As a new business owner, branding can be extremely overwhelming. However, there’s a lot we can learn from successful branding strategies of some of the biggest brands in the world. This article provides insight by breaking down ten examples of successful branding strategies, and gives context behind each of them.

1. Coca-Cola: Developing a unique brand identity 🥤

It’s impossible to talk about successful branding without mentioning Coca-Cola. The success of their branding lies in the consistent use of their signature red and white colors and sound logo. Coca-Cola has also been able to create an emotional connection with their target audience by constantly refreshing their advertising campaigns, such as “Share a Coke.”

A can of Coca-Cola shows the iconic red on white color scheme and Coca-Cola sign.

2. Apple: Storytelling and product design 👨‍💻

Apple’s branding success is driven by its persuasive storytelling. The “Think Different” campaign changed the way people perceived Apple as a company and their products. Additionally, Apple’s product design – including clean lines, minimalism, and seamless experiences – has created a consistent identity and made the brand iconic.

A close-up of a MacBook Pro laptop with the iconic Apple symbol glimmering on the back.

3. Nike: Inspiring through athlete endorsements đź’Ş

Nike’s branding is undeniably memorable. Their “Just Do It” slogan is synonymous with the brand. Additionally, they inspire people through athlete endorsements, such as the brand’s partnership with Michael Jordan. The Nike swoosh and their consistent branding efforts have become instantly recognizable staples in popular culture.

A person wearing a pair of Nike Air Max shoes with the iconic Nike swoosh branding on the side of the shoe.

4. Airbnb: Creating a unique brand experience 🏡

Airbnb’s branding strategy involves creating an immersive brand experience. They have redefined what it means to travel, and to always “belong” no matter where you are in the world. Airbnb has not only built a trust-worthy platform but driven home their brand experience through their visuals, messaging, and through the endorsements of their hosts.

A screen-shot of Airbnb's website homepage featuring various unique and beautiful-looking rental places.

5. GoPro: Authentic messaging and niche-targeted 🎥

GoPro’s branding is about fostering an authentic and real-life feeling in its advertising. Their content and messaging embraces adventure and excitement that go beyond showcasing their products. GoPro also focuses on a niche audience – namely, those who are passionate about action sports and the outdoors.

An action-sports enthusiast captures his jump with a GoPro camera while jumping out of a helicopter.

6. McDonald’s: Consistency and simplicity 🍟

McDonald’s has been notoriously consistent in all their visual and written communication. Their advertising campaigns have long been known to play with emotions and build connections with their customers. Above all else, McDonald’s remembers simplicity is key when it comes to branding strategy.

A cook at McDonalds prepares a tray of burgers while customers line-up outside.

7. Samsung: Quality and market segmentation 📱

Samsung has earned its place in the phone market, particularly by targeting specific audiences. The quality of their products and services comes first, and they provide an experience that their audiences demand. Samsung, like Apple, designs its products with care and detail, taking user feedback into account.

A close-up of Samsung's latest phone, showing off the high quality and features.

8. Mastercard: Consistent messaging and color association đź’ł

Mastercard is an excellent example of consistent brand messaging and use of colors. Their “Priceless” campaign is incredibly successful and memorable, highlighting the importance of an emotional hook. Mastercard’s use of red and yellow continues to differentiate it from other credit card companies.

A person holds up a Mastercard credit card, showcasing the brand's use of its signature color scheme.

9. FedEx: Clear messaging and unique identity 📦

FedEx’s successful branding stems from their clear approach to messaging. The purple and orange colors associated with FedEx make their identity stick out. Their “The World on Time” campaign was incredibly successful in driving home a core message in their branding strategy.

A FedEx truck delivers a package with the brands unique colors and logo plastered on the delivery vehicle.

10. Google: Simplistic design and customer-centric approach 🔍

Google’s branding strategy continues to impress by staying true to its core user-centric values. They have always focused on simplistic design and building products that work intuitively. Google’s advertising campaigns are rarely about selling a product, but showcasing the uniqueness of their service and the various capabilities of their ecosystem.

A person on a laptop using Google's search engine for a query to look up a recipe.

Conclusion 🎉

Successful branding strategies from some of the biggest brands in the world offer new business owners an opportunity to learn from what’s worked for others. Through consistent branding, a focus on targeted demographics or niches, authenticity in messaging, and an overall customer-centric approach, you can create a brand identity that’s truly unique and memorable.

Image of a business community brainstorming and planning out various branding strategies using a whiteboard.