Brand identity examples — to learn from and emulate (with your own spin, of course) — can be incredibly helpful. Because, seriously, when it comes to branding, there are so freakin’ many options and moving parts! And not every path to outstanding branding is going to be a perfect fit for your company.
So, in this post, we’ll look at:
- What is branding?
- What is a socially-conscious company?
- Why branding matters
- Why branding in an ethical and authentic manner can be powerful
- Examples of perfect brand identity examples
What Is Branding Anyway?
Branding is an essential part of any successful business. It encompasses the corporate image, company values, and customer experience. It helps companies establish trust and credibility with their target audience, allowing them to stand out from the competition.
But, branding is more than just a logo or tagline. It can help your business do stuff like:
- Create an emotional connection with customers
- Convey a company’s unique identity and purpose
- Build loyalty and trust among customers
- Attract new customers
- Retain existing customers
- Foster community
- Raise awareness
- Show some personality
Your branding should be consistent across all platforms and touchpoints, from advertising and marketing materials to service interactions and product packaging.
Why Does [Good] Branding Matter?
Creating a strong brand is critical for any business that wants to get ahead and stick around. Branding is your opportunity to tell your story and engage with prospects, customers/clients, stakeholders, employees, and more.
When done well, branding can help your company stand out (in the good sense) and boost the bottom line. The key is to express your company’s uniqueness in ways that resonate with your various spheres of peeps.
This can be achieved through careful consideration of corporate image, company values, and customer experience. Investing in your brand reinforces brand alignment and a commitment to customers, community, and beyond. It’s an affirmation of what’s important within your biz’s ecosystem.
A solid [and favorable] brand association is a huge asset! It can lead to world domination. Just kidding, haha. More likely, it’ll generate outcomes like:
- Happier customers
- Increased conversions, like sales
- More fulfilled employees
- Differentiation from your competition
- Long-term success
And, What’s a Socially-Conscious Company?
A socially-conscious company is one that’s committed to making a positive impact on its community (e.g., the town it’s in, the planet, etc.). Socially-conscious organizations uphold values like social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical behavior. This commitment often takes shape in the form of initiatives that contribute to making the world a better place.
Examples of such initiatives include sponsoring events that promote environmental awareness, supporting charities and volunteer organizations, or implementing policies that reduce waste and emissions. By embracing these values, a company is taking a proactive stance in creating a better future for everyone.
This commitment to making a positive difference in the world is admirable and inspiring to many. It shows that companies today are capable of being more than just profit-driven entities — they can also be purpose-driven entities that are dedicated to making a positive contribution to the universe around them.
“Business — and life — doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. There’s enough to go around for everyone. Others don’t need to be kept or pushed down for you to succeed and thrive. That saying about ‘when the tide comes in, all the boats rise’ can be a great place from which to do biz. Brands can design win-win-win scenarios if they want to. (And, pretty puh-lease, want to!)” — Your Truly
Ethical & Authentic Branding Has Magic
When you bring together good branding in one hand and a socially-conscious biz in the other, you can get something truly powerful. Sure, this may be rare in the wild, but when it happens — it can accomplish some amazing things.
Companies that succeed in building killer brands and doing good work well can build momentum. Out of this can come anything from social change to environmental recovery to — geez, the possibilities are endless!
Suffice it to say that when done right, it can make the hustle worth the bustle.
Drumroll, Please! The Brand Identity Examples…
Here are some potential role models. Unicorns that have gotten their branding and value-based business model synced up.
Patagonia
Patagonia merges branding and social consciousness like a total champ. For instance, through its signature ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ campaign, Patagonia’s been able to spread a strong message about sustainability and environmental protection. Not only has it been able to raise awareness on the issue, but it’s also used its branding to highlight the quality and longevity of its products, thus encouraging customers to invest in better items that will last. By doing so, Patagonia’s gained a loyal customer base that’s invested in the company’s mission.
IKEA
IKEA’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is evident in the products they offer, the materials they use, and even the location and construction of the stores themselves. From its use of sustainable materials to its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, IKEA has made sure its branding reflects its values. In addition, its commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by its focus on affordability, quality, and design. This auspicious combo has allowed IKEA to create a formidable brand identity that resonates with customers and shows that social consciousness can be fashionable.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s use of bold colors, playful packaging, and unique flavor combinations creates a brand identity that stands out from the crowd. It also uses highlights the company’s commitment to social causes. By partnering with organizations such as Greenpeace and supporting initiatives such as its Climate Justice Campaign, Ben & Jerry’s reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This dynamic duo of branding and socially-conscious business has helped Ben & Jerry’s to become a beloved company that is admired by many.
REI
REI’s created a strong and recognizable brand identity by using a modern and minimalistic design, with a focus on nature. Through its partnerships with organizations such as Leave No Trace and The Nature Conservancy, REI has been able to clearly communicate its commitment to sustainability and the environment. The company has also used its branding to highlight its dedication to providing quality outdoor products and experiences, making it a beloved and trusted brand.
Burt’s Bees
This company’s stylistic and intent-packed branding is reflective of its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Its modern and minimalistic design also helps to communicate brand values, such as its use of natural ingredients and focus on creating planet-friendly products. Burt’s Bees has parlayed its brand identity into a faithful following of fans.
TOMS
TOMS’s iconic slip-on shoes are a symbol of its commitment to creating comfortable, stylish footwear while also making a difference in the world. The company’s “One for One” model, which provides a pair of shoes to a person in need for every item purchased, walks the walk of giving back and social responsibility. Moreover, TOMS has been able to use its brand identity to create an emotional connection with its customers and the underserved communities to which it’s donating footwear.
AllBirds
AllBirds’s distinctive and memorable brand identity combines contemporary design with a focus on sustainability and environmental protection. The company uses eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic bottles, to create stylish and comfortable shoes. In addition, AllBirds donates to environmental organizations and initiatives. Through its branding and commitment to social responsibility, AllBirds has forged a relationship with its flock.
Dr. Bronner’s
The Dr. Bronner’s brand rallies around the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The prominently-featured and instantly-recognizable label promotes Dr. Bronner’s promise to using only natural and organic ingredients. The company also supports a number of social causes, such as advocating for non-GMO foods and animal welfare, and is a founding member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. As such, Dr. Bronner’s deftly uses branding to communicate its values and mission and endear customers.
Brand Identity Examples Worth Following
Branding is a comprehensive approach to declaring to the world what your business is and what it values. Best to do it well so that lasting impression is a good one!
Socially-conscious companies conduct business in ways that benefit more than just their bank accounts. They’re vested in making decent returns while improving the world around them.
We’ve shared just a few examples of companies that are acing both branding and biz — so you know it’s not an either/or sitch! If you take the time to think about what best fits your company, and leverage these examples as inspo, you’ll probably be able to come up with branding ideas that work perfectly for your business.
