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What Makes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society By Bradley Ross Belocura w13954662 Course: MIVC Illustration &Visual Communication Module: (2015) MIVC601.Y Dissertaion (Logo designed by Bradley Ross Belocura for a brand called Bay & Cents)
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Dissertation What MAkes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society

Apr 15, 2017

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Page 1: Dissertation What MAkes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society

What Makes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society

By Bradley Ross Belocuraw13954662

Course: MIVC Illustration &Visual CommunicationModule: (2015) MIVC601.Y Dissertaion

(Logo designed by Bradley Ross Belocura for a brand called Bay & Cents)

Page 2: Dissertation What MAkes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society

Contents'page'''

!

Introduction'' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 1'• Brand!promise! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! 1!

• Brand!perceptions! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 1!

• Brand!expectations! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2!

• Brand!persona! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2!

• Brand!elements! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2!

!

Logos' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 3'• Kellogg’s! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 4!

• FedEx! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 5!

• 2012!Olympics!logo! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!7!!!!!!!

• Coca!Cola! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!8!

• Pepsi! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 9!

• Gap!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 10!

• Tropicana! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 12!

!

Brand'comparisons'' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 13'• Apple! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 13!

• Microsoft! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 17!

• Old!Spice!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 20!

• Harley!Davidson!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 21!

• Nike!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 23!

• Adidas!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 25!

!

People'Brands'–'Hip:Hop'Culture' ' ' ' ' ' 26'• Odd!Future! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 27!

• N.!W.!A! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 28!

• Wu!Tang!Clan!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 29!

!

Subculture'Vs.'Status' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 30'• Vans!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 31!

• Louis!Vuitton!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 33!

• The!Black!Diamond!Market!!T!South!Africa!! ! ! ! 34!

!

Service'Brands'–'The'Consumer'Interface' ' ' ' ' 36'• Uber/alibaba/facebook/airbnb!! ! ! ! ! ! 37!

• Google!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 38!

• Twitter! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 39!

!

Conclusion'' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '''''''''''''40' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

Page 3: Dissertation What MAkes a Brand Succeed & Fail in Todays Society

What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 1%

Introduction!

%For%the%topic%of%my%dissertation%I%would%like%to%explore%different%logos%and%brands,%as%well%as%what%makes%brands%succeed%and%fail%in%today’s%society.%I%will%be%exploring%and%comparing%different%brands%together%while%also%analysing%the%methods%they%use%to%keep%their%brands%alive.%I%will%also%be%looking%at%how%brands%involve%themselves%in%different%cultures%and%lifestyles%as%well%as%comparing%them%to%brands%that%rely%on%status%and%wealth%to%attract%people’s%attention.%Finally,%I%will%address%the%way%in%which%brands%use%consumer%interface%apps%to%create%massEmarket%appeal.%%First%of%all,%what%is%a%brand?%The%term%originates%from%the%Old%Norse%word%brandr,%which%means%to%burn.%Farmers%would%often%brand%their%cattle,%Prodding%them%with%a%glowing%hot%iron%rod,%(usually%with%their%initials)%to%show%ownership%and%let%other%farmers%know%not%to%rear%their%cattle.%Since%then%people%have%been%using%branding%to%create%important%cultural%and%social%icons%that%represent%ideas%that%worthy%of%admiration1.%Brands%achieve%their%status%within%society%by%tapping%into%social,%cultural%or%subEcultural%ideals,%fulfilling%specific%criteria,%which%is%relevant%to%that%culture%or%group%of%people.%This%criterion%is%listed%below.%%%The$Brand$Promise:$At%its%core,%a%brand%is%a%promise%to%its%consumers.%The%brand%promise%is%much%more%than%just%tangible%products,%services%or%icons,%which%integrate%well%within%a%social%or%cultural%group.%It%also%includes%the%feelings%that%consumers%get%when%they%use%products%and%services%provided%by%those%brands.%For%example,%if%a%person%is%happy%with%their%experience%with%a%brand%they%will%get%a%feeling%of%satisfaction%and%return%to%use%that%brands%service%or%products.!%The$Brand$Perceptions:$It%is%consumers,%not%companies%that%build%brands.%Ultimately,%it’s%the%way%consumers%perceive%a%brand%that%defines%it.%While%it%is%up%to%the%people/person%who%own%the%brand%to%define%their%brand%identity,%it%is%people%who%define%the%relevance%of%a%brand%and%apply%it%to%their%lifestyle.%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%1%How%Brands%Become%Icons%The%Princples%Of%Cultural%Branding%%By:%Douglas%B.%Holt%%Publisher%Harvard%Business%School%Press%2014%

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Therefore%it%is%the%consumers%of%your%brand%that%judge%its%authenticity.%If%people%don’t%perceive%the%authenticity%of%your%brand%then%they%will%not%incorporate%your%brand%within%their%lifestyle.!!

The$Brand$Expectations:!Based%on%your%brand%promise,%consumers%develop%expectations%for%your%brand.%When%they%pull%their%hardEearned%money%out%of%their%pockets%and%purchase%your%products%or%services,%they%assume%their%expectations%for%your%brand%will%be%met.%If%your%brand%doesn’t%meet%consumer%expectations%in%every%interaction,%consumers%will%become%confused%by%your%brand%and%turn%away%from%it%in%search%of%another%brand%that%does%meet%their%expectations%in%every%interaction.!!

The$Brand$Persona:!Rather%than%asking,%“What%is%a%brand?”%a%better%question%might%be,%“Who%is%a%brand?”%Every%brand%has%a%persona.%Think%of%your%brand%as%a%person.%What%is%that%person%like?%What%can%you%expect%when%you%interact%with%that%person?%From%appearance%to%personality%and%everything%in%between,%your%brand%persona%is%one%that%consumers%will%evaluate%and%judge%before%they%do%business%with%you.%!

The$Brand$Elements:!Your%brand%is%represented%by%the%intangible%elements%described%above%as%well%as%tangible%elements%such%as%your%brand%logo,%messaging,%packaging,%and%so%on.%All%of%these%elements%must%work%together%to%consistently%communicate%your%brand%promise,%shape%brand%perceptions,%meet%brand%expectations,%and%define%your%brand%persona.%If%one%element%is%awry,%your%entire%brand%can%suffer.%%Which%brings%me%to%my%next%topic,%Logos.!

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Logos

%From%the%moment%we%wake%up%in%the%morning%we%are%bombarded%by%logos%from%different%brands.%Take%a%careful%look%around%you%and%you%will%see%a%wide%variety%of%logos%from%different%brands%that%subtly%integrate%their%products%in%to%our%lives.%For%example%you%only%need%to%open%your%phone%and%you%will%be%exposed%to%the%brand%identity%of%the%manufacturer%as%well%as%the%logos%of%all%the%apps%stored%on%your%mobile%device2.%%%%

%%According%to%Dharma%Singh%Khalsa,%M.D%the%average%American%sees%16,000%logos%advertisements%and%labels%in%a%day%3%meaning%that%we%are%literally%surrounded%by%brands%and%we%depend%on%their%products%to%help%improve%or%represent%the%quality%of%our%life%style.%This%is%where%brand%identity%comes%in.%People%will%only%buy%into%products,%which%comes%from%brands%they%trust.%However,%in%todays%society%where%we%are%surrounded%by%numerous%different%types%of%brands,%how%do%they%build%trust%and%customer%loyalty?%%!

!

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%2%Logo%Design%Love,%Annotated%and%Expanded%Edition,%Second%Edition%By:%David%Airey%Publisher:%Peachpit%Press%Pub.%Date:%August%20,%2014%%3%1%Dharma%Singh%Khalsa,%M.D.%with%Cameron%Stauth.%Brain%Longevity:%The%Breakthrough%Medical%Program%That%Improves%Your%Mind%and%Memory.%(New%York:%Grand%Central%Publishing,%1999.)%%

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Kellogg’s!

4%%In%1906%the%cereal%company%Kellogg’s%started%a%marketing%campaigns%which%were%years%ahead%of%their%rivals%by%using%colour%when%everyone%else%was%still%thinking%in%black%and%white,%and%to%make%his%product%stand%out%even%more%all%the%cereal%boxes%said%“Beware%of%Imitations.%None%Genuine%Without%This%Signature’%W.K%Kellogg.”%This%gave%the%impression%that%the%consumer%is%buying%in%to%a%real,%authentic%brand%that%cares%about%its%costumers.%In%return,%this%created%a%sense%of%satisfaction%when%people%consume%their%product.%To%this%day,%Kellogg’s%are%a%very%successful%brand%and%it%is%all%due%to%the%trust%they%have%build%with%each%generation%of%new%consumers.%Since%then,%the%signature%“Kellogg’s”%logo%can%be%identified%by%people%all%over%they%world%as%they%have%built%a%strong%brand%identity%which%has%continued%to%live%up%to%peoples%expectations%to%this%day.%%Logo’s%are%like%the%face%of%a%company.%It%helps%people%immediately%identify%different%brands,%as%well%as%separate%brands%from%their%competitors.%%Ultimately,%a%good%logo%design%can%drastically%improve%your%brand%identity,%but%a%bad%logo%design%can%have%disastrous%effects.%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%4%Logo%Design%Love,%Annotated%and%Expanded%Edition,%Second%Edition%By:%David%Airey%Publisher:%Peachpit%Press%Pub.%Date:%August%20,%2014%%

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%Brands%like%McDonalds,%and%Volks%Wagen%are%all%examples%of%brands%that%have%great%logos,%as%they%are%very%simple%and%easy%to%identify.%It%is%important%to%note%that%while%there%are%brands%that%have%much%more%creative%logos%that%suit%the%purpose%or%product%of%the%brand,%more%than%the%logos%above,%a%logo%which%is%simple,%bold%and%easy%to%identify%will%help%audiences%remember%their%experiences%with%that%company.%That’s%why%the%perceived%value%of%a%service%or%product%is%usually%greater%than%the%actual%one.%The%same%visual%identity%seen%time%and%time%again%builds%trust%towards%those%companies%and%keeps%consumers%coming%back%for%more5.%%FedEx!

