Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How to Structure a Brand Strategy Retainer
Brand strategy retainers typically run $2,000–$8,000 per month depending on the hours committed and deliverables included. Retainers offer income stability and deeper client relationships.
Floor
$2,000
per hour
Typical
$4,500
per hour
Premium
$10,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Number of hours committed per month
- Types of deliverables included (strategy, copy, consultation)
- Client company size and revenue
- Response time SLA requirements
- Whether the retainer includes execution or strategy only
- Length of retainer commitment (monthly vs. quarterly vs. annual)
- Exclusivity or non-compete provisions
Real quote breakdowns
Startup Brand Advisor Retainer
An early-stage startup retains a brand strategist for 8 hours per month of advisory, Slack access, and monthly check-in call.
Breakdown
8 advisory hours at $200/hr, async Slack support, one 60-minute strategy call per month.
Growth-Stage Brand Retainer
A Series A company retains a strategist for ongoing brand governance, campaign messaging review, and quarterly brand health check-ins.
Breakdown
20 hours per month at $200/hr, campaign messaging review, quarterly brand report, and one stakeholder workshop per quarter.
Ongoing Brand Stewardship
A mid-market company retains a senior brand strategist as a fractional Brand Director with direct team access and monthly leadership presentations.
Breakdown
40 hours per month, fractional brand director access, monthly board-ready brand report, team training sessions, and strategic roadmap updates.
Frequently asked questions
What should a brand strategy retainer include?
Define a monthly hour bucket, list what services are in scope (messaging reviews, new initiative input, brand audits), specify response times, and clarify that unused hours don't roll over unless agreed.
How do I transition a project client to a retainer?
At the end of a successful project, propose a lighter maintenance retainer to support implementation. Frame it as protecting their investment. Start with a 3-month commitment to reduce their risk.
Should retainer hours roll over month to month?
Generally no. Hours that don't roll over are industry standard and incentivise clients to use your time efficiently. You can offer a small rollover (25% of unused hours) as a premium add-on.
How long should a brand strategy retainer last?
Three to six months is a common minimum. Annual retainers with a monthly billing option are ideal — they give you stability and clients usually get a 10–15% discount in return.