39steps.co.uk

What It Is

39steps is an award-winning branding agency based in Edinburgh, UK. It describes itself as a team of storytellers, designers, and strategists, with more than 21 years of experience. Rather than simply making things look better visually, its positioning is to help business owners and marketing teams rediscover what makes their organization distinctive, then express that value more clearly and confidently to attract better customers and talent.

Core Capabilities

Based on the main copy, 39steps’ core services are centered on brand transformation, including defining core brand messaging, rebranding strategy, visual identity improvement, brand storytelling, marketing consulting, and website and WordPress support. Its team covers roles such as client consulting, creative strategy, brand and digital design, research planning, and web development, suggesting that it is more of a compact full-service brand studio than a single-discipline design outsourcing provider. It specifically mentions working with often-overlooked but important sectors such as accountants, engineers, and funeral services, with an emphasis on communicating complex or misunderstood businesses “more beautifully.”

Pricing and Copyright

The main content does not disclose its pricing model, project starting price, packages, or payment methods, so it is not possible to assess the likely budget threshold. Licensing and copyright terms are also not explained, including ownership of brand assets, source files, website code, fonts, and image licenses. These should all be confirmed contractually before engagement. This is especially important for cross-border clients.

Collaboration and Delivery

39steps is a remote-first team and uses a virtual office address, with no fixed studio available for visits. It emphasizes timely responses, direct communication, and supportive collaboration. Client testimonials indicate that it can handle brand identity projects involving input from more than 80 people, while also providing long-term clients with brand, collateral, and ongoing design support. In terms of export and compatibility, the text only explicitly mentions WordPress support; it does not specify design file formats, brand guideline delivery standards, or compatibility with other systems.

Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For

Its strengths are solid experience, clear positioning, and the ability to connect strategy, research, design, and website support. It is especially suitable for professional services firms, nonprofit organizations, traditional industries, and SMEs that need to rethink and clarify their brand expression. The drawbacks are the lack of transparency around pricing, copyright, resource library scale, and delivery standards. Its remote-first model also means clients who prefer intensive in-person co-creation should evaluate carefully.

Access from China

The main content does not provide information on website accessibility from mainland China, so this is unknown. Payment methods are also not disclosed. Cross-border cooperation may involve GBP quotes, international bank transfers, and communication in English. If localized execution is required, clients may compare it with domestic brand consulting firms, or use international branding agencies such as Pentagram, Landor, and Wolff Olins as alternative references.