There%are%lots%of%things%that%contribute%to%a%good%logo.%%Iconic%Logo%designs%are%Simple%Relevant,%enduring,%distinctive,%memorable%and%adaptable.%%

%%The%FedEx%logo%is%a%good%example%of%all%these%things%and%it%is%all%due%to%the%simplicity%of%the%design.%The%designer%cleverly%creates%an%arrow%between%the%“Ex”%which%reflects%the%identity%of%the%brand%as%a%shipping/delivery%company.%The%best%logos%are%often%the%most%simple%ones%as%simple%logos%are%often%more%likely%to%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%5 Logo$Design$Love,$Annotated$and$Expanded$Edition,$Second$Edition$$$$$By:!David%Airey!Publisher:!Peachpit%Press!Pub.%Date:!August%20,%2014$%

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meet%the%requirements%stated%above.%Simplicity%makes%your%design%easier%to%recognise,%which%in%turn%can%create%a%timeless%enduring%quality,%while%also%making%the%design%more%versatile%allowing%it%to%be%used%on%a%wide%range%of%media%such%as%business%cards,%websites,%or%clothing%opening%up%various%avenues%for%your%brand%to%market%itself%in6.%%%Sometimes,%brands%will%prefer%to%have%more%complicated%logos,%as%this%will%help%them%to%stand%out%from%all%the%other%simple%logos%%

%%These%are%all%examples%of%iconic,%memorable%and%complex%logos.%The%one%thing%that%they%all%have%in%common%is%the%use%of%imagery%combined%with%the%use%of%text%to%help%give%the%image%brand%identity.%%Even%though%the%use%of%imagery%makes%the%logos%more%complicated,%it%also%creates%an%image%that%is%immediately%recognisable,%allowing%people%to%associate%the%image%with%the%brand,%while%still%keeping%the%design%timeless%and%enduring.%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%6%Logo%Design%Love,%Annotated%and%Expanded%Edition,%Second%Edition%%%%%By:%David%Airey%Publisher:%Peachpit%Press%Pub.!Date:%August%20,%2014%

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% 7%

2012!Olympics!Logo!

%Never%change%a%classic.%%

%%%The%original%Olympics%logo%is%supposed%to%represent%unity%between%nations,%competitive%sportsmanship,%and%the%strength%of%humanity%as%a%whole.%These%are%all%very%powerful%themes,%which%are%reflected%in%the%original%logo%through%the%use%of%imagery.%The%linked%circles%are%a%powerful%symbol%of%nations%all%over%the%world%coming%together%and%competing.%The%London%2012%logo%was%supposedly%meant%to%bring%a%sense%of%modernity%into%the%branding%of%their%games.%%However,%when%this%design%was%unveiled%to%the%general%public%it%was%met%with%resounding%disapproval%with%many%taking%their%frustrations%onto%social%media;%saying%the%design%was%childish,%ridiculous,%ugly%and%in%no%way%representative%of%London%or%the%games.%One%of%the%reasons%many%people%disliked%the%new%logo%was%because%it%was%trying%too%hard%to%be%relevant%to%youth%by%referencing%graffiti%and%street%culture.%However,%people%who%knew%nothing%about%that%culture%created%it%and%people%picked%up%on%this%immediately.%The%original%logo%is%already%such%a%powerful%image%and%there%was%no%need%to%completely%redesign%the%logo.%The%main%reason%why%this%redesign%failed%is%because%it%has%no%connection%to%what%the%Olympics%represent.%What%we%can%learn%here%is%that%you%can’t%just%change%a%historic%and%culturally%significant%logo%just%to%fit%the%vision%of%your%brand.%The%designers%should%have%kept%their%design%as%close%to%the%original%as%possible,%instead%of%trying%to%over%shadow%it%with%a%completely%new%look.%%

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Coca!Cola%!

Coca%Cola%is%a%great%example%of%a%classic%and%successful%brand%that%has%hardly%ever%touched%its%Logo.%As%a%result,%they%have%become%a%worldwide%brand%that%has%built%up%a%sense%of%trust%and%authenticity%among%its%consumers,%while%also%becoming%and%iconic%cultural%brand.%%%

%%%imilarly%to%the%way%the%Kellogg’s%brand%has%developed%trust%with%each%new%generation%of%consumers,%CocaECola%has%successfully%managed%to%integrate%its%brand%into%pop%culture,%making%their%brand%a%household%name.%CocaECola%has%a%very%strong%brand%promise%and%applies%“emotional%branding”%techniques%to%ensure%its%consumers%have%an%emotional%attachment%to%their%brand7.%They%first%began%their%rise%to%fame%during%World%War%II,%using%innovative%advertising%and%PR%(Public%relation)%stunts.%They%shipped%CocaECola%bottles%to%troops%on%the%front%lines.%Troops%would%treat%the%scarce%bottles%of%coke%with%religious%zeal,%drinking%it%in%a%ritual%confirmation%of%their%national%pride8.%As%a%result%Coke%became%more%than%a%brand,%it%became%a%cultural%icon%representing%the%American%way%of%life.%%%!

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%7%How%Brands%Become%Icons%The%Principles%Of%Cultural%Branding%%By:%Douglas%B.%Holt%Publisher%Harvard%Business%School%Press%2014%%8%How%Brands%Become%Icons%The%Principles%Of%Cultural%Branding%By:%%Douglas%B.%Holt%Publisher%Harvard%Business%School%Press%2014%%

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Pepsi!

%

%%%On%the%other%hand,%ColaECola’s%rival’s%Pepsi%have%gone%through%numerous%redesigns%of%their%logo.%Their%most%recent%redesign%cost%the%company%$1,000,000%to%create%and%the%general%public%found%it%to%be%quite%lackElustre.%Constant%reEdesigning%of%the%logo%makes%it%hard%for%consumers%to%understand%what%it%is%they%are%buying%into.%While%CocaECola%has%sustained%a%solid%brand%identity%and%persona%for%the%last%50%years,%it%is%hard%to%define%what%Pepsi%is%as%a%brand%and%how%their%brand%fits%into%today’s%culture%and%society.%While%both%companies%produce%similar%products,%the%wealth%behind%CocaECola’s%brand%isn’t%in%the%product%or%service,%it%is%in%the%emotion%that%their%consumers%get%while%drinking%their%refreshing%beverage.%Pepsi%has%a%serious%void%of%identity%making%it%difficult%for%consumers%to%associate%with%their%brand.%The%lesson%to%be%learnt%here%is%that%when%you%redesign%a%brand%changing%the%logo%is%not%enough.%You%also%have%to%redefine%the%vision%of%the%brand%and%ensure%that%consumers%and%investors%can%see%your%brand%in%a%new%light9.%%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%9%Brand&Failures&The&Truth&About&the&100&Biggest&Branding&Mistakes&of&All&Time&&

By&Matt&Haig&2nd&ed.&Publisher&London&:&Kogan&Page&2011&

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Gap!

