Lecture 3: Word branding Flashcards
What is in a name?
The name of a brand is generally the first step in establishing its identity, same as humas
Similarly to humans, a wrong name can be challenging for a brand
Why name branding?
- Making a brand/product MEMORABLE
- Making a brand/product DISTINCT from the rest of the brands/products
- Establishing an IDENTITY that most likely will not change
Product vs Corporate name
Products and corporate brand can both convey emotions, ideas and memories and can be associated with substantial value. They are, however, very different
What is a functional value of a name?
A name has functional value when it elicits a practical evaluation (e.g. price/quality, how to use…) (e.g. Swappfiets, Posit-it, Super glue)
What is a symbolic value of a name?
A name has symbolic value when it elicits an emotional evaluation (e.g. is this comforting? Does it remind me of an experience? What meaning do I associate with it?) (Tesla, Subway, Amazon)
What is Dichotomous branding?
The brand = symbolic value (Mondelez/Nestlé)
The product = functional value (Milka/The body shop)
What are the degrees of symbolism?
Concrete = suggestive of an origin (e.g. Zeiss photography lenses (German-sounding name)
Somewhat concrete = reference to a myth or history (e.g. Nike, Greek goddess of victory)
Very abstract = ?? (e.g. Apple, by historical reports, it was picked almost randomly)
Describe the 3 elements of the Taxonomy of brand names
Descriptive
Allusive
Coined
Explain “descriptive” of the taxonomy of brand names
It represent a description of the product or serviced offered (e.g. Coffeecompany, Carglass, Burger King)
Explain “allusive” of the taxonomy of brand names
It is not directly descriptive of the brand or product, but they hint at brand values, superiority or characteristics of the product (e.g. Dove, Under Armour, Lego)
Explain “coined” of the taxonomy of brand names
It is made up with words with no prior meaning than the brand. Sometimes, this also include invented people (e.g. Kodak, Pepsi, Dr Pepper)
When does each type of name work best?
Names that are very descriptive
+ help consumers classify a brand in the right category (of products/services)
- limit the meaning consumers can attribute to a brand
- can be a problem if feelings towards a brand/service change
Names that are very generic
+ are less vulnerable to trends, and shifts in consumer preferences
+ leave more space for a constructed meaning, together with consumers
- can take time and effort to establish a connection between name and product/services
Why rebranding?
Structural change (internal)
Strategic change (external)
What is a structural change when rebranding?
Mergers and acquisitions
Change in ownership
Legal changes
Changing product category
What is a strategic change when rebranding?
Reputation problems
Outdated name/image
Changing brand perceptions
Internationalization
Changing business category
What is rebranding?
forced choice, but also an opportunity to project distinctiveness and change (e.g. as a consequence of bad reputation)
What is reputation?
damage or eradicate an established corporate brand and all the status and attachment consumers had to it
Name choice: evolutionary
Makes explicit references to the previous identity. In the case of M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions), often it’s the sum of the previous names, or a reference to a change or evolution in product offer
Name choice: revolutionary
Makes no references to the previous identity. Often used when e.g. the management of an organization changes OR there are bad connotations associated with the previous name (Meta)
Notions about the psychology of names
- name recall
- name gender
- name sounds
Notions about the psychology of names: what can you tell about name recall?
Remembering a name for consumers is easier if:
- The name is somewhat familiar (it recalls something that exists, e.g. Apple)
- It has relevance (e.g. it connects to a product feature OR it doesn’t
- It links to advertised featured of the product (e.g. Softex for a brand of tissues)
Coming up with a new term that does not remind consumers of anything is per se the least memorable of options
Notions about the psychology of names: what can you tell about name gender?
Feminine names are:
- Longer
- End in (-a, -e) vowel (klinker)
- Mostly made of vowel sounds (Nestlé)
Feminine brands are:
- Perceived as warmer, which leads to a better attitude
- Particularly successful in hedonistic products (vs utilitarian)
Notions about the psychology of names: what can you tell about name sounds?
Two types of consonants (medeklinkers)
Voiceless: f, s, p, t, ch, sh, k
- Are perceived as sharper, faster, more performing
- Are perceived as more pure and clean
- Are connected to sharper objects
Voiced: b, g, l, m, n, d, y, z, w, sz
- Are perceived as rounder and warmer
- Mostly frequently used in dairy products, ice cream, chocolate snacks
Country origin as branding | Lee (2019)
What is the research is about?
When does the developing country brand name alleviate the brand origin effect? Interplay of brand name and brand origin.
Research question: does a foreign brand name influence people’s attitudes towards a product? What individual differences can moderate this relationship?
