio, which showcases their capability to generate fresh and engaging visual narratives that grab people’s attention. This knack for digital innovation has carved out a solid reputation for them, especially among brands eager to make money online.

However, Gorilla Studio's specialised focus on the food and drink sector could be seen as a limitation. While it's great for showing off their deep know-how in this area, it might make them less appealing to clients from other sectors looking for a more versatile branding agency. This specialisation, though a big plus within its niche, could be limiting its broader market potential, which might be why they're not ranking higher despite its obvious creative flair. 

#6 – Love and Logic

Love and Logic comes in at #6, standing out as a small brand agency that delivers personalised branding solutions with a lot of heart. They've made a mark with their strong agency culture and a portfolio that really shows off their personal touch on projects. This approach has gained acknowledgement for how they handle each client’s needs, crafting branding that's as thoughtful as it is impactful.

The size of their agency allows them to forge close ties with clients, making their service highly customised and attentive. However, being smaller might limit their capacity to take on larger or more complex projects, which could explain why they're not ranked higher. Despite this, their dedication to tailored solutions and client-centric strategy makes them a strong partner for those looking for a deeply personalised branding experience.