!In%1969%Doris%and%Don%Fisher%opened%the%first%Gap%store%in%Ocean%Avenue,%SF.%The%reason%was%simple;%Don%couldn’t%find%a%pair%of%jeans%that%fit.%Their%name%was%a%reference%to%the%generation%gap.%They%designed%apparel%that%brought%people%of%all%ages%together.%%In%October%2010,%Gap%made%a%very%drastic%change%to%its%logo,%which%sparked%outrage%among%its%consumers.%%Lets%face%the%facts,%Gap%is%a%company%that%sells%casual%attire%and%has%maintained%a%solid%brand%identity%for%more%than%50%years.%Making%a%change%this%drastic%to%the%logo%was%a%careless%move%as%it%completely%erases%the%history%and%trust%people%have%had%with%this%well%established%brand.%The%problem%with%the%new%logo%is%that%it%looks%completely%different%form%the%old%logo,%which%is%bad%because%the%old%logo%has%a%rich%history,%emotional%value%and%connection%to%its%consumers.%Gap%is%a%brand%that%has%grown%and%matured%along%with%its%consumers.%ReEbranding%the%logo%like%this%could%make%people%feel%out%of%touch%with%the%brand,%damaging%the%brand%identity%and%authenticity%of%their%company.%As%a%result%Gap%was%forced%to%switch%back%to%their%old%logo%less%than%a%week%after%releasing%their%new%logo.%%In%my%opinion%the%problem%with%the%original%logo%wasn’t%that%the%Font%was%out%of%style.%For%me%the%problem%was%that%it%was%very%boring%to%look%at%and%it%doesn’t%stand%out%enough.%%%%%%%

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If%I%were%to%reEdesign%Gap’s%logo%I%would%have%done%something%like%this.%%%

%%%%% %

%%%% %

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%The%first%design%is%a%little%more%adventurous%and%shows%Gap%is%an%evolving%company%while%still%keeping%the%brand%identity%intact%by%retaining%the%original%colour%scheme%and%font.%The%sense%of%depth%the%illusion%creates%could%represent%Gap’s%long%and%deep%history%as%a%wellEestablished%brand%that%is%embracing%change.%However%if%the%company%were%dead%set%on%changing%the%font%and%the%dark%navy%blue%colour,%then%I%would%have%presented%the%second%design%to%them.%I%personally%feel%that%the%font%(Helvetica%Neue)%is%rather%over%used.%Using%this%font%in%a%logo%could%cause%the%brand%to%lose%its%identity%due%to%the%fact%that%it%is%so%common.%However,%the%font%does%make%the%logo%more%legible%and%recognisable.%If%you%combined%this%with%the%square%shaped%gradient%in%the%background%you%have%a%modern%looking%logo%that%is%refreshing%to%look%at,%yet%still%keeps%the%original%brand%identity%intact.%%%Tropicana!

%

%%Another%bad%example%of%a%company%that%tried%and%failed%to%reEinvent%itself%is%Tropicana.%In%January%2009%Pepsi%Co%released%the%new%packaging%to%the%public%in%an%attempt%to%bring%their%classic%look%into%the%21st%century.%Their%general%consumers%were%none%too%pleased%as%had%formed%an%attachment%to%the%previous%design.%Just%like%Gap,%Tropicana%had%made%the%same%mistake%by%underestimating%

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their%consumer’s%attachment%to%the%way%their%product%looks.%As%I%stated%before,%logos%are%like%the%face%of%a%brand;%doing%anything%too%drastic%to%it%will%affect%the%way%your%consumers%interact%with%your%brand,%especially%if%your%brand%is%already%fully%established.%If%you%literally%think%of%a%brand%as%a%person,%that%you%have%known%your%entire%life%and%are%very%close%with,%it%would%be%shocking%to%see%that%person%change%so%drastically%in%such%a%short%period%of%time.%The%main%lesson%to%be%learnt%here%is%that%a%successful%rebranding%involves%reEthinking%your%brands%goals%culture%and%message%not%just%changing%the%look%and%logo%of%your%brand.%%%

Brand!Comparisons!

%Apple!

%That%being%said%there%are%a%variety%of%companies%that%have%successfully%reEbranded%themselves,%one%of%them%being%one%of%the%most%influential%and%famous%brands%in%today’s%society,%Apple.%%

%%This%is%the%Apple%PinPin.%It%was%Apples%first%attempt%at%creating%a%gaming%console%back%in%1995.%As%you%can%see%apple%wasn’t%always%the%powerhouse%of%the%technological%industry%it%was%today.%Their%products%weren’t%always%so%inspired%and%back%in%1995%they%were%struggling%to%find%themselves%and%on%the%verge%of%bankruptcy.%Needless%to%say,%it%was%nowhere%near%as%big%a%hit%as%Apples%current%products,%which%are%sleek%and%innovative%down%from%the%product%to%the%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 14%

packaging%and%the%way%people%perceive%their%brand.%It%wasn’t%until%Steve%jobs%reEjoined%the%company%in%1997%when%they%started%to%heavily%redesign%themselves%into%a%brand%that%is%so%well%integrated%into%every%part%of%our%lives.%%Apple%has%branded%themselves%as%innovators%and%creators%and%that%is%reflected%in%every%product%they%release.%

%Here’s%a%brief%history%on%how%the%apple%logo%has%developed%over%the%years.%As%you%can%see%the%original%logo%was%very%different%than%its%current%predecessors,%featuring%Isaac%Newton%sitting%under%an%apple%tree%accompanied%by%a%quotation%from%Newton%himself.%

%%The%logo%was%designed%by%Ron%Wayne,%one%of%the%coEfounders%of%apple%along%with%Steve%Jobs,%and%Steve%Wozniak.%The%logo%was%only%used%for%the%Apple%I%as%it%was%far%to%detailed%to%be%easily%reproduced%on%computers%and%was%thought%"too%intellectual"%by%Steve%Jobs.%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 15%

%%Ron%Janoff,%a%graphic%designer%at%Regis%McKenna%advertising/%PR%agency,%designed%the%new%logo.%Janoff%presented%several%concepts%including%colour%and%monochrome%as%well%as%metallic%designs,%both%with%and%without%the%bite,%all%in%the%same%basic%shape.%Janoff%added%the%bite%because%the%abstract%shape%risked%being%confused%with%other%fruits,%such%as%cherries.%In%the%end,%Steve%Jobs%selected%the%now%iconic%rainbow%logo%with%a%bite.%The%choice%of%a%colourful%logo%partly%reflected%the%fact%that%the%Apple%II%could%display%colour%images,%which%was%a%rarity%at%the%time.%It%was%also%felt%to%be%more%accessible%than%alternatives.%A%common%rumour%is%that%the%design%is%homage%to%Alan%Turing,%one%of%the%pioneers%of%computing.%Turing%was%gay%but%was%forced%to%undergo%medical%treatments%for%this,%and%eventually%committed%suicide%by%eating%a%poisoned%apple.%Janoff%has%denied%that%this%is%true.%%%

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% 16%

%%The%rainbow%logo%was%replaced%in%1998%with%the%introduction%of%the%first%iMac.%The%iMac%was%a%dramatic%new%design%symbolic%of%Apple's%coming%rebirth%after%many%difficult%years.%Updating%the%logo%made%sense%at%the%time%as%it%reflected%a%highly%visible%break%with%Apple's%troubled%past,%a%constant%reminder%that%the%new%Apple%would%be%different%from%the%old%one.%It's%not%clear%who%designed%it%or%what%the%brief%was,%but%Janoff%agrees%that%the%rainbow%design%was%dated%by%then%and%that%an%update%was%in%order.%%

%Apple’s%latest%products%are%valued%because%they%are%simple,%elegant%and%easy%to%use.%Apple’s%brand%identity%is%very%easy%to%understand%and%they%produce%reliable%and%sleek%looking%products,%which%help%build%consumer%trust%and%relationship.%If%you%think%about%it,%we%rely%on%the%use%technology%to%communicate%and%share%ideas%or%keep%ourselves%updated%in%our%society%now%more%than%ever.%The%fact%that%apple%have%built%successful%products%based%on%the%technology%we%rely%on%so%heavily%only%strengthens%their%brand%identity%and%makes%them%a%very%influential%force%in%the%way%technology%is%developed%and%the%way%we%interact%with%technology%in%today’s%society.%%%

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% 17%

Microsoft!

%Even%though%Apple%has%surged%ahead%in%terms%of%popularity,%they%still%face%fierce%competition%from%their%closest%rivals,%Microsoft.%In%1975%Bill%Gates%and%Paul%Allen%formed%a%partnership%called%Microsoft.%The%started%of%small%but%they%had%a%big%vision%–%a%computer%on%every%desktop%in%every%home.%In%1981%Microsoft%was%able%to%secure%a%deal%with%IBM%where%they%were%commissioned%to%create%IBM’s%first%ever%PC.%This%was%a%bigger%deal%than%it%sounds%as%it%allowed%Microsoft%to%establish%a%common%standard%for%computing%software,%an%operating%system%that%Gates%purchased%from%another%company%and%renamed%MSEDOS10.%In%technological%terms,%experts%tended%to%think%that%it%was%not%the%best%operating%system.%Many%thought%Apple’s%system%was%much%more%user%friendly.%However,%at%the%time%Apple%was%small%fry%compared%to%IBM%and%Apple’s%system%was%only%for%Apple%computers.%So%Microsoft%took%this%opportunity%to%seize%control%of%the%market.%By%licensing%its%software%to%different%companies%it%was%able%to%broaden%its%base%and%establish%and%operating%system%as%an%industry%standard.%During%the%90’s%Microsoft%really%hit%their%stride%when%they%released%Windows%3.0%and%it%became%the%most%widely%used%operating%system%at%the%time.%Then%they%followed%up%with%Windows%95,%which%sold%7%million%copies%within%the%first%5%weeks%and%Windows%98,%which%was%designed%specifically%for%consumers.%From%the%start%Microsoft%didn’t%want%to%lead%the%market,%they%wanted%to%dominate%it.%%When%it%comes%to%buying%a%computer%your%main%choices%are%PC%or%Mac.%With%the%development%of%today’s%computer%technology%the%way%we%use%computers%is%practically%universal.%%So%the%way%consumers%decide%what%computer%they%want%is%based%on%personal%preferences.%This%is%where%the%brand%persona%comes%in.%%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%10%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press&&

