Avoiding the brand pitfalls

At Madisons we can advise business owners in the Manchester area on many aspects of running and growing a business. Here are some traps to avoid when branding or rebranding...

Even the biggest companies can make branding errors...

Beware when rebranding

Although you should reassess your brand from time to time to ensure that it has not become outdated or inappropriate, it is important not to alienate your existing customers.

One of the most famous examples of disastrous rebranding came in 1985 with Coca-Cola's abrupt replacement of its most famous product with the sweeter 'New Coke'. The move had come in response to a shrinking market share, as blind tests suggested that many people preferred the taste of Pepsi.

The change was a public relations debacle and Coca-Cola were forced to revert to their original formula. However, there was a twist in the tale, as nostalgic demand for the traditional Coke had grown so strong that the company was soon able to re-establish its market lead.

Lost in Translation?

Do you intend to trade overseas? If so, take care to research your local market. Legend has it that Chevrolet's Nova model failed to sell in Mexico because "no va" in Spanish translates as "it doesn't go". Meanwhile the Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan 'finger-lickin' good' came out as 'eat your fingers off' in China.

Some of these stories might in fact be urban myths, but the moral - that careful research is vital - is valid.

If you are in the Manchester area and are looking for support and advice from a team of professional accountants and business advisers, contact Madisons.

Free Consultation

Interested in finding out how we can help you? We offer free, no-obligation, initial consultations offering the best possible advice.

Get in Touch ยป

icaew logo acca logo sage logo sageone logo bas xero

Home | Contact us | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Help | Site map | © 2024 Madisons. All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.

Madisons is a trading name of Madison Business Services Limited Registered office: Bushbury House, 435 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AF. Company Number: 03800186, VAT Registration Number: 741 1182 67 Registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Details about our Audit Registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk.
Telephone: 0161 434 3535 | Fax: 0161 445 0430 | Email: enquiries@madisons.co.uk.

Address
Madisons, Bushbury House, 435 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, Lancashire M20 4AF