Branding is a buzz word today, so everyone wants to drop it like the name of the hottest new rapper out there. While it’s overused and abused, it’s still an instrumental element to companies and people everywhere.
“Good brands are able to set the tone, create the scene, and make us a part of it all.” –Danny Trizio
We’re all brands, you and me, Apple and Google. Living, breathing entities that customers and fans connect with, get to know and enter into relationships with. Sound strange? OK, think about why you buy an iPhone instead of another smartphone or why you choose Google over Bing. It may be a subconscious choice, but it’s not likely random.
Of course, some brands get it more than others. The aforementioned Apple is one of the strongest brands alive today, and this is coming from an Android fan. I came across a blog post by Danny Trizio, marketing campaign manager at Proforma, touching on why Apple ‘gets it,’ so I’ll let him explain.
Along with the tech icon, another brand who forges a deep bond with customers is ABSOLUT. (Full disclosure: I am a customer!) I previously offered a toast to this icon for its fine take on branding.
ABSOLUT UNIQUE
Keep in mind that it’s not only industry leaders who can develop strong brands. While I’m a fan (and heavy user) of Starbucks, I also love our local spot, Angel Falls Coffee Company. It’s located in a neighborhood with a unique flavor that loves to support mom and pop shops. Angel Falls embraces its role as a local favorite, with an eclectic spot that welcomes you in to play some checkers, discuss current events or people watch while enjoying its brew (and a delicious, fresh out of the oven baked good).
So how can I bond with two brands in the same industry? First, as previously noted on this blog, I’m an espresso addict. Second, I patronize both of these companies on different occasions. I love to walk to Angel Falls to enjoy a steaming GingerBeast (relax, it’s only a gingerbread latte) while catching up with a friend or gazing out the front picture window, lost in thought.
Starbucks is a different breed. It’s everywhere, so I can stop in for a mouth-watering soy hazelnut macchiato, breakfast sandwich or old fashioned glazed doughnut whenever I want. The breakfast sandwiches are available all day, so it’s perfectly OK if I want breakfast for dinner or am really slow moving on a lazy Sunday. I can meet business associates or customers there to discuss projects while enjoying the breeze on the patio. One of the main reasons I became a Starbucks fan is the company’s prevalence in airports. I could grab an espresso and Perfect Oatmeal (which fits neatly on top of a lidded Starbucks cup, by the way) en route to my connecting flight at 7am. Haven’t we all been there?!
Now that I’m not traveling so much, I find that I love hitting up my local Starbucks, which makes every effort to fit into the community. Its baristas are some of the happiest people I see all day, the atmosphere is conducive to thinking (which I like to do) and this coffee giant’s reward program is phenomenal. I was pretty excited when I received my gold card in the mail this week. Brightened up my Monday!
Follow my take on my favorite brands on Pinterest
Chime In
So, who are some of your favorite brands? Who ‘gets’ the power of branding?
Did I miss the boat on any brand I referenced above? Who did I miss?
Let your voice be heard!
(Oh, and I’d be remiss not to mention my favorite brand, Clearly Conveyed Communications.)
Apple ad courtesy of Apple, Inc
ABSOLUT UNIQUE photo courtesy of ABSOLUT US
Cheers,
Jaime
clearly conveyed communications 
Reblogged this on SoshiTech.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this post! I appreciate it and hope you’ll be back again.
LikeLike
No Problem! Will do!
LikeLike
Great points on branding by both you and Danny. One of my favorite brands recently is Jet Blue. I don’t fly as often as I used to either, but have a few trips this year. I’ve seen how other airlines are charging for just about everything and I saw an ad from Jet Blue about 1 bag “flying free”. I was immediately interested. In order to get “really good” flights on Jet Blue I have to fly out of JFK in New York. Which means I have to go right past Newark airport and thru Staten Island and onto the Belt Parkway. (basically a traffic and driving nightmare) However, the price and the service was very attractive.
I booked my flight, made the trip to JFK and once I got to the terminal, the Jet Blue “brand” took over. I never looked back. The terminal was clean, cheery, and customer friendly. The flight crew was friendly. Great food options. When I landed in Long Beach and then flew back out of Las Vegas…same deal. It was such a great experience. It was flying the way it was meant to be and quite frankly, “used to be” in the past.
What does a brand really mean? I believe it can have a direct impact on their sales. I am flying to Tampa next month for business. Guess who’s getting my business?
LikeLike
Rich,
Great example of a brand that gets it! I’ve heard so many positive reports about Jet Blue that I may have to fly out of Columbus for my next trip. I completely agree with you that strong brands generate increased sales. Look at how far out of your way you were willing to go to have a great experience instead of settling for the status quo. I’m pretty sure you’re not alone in that regard. Thanks for reading and letting us know about your great experience with Jet Blue.
Cheers,
Jaime
LikeLike