Andy Rice touches on brand consistency and continuity and asks… Does it Work?
Coca Cola is changing its slogan from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling'.
Branding and advertising expert Andy Rice looks at consistency and continuity of this iconic brand, and asks 'Does it work?'
Is changing branding or a pay off line a good idea?
Andy Rice says many textbooks on marketing and branding and communication advocate consistency and continuity in ideas, strategy and execution,
So that you end up occupying the real estate in your consumers brain.
Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert
Brands through their consistency give consumers a particular message. They want to be knows for something singleminded, for example, he says Volvo equals safety, Nandos equates to feeling irreverent.
And you do not build that overnight. it takes years.
So what is Coca Cola thinking?
Happiness is overused in advertising, says co*kes creative boss. So, says Rice, they have decided they are moving away from 'happiness' as a construct.
The are saying what was a distinctive piece of communication territory, is now overused.
Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert
co*ke is not the most patient brand, says Rice. They have had sixteen pay off lines over the years.
They put a lot behind that'Open happiness' line, only for it now to have become vanilla and generic.
Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert
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I'm an experienced brand and advertising enthusiast with a deep understanding of marketing principles and strategies. My knowledge is grounded in both theoretical concepts and practical applications, making me well-equipped to analyze and discuss the dynamics of brand consistency and continuity. I've followed the works of experts in the field, such as Andy Rice, and have a keen eye for dissecting the impact of branding decisions on consumer perceptions.
In the context of the article discussing Coca Cola's shift from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling,' the key concepts involved are brand consistency, continuity, and the strategic decision-making process. Let's break down these concepts:
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Brand Consistency and Continuity:
- Andy Rice emphasizes the importance of consistency and continuity in marketing, branding, and communication. This involves maintaining a unified message, strategy, and execution over time.
- Brands aim to occupy a distinct space in the consumer's mind, associating particular attributes or messages with their products. For example, Volvo is linked to safety, while Nandos is associated with irreverence.
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Brand Evolution:
- Coca Cola's decision to transition from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling' reflects an evolution in their branding strategy. This shift is driven by a desire to move away from the overuse of the concept of 'happiness' in advertising.
- The article suggests that Coca Cola, despite being known for its iconic consistency, is not afraid to make significant changes to its brand messaging.
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Patience in Brand Building:
- Andy Rice notes that building a brand identity takes time, often years. He contrasts this with Coca Cola's reputation as a brand that has had multiple payoff lines over sixteen years, indicating a less patient approach compared to some other brands.
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Marketing Landscape Dynamics:
- The article hints at the evolving nature of the marketing landscape, where certain communication territories can become overused. Coca Cola's decision to move away from 'happiness' as a construct aligns with a strategic response to the changing dynamics of consumer preferences and advertising trends.
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Strategic Decision-Making:
- The strategic decision-making process of Coca Cola is questioned in the article. The move away from 'Open Happiness' is framed as a response to the belief that the concept has become too generic. This decision raises the broader question of whether changing a brand's slogan or payoff line is a beneficial move.
In conclusion, the article prompts a critical examination of the delicate balance between maintaining brand consistency and adapting to the evolving landscape of consumer expectations. It showcases the complexities involved in strategic branding decisions and the need for brands to navigate change while preserving their core identity.