What is all the hype around increasing your brand as a business and as an individual? Why do we need to do this and what are the benefits of setting yourself apart from the competition. We will look at and compare Nike to see what they do and how we can emulate them to increase our brand.
Benefit #1
Brand Recognition: Regular exposure to your brand helps consumers recognize and remember your company.
The more people see your brand, the more trust and loyalty you will gain. Nike gives us their iconic "swoosh" logo where we know this is Nike without having to see the company name. They give us compelling advertising campaigns, emotional testimonials, community outreach and motivational messages to help us all recognize their brand identity.
Professional Imagery: High-quality, professional photographs capture attention and convey professionalism. Whether for a personal brand or a business, professional imagery can significantly enhance the perception of the brand and its offerings.
How can we emulate these strategies into your own marketing?
Benefit #2
Differentiation: Brand showcasing allows you to highlight what sets your company apart from competitors. This could be through unique marketing strategies, messaging, or visual identity.
Nike taps into emotions with its branding efforts, often inspiring and motivating consumers to push their limits and achieve their goals. By connecting with consumers on a deeper level, Nike fosters strong brand loyalty. Not only do their shoes look good, but they also make people "feel" important while wearing their shoes and logo.
Brand Differentiation: In a crowded marketplace, unique and eye-catching photography can help the individual stand out from competitors. A photographer can work collaboratively with the individual to develop creative concepts and visuals that differentiate their brand and capture the attention of their target audience.
How can we set ourselves up to make people "feel" important when showcasing our products and/or services?
Benefit #3
Credibility and Trust: A strong brand presence can establish credibility and trust with consumers. When customers recognize and trust your brand, they are more likely to choose your products or services over others.
Nike strategically partners with athletes, celebrities, and sports teams to promote its brand. High-profile endorsements from athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Cristiano Ronaldo reinforce Nike's association with top-tier athleticism and performance. This type of "credibility" adds to a strong case with consumers to buy Nike over other shoe brands.
Brand Collaboration Opportunities: Professional photography can open up opportunities for brand collaborations and partnerships. Businesses and influencers often seek out individuals with strong visual branding to collaborate on projects, promotions, or sponsored content.
How can we use others' "credibility" to further our own brand and create trust?
Benefit #4
Long-Term Success: Investing in your brand's visibility and reputation can contribute to long-term success. A strong brand can withstand market fluctuations and economic challenges more effectively than companies with weaker brands.
Nike engages with communities through initiatives like Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club, which provide resources and support for athletes of all levels. These efforts help build a sense of belonging and loyalty among Nike's customer base. When you give back to the community and offer something for free, this shows strength within the company and a long term loyal customer base.
Visual Storytelling: Photographs can tell a story and evoke emotions more effectively than words alone. A skilled photographer can work with the individual to create visual narratives that align with their brand message and values, helping to engage and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
How can we give back to the industry we are in along with our community?
Every strategy Nike executed in marketing was done with the help of an amazing team of marketers and creatives. Overall, Nike's success in showcasing its brand lies in its ability to consistently deliver innovative products, compelling marketing campaigns, and meaningful connections with consumers.
We can all learn from these long term strategies and incorporate them into our own businesses and personal brands on our own scale. With the help of a great photographer and video producer this can be one step closer to your reality.
-Mark Sachet