%

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% 18%

Who%would%you%rather%hang%out%with?%

%%% %%Ironically,%the%CEO’s%of%these%two%brands%Share%a%similar%persona%to%brands%and%products%they%have%created.%We’ve%already%established%how%apple%is%a%sleek%and%innovative%brand%that%shares%the%characteristics%of%its%leader%charismatic%leader,%Steve%Jobs.%%However%for%many,%the%perception%of%Microsoft%and%Bill%Gates%is%akin%to%that%of%a%James%Bond%Villain11.%I’m%not%saying%that%Bill%Gates%is%a%bad%person%but%he%definitely%doesn’t%have%as%much%charisma%as%Steve%Jobs,%just%as%Microsoft%doesn’t%have%a%strong%brand%persona;%especially%when%compered%to%the%mass%appeal%that%Apple’s%brand%has.%%So%how%does%Microsoft%compete%against%this?%Well%as%mentioned%before%Microsoft%dominates%the%software%market%to%a%point%where%the%weaknesses%of%their%brand%don’t%deter%people%from%buying%their%products.%The%decision%to%use%a%Microsoft%product%is%not%a%carefully%considered%decision;%in%fact%it’s%not%a%decision%at%all.%Microsoft%has%dominated%the%market%by%becoming%the%market12.%Who%needs%popularity%when%your%consumers%use%your%brand%without%even%thinking%about%it?%The%company%that%sells%untouchable%products%has%therefore%become%the%ultimate%untouchable%brand.%Even%I%must%admit%that%I%grew%up%using%a%PC%and%all%my%friends%have%PC’s.%Even%though%the%operating%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%11%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press&&

&

12%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press%

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% 19%

system%on%a%Mac%is%so%much%better,%if%given%a%choice,%I%would%always%buy%the%PC%because%it’s%a%very%familiar%product.%Microsoft%has%established%a%brand%that%nurtures%the%community.%%Even%though%apple%is%superior%as%a%brand%overall,%they%have%not%been%able%to%break%the%trend%that%Microsoft%has%developed;%using%an%operating%system%as%a%standard%to%which%people%have%become%accustomed%to.%While%apple%might%have%the%superior%brand,%Microsoft’s%products%have%become%a%much%more%important%part%of%our%society.%Still%don’t%believe%me%check%out%the%link%to%this%article:%%

%%

While%the%article%suggests%that%Apple%consumers%have%a%higher%satisfaction%than%Microsoft%users,%if%you%scroll%down%to%the%comments%you%will%see%that%the%majority%of%people%prefer%Microsoft’s%products%because%they%cheap%reliable%and%their%software%is%compatible%with%the%majority%of%available%hardware.%Apple’s%products%are%perceived%to%be%inferior%by%tech%savvy%PC%users%because%their%products%don’t%have%the%versatility%and%customizability%of%a%Microsoft%PC.%Moreover%apples%products%are%ridiculously%overpriced.%Here’s%a%site%that%shows%the%price%of%a%top%of%the%line%MacBook%Pro%and%here’s%the%pricing%of%a%PC%laptop%with%similar%specs%from%the%same%website.%As%you%can%see%the%PC%is%nearly%60%%cheaper%than%the%mac%making%their%products%more%cost%friendly%and%accessible%to%the%community.%So%overall,%both%brands%have%their%strengths%and%weakness.%Whether%you’re%a%fan%of%Apple%or%Microsoft%both%brands%have%made%an%undeniable%impact%on%our%society.%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 20%

Old!Spice%%Another%brand%that%have%successfully%reEbranded%themselves%is%Old%Spice.%%Lets%face%it,%this%company%has%been%around%since%the%1930’s%but%you%probably%would%never%have%heard%of%them%before%2006.%The%main%reason%why%the%have%sky%rocketed%in%popularity%is%because%of%a%very%clever%advertising%campaign%shown%here%and%here%%%

%%

%%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 21%

The%problem%with%Old%Spice%before%they%rebranded%was%that%young%people%perceived%them%as%a%brand%that%their%grandfather%would%use.%So%the%problem%their%brand%was%facing%was%they%were%falling%out%of%touch%with%the%younger%consumers.%Old%spice%decided%to%embrace%the%fact%that%their%target%market%is%for%more%mature%manly%men%but%they%also%decided%to%use%more%technologically%savvy%ways%to%market%themselves%to%young%people%as%well%(as%you%can%see%in%the%links%above).%The%general%public%reacted%well%to%the%adverts%as%they%were%entertaining%and%engaging.%These%adverts%successfully%create%myths13%about%their%brand%by%utilizing%manly%men%like%actor%Terry%Cruz%or%American%Football%player%Isaiah%Mustafa;%to%make%people%think%that%only%manly%men%can%exercise%the%right%to%use%this%brands%products.%Old%spice%didn’t%successfully%reEdeign%their%brand%by%changing%the%logo.%Instead%they%changed%the%experience%their%product%gives.%This%combined%with%a%clever%advertising%campaigned%and%smart%use%of%social%media%provided%a%fresh%identity%for%a%brand%that%is%close%to%90%years%old.%%Harley!Davidson!

%

%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%13%How%Brands%Become%Icons%The%Princples%Of%Cultural%Branding%%By:%Douglas%B.%Holt%%Publisher%Harvard%Business%School%Press%2014%%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 22%

The%appeal%of%Harley%Davidson%is%essentially%masculine.%This%brand%has%successfully%utilized%emotional%branding%to%create%a%biker%myth%–%the%freedom%of%the%open%road%and%all%its%macho%connotations,%a%feeling%that%is%created%when%their%consumers%ride%Harley%Davidson%motorcycles.%As%a%result,%they%have%built%up%an%extremely%loyal%fan%base%that%loves%the%brand,%even%though%their%motorcycles%are%technologically%inferior%to%their%closest%competitors.%It%is%the%feeling%of%power%that%Harley%owners%crave%about%their%bikes.%In%the%year%2009,%Harley%Davidson%began%to%expand%their%brand%and%started%selling%a%wider%variety%of%merchandise%such%as%tEshirts,%socks,%cigarette%lighters,%and%ornaments;%which%was%fine%at%first%but%when%they%released%a%perfume%product%they%crossed%the%line.%Harley%Davidson%became%a%victim%of%brand%overextensionE%when%a%brand’s%identity%does%not%cause%an%emotional%response,%which%in%turn%which%develops%into%a%desire%to%make%a%purchase14.%You%can%see%how%this%would%be%a%problem%for%a%brand%that%utilizes%emotional%branding%to%convince%people%to%buy%their%products.%The%lesson%to%be%learned%here%is%that%you%should%focus%on%your%brand%values.%If%your%values%are%strong,%masculine%and%very%rugged,%you%shouldn’t%be%selling%a%product%that%doesn’t%reflect%those%values.%Another%mistake%Harley%Davidson%made%was%testing%the%loyalty%of%their%core%consumers%by%stretching%the%brand%into%other%product%categories.%This%dangerous%strategy%can%lead%to%what%marketing%experts%refer%to%as%“brand%dilution”%–%in%other%words%a%watered%down%brand.15%%%However,%When%it%comes%to%creating%a%successful%brand%you%need%to%have%more%than%just%a%good%logo%and%an%interesting%advertising%campaign.%Good%brands%will%find%a%way%to%connect%with%their%audience%as%a%whole.%Good%brands%will%try%to%tell%their%story%to%the%consumers%as%well%as%involve%themselves%in%the%consumer’s%life/culture,%not%force%the%consumer%to%be%involved%in%their%product%or%service16.%%%!%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%14%Brand%Failures%The%Truth%About%the%100%Biggest%Branding%Mistakes%of%All%Time%%By%Matt%Haig%2nd%ed.%Publisher%London%:%Kogan%Page%2011%%15%Brand&Failures&The&Truth&About&the&100&Biggest&Branding&Mistakes&of&All&Time&&

By&Matt&Haig&2nd&ed.&Publisher&London&:&Kogan&Page&2011&

%16%The%stuff%you%can't%bottle:%advertising%for%the%global%youth%market%King%Adz%1969ELondon:%Thames%&%Hudson%2013%%%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 23%

