The hottest Brand Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Cultural methodology

The Sociology of Business • 319 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Trends Brand Strategy Social Dynamics Consumer behavior
  1. There are two important steps in cultural research: first, discover and inform by understanding a company's business goals and existing materials. This helps create a clear strategy based on culture.
  2. The '4Cs' analysis looks at culture, category, company, and consumer to identify areas for growth and opportunity. It involves diving deep into market trends and understanding customer values.
  3. To effectively communicate a brand's purpose, businesses need to align their strategy with cultural influences and ensure it resonates with their audience.

☕️ How Starbucks Plans to Return to its Coffeehouse Roots with Free Coffee, a Brand-Led Strategy, and a Superbowl Adjacent campaign 📈

the case for brand 💼 • 72 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Brand Strategy Marketing Corporate culture Consumer behavior Market Trends
  1. Starbucks is focusing on its employees to create a better work environment. They are improving benefits and promoting from within to ensure happier staff.
  2. The company wants to bring back its community coffeehouse vibe. This means enhancing in-store experiences, like using ceramic mugs and offering free refills.
  3. Starbucks aims to clarify its identity and mission as a coffee brand. They are emphasizing their roots and what they stand for in their marketing and overall brand message.

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

The menswear playbook

The Sociology of Business • 1136 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Global Market Brand Strategy
  1. Menswear has experienced significant growth and innovation in the past decade, focusing on sophistication, luxury leisurewear, and reimagined workwear.
  2. The global men's apparel market generated $555.3 billion revenue in 2023, with casualwear like knitwear and sneakers driving much of the growth.
  3. Developing a strong menswear strategy involves aligning with brand vision, defining wear scenarios, and owning specific aesthetic pillars for the brand.
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Why adland snobs should relax and learn to love Status Quo

Thoughts on Writing • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Advertising Music Social media Brand Strategy Creativity
  1. In the advertising industry, it's important to question assumptions and prejudices to stay grounded and relevant.
  2. Brands like M&S are adapting to changing consumer priorities by emphasizing value without compromising quality.
  3. Social media, influencers, and ordinary people play a significant role in shaping modern advertising strategies.

Winning isn't for Everyone

The Carousel • 54 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Brand Strategy Consumer behavior Corporate culture
  1. Nike used to be the main brand for running shoes but is now losing its edge. Other brands are becoming popular because people want variety and innovation.
  2. Nike's marketing strategies are not connecting with today's runners and they're failing to engage with the running community. They used to focus on meaningful campaigns but now seem out of touch.
  3. The company's recent struggles show that they are in danger of becoming irrelevant. Instead of adapting to modern trends, they have been more focused on image rather than performance and community connections.

Customer Misbehavior

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Innovation Customer Behavior Product Development Brand Strategy
  1. Once you share something, people will use it in ways you never expected. You can’t control how they see or interact with it.
  2. Customers often misuse products in creative ways that reveal their true needs. This can help companies discover new features or markets.
  3. Allowing customers to express their identity through products can build stronger connections and loyalty. Embracing this openness helps brands evolve with their users.

How Product Marketing is taking place on social media

The Social Juice • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Product Marketing Social media Content Brand Strategy Market Analysis
  1. Long-term partnerships with influencers are more effective than short-term sponsorships for product marketing.
  2. Engaging in discussion-focused content on platforms like Reddit can drive better product recommendations and feedback.
  3. Product marketing for streaming services should focus on brand positioning and unique selling points rather than just promoting content.

You know what really shits me

Mehdeeka • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing SEO Brand Strategy Content Strategy
  1. Starting a marketing strategy based only on what successful large brands do may not work for smaller businesses.
  2. Investing in SEO and organic search may not always bring in customers as expected, especially for companies with less than $10M ARR.
  3. To improve marketing effectiveness, consider looking at the strategy evolution of companies a step ahead and collecting feedback directly from customer-facing teams.