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Brand Management

How Marketing Helped Apple to Achieve International Success

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Apple has been a trailblazer in the technology industry since it was founded in 1976. It has been making strides that brought us some of our favorite computers today. From the minds of Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple has grown into one of America’s five largest information technology companies and one of the largest in the world.  Although its innovation in consumer and personal technology has been amazing, its marketing strategies have been a strong asset. There are people who still remember its iconic commercials today. And even some companies have replicated these iconic commercials. These iconic marketing strategies have propelled Apple into a multi-million dollar company. And it is a company that has made its mark on the world, the future, and beyond. 

The Value of Simplicity

One thing that always leaves Apple consumers wanting more is the simplicity of its products. People often think of the physical design of their phones or iPads. However, they may forget the actual function of these devices. Many consumers don’t want to hear about the long list of gadgets and gizmos inside the product; they let the product do the talking for them. Even in Apple commercials, the voice-over usually does not speak much because the product grabs the viewer’s attention. This tradition of keeping it simple works well for Apple because the anticipation of getting an Apple product keeps the customers coming back for more. 

Connecting with the Community

Another successful marketing strategy that Apple uses relies on the very people who buy its products. The Apple community has a strong commitment to the company and its products. Often, these consumers will convince others to buy Apple products because they simply love the products that much. Even when the company has launch dates for new devices, the community usually adds hype and anticipation along, making people want to buy more of what Apple has to offer. This successful relationship with its consumers has kept the company in business for so long. Growing a strong, dedicated consumer base can be important for companies trying to establish a business. 

Painting a Picture

Apple’s success also comes from how it chooses to market its brand. For instance, Apple excels at creating an emotional experience that consumers will remember for years to come. One of the best marketing examples is Apple’s Silhouette iPod advertisement campaign from the early 2000s. Although very simplistic, the upbeat music and the dancing people against bright backgrounds created an image: owning an iPod meant great music. Also,  this product enabled people to have a unique experience. It became more about buying the experience than the product. Furthermore, this strategy was what made the iPod so successful when it first launched. The visual experience that people get from watching an Apple commercial can almost make people forget the price tag that comes along with it. 

Apple’s ever-growing success from its product sales over the years are proof that its marketing and branding strategies are some of the best in the industry. It has proven time and time again that it knows how to sell a product and how to keep customers coming back for more. 

Learning from companies like Apple can help any starting business grow by developing the right marketing strategy with a strong team behind it. That’s why Web Content Development has such a high success rate when it comes to creating successful blogs that help promote your company or business. Whether it’s our SEO, Content Writing, Brand Management, or even Social Media services, we can help! To learn more about our services, click here to get started. 

The Best Branding of 2021

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Brand recognition has never been more important than in 2021. Consumers have unlimited choices and are constantly interacting with branded content. To be successful, your brand must stand out. To do this, you will need to reinvent yourself using successful branding trends continually.

Marketing and branding trends are helpful, but they also go out of style over time. Likewise, they become irrelevant to your product or target audience. Commonly used branding trends include quirky art in logos or putting a face with the name. These trends make branding recognition much more accessible and help ensure your customers will keep your brand fresh in their minds long after they have purchased something from you.

Why Is Brand Recognition Important?

Brand recognition is the ability of consumers to quickly identify specific companies simply by looking at their logo. It helps a business gain higher profits by building consumer loyalty. That encourages repeat purchases, allowing companies to grow their shares of the marketplace. Once your customers become familiar with your brand’s logo, they will remember the services you offer whenever they need them.

Brand recognition is an essential factor when introducing new products and services to your customers. This awareness can impact a consumer’s decision and will encourage them to become repeat customers. That, in turn, increases your brand’s market shares and profits.

Another reason why brand awareness is critical is that it allows you to achieve various business goals and objectives. This recognition aids in expanding your target audience while increasing the daily traffic to your company’s website and developing brand affinity.

What Is Great Branding?

Great branding includes:

  • The promise of a great experience – Consumers want to purchase high-quality products from companies that value them. 
  • Clear brand values and personality – Consumers prefer to patronize companies that reflect who they want to be.
  • Strong brand recognition – Consumers buy from companies they easily remember.

So how can you ensure your brand’s marketing strategies are better than your competitors? Take the time to research current trends and see how you compare to your competitors in these areas.

