This weeks branding news digest

Starbucks Local Branding

Starbucks as a brand has struggled since the start of the recession. In a bid to revitalise the brand, Starbucks are opening un-branded coffee shops. Since the start of the recession, people have been gravitating back to the local community. Looking inwards and protecting that which is close to them. Starbucks, which is seen as a corporate gieant has missed out on this, and has therefore tried to join in by delivering the famous Starbucks coffe, but under the guise of the local coffee shop.

Story Telling across Platforms

Here’s a great video on YouTube about storytelling from Josh Tyrangiel at Time magazine. He talks about how to make the most from using different platforms to tell your story and under what circumstances, which platform is best. Take a look it’s only 4min 30 long and contains some good tips.

Exclamation Mark is not a Trademark

A court in germany has ruled that Joop! cannot register the exclamation mark as their trademark.

It goes to show that you do need to consider what you use to identify your brand. Common marks such as these can give good recognition, but are easily copied. It pays to carefully consider what your brand is and what is stands for so you can create a unique identity that you can protect as your company grows.

What Makes a Great Online Ad?

Here’s a great little article on the BBC website giving examples of some great viral ads from the past. If you are looking to expand your brand online then there may be something here that will spark an idea. Take a look and let the creativity flow.