Most businesses don't fail because they're bad at what they do. They fail because they're moving fast in the wrong direction. Without a clear strategy, you're basically driving with a blindfold on - sure, you're moving, but who knows where you'll end up. Strategy removes the blindfold, giving you the clarity and confidence to make better decisions and get where you want to go faster.
Smart moves start with strategy
Get the clarity to make better decisions, the framework to measure what matters and the momentum to keep growing.
Strategy costs less than guesswork
The roadmap to growth
Stop guessing and start knowing. Know who you are, where you're going and how to get there.
Make your marketing work harder
Define your brand, sharpen your message and know exactly what channels to harness for success.
Step up to Next Level growth
Strategy helps you make smarter decisions so you can watch your business rise with every move.
How strategy helps you grow
Gain clarity and narrow focus
What's your version of success? We push you beyond vague aspirations like “more sales” or “better brand awareness” to specific, measurable goals. Because if you don't know where you want to go, you'll probably end up somewhere else. And that place is usually not great. We help define what Next Level growth means to you and help you get there - fast.
Know your audience better than you know yourself
Forget basic demographics - we want the good stuff. What keeps your customers up at night? What do they Google when they should be working? This isn't just market research - it's getting into your customers' psyche. Because when you truly understand your audience, marketing becomes easier and more potent.
Get ready for disruption
Remember when taxis thought they had it made? Then Uber happened… Every industry has its version of Uber - cars hanging in the left lane just waiting to overtake. So it's crucial to keep up with industry trends, spot potential threats and disrupt the industry yourself.
Build a brand that matters
Your branding is more than surface-level visuals. It's the essence of your business. Great branding builds real and lasting relationships with your audience. Your marketing performs better, and your customers start selling for you. Isn't that what we all want?.
Capture every opportunity
Your market is full of opportunities, but do you have the capacity to capture them? Smart strategy helps you overcome your shortfalls and play to your strengths so when an opportunity comes your way, you're ready to snatch it.
How it works Upstairs
Strategy is the framework from which we work. It's how we approach every service we provide. But we also provide strategy as a service in and of itself. This is how it works:
Discovery session
No death by deck here. Our discovery workshop is the kind where everyone gets a share of the microphone (and the snacks – we're big fans of doughnuts!). It's straight talk about what's working, what isn't and what needs to change. Think of it like brand therapy, but way less traumatic, promise!
Research phase
This is where we put on our spectacles and get nerdy. We analyse the market and check where your competitors are smashing it and where they could improve. We get intimate with your audience (not in a creepy way) and find out what they really want, not just what Karen from LinkedIn thinks they want.
Strategy reveal
Here's where all those sticky notes, coffee and doughnut-fueled insights come together into a beautiful deck (and speccy preso) you don’t need an MBA to understand. And the best part? It’s easy to action – because strategy without action is just a fancy PDF.
Smart strategy starts with a conversation. Let's have one.
Common questions about strategy
Got another question?
Real talk from
real businesses
“We were on the lookout for a design agency to assist us with our various projects and stumbled upon Upstairs. They have been an incredible partner, and we couldn't be happier with our choice. Their work is consistently timely, top-notch, and collaborating with them is a breeze!”
Adam Thomson
Marketing Director
“Finding Upstairs was a game changer for us! Their team delivers exceptional work on time, and working with them is always a pleasure!”
Jane Doe
Marketing Director
“Searching for a design agency to support our projects led us to Upstairs, and it was a fantastic decision. They've proven to be an amazing partner, delivering high-quality work on time every time. Working with them is always smooth and enjoyable!”
Peter Fonda
Lead Designer