Younger markets, including Gen Z and Millennials, often want their favorite brands to take a stand and offer something positive to the world aside from their products or services. They like the brands they follow to be environmentally friendly, economical, and passionate about important causes. 

That’s why one of the most important marketing trends in recent years is for brands to take a side on social issues. You can even make your cause a part of your brand’s identity. There are many business models that the owners built around brands that stood for a substantial issue. Here’s how the three best brands of 2021 put this into practice. 

Warby Parker

Warby Parker’s mission statement is compelling and clear: “to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially-conscious businesses.” Consumers can feel good about their purchases because Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to charity for every pair sold. The brand’s blue-and-white logo is modern, stylish, and recognizable.

The company focuses on core values, and that is something other brands should learn from. The owners of Warby Parker believe that companies should serve more than their customers and shareholders. To prove their point, they started donating one pair of eyeglasses to someone in need for each pair that the company sold.

Oreo

Despite increased awareness around healthy eating, Oreo remains profoundly relevant. The brand’s presence on social media is both artistic and playful. Its slogan, “filling your world with joyful moments,” captures the simplicity and nostalgia of childhood. Limited releases with everyone from Lady Gaga to the NBA engage key demographics and make a classic cookie new.

While Oreo may have changed its marketing strategies and package design over the years, one thing has remained consistent: its flavor. The classic chocolate and crème filled cookies remind us of a simpler time and are a nostalgic snack we can enjoy at any age. The Nabisco brand uses multiple outlets to market Oreos, including social media, TV commercials, and eyecatching store displays.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ recently implemented free donut Wednesdays for its DD Perks Members. This promotion rewards loyal customers while ensuring they keep coming back. Dunkin’s 1970s-era orange-and-pink logo remains a ubiquitous mainstay. At the same time, the company is engaging a younger demographic through social media. The company’s collaboration with Tik Tok star Charli D’Amelio makes it the trendy coffee choice for Gen Z.

In recent years, Dunkin has simplified their menu, offering a small variety of new foods and snacks that pair well with its famous coffee blend. They also tried out a snacking menu where sweet and salty items like donut fries or Munchkin Dippers were available to purchase for just two dollars.

Learn More About the Elements of Great Branding from Our Marketing Experts

At Web Content Development, we offer a broad range of marketing services to ensure your brand becomes recognized more often by consumers. We can assist you with social media marketing, reputation management, and provide you with unique content for your blog. Contact us today by visiting our website or giving us a call at (800) 316-9664.

The 5 Elements that Have Made Kylie Jenner Instagram Famous

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With 222 million followers and counting, Kylie Jenner is one of the most influential people on Instagram. As the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner siblings, Kylie has climbed to the top of the social media ladder and now even has more dedicated followers than her older sister Kim Kardashian. But how has this young cosmetics mogul managed to rule on a popular social media platform where thousands of other influential people also have accounts?

From Reality Star to Cosmetics Queen

Other celebrities and social media influencers could learn a lot by following Kylie and analyzing her rapidly growing fan base. Here are five things that make it work for her that anyone in marketing can replicate.

Dominating on Social Media

It’s not enough to just be famous on one platform to make social media work for you. You must have accounts on all the major platforms so that your customers can find you no matter what social medial outlet they use. 

The Kylie Jenner makeup brand is not just popular on Instagram but also on Snapchat and Twitter. If you have multiple accounts, be sure to keep them updated. And instead of creating generic posts, try to personalize your content and make it all your own.

Focusing on Her Strong Areas

Like her sisters, Kylie has inherited the same fantastic beauty genes. She uses that strength and her amazing fashion sense to boost her Instagram posts. 

Think about your company’s strong areas. Are you eco-friendly? Do you operate a family business? Do you dedicate a lot of time to helping local charities? Take the things that your customers appreciate most about your brand and make most of your posts about those subjects.

Getting Her Brand Out There as Much as Possible

Kylie Jenner Cosmetics is now a well-known brand. Most of that popularity comes from how much Kylie displays her logo and mentions the brand in her posts. 

The more familiar your target audience is with your company’s logo, the more likely they will think of you when they need your products or services. Make it a habit to post images of your logo and mention your brand name often to give your sales a boost.

