FAQ
• GENERAL BRANDING QUESTIONS
01
What is startup branding?
Your startup’s brand is your company’s unique look, story, and personality that helps people understand what you’re all about. We believe the story you tell and the way you tell it is essential for building a tech startup.
It makes your company legit by establishing a presence out in the real world, boosting credibility with customers, talent, and investors—the people who will shape your startup’s future. And if you’re in a competitive space, a strong brand identity can also help set your startup apart.
Why invest in branding?
Do you work with pre-seed startups?
Most of our clients are beyond the bootstrap phase and at the seed or pre-Series A stage. We can work with pre-seed startups but recommend starting with our Essential package or Workshop to save the big bucks for later.
We've come across people and agencies that confidently sell their services. But a bit of digging often reveals a lack of real-world experience in marketing products for successful startups and big tech companies. We take pride in our record of launching new products at companies like Google, Nike, and Apple, and helping our clients secure over $150M in funding. We're convinced every startup’s got a great story to tell—sometimes, all they need is a little help finding it.
Why go with Hello Astro?
• COST AND TIMELINE
02
Our Essential package starts at $10K USD. We started this company to help as many startup founders as possible. To make that happen, we’ve broken up our products and services to cater to different price points, with the Workbook on the lowest and the Complete package on the highest. Not sure what’s right for you? Book a call.
How much does it cost to create a startup brand?
We aim for the “just right” balance, offering solid branding without the overhead of a large agency, or the limitations of freelancers. As a two-person studio, we focus on essentials to deliver the best bang for your buck. To get an estimate, book a call.
Are you expensive?
It typically takes 3 weeks to create a brand story (Essential Package), 6 weeks to develop a verbal and visual brand identity (Advanced Package), and 15 weeks to deliver a complete brand identity with a website (Complete Package). Existing assets, such as previously written material (e.g. presentations, white papers) can help speed up the process.
How long does it take to design a brand identity?
Do you accept equity
as payment?
Sometimes. We consider cash and equity arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
03
• OUR SERVICES AND PROCESS
What is our process?
We start by getting to know your startup, through team meetings, research, and competitor analysis to uncover the right story for the foundation of your brand strategy.
Phase 1 Discovery
Next, we build your brand identity. This includes your brand strategy, story, key messages, positioning, and tone of voice. We also come up with a strategic plan to adapt your core brand story for different audiences.
Phase 2 Concept
We bring your brand to life by creating a cohesive brand guidelines. One place (e.g. Google Slides, Figma) to reference so that every aspect of your communications are aligned, consistent, and impactful.
Phase 3 Development
Phase 4 Application
* Complete Package Only
For startups choosing the Advanced or Complete packages, we extend the process into application. This may includes creating a custom visual identity, designing and developing a website, and integrating your brand across key touch points like pitch decks, marketing materials, and channels (e.g. LinkedIn).
What if I don’t like
the final result?
We work collaboratively with your team at every stage to ensure there are no surprises. Your feedback guides the process all the way, making it highly unlikely you’ll be unhappy with the final result.
Can I see examples
of past work?
Explore our case studies to see how our brand development services, strategic consulting, development strategies, and brand identity services have helped startups succeed.
Can you stay on after project completion in a Fractional role?
Yes. Most of our clients opt to continue working together in a fractional capacity, a smart way to access senior-level expertise without the full-time commitment or cost. We typically offer ongoing support as a Fractional Executive Creative Director capacity, typically 1— 2 days per week, to oversee key communications. This can include social content strategy, concept development, performance-driven social media marketing, and creative direction for campaigns and new initiatives.