Brand Identity: A Necessary Concept
Like the ideas of
brand vision and purpose, brand identity is a recent concept. In the very
fashion-conscious, trendy milieu of communications, it is just a sheer
linguistic novelty, or is it really essential to understanding what brands
are?
What is identity?
To appreciate the meaning of this significant concept in brand management,
we shall begin by considering the many ways in which the world is used.
For example, we speak identity cards - personal, non-transferable document
which tell in a few words that are, what our name is and what distinguishable
features we have that can be instantly recognized. We also hear of identity
of opinion between several people, meaning that they have an identical
point of view.
In terms of communication, this second interpretation of the word suggests
brand identity is the common element sending a single message amid the
wide variety of its products, actions and slogans. This is important since
the more the brand expands and diversifies, the more customers are inclined
to feel that they are, in fact, dealing with several different brands
rather than a single one. If products and communication go their separate
ways, how can customers possibly perceive these different routes as converging
towards common aim and brand?
Speaking of identical points of view also raises the question of permanence and continuity. As civil status and physical appearance change, identity cards get updated, yet the fingerprint of their holders always remains the same. The identity concept questions how time will affect the unique and permanent quality of the sender, the brand or the retailer. In this respect, psychologists speak of the identity crisis which adolescents often go through. When their identity structure is still weak, teenagers tend to move from one role model to another. These constant shifts create a gap and force the basic question: What is the real me?
Finally, in studies on social groups or minorities, we often speak of cultural identity. In seeking an identity, they are in fact seeking a pivotal basis on which to hinge not only their inherent differences but also their membership of a specific cultural entity.
Brand identity may be a recent notion, but many researchers have already delved into the organizational identity of companies. There, the simplest verbal expression of identity often consist in saying: Oh yes, I see, but its not the same in our company!. In other words, corporate identity truly exists and that it is a coherent and unique being with a history and a place of its own, different from others.
From these various meanings, we can infer that having an identity means being your true self, driven by a personal goal that is both different from others and resistant to change. Thus, brand identity will be clearly defined once the following questions are answered:
- What is the brands
particular vision and aim?
- What makes it different?
- What need is the brand fulfilling?
- What is permanent nature?
- What are its value or values?
- What are the signs which make it recognizable?
These questions could indeed constitute the brands charter. This type of official document would help better brand management in the medium term, both in terms of form and content, and so better address future communication and extension issues. Communication tools such as the copy strategy are essentially linked to advertising campaigns, and so are only committed to the short term. There must be specific guidelines to ensure that there is indeed only one brand forming a solid and coherent entity.
Brand identy and
graphic identity charters:
We do indeed find many graphic identity charters, books of standards and
visual identity guides. Urged on by graphic identity agencies, companies
have rightly sought to harmonize the messages conveyed by their brands.
Such charters therefore define the norms for visual recognition of the
brand, i.e. the brands colors, graphic design and type of print. Although
this may be a necessary first step, it isnt the be all and end all.
Moreover, it puts the cart before the horse. What really matters is the
key message that we want to communicate. Formal aspects, outward appearance
and overall looks result from the brands core substance and intrinsic
identity. Choosing symbols requires a clear definition of what the brand
means.
However, while graphic manuals are quite easy to find nowadays, explicit
definitions of brand identity per se are still very rare. Yet, the essential
questions above must be properly answered before we begin discussing and
defining what the communication means what the codes of outward recognition
should be. The brands deepest values must be reflected in the external
signs of recognition, and these must be apparent at first glance. The
family resemblance between the various models of BMW conveys a strong
identity, yet it is not THE identity. This brands identity and essence
can be actually be defined by addressing the issue of its difference,
its permanence, its value and its personal view on automobiles.
Many firms have unnecessarily constrained their communication because they formulated a graphic charter before defining their identity. Not knowing who they really are, they merely perpetuate purely formal codes, by for example, using photographic style which may not the most suitable. Thus Nina Riccis identity did not necessarily relate to the companys systematic adherence to English photographer David Hamiltons style. Knowing brand identity paradoxically gives extra freedom of expression, since it emphasizes the pre-eminence of substance over strictly formal features. Brand identity defines what must stay and what is free to change.
Identity: A Contemporary
Concept
That a new concept, identity, has emerged in the field of communications,
already well versed in brand image and positioning, is really no great
surprise. Todays problems re more complex than those of ten or 20
years ago and so there is now a need for more refined concepts that allow
a closer connection with reality. First of all, we cannot over emphasize
the fact that we are currently living in a society saturated in communications.
Everybody wants to communicate these days. If needed, proof is available;
there have been huge increases in advertising budgets, not only in the
major media but also in the growing number of professional magazines.
It has become very difficult to survive in the hurly burly thus created,
let alone to thrive and successfully convey ones identity. For communication
means two things, sending our messages and making sure that they are received.
Communicating nowadays is no longer just a technique; it is a feat in
itself.
The second factor explaining the urgent need to understand brand identity is the pressure constantly put on brands. We have now entered an age of marketing similarities. When a brand innovates, it creates a new standard. The other brands must then catch up if they want to stay in the race, hence increasing number of me-too products with similar attribute, not to mention the copies produced by distributors. Regulations also cause similarities to speak. Bank operations for example have become so much alike that banks are now unable to fully express their individuality and identity. Market research also generates homogeneity with a given sector. As all companies base themselves on the same lifestyle studies, the conclusions they reach are bound to be similar as are the advertising campaigns they launch, in which sometimes even the same words are used.
Finally, technology
is responsible for growing similarity. Why do cars increasingly look alike,
in spite of their different makes? Because car makers are all equally
concerned about fluidity, inner car space constraints, motorization and
economy, and these problems cannot be solved in all that many different
ways. Moreover, when two makes of cars such as Peugeot and Citroen share
many identical parts for either productivity or competitiveness purposes,
it is mainly brand identity, along with, to a lesser extent, whats
left of each car, which will distinguish the two makes from one another.
Diversification also jeopardizes identity. Brands launch new products,
penetrate new markets and reach new targets. This causes both fragmented
communications and patchwork images. Though we may still be able to discern
bits and pieces of the brand here and there, we are certainly unable to
perceive any global or coherent identity.