Always Having Something New and Exciting to Share

There’s never a dull moment with the Kardashian-Jenner family. The exciting posts Kylie creates are one of the reasons she is so popular on Instagram. While your company may not share exclusive photos from Hollywood parties, you can still share new and exciting content about upcoming products or services your brand will soon offer.

Paying Attention to Other Popular Influencers

While you don’t want to copy another social media account, it never hurts to get a few pointers from others who have found success on Instagram. Take the time to look at the most popular posts from other companies in your same industry. What hashtags are they using? Are their captions more professional or written in a friendly tone? Taking the time to learn more about what makes other Instagram influencers so successful is a great way to figure out how to improve your company’s social media status.

Learn How Your Brand Can Become Instagram Famous

The key behind Kylie’s Instagram success is a superior marketing strategy. Here at Web Content Development, we can help your brand rise to superstardom. Gain more likes and exposure on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter with our strategies. Get in touch with Web Content Development today to find out about all the marketing services we have to offer. 

Elements of Great Branding Marketing: The Office

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It is worthwhile to take the time and effort that are needed to brand your office correctly. Doing so will positively impact both your employees and any visitors to your business. Unfortunately, this type of market branding is something that a lot of businesses neglect, leaving employees in uninspiring settings. Fortunately, this type of branded marketing is not too difficult.

Define Your Brand’s Values

Before you start doing any interior design work in your office, take a moment to discuss your brand’s values with your design team. Some factors, such as logos, slogans, color schemes, and trademarks, may be obvious, but it can be harder to nail down your business’s personality. To determine what this is, ask yourself what your business helps people accomplish. You should also consider what associations you want your customers to draw from your business. To really get to the core of your brand’s identity talk to your employees. Ask them to think of five words that describe your business and five words that describe its customers. This approach will help you with branding in your market. 

Differentiate Spaces for Clients and Employees

Another important part of market branding has to do with differentiating between those spaces that are for your staff and those spaces that are for your clients. This is important because each group will have a different view of your business. You should also consider the fact that your staff can usually see through the branded marketing that is meant for your clients because they are knowledgeable regarding your business’ daily activities. This is why you will want to have ideas that are appropriate for branding the two different spaces. Doing so will help ensure that you are sending the right message.

Focus on Key Touchpoints

Often, office branding is a balancing act. Be careful not to overdo things here. Instead, focus on those areas where branding in your market will have the greatest impact. When it comes to your clients, this will obviously be the reception area. Make sure that the area clearly states who you are and what you do. From there, think about where the most important areas for your employees are located. Consider what behaviors you want to either encourage or discourage in these areas.

Incorporate Your Products

One of the most effective design tips for most offices is simply to showcase your own products. You will not find anything that will tell your brand’s story better. Taking a moment to think about how you can bring these products to the forefront can really be beneficial when you have clients visiting your office.

Consider Your Office’s Color Scheme

Carefully consider the color scheme you use throughout your office and how it relates to your brand. If your brand’s colors are not too outlandish, you may want to use them to decorate your office. However, if you think that using these colors would be too distracting, choose other, more appropriate colors to decorate your office. For instance, intense colors are not a good choice for employees who do not work well under pressure but plain white walls are a great way to foster creativity.

It takes some thought and effort to be able to do a good job of branding in your office. For help branding your business, contact Web Content Development today.




Whole Foods Market: How They Built a Billion Dollar Brand

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Although it is easy to find organic food today, this has not always been the case. In fact, in the late 1970s, it was extremely difficult to do so. It was particularly hard if you were living in the city. Whole Foods Market saw this opportunity and capitalized on it.

Whole Foods’ Humble Beginnings

In 1978, Whole Foods was founded as a health food store in Austin, Texas. Even then, they understood the importance of creating a strong team and a clearly defined culture. They also understood their target market. These things helped them to create a unique brand. Their purpose was to cater to people who were both health and socially conscious and interested in buying locally grown organic produce.

When Whole Foods first opened its doors, American shoppers were accustomed to having a wide variety of frozen and prepackaged convenience foods to choose from. However, many consumers wanted authentic, locally grown produce. This is something that Mackey and Lawson Hardy not only noticed but decided to use to their advantage. Initially, they opened Safer Way Natural Foods. Later on, this store merged with Clarksville Natural Grocery in 1980 to form Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods’ Growth

Over the years Mackey and Lawson Hardy remained true to their goal of bringing fresh, locally sourced food to consumers’ tables. This is why, even today, you will notice that Whole Foods frequently rotates its stock based on the season. The sense of authenticity that was created here is something that has been cultivated and reinforced throughout the years.