Nike%

%Nike%was%one%of%the%few%companies%that%were%able%to%build%a%successful%advertising%campaign%using%only%the%image%of%a%tick,%and%not%relying%on%the%name%of%the%company%in%their%logo.%As%a%result%Nike%have%become%one%of%the%most%recognisable%brands%in%the%world.%This%is%because%images%are%able%to%bypass%the%language%barrier.%The%Nike%tick%is%a%symbol%of%all%the%things%this%brand%represents.%Its%sharp%features%imply%a%sense%of%movement%solidifying%its%identity%as%a%iconic%sports%brand.%The%clever%use%of%this%iconic%image%meant%that%people%could%relate%to%this%brand%on%a%global%scale,%whereas%brands%like%FedEx%might%struggle%to%relate%to%people%who%are%not%from%English%speaking%countries%as%their%brand%identity%may%not%translate%well%into%their%language%or%culture.%%%Nike%is%so%much%more%than%a%tick%slapped%onto%a%trainer%to%make%it%look%cool.%Nike%made%it%to%the%top%by%being%aggressive%innovators.%When%Scott%Bedbury%joined%Nike%in%1987,%his%aim%was%to%help%Nike%become%a%more%inclusive%brand,%and%look%beyond%the%core%market%of%young%fit%men17.%The%“Just%Do%It”%slogan%was%a%watershed%that%established%a%broad%communication%platform.%They%could%then%use%this%as%a%tool%to%talk%to%just%about%anyone.%Their%“just%do%it”%slogan%is%not%only%reflected%in%their%brand%identity%but%through%the%way%they%rose%to%the%top.%They%began%to%market%themselves%in%the%same%way%car%companies%marketed%themselves%creating%branded%models%like%the%Pegasus%(1988)%the%Air%Max%(1987)%and%what%has%to%be%the%most%successfully%and%expensive%celebrity%endorsement%of%all%time,%the%Nike%Air%Jordan.%It%was%these%subEbrands%that%allowed%Nike%to%reach%out%to%a%wider%audience.%Nike%built%upon%this%by%securing%further%endorsements%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%17%Brand%Royalty%:%How%The%world’s%Top%100%brands%Thrive%&%Survive%%By%Matt%Haig%Publisher:%Boston,%Mass.%:%Harvard%Business%School%Press%%%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 24%

from%other%sports%icon%like%Tiger%Woods%and%Cristiano%Ronaldo.%Using%sports%icons%that%are%already%massive%brands%helped%Nike%grow%their%fan%base%and%tap%into%the%lifestyles%and%interests%of%a%wider%variety%of%people.%%

%%Here’s%a%video,%which%quickly%shows%the%history%of%one%of%Nikes%most%successful%subEbrands%the%Air%Max.%https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inbvsQ2Q3A0%%Nike%had%used%Air%cushioning%since%the%70’s%but%it%was%designer%Tinker%Hatfield’s%window%to%the%sole%that%revealed%the%visionary%technology%to%the%world.%The%design%was%inspired%by%the%Pompidou%Centre%in%Paris%a%building%whose%insideEout%architecture%puts%its%mechanics%in%plain%sight.%%Since%then%the%influence%and%inspiration%for%Nikes%products%have%come%from%a%variety%of%unexpected%things.%For%example,%the%Air%Max%95%was%inspired%human%anatomy,%and%the%Air%Max%97%was%inspired%by%the%bullet%train.%A%plastic%milk%jug%unexpectedly%inspired%the%design%of%the%Air%Max%93.18%However%it%was%the%Air%Max%360%that%saw%the%realization%of%a%goal%nearly%20%years%inn%the%making:%a%fully%foamless%shoe.%The%landmark%achievement%of%completely%running%on%air%was%celebrated%with%a%colour%way%that%paid%homage%to%the%Air%Max%1.%With%the%creativity%and%aggressiveness%of%this%brands%products%combined%with%the%solidarity%and%mass%appeal%of%its%brand%elements,%Nike%has%successfully%been%able%to%become%an%initiator%of%trends,%rather%than%a%follower.%%!%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%18%http://www.nike.com/gb/en_gb/c/sportswear/airmax%

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% 25%

Adidas%%

%%

Sportswear%is%as%tribal%as%sports%itself.%Therefore%it%will%never%be%a%oneEbrand%market.%Nike’s%main%rivals%Adidas,%focused%mainly%on%targeting%athletes%not%the%masses%of%fans%that%support%them,%securing%their%identity%as%a%performance%brand.%%The%founder%of%Adidas%Adolf%“Adi”%Dassler,%started%out%by%making%slippers%out%of%military%bags%for%his%family%who%resided%in%Germany,%which%was%recently%ravaged%by%World%War%I%19.%His%real%Passion%was%sports%so%he%contacted%various%different%doctors,%trainers%and%coaches%as%well%as%drawing%from%his%own%input%and%athletic%experience%in%order%to%create%a%well%researched%product.%His%aim%was%to%create%a%shoe,%which%optimised%performance%for%each%different%activityE%such%as%running%tennis%or%football.%%This%well%research%approach%earned%him%much%respect%among%athletes%and%fans%alike.%Adidas%built%their%reputation%as%a%brand%that%you%could%trust%by%Utilizing%what%they%had%learned%and%using%this%knowledge%as%the%foundation%to%create%a%well%rounded%and%reliable%product%that%could%be%worn%and%appreciated%by%everyone.%However,%being%well%informed%isn’t%the%only%reason%why%Adidas%is%such%a%successful%brand.%Adidas%have%successfully%branded%themselves%as%innovators%by%using%their%research%to%create%products%that%cater%to%each%sport%respectively.%Studs%for%soccer%boot;%spikes%for%running%shoes;%nylon%soles:%these%are%just%3%of%the%inventions%that%help%build%the%Adidas%brand20.%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%19%Brand%Royalty%:%How%The%world’s%Top%100%brands%Thrive%&%Survive%%%%%%%By%Matt%Haig%Publisher:%Boston,%Mass.%:%Harvard%Business%School%Press%%%20%How%Brands%Become%Icons%The%Princples%Of%Cultural%Branding%%By:%Douglas%B.%Holt%%Publisher%Harvard%Business%School%Press%2014%

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What%Makes%a%Brand%Succeed%&%Fail%in%Today’s%Society!% %%

% 26%

Furthermore,%as%an%athlete%himself,%Dassler%never%neglected%the%performance%of%his%products.%He%always%looked%for%new%ways%to%improve%athletic%standards%through%the%use%of%Adidas%equipment.%Unlike%other%brands%Adidas%keeps%its%history%alive%through%its%Sports%Heritage%Division.%Far%from%making%the%brand%seem%stuffy%and%outEdated,%its%“old%school”%ranges%are%considered%the%most%fashionable%among%the%hipEhop%community.%Key%influences%such%as%Run%DMC%and%Missy%Elliott,%as%well%as%sports%star%David%Beckham%have%helped%give%the%brand%street%and%sports%credibility21.%%%When%it%came%to%competing%with%their%rivals%Nike,%this%brand%has%been%able%to%retain%its%credibility%by%being%proud%of%its%past%and%confident%of%its%future,%as%well%as%staying%innovative.%Even%though%it%may%now%be%partially%overshadowed%by%Nike,%one%could%argue%that%Adidas%actually%benefits%from%its%second%place%status.%Branding%like%sport%appeals%to%our%tribal%instinct22.%%Nike%and%Adidas%are%two%tribes%that%may%hate%each%other%but%need%each%other%to%survive,%just%as%a%football%or%basketball%team%needs%someone%to%play%against.%The%aggressive%competition%between%these%two%brands%has%ultimately%made%them%both%stronger.%%%

People!Brands!–!HipQHop!Culture!

%Companies%aren’t%the%only%people%who%use%branding.%Individuals%can%be%brands%as%well.%Considering%how%much%information%you%can%find%out%about%one%person%on%social%media%you%can%safely%say%that%the%way%we%represent%ourselves%on%social%media%platforms%is%similar%to%the%way%brands%represent%themselves%to%their%consumers.%Actors,%Musicians%and%artists%must%all%find%a%way%to%successfully%brand%themselves%otherwise%their%work%will%go%unnoticed.%%Social%media%platforms%work%well%for%both%people%and%brands%alike.%In%order%to%have%a%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%21%Brand%Royalty%:%How%The%world’s%Top%100%brands%Thrive%&%Survive%%%%%%%By%Matt%Haig%Publisher:%Boston,%Mass.%:%Harvard%Business%School%Press%%%22%Brand%Royalty%:%How%The%world’s%Top%100%brands%Thrive%&%Survive%%%%%%%By%Matt%Haig%Publisher:%Boston,%Mass.%:%Harvard%Business%School%Press%%%

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% 27%

successful%connection%with%your%consumers%you%have%to%create%a%platform%from%which%they%can%use%to%connect%with%you.%%%Odd!Future!

!

