In Focus

4 tips for brand experiences that stick

#1. Consider marketing as a service

Brand experiences, whether physical or virtual, if done correctly can convert prospects into customers and then customers into card-carrying brand evangelists. These experiences are by definition interactive, encouraging dialogue and ideally an intimate and unforgettable dance between brand and consumer. Here are four thoughts on how to turn your brand experiences into dances of a lifetime.

When brands create experiences that provide a real service, magical things happen. Because "marketing as service" provides a real value, the brand pulls customers and prospects into it, rather than pushing a message at them. This natural engagement deepens relationships with existing customers, forms strong bonds with new ones and helps generate favorable word of mouth.

Charmin showed its get-up-and-go when it installed restrooms in Times Square, providing welcome relief for more than a half million holiday tourists. The service was unexpected, memorable, relevant and good clean fun.

Samsung has electrified road warriors by installing mobile device charging stations in five major U.S. airports. Given the annoying paucity of outlets in terminals, this service is pumping up Samsung's image as a friend indeed to the mobile world.

 

Comments

Alan Chokov
Alan Chokov July 7, 2008 at 11:15 AM

I am in agreement with Mr. Neisser's assessment of "Branding" and its hypnotic effect in the market. As the founder/CEO of eFinancePortal.com, an interactive, multilingual Financial, Business & Educational Portal, the necessity of branding also embraces the individual. With the prohibitive cost of marketing in the traditional and Internet environment it has become more important than ever to be able to educate the marketplace of someone's capabilities and products. As Mr. Neisser suggests that "when brands create experiences that provide a real service, magical things happen" I believe the same holds true to the individual who is attempting to brand and enhance their image. First impressions may be fleeting in today's competitive arena, but the impressions that should have a lasting effect are for those who have the ability and resources to brand themselves for the long run. Perception may be key but it also has a shelve life and without the refreshment of "relevant material" that perception is lost.