The terms “logo” and “brand” are sometimes used synonymously in the large field of marketing and advertising, yet they refer to various aspects of a company’s identity. Investing genius Warren Buffet and well-known marketer Seth Godin provide insights that set these two ideas apart.
Seth Godin’s Take
Godin breaks it down succinctly: “If Nike opened a hotel, I think we would be able to guess pretty accurately what it would be like. If Hyatt came out with sneakers, we’d have no clue what they’d be like. That’s because Hyatt doesn’t have a brand—they have a logo.”
He further explains that having a brand implies making a promise to people. A brand creates expectations, serving as a shorthand for a distinct identity. Conversely, if the identity is not distinct, it’s akin to admitting that the company offers a commodity and is merely trying to charge a bit extra for peace of mind.
Godin emphasizes the challenge faced by companies like Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott, where consumer choices are often dictated by price. The value of a brand, he argues, is determined by how much extra consumers are willing to pay above the substitute. If there’s no willingness to pay extra, there’s no brand.
Warren Buffet’s Insight
Warren Buffet echoes this sentiment in his unique way, citing the example of Apple. He explains the value of brand loyalty by presenting a scenario: “If you’re an Apple user and somebody offers you $10,000, but the only proviso is they’ll take away your iPhone and you’ll never be able to buy another, you’re not going to take it. If they tell you if you buy another Ford car, they’ll give you $10,000 not to do that, you’ll take the $10,000 and you’ll buy a Chevy instead.”
In this comparison, Ford and Chevy represent logos, while Apple stands as a brand.
The Essence of Branding
In essence, a logo is a visual representation, while a brand is a comprehensive identity that encompasses promises, expectations, and a unique position in the market. The journey from logo to brand involves creating a distinct identity that goes beyond a mere symbol.
Understanding this difference is crucial for businesses aiming not just to sell products but to create lasting connections with consumers. It’s a journey of building trust, fostering loyalty, and standing out in a crowded marketplace.