While it looks like Whole Foods advertises itself with great ease, it has not always been this way. In the beginning, Mackey and Lawson Hardy’s dream was in danger when a catastrophic flood took place in their store and they had no insurance. Fortunately, community members took it upon themselves to help save the store. Doing so helped instill a deep sense of community and commitment to customers in the brand.

What Other Brands Can Learn from Whole Foods

As Whole Foods continued to grow, its marketing continued to focus on expanding upon its original mission of bringing local, organic food to stores where people could easily buy it. It also remained committed to ethical business practices and environmental sustainability. Doing so was important to the brand because these values were important to the customers. Whole Foods also understood that this focus was what differentiated it from the many other grocery stores in the area.

Understanding these things about Whole Foods is important for any business that wants to learn how to properly scale themselves. Whole Foods has always had a strong culture and trusted team that they rely on to help them be successful. Their culture and team have been a key element for Whole Foods to overcome many setbacks over the years, such as the flood that almost destroyed them in the beginning.

The fact that Whole Foods was able to find a growing niche, then target it in a unique and valuable way, was also a great asset to them as a brand. Whole Foods understood their market and had a truly unique vision for it, one that was unheard of when this supermarket first opened its doors. This is something that every brand should do today: find an opportunity, identify its issues, then make sure they solve the issues in a better way than their competition.

Start Your Niche Today

There are still many opportunities for brands to capitalize on niches today. If you need help with your marketing efforts, contact Web Content Development today.



Nike, Adidas & Underarmour: Whose Content Strategy is More Effective?

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Three main sports brands are competing for their share of the market today. Each of these companies is using a different content marketing strategy to do so. This may leave you wondering whose content strategy works best. To determine this, we must first take a look at each brand’s strategy.

Nike

Nike has a great content strategy that appeals to a broad audience. Their branding of “Just do it” encourages people to achieve greatness by pursuing their dreams. Nike continually uses this campaign, regardless of what products they are showcasing or what social media platform they are using.

One of their recent YouTube videos helped to reinforce this. This video featured a man engaged in a variety of different sports and physical activities. This video did a great job of reinforcing their brand image: that they can supply you with athletic footwear to wear regardless of the sport you choose to engage in.

It also helps that Nike incorporates the latest in fashion trends in all of their shoes and merchandise. They take advantage of the fact that people want to look good while engaging in sports. This approach helps them be a part of the mainstream consumer crowd.

Adidas

Adidas seems to have learned something from Nike in that both of their content strategies are somewhat similar. The one thing that sets them apart is the fact that Adidas focuses heavily on the game of soccer and has created a lot of apparel and accessories for it.

At one time, Adidas tried to also cover basketball. Unfortunately, their top two sponsored players, Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard, have had many injuries that led to disappointing seasons. While these players were originally seen as among the top 5 best players in the NBA, this is no longer the case. This unfortunate turn has also brought down the Adidas name in terms of basketball.

Not only has Adidas scaled back their marketing efforts in regards to basketball but they have also moved outside of the sports world. They have created a new shoe that is almost completely made from ocean plastic. In doing so, they are hoping to target “green consumers.” They are also working on other initiatives to win over more socially conscious folks. For example, Adidas is opening a new factory to bring new jobs to Detroit, Michigan.

Under Armour

Another sports brand that has become heavily niched is Under Armour. When you think of this brand, you probably think of high school football. However, they are also trying to follow Nike’s lead and become a brand that people in a wide variety of sports can depend on. As such, they recently signed NBA superstar Stephen Curry in hopes of expanding into the NBA scene. They hope to pick up where Adidas left off. 

Under Armour’s main marketing message is one that they hope will “pump up” their viewers, getting them motivated to engage in competition. Therefore their advertisements have a gritty tone that provides their audience with a glimpse into motivational training or a look at an important moment in a game.

Conclusion

When it comes to content strategies, each brand will do things differently. What works best for one may not work so well for another. Each of these brands also has something that they can teach us. If you are ready to put your content marketing strategy to work, contact Web Content Development.

 


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