%%Odd%Future%Wolf%Gang%Kill%Them%All%(OFWGKTA%or%just%Odd%Future)%is%a%group%of%musicians%and%skaters%who%have%effectively%created%their%own%visual%identity,%language,%and%music%genre%that%is%very%hard%to%define.%%Together%they%create%a%unique%vibe,%which%is%missing%from%the%music%industry.%As%a%result%this%attracts%people%who%are%curious%and%looking%for%something%different%that%is%outside%of%the%normal%mainstream%culture.%This%has%allowed%them%to%blow%up%on%social%media,%and%become%a%driving%force%in%the%music%industry.%%Although%their%music%and%persona%maybe%for%those%with%acquired%tastes,%it%is%exactly%that%type%of%charisma%that%makes%them%stand%out.%As%a%result%people%can’t%help%but%wait%to%see%what%they%produce%next.%Odd%Future%is%a%group%that%has%successfully%taken%ownership%of%their%music%by%combining%the%sound%of%HipEHop%with%their%own%brand%of%strange%charisma.%This%gives%their%group%a%strange%but%authentic%and%unique%vibe.%Authenticity%is%a%very%important%factor%for%hipEhop%artists%in%particular%because%rap%music%was%originally%used%as%a%powerful%voice%that%reflected%the%subculture%and%society%of%lower%class%people%in%western%society.%When%rappers%refer%to%being%“real”%they%are%referring%to%authenticity.%If%you%or%your%music%isn’t%“real”%then%hipEhop%fans%won’t%appreciate%your%sound.%%

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% 28%

N.!W.!A%

%%N.W.A%(Niggaz%Wit%Attitudes)%was%an%American%hipEhop%group%that%originates%from%Compton%California.%It%was%one%of%the%earliest%and%most%significant%popularisers%of%West%Coast%gangsta%rap.%Their%music%was%incredibly%controversial.%Their%lyrics%contained%material%that%was%disrespectful%towards%women%as%well%as%glorifying%the%use%of%drugs%and%crime.%The%group%was%also%notorious%for%its%hatred%of%the%police.%Their%debut%album%Straight%Outta%Compton%was%released%in%1988.%It%reflected%the%rising%anger%of%urban%youth.%This%was%a%time%when%police%brutality%and%racial%profiling%were%serious%social%issues.%Their%music%was%like%a%rallying%cry%to%all%the%urban%youth%who%felt%like%they%were%being%subjugated%by%the%police%and%high%society.%%Although%their%music%was%controversial%it%seemed%to%reflect%powerful%views%of%society%at%the%time.%Their%music%offered%an%insiders%perspective%of%violence%and%brutality%of%the%gang%ridden%streets%in%South%Central%L.A.%The%reason%why%this%group%saw%so%much%success%is%not%only%because%of%the%controversial%issues%contained%in%the%lyrics%of%their%music.%This%group%were%the%only%ones%brave%enough%to%stand%up%for%the%urban%youth%and%their%communities.%Their%explicit%lyrics%not%only%reflected%the%chaotic%nature%of%their%neighbourhood,%but%also%an%authentic%and%real%subculture%that%was%created%as%a%result%of%discrimination%and%injustice.%The%music%they%created%brought%the%hipEhop%community%together%through%the%use%of%lyrics%that%represented%strong%views%on%society%and%a%sound%that%reflected%hipEhop%culture.%%%

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% 29%

Wu!Tang!Clan!%

%In%hipEhop%culture%and%communities%there%are%2%places%where%its%influence%is%the%strongest,%California%L.A%(the%West%Coast)%and%New%York%Brooklyn%(the%East%Coast).%In%1992%the%N.W.A%group%had%split%up%and%in%1993%the%WuETang%clan%emerged.%Taking%their%name%from%a%powerful,%mythical%Kung%Fu%sword%wielded%by%an%invincible%congregation%of%warriors%the%crew%is%a%loose%collective%of%nine%MC’s.%They%proved%to%be%one%of%the%most%revolutionary%rap%music%groups%in%the%mid%90’s%taking%the%crown%of%hipEhop%supremacy%back%to%the%East%Coast.%They%turned%the%concept%of%a%standard%hipEhop%crew%inside%out.%Instead%of%releasing%album%after%album%their%plan%was%to%establish%WuEtang%as%a%force%with%their%debut%album,%then%spin%of%into%as%many%side%projects%as%possible.%In%the%process,%the%members%would%all%become%individual%stars%as%well%as%receive%individual%royalty%checks.%As%a%result%the%group%was%able%to%diversify%their%music%without%compromising%the%identity%of%their%brand.%It%allowed%them%to%tap%into%different%subgenres%of%hipEhop%music%like%Horrorcore%and%Hyphy;%as%well%as%sample%different%sounds%from%Kung%Fu%movies,%adding%a%mainstream%element%to%an%underground%sound.%Instead%of%creating%a%musical%sound%that%was%relevant%to%people’s%lives%like%the%N.W.A,%the%WuETang%clan%was%able%to%create%their%own%unique%sound%and%carve%out%their%own%place%within%hipEhop%culture.%In%a%similar%fashion%to%the%way%Odd%Future%use%their%strange%brand%of%charisma%to%attract%people%who%are%looking%for%an%alternative%hipEhop%sound;%the%WuETang%clan%play%on%the%strengths%of%the%individuals%who%make%the%group,%in%order%to%create%a%truly%unique%combination%of%sounds%mixed%into%one%brand%identity.%%

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!Subculture!Vs.!Status!!

%To%really%create%a%successful%advertising%campaign%that%connects%your%brand%to%your%target%audience,%you%must%first%understand%who%your%consumers%are.%Your%brand%has%to%delve%deep%into%the%world%of%your%target%audience%and%contribute%something%substantial%to%their%lives.%Simply%scratching%the%surface%is%not%enough.%People%can%see%through%the%“fakeness”%of%brands%especially%when%your%trying%to%sell%them%something%that’s%not%authentic.%%The%last%thing%you%want%is%to%end%up%like%the%guys%who%designed%the%2012%Olympics%logo.%So,%in%order%for%brands%to%connect%with%people,%they%must%first%tap%into%a%subculture%that%is%closely%related%to%the%people%they%want%to%market%to.%%%Product%+%personality%=%brand%%Brands%who%want%to%build%a%relationship%with%people%have%to%first%listen%and%find%out%what%the%people%want.%The%way%you%advertise%your%product%creates%the%personality%of%your%brand,%and%this%can%be%adapted%to%target%specific%age%groups%or%cultures/subcultures.%Brands%will%often%slowly%edge%their%brand%identity%into%a%wellEknown%subculture%so%the%masses%will%associate%their%brand%with%a%specific%style%or%group%of%people.%Well%that’s%how%branding%works%in%the%youth%market.%When%a%brand%advertises%to%a%more%mature%audience%they%have%to%tap%into%lifestyle%and%status%instead%of%subculture.%Several%different%Brands%Like%Louis%Vuitton%and%Gucci%focus%on%creating%a%brand%and%product%that%is%designed%to%emulate%status%and%wealth,%But%more%on%this%later.%%%Culture%and%consumption%have%become%tangled.%Culture%is%there%to%be%contributed%to%and%participated%in,%not%consumed.%A%brand%with%a%vision%can%enable%the%consumer%to%become%the%contributor.%It%is%the%duty%of%the%advertiser%to%inspire%sustainability%and%preservation%of%culture,%not%just%focus%on%selling%a%product%or%service.%%%%%

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% 31%

Vans!

%

%%Vans%are%one%of%the%few%brands%that%sell%a%product%with%an%authentic%feel%to%them.%Although%they%market%themselves%as%a%skater%apparel%brand%and%involve%their%brand%within%the%skating%culture,%their%product%is%able%to%create%a%“fuck%me”%moment%with%millions%of%people%and%skaters%alike.%(According%to%the%book%The%Stuff%You%Cant%Bottle%:%Global%Advertising%for%the%Youth%Market%%E%a%fuck%me%moment%is%when%you%spot%something%and%the%world%stands%still%and%you%think%“fuck%me%,%I%gotta%get%some%of%that%“23)%The%two%things%that%have%made%Vans%into%the%successful%brand%it%is%today%are%Authenticity%and%Originality.%Somehow%they%have%managed%to%create%a%product%that%has%a%strong%cultural%link%to%skating%but%it%is%not%exclusive%to%skaters.%The%authenticity%of%Vans%as%a%brand%and%product%are%timeless%and%in%return%this%creates%life%long%consumers%and%a%loyal%fan%base.%%The%reason%why%people%love%vans%is%because%their%brand%has%a%lot%of%substance.%Their%clothing%was%made%famous%by%being%closely%related%to%a%popular%subculture.%As%a%result,%their%brand%expresses%individuality%way%better%than%any%other%brand.%%As%I%mentioned%before,%Vans%rely%on%authenticity%and%originality.%This%is%what%separates%the%youth%from%their%money24.%When%people%buy%into%this%brand%they%are%not%buying%a%cool%pair%of%shoes%or%a%new%tEshirt.%They%are%buying%into%the%entire%skating%subculture.%%%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%23%The%stuff%you%can't%bottle:%advertising%for%the%global%youth%market%King%Adz%1969ELondon:%Thames%&%Hudson%2013% %24%The%stuff%you%can't%bottle:%advertising%for%the%global%youth%market%King%Adz%1969ELondon:%Thames%&%Hudson%2013%%

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% 32%

%%Vans%E%Est.%1966%|%Chapter%1E%https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA0uEHE8Hik%Vans%E%Est.%1966%|%Chapter%2E%https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwtEAJpbZU%Vans%E%Est.%1966%|%Chapter%3E%https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEEeJ7Gkltg%Vans%E%Est.%1966%|%Chapter%4E%https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHTdcy9KFas%%The%links%above%show%how%Vans%progressed%as%a%brand%since%their%establishment%in%1966%and%also%shows%how%they%formed%a%close%relationship%to%the%skating%community.%%To%summarise,%Vans%started%of%as%a%small%shoe%store%in%California%during%a%time%when%skating%was%less%popular%and%everyone%was%more%into%surfboarding.%This%meant%that%the%skating%community%was%very%small%and%closely%tied%to%each%other.%Vans%developed%a%relationship%with%skaters%that%started%wearing%vans%shoes%because%their%grip%on%the%skateboard%was%amazing.%They%then%developed%a%shoe%with%a%vulcanized%sole%that%was%light,%flexible%and%durable.%It%was%the%best%skating%shoe%at%the%time.%As%a%result%Vans%became%a%brand%that%was%synonymous%with%skating%culture.%The%term%Vans%“Off%the%wall”%came%as%a%realization%that%their%brand%had%become%a%deeply%ingrained%part%of%skating%culture.%All%the%veteran%skaters%wore%Vans.%All%the%amateur%skaters%wanted%a%pair%of%Vans,%because%once%you%had%a%pair,%you%were%officially%a%skater.%Vans%then%began%listening%to%their%consumers%even%allowing%some%of%them%to%create%their%own%shoes,%based%on%what%skaters%wanted.%For%example%the%Vans%Half%Cab%were%created%and%named%after%skater%legend%Steve%Caballero.%The%value%of%Vans’%brand%doesn’t%come%from%their%products.%It%is%a%legacy%that%is%passed%down%from%generation%to%generation.%Wearing%a%pair%of%Vans%shoes%allows%you%to%become%a%part%of%the%history%of%skating.%It’s%this%level%of%authenticity%that%makes%Vans%incomparable%to%any%other%brand25.%!

!

!

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King&Adz&1969OLondon:&Thames&&&Hudson&2013&

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Louis!Vuitton!

%%

Louise%Vuitton%is%the%ultimate%status%brand.%It%manages%to%combine%mass%production%with%a%highly%aspirational%image.%It’s%one%of%the%world’s%largest%luxury%labels%with%over%300%exclusive%shops%in%50%Countries26.%Louis%Vuitton%was%a%carpenter’s%son%and%he%founded%the%company%in%1854.%Louis%made%his%brand%famous%by%creating%luggage%bags%and%accessories%associated%with%travel27.%During%this%time%period%only%the%wealthiest%members%of%society%could%afford%to%go%on%holiday.%Travel%is%the%ultimate%association%for%any%luxury%brand%as%it%symbolizes%wealth,%status%and%freedom.%However,%Louis%Vuitton’s%real%secret%is%control.%The%brand%does%everything%itself,%from%design%to%distribution.%This%not%only%means%ensured%quality%but%also%high%operational%margins%of%around%45%,%far%higher%than%its%closest%competitors%like%Gucci%or%Prada28.%This%control%has%enabled%Louis%Vuitton%to%pull%of%the%ultimate%high%wire%act.%It%has%managed%to%blend%prestige%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%26%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press&&

%27%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press&&

%28%Brand&Royalty&:&How&The&world’s&Top&100&brands&Thrive&&&Survive&&By&Matt&Haig&Publisher:&Boston,&Mass.&:&Harvard&Business&School&Press&&

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% 34%

with%populism,%retaining%the%connotations%of%a%luxury%brand%with%a%mass%marketing%mentality.%The%luxury%signified%by%the%Louis%Vuitton%logo%has%become%all%that%matters.%It%has%become%a%social%signifier,%commanding%our%attention%simply%because%we%know%it%commands%other%people’s%attention.%%%The%main%difference%between%brands%that%rely%on%subculture%and%brands%that%are%a%symbol%of%wealth%and%status%is%substance.%Brands%like%Vans%have%become%synonymous%with%skating%culture.%Donning%their%apparel%has%become%a%gateway%into%that%culture.%Brands%Like%Louis%Vuitton%have%become%a%symbol%of%wealth.%When%people%wear%Louis%Vuitton%they%are%also%trying%to%symbolise%their%wealthy%lifestyle.%So%the%main%difference%between%the%two%is%how%they%integrate%within%society%and%how%they%make%the%individual%feel.%Brands%like%Louis%Vuitton,%Gucci%and%Prada%all%focus%on%empowering%the%individual,%allowing%them%to%feel%like%they%have%the%status%and%wealth%that%these%brands%symbolize.%However%those%brands%lack%substance.%In%realty%their%products%only%create%the%feeling%of%wealth%due%to%the%quality,%cost%and%exclusiveness%of%their%products.%This%doesn’t%make%them%a%bad%brand;%it%means%that%their%brand%has%no%cultural%impact%because%they%focus%on%emphasising%a%person’s%social%status.%It%is%a%brand%that%exists%to%be%consumed.%Brands%like%Vans,%Nike%&%Adidas%empower%groups%of%people%by%tapping%into%the%street%culture,%turning%their%brand%into%a%community.%This%gives%these%brands%an%authentic%cultural%value.%So%while%brands%like%Louis%Vuitton%may%represent%wealth%and%social%status,%brands%like%Vans%represent%a%cultural%wealth,%which%in%turn%encourages%growth%within%their%associated%subcultures.%%%The!Black!Diamond!Market!Q!South!Africa!

!

The%“Black%Diamond”%is%term%coined%for%one%of%the%most%powerful%emerging%youth%demographics%in%South%Africa29.%Since%the%end%of%apartheid%local%and%global%markets%have%been%scrambling%to%sew%up%the%market%and%capture%the%money%of%this%new%demographic.%In%the%beginning%agencies%tried%to%sell%an%aspirational%

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white%lifestyle%to%the%newly%empowered%South%Africans%but%this%was%an%extraordinary%failure.%The%problem%was%the%people%making%the%creative%decisions%were%white,%and%their%market%was%black.%They%had%no%idea%how%to%authentically%tap%into%their%culture%and%create%a%brand%specifically%designed%for%young,%black,%middle%class%South%Africans30.%It%was%important%for%them%to%recognise%the%youth%for%what%they%were,%not%what%they%were%perceived%to%be:%black,%young,%South%African%and%proud.%This%new%market%had%a%voracious%appetite%for%western%brands%yet%they%retain%their%cultural%identity%and%many%of%the%values%and%behaviours%that%go%with%this.%As%a%result,%agencies%were%unsuccessful%in%their%attempts%to%westernise%this%demographic.%Clichéd%assumptions%that%the%black%youth%all%like%American%rap%culture%don’t%work.%If%a%brand%were%to%successfully%tap%into%the%black%diamond%market%they%would%first%have%to%study%the%culture%and%heritage%of%South%Africa,%then%create%a%product%that%resonates%within%their%society.%One%great%example%of%how%this%market%needs%to%be%researched%and%taken%seriously%is%the%story%behind%Levi’s%EVA%jeans.%South%African%Agency%Instant%Grass%was%employed%by%Levi’s%to%see%why%their%brand%wasn’t%selling%well%among%black%South%African%girls.%Using%a%network%of%youth%informers%they%discovered%that%the%local%girls%were%not%buying%Levi’s%jeans%because%they%didn’t%fit%their%“bigger%asses”31.%They%helped%Levi’s%understand%that%African%girls%are%proud%of%their%curves%and%are%shaped%differently%from%the%women%abroad.%Levi’s%took%this%on%board%and%rapidly%developed%the%EVA%jeans%exclusively%for%the%South%African%market.%This%product%was%extremely%successful%and%lead%to%the%creation%of%the%Curve%ID,%a%sub%brand%within%Levi’s%inspired%by%the%success%of%the%EVA%jeans%bootylicious%Model.%What%we%can%learn%from%this%is%that%in%order%to%successfully%integrate%your%brand%within%society%you%must%first%understand%the%culture%and%lifestyle%of%your%target%market.%If%you%can’t%sell%ice%to%an%Eskimo,%you%definitely%can’t%sell%western%culture%to%a%market%that%wants%nothing%to%do%with%it.%%!

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Service!Brands!–!The!consumer!Interface!

