What Makes a Great Brand?

A great brand is one that people remember, trust, and feel a connection to. It's more than just a nice-looking logo; it's how a business makes people feel and what it represents. In this post, we'll explore what makes a brand truly great, why the best brands move people and create a lasting impact.

Great brands shape the way people think and act. They create experiences, communicate clearly, and align every touchpoint from customer service to social media with their core values. When done right, a great brand drives loyalty, increases lifetime value, and is your most valuable asset as a business. 

What Is a Brand?

A brand is the perception people and your customers have of your business. 

It includes everything from your business name, logo, tone of voice, and design. More importantly though, your brand is your reputation, values, and the connection your audience feels towards your business. One could say that your brand is what people are saying about you when you're not in the room.

It's the sum of every interaction someone has with your business, from the appearance of your website to how your team answers the phone. Great brands feel human, recognisable, and intentional. They help customers navigate choice, build trust, and ultimately ensure loyalty.

What Makes a Great Brand?

A great brand is emotionally resonant, consistent, and purpose-led. It creates meaning beyond the product and connects with customers at a deeper level. People don't just buy from great brands; they believe in them, and it's what keeps them coming back again and again. 

A great example of this is Patagonia, whose environmental stance is woven through everything they do, from marketing to materials to activism. Or Airbnb, which positions itself not just as a booking site for accommodations, but as a platform for immersive, local, and community-focused travel experiences. Great brands create emotional shorthand for values and identity. They speak to how people want to feel and help them feel it.

Core brand traits of great brands:

• Clear purpose and values
• Memorable visual identity
• Emotional connection with their target audience
• Consistent messaging across every channel
• Strong internal culture
• Stand-out customer experience

Why Do Great Brands Move People?

Because they tap into emotion. Great brands go beyond just advertising; they evoke emotions in people. This creates a bond, fostering a sense of loyalty among customers and leading to long-term value.

We're hardwired for stories and emotion. When a brand reflects your beliefs or aspirations, it becomes an integral part of how you perceive yourself. Nike doesn't just sell shoes; it tells and shows stories of resilience and motivation from the athletes who wear them. Dove doesn't just sell soap; it champions self-esteem. When brands align with human emotion, they earn trust, not just attention.

Examples of Great Brands (and Why They Work)

Great brands are built on meaning and consistency. They reflect a clear point of view and deliver that experience at every touchpoint. Here are some examples of great brands and what makes them great:

• Apple: Consistent innovation, focus on design
• Nike: Motivational storytelling, cultural relevance
• Patagonia: Deep commitment to sustainability and activism 
• Airbnb: Community-driven, emotional messaging
• Lego: Creative storytelling and multi-generational loyalty 

Apple's entire ecosystem, from their packaging to the in-store experience, is designed to feel intuitive and premium. LEGO taps into cross-generational nostalgia and creativity. These brands show that greatness comes from a clear promise delivered consistently.

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Great brands don't just exist in a logo or a tagline; they live in the way people feel when they interact with you. They inspire people to trust, believe, and return.

But how do you turn those traits into an actual strategy you can use? In our next post, we'll break down how to build a brand strategy step by step, with examples you can follow.

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