- May 4, 2023
Startups That Mastered Branding: Key Lessons Learned
6 minutes to read
6 minutes to read
“A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” Seth Godin. If I were to simplify this, I would say branding gives a meaning to an organization and helps make sense of its products and services to the buyers. In today’s highly competitive business world, branding is everything as it plays the role of a great differentiator. The way a startup presents itself to the world can make all the difference between success and failure. Today’s leading brands across segments are much more than just a big name, a logo, or a product; they represent a company’s philosophy, identity, and culture.
Some conglomerates have done a phenomenal job at making their brand so distinct and so catchy that we all will benefit from taking note of their branding strategies.
Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry by creating a platform that allows people to rent out their homes, apartments, and rooms to travelers. The company’s branding is simple, yet effective. Its logo is a simple, stylized letter “A” that is easily recognizable. The company’s website is clean, easy to navigate, and has a friendly, welcoming tone.
One key lesson we can learn from Airbnb’s branding is the importance of consistency. The company has a clear and consistent message across all of its marketing channels, from its website to its social media pages. This consistency helps to build trust with customers and creates a strong, memorable brand.
Tesla is a pioneer in the electric car industry, and its branding reflects the company’s innovative spirit. Tesla’s logo is a stylized “T” that resembles a cross section of an electric motor. The company’s website and marketing materials feature sleek, modern design and messaging that emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
Tesla’s branding efforts prove the importance of differentiation. Tesla has created a unique identity for itself in a crowded marketplace by focusing on its innovative technology and commitment to sustainability. By standing out from the competition, Tesla has become a leader in its industry.
Zomato is a food delivery and restaurant discovery platform that has become a go-to app for foodies in India. The company’s branding is playful and quirky, with a focus on the joy of discovering new restaurants and cuisines. The company’s website and marketing materials feature colorful graphics and messaging that emphasize the fun and excitement of using the app.
Zomato creates an emotional connection with customers. By tapping into the joy of discovering new foods and restaurants, Zomato has created a brand that is not just functional but also enjoyable to use. This emotional connection has helped to build a loyal user base that is passionate about the app.
Slack is a communication platform that has become an essential tool for remote work. The company’s branding is fun and quirky, with a focus on the product’s ability to bring teams together and improve collaboration. The company’s website and marketing materials feature playful animations and messaging that emphasizes the benefits of using Slack.
The lesson we can learn from Slack’s branding is the importance of personality. By infusing its branding with a sense of fun and playfulness, Slack has created a unique identity for itself in the crowded communication platform market. This personality has helped to build a strong, loyal user base.
Ola has become a household name in India. The company’s branding is simple and straightforward, with a focus on convenience and affordability. The company’s website and marketing materials emphasize the ease of use of the app and the savings that can be achieved by using Ola.
Ola’s branding proves the importance of localization. Ola has customized its branding and messaging to appeal to the Indian market, which has helped the company build a loyal user base. By understanding the needs and preferences of its target audience, Ola has been able to differentiate itself from the competition.
Flipkart is an e-commerce giant in India, and its branding reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The company’s website and marketing materials feature messaging that emphasizes the ease of use of the platform, the convenience of shopping online, and the wide selection of products available.
From Flipkart’s branding we can learn the importance of customer-centricity. By putting the customer at the center of its branding and messaging, Flipkart has been able to build a strong, loyal customer base. The company has also invested heavily in customer service and support, which has helped to further strengthen its brand.
Through its above initiative, Flipkart reiterates that it is a home grown brand and works with Indian businesses and artisans to bring economic growth to the nation.
Paytm is a digital wallet and payment platform that has become ubiquitous in India. The company’s branding is focused on convenience and simplicity, with a focus on making payments easy and accessible for everyone. The company’s website and marketing materials feature messaging that emphasizes the ease of use of the app and the benefits of using Paytm for payments.
Paytm has become a brand that is easy to understand and use. By focusing on simplicity and convenience, Paytm has created a brand that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of tech-savviness. Paytm Karo tagline and the iconic Paytm tune have become easily recognizable given how catchy they are.
India has become a hub of startups in recent years, and many of these startups have mastered the art of branding. With a population of over 1.3 billion and a growing middle class, India is a lucrative market for startups. However, with so much competition, it is essential for startups to differentiate themselves from the rest. This is where we come in picture, helping you stand out and connect with the right audience for your products and services. At Granth, we are a strong believer of storytelling. Here’s an example of how we resort to storytelling in branding. Contact us and we will chart out a plan together to build ultimate branding for your products.