%Branding%has%under%gone%a%lot%of%drastic%changes%in%the%recent%decade%mainly%due%to%the%fact%that%the%Internet%is%making%it%much%easier%for%consumers%to%find%the%things%they%want.%This%in%turn%makes%it%easier%for%brands%to%communicate%and%connect%with%their%consumers%allowing%them%to%build%stronger%bonds%and%help%their%company%grow.%Before%companies%use%to%reply%on%complex%supply%chains%linking%designers%to%manufactures,%distributers%to%importers%and%wholesalers%to%retailers,%allowing%goods%to%be%shipped%and%bought%all%over%the%world.%However%consumers%can%now%connect%to%the%Internet%on%their%mobile%device%to%completely%bypass%this%process.%If%you%want%something%you%can%just%contact%the%manufacturer%online%and%have%them%ship%the%product%to%you.%So%it’s%less%work,%less%hassle.%%

%The%consumer%interface%is%a%website%or%app%that%allows%users%to%create%accounts,%socialize%and/or%utilize%a%brands%service.%They%work%by%using%the%Internet%to%connect%the%user%to%the%brand%as%well%as%other%people%connected%to%the%website%or%application%(app%for%short).%In%this%day%and%age%the%customer%interface%is%everything.%This%is%mainly%because%it%simplifies%the%way%consumers%interact%with%brands.%I%can%literally,%surf%the%web%buy%the%new%Nike%SB%Paul%Rodriguez%RR%trainers%I%want%from%eBay%or%Amazon%while%enjoying%the%comforts%of%my%home.%Online%super%markets%are%quickly%taking%over%due%to%the%fact%they%not%only%simplify%the%consumer%interaction%but%also%simplify%consumer%lifestyle.%%Services%like%Ocado%or%Amazon%Prime%allow%consumers%to%buy%and%trade%anything%and%everything,%ensuring%that%their%consumers%never%have%to%leave%their%houses%again.%Super%Markets%fear%the%power%that%such%companies%get%when%they%build%

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relationships%with%the%consumer.%Which%is%why%it%is%of%the%utmost%importance%that%Service%brands%in%today’s%society%have%a%strong%online%presence.%%

%

%%% %%Uber,%the%worlds%largest%taxi%company,%owns%no%vehicles.%Facebook,%the%world’s%largest%media%owner,%owns%no%media.%Alibaba,%the%world’s%most%valuable%retailer,%owns%no%inventory.%AirBnB%the%world’s%largest%accommodation%provider%owns%no%real%estate.%These%are%all%Brands%that%have%grown%exponentially%during%the%last%5%years.%The%fact%that%these%services%are%all%consumer%driven%and%the%only%interaction%they%have%with%the%brand%is%via%some%form%of%app%or%web%interface%is%proof%that%something%interesting%is%happening.%By%allowing%the%public%to%take%ownership%of%your%brand%you%can%enable%the%consumer%to%become%the%contributor.%It’s%a%new%brand%of%consumption,%based%around%social%capital,%ecological%capital%and%cultural%capital.%%However,%in%this%case%these%brands%create%their%own%culture%of%consumption,%which%is%fuelled%by%the%consumers%themselves.%The%consumer%interface%utilized%by%these%brands%has%allowed%its%users%to%create%a%community%that%serves%themselves,%by%using%the%brands%service%to%serve%others.%By%allowing%users%to%create%their%own%content,%these%service%brands%are%encouraging%the%growth%of%their%company%by%tapping%into%communities%and%using%a%consumer%interface%to%tie%them%all%together.%%

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Google%

!Google%is%a%great%example%of%a%brand%with%a%stunningly%simple%yet%effective%consumer%interface.%It%is%a%global%brand%like%no%other.%We%are%conditioned%to%think%that%branding%is%something%that%surrounds%a%product%or%service%with%glossy%advertising.%With%Google%branding%isn’t%something%that%surrounds%the%service,%it%is%the%service.%Everyone’s%perception%of%Google%is%based%on%their%experience%using%it,%so%there%are%no%flaws%in%their%band%perception.%This%also%means%that%they%don’t%have%to%create%a%myth%based%on%subculture%to%make%people%understand%their%brand%identity.%Peoples%experience%using%Google%couldn’t%be%simpler.%Even%new%users%know%what%to%do%when%they%arrive%at%the%Google%homepage.%Google%views%its%brand%from%the%eyes%of%its%consumers.%That’s%why%they%focus%on%improving%the%user’s%experience.%Google%deploys%incredibly%complicated%software%to%create%an%incredibly%simple%website.%Even%the%most%computer%illiterate%users%have%few%problems%understanding%how%to%use%the%site.%Google%is%everywhere%on%the%web%as%it%is%used%by%a%variety%of%other%websites%to%provide%search%listings.%%The%simplicity%of%their%user%interface%allows%this%brands%service%to%transcend%language%barriers,%giving%it%global%appeal.%%%Interface%companies%work%buy%helping%a%large%amount%of%consumers,%directly%deal%with%the%people%who%supply%or%trade%goods.%Thus%connecting%a%huge%number%of%people%(where%the%money%is)%to%a%vast%supply%line%(where%the%costs%are).%Good%examples%to%demonstrate%how%this%works%are%social%media%websites%like%Twitter%and%Facebook.%Why%would%you%go%out%and%read%a%newspaper%when%you%have%twitter%and%Facebook%on%your%phone.%Facebook%gives%users%a%platform%to%share%their%thoughts,%while%Twitter%monetise%the%news%feeds%and%supplies%users%with%live%information%and%updates%allowing%for%quicker%and%better%interaction%with%the%public.%%%

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Twitter!

%Twitter%is%a%social%media%app%that%allows%people%to%interact%with%each%other’s%lives%through%the%form%of%a%tweet,%picture%or%video.%However%there%is%a%strict%character%limit%forcing%the%users%to%keep%their%tweets%short%and%simple.%%As%a%result%Twitter%has%become%a%great%app%for%updating%your%status%as%well%as%checking%up%on%the%latest%trends.%The%trending%feature%is%an%extremely%powerful%feature%that%Twitter%utilizes%to%get%and%edge%above%its%competitors.%It%allows%users%to%see%the%most%popular%tweets%and%catch%up%on%the%day’s%current%events.%Careful%manipulation%of%this%feature%can%allow%brands%to%create%clever%advertising%campaigns.%Victoria%Nyberg%started%a%campaign%for%the%Berghs%School%of%Communications%in%Stockholm,%a%university%that%she%graduated%from32.%She%represents%a%new%breed%of%advertising%talent%by%utilizing%and%manipulating%social%media%trends%to%create%successful%advertising%campaigns.%The%brief%was%to%promote%Berghs%and%its%graduating%class%to%the%advertising%industry%as%well%as%attract%international%talent.%She%created%a%twitter%campaign%Called%“Don’t%Tell%Ashton”.%They%executed%their%plan%by%inviting%people%to%take%part%in%the%world’s%first%artwork%made%by%twitter%users.%People%paid%to%get%on%the%artwork%with%a%tweet%and%the%more%followers%you%had%the%bigger%your%profile%picture%was%in%the%frame.%The%only%person%with%enough%followers%to%fill%the%entire%piece%was%the%most%followed%person%on%twitter.%At%the%time%that%was%Ashton%Kutcher.%Hence%the%campaign%was%called%#Don’t%Tell%Ashton.%Here’s%the%final%result.%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%32%The&stuff&you&can't&bottle:&advertising&for&the&global&youth&market&

King&Adz&1969OLondon:&Thames&&&Hudson&2013&

%

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%The%way%service%brands%have%utilized%a%consumer%interface%has%created%a%new%and%interesting%way%for%brands%it%integrate%themselves%within%different%social%and%cultural%parts%of%our%lives.%It%has%enabled%the%consumer%to%become%the%contributor,%effectively%creating%a%market%driven%and%created%by%the%online%community.%Our%relationship%is%no%longer%with%the%service%providers.%It%is%with%the%individuals%that%come%together%and%create%a%community.%The%consumer%interface%has%become%a%gateway%into%these%communities.%It%has%allowed%people%to%form%groups%making%it%easier%for%brands%to%get%in%touch%with%them.%People%don’t%like%twitter%because%it%is%an%amazing%brand,%they%like%it%because%it%can%be%used%to%connect%with%other%people:%family,%friends%and%celebrities.%A%service%brand%is%nothing%without%people.%So%using%a%consumer%interface,%apps%and%websites%brands%can%narrow%in%on%the%interests%of%their%target%market.%%%

Conclusion!!

So%what%makes%a%brand%succeed%and%fail%in%today’s%society?%As%you%can%see%there%are%many%tangible%and%intangible%things%that%affect%the%way%people%integrate%with%brands.%Whether%it%is%a%good%logo%or%product%everything%has%to%be%neatly%tied%together%in%order%to%produce%the%wellEoiled%machine%that%is%a%brand.%However,%the%things%that%all%successful%brands%have%in%common%are%lack%of%conformity%and%clarity.%In%our%society%we%are%surrounded%by%brands%as%they%subtly%try%to%invade%and%integrate%themselves%in%every%part%of%our%daily%lives.%A%clear%brand%message%combined%with%a%clear%point%of%difference%is%evidently%the%key%to%a%successful%brand.%I%guess%you%could%say%the%process%of%branding%is%like%the%process%of%writing.%A%good%brand,%like%a%good%novel%will%be%able%to%translate%complex%human%thoughts%into%a%simple%language.%As%William%Wordsworth%said%of%writers%“Every%great%original%writer%must%himself%create%the%taste%by%which%he%is%to%be%relished.”%Likewise,%every%great%and%original%brand%must%also%create%the%taste%for%which%it%will%be%appreciated%and%ultimately%loved.%While%a%brands%success%can%be%inspiring%it%can%never%be%copied.%This%ensures%that%even%if%two%brands%are%rivals,%fighting%for%the%same%market,%they%will%never%look%and%act%the%same.%%

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Bibliography,%

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Nike&

http://www.nike.com/gb/en_gb/c/sportswear/airmax&

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inbvsQ2Q3A0&

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Vans&&

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA0uEHE8Hik&

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwtOAJpbZU&

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COOeJ7Gkltg&

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