Photo credit: Happy Skin FB Page
Admit it.
When you shop for a new item, does the name or brand of the item affects your buying decision?
Some might say no (hello practical ones!) and others might say yes (hello for picky and conscious shoppers!).
Branding is important and very crucial. You've read many articles online about how important having a good brand, because a good brand is a good asset.
Same in the family - having a good family name (brand) also translates a remarkable identity, and a good reputation. And you became so proud to carry that legacy and passes it to your next generation.
Do the reverse, and you will suffer the pain and consequences.
That's why many marketers and brand aficionados are very conscious on choosing the right brand or label for the product. Getting the right label and positioning it to the right market will give you a good benefits in return, and who doesn't want a good conversion after your long months, or years of preparation, right?
So when I saw another beauty brand mishaps last night, I couldn't help but to share my opinions about it.
I made a graphic illustration so you would know what I mean.
screen grab from Happy Skin Facebook
We all know that the beauty industry is now a billion-dollar worth of industry and the competition is super tough, that others are willing to kill-it (figuratively) just to make it to the top. And there are many beauty brands even got to the point of gambling their names and labels for the sake of attention (remember when Kylie Cosmetics Blush collection with shades in Barely Legal, X Rated, and Virginity, or that controversial Jeffree Star's lipstick that glamorized female genital mutilation).
Historically speaking, lipstick have a huge part of the world women's' history. According to Diane Ackerman the author of A Natural History of the Senses, "that our lips reminds us of the labia, because they flush red and swell when they’re aroused, which is the conscious or subconscious reason women have always made them look even redder with lipstick. Back in the 19th century, when any form of makeup was taboo, women who wore lipstick was considered sexually available. Not until in 1938 when cosmetic maker Volupte when he produces many shades of reds and pinks lipsticks.
So when this local cult beauty brand released their new collection of lippies, and one of those shades has a name synonymous to a vulgar word, a good and mindful marketer will immediately noticed the RED FLAG.
Unless your target market are the millennials and above - aka Adults.
However, if your label's market are those who are still on diapers and living in their Mom's roof - then that is another RED FLAG.
Brands and labels should have more basis and if necessary triple check all the labels before approving the final copy. Having a label with other vulgar meaning will not pass to the other market (like, you can't expect that this shade label will pass the Muslim territory market, unless you changed it).
We get it, sex sells. However, use this market ideology wisely and strategically in order not to leave a stain in your brand, your legacy, or even your talents' reputation. Misinterpretation is such a huge blow.
Or maybe this is their new publicity stunt. Oh well, that stained deep. And hope they have good detergent to wiped it off soon.
Sometimes, a simple English word or name never hurts.
Have you ever encounter other brand mishaps? I would love to know your thoughts below!
xoxo, Blair
I think branding is essential whether or not it's in the beauty business. How do you persuade people to buy a you product? It's very interesting to see how certain ads have gained attention during all these years. What worked many years ago might not work today, as you said we need to be mindful with how we brand ourselves :)
ReplyDeletewww.nouw.com/ladolcemusica
I agree. There are many brands who opt for a huge buzz, to gain easy way to go up. But those brands that chose to be mindful last for many years.
Deletenow that u put it this way it making me realise did i buy any mislead products. i can say thast u couldfind many on wish app.
ReplyDeletehahaha yeah, always good to be mindful.
DeleteThanks for sharing this informative