Top 5 Branding Agencies in San Francisco — November 2025
A list of the best brand design agencies and brand consultancy firms in San Francisco, CA, and the SF Bay Area
Last Updated on November 4, 2025
As the heart of innovation, San Francisco is a natural place to look for top-tier branding help. This guide shares our top agency picks and key tips for starting your search in the Golden City.
Tips for Choosing the Right Branding Agency
While we recommend the five agencies listed, it’s smart to do your own research. Start with their portfolio — look for past work, industries served, and design styles to see if they align with your brand vision.
Check whether they specialize in your sector or have a consistent aesthetic. Client testimonials — both on their site and third-party platforms like Google or Trustpilot — can offer extra insight. And don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from fellow business owners.
The Best Brand Design Firms in San Francisco, CA, and SF Bay Area — November 2025 Ratings:
1. Clay
If you want to work with a branding agency that knows how to make UI and UX design sparkle, look no further than Clay. From its San Francisco, CA base, the business has helped clients that include Slack, Coinbase, and various high-profile startups to grow their brand identities.
The company provides various services, from 3D design to user research to front-end development. Although primarily a UI and UX design company, Clay considers itself a “full-service” digital agency. It can also drive engagement and optimization across diverse mediums, from apps to enterprise software.
2. Interbrand
Interbrand has been around for more than 40 years and has one underlying belief: that brands need to make “iconic moves” to stay relevant. It aims to deliver this to its clients, including big names like Adobe, Microsoft Mesh, and Fujitsu.
The company even runs its branding awards — the Interbrand Best Global Brands — which shows how committed it is to watching the industry develop and staying on the cutting edge.
It operates in various offices across the globe, including New York and London.
3. Wolff Olins
Wolff Olins is a British advertising agency and corporate identity consultancy with a history that dates back to 1965. It has offices in New York City and San Francisco, CA, and a team of more than 100.
Specializing in strategy, design, and transformation, the team has been involved with significant projects for clients like the London 2012 Olympics, Uber, TikTok, and Google TV (to name a few).
The agency serves the following industries: Consumer goods, culture and education, energy, financial services and Fintech, food and drink, health, manufacturing, media and entertainment, mobility, nonprofit, professional services, retail, sports, tech, telecoms, travel and hospitality, and urban spaces.
4. Lippincott
Lippincott is a creative consultancy that offers branding, innovation, design, marketing, experiences (such as designing services or employee experience), and activation (meaning it builds internal communications and systems). It has been around for over 75 years, over which time it worked with big-name clients like Coca-Cola and Starbucks.
With such a rich history, it shouldn’t be surprising that Lippincott operates in most regions worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
It also serves the most significant industries. These include aviation, consumer goods, culture and education, energy, financial services, Fintech, food and drink, healthcare, manufacturing, media, nonprofits, professional services, retail, technology, telecommunications, and travel and hospitality.
5. Landor & Fitch
The product of Walter Landor’s brand consultancy and Rodney Fitech’s experience in retail design, Landor & Fitch was formed to offer a world-class brand transformation company. With the skill set of the two men combined, the company aims to help clients achieve nothing less than extraordinary results. Considering the firm has now won more than 400 awards, it must be doing something right.
Landor & Fintech operates worldwide, with team members in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia — in total, it has offices in 21 countries and 30 different teams. Some of the names on its portfolio include Renault, M&Ms, and KitKat.
Here’s a shortened and streamlined version of the “Agency Focus” section:
Agency Focus: Who They Serve Best
Clay
Specializes in tech, fintech, and crypto, with clients like Coinbase, Slack. They also support early-stage startups.
Interbrand
Takes a sector-agnostic approach, focusing on relevance and adaptability. Their client list spans tech, government, healthcare, and fashion, with an emphasis on strategy over niche.
Wolff Olins
Serves a broad mix of industries, with a strong presence in finance and retail. Clients include McKinsey & Company, Instacart, and TikTok.
Lippincott
A versatile agency with work in retail, media, and nonprofits. Recent projects include NYC Pride, RePlanet, Walmart, and Taco Bell.
Landor & Fitch
Covers multiple sectors with a strong emphasis on retail and sustainability. Notable clients include BP and Nike Kids. Their retail design heritage remains a standout strength.
🧠 FAQ: Finding a Branding Agency in San Francisco
1. What should I look for in a branding agency?
Start with their portfolio — does the work reflect the creativity and clarity you need? Look for industry experience, client results, and a process that fits your timeline and team.
2. How much does hiring a branding agency in San Francisco cost?
Pricing varies widely. Branding packages may start around $10,000–$25,000 for startups or small businesses. For more established companies or those needing full-scale brand strategy and identity systems, costs can range from $50,000 to $250,000+. Always ask for a proposal that aligns with your scope and goals.
3. Are San Francisco branding agencies only for big tech companies?
No. While many SF firms serve major tech clients, many also work with growing startups, nonprofits, and purpose-driven companies. It’s about finding an agency that understands your needs — not just your size.
4. Why are SF branding services more expensive than other cities?
San Francisco’s high cost of living, competitive talent market, and proximity to top-tier clients mean agencies here often charge more. However, the investment often reflects a high standard of creative, strategic, and technical execution.
5. How long does a branding project usually take?
Timelines vary: a basic branding package might take 4–6 weeks, while a full rebrand could take 2–4 months or more. Timelines depend on complexity, feedback rounds, and deliverables.
6. Can I work with a San Francisco agency if I’m not based there?
Absolutely. Most top agencies in SF collaborate remotely with clients across the U.S. and internationally, using virtual tools for workshops, design reviews, and strategy sessions.
7. Do branding agencies also offer web design?
Many do. A number of firms offer full-service packages that include logo design, messaging, visual identity, and website UX/UI — all with consistency in tone and style.
8. What industries do SF branding agencies specialize in?
They often work across tech, finance, health, sustainability, fashion, and consumer goods. Some are generalists, while others focus on niche markets like fintech, retail, or mission-driven brands.
Good Luck with finding the best brand design agency in the SF Bay Area or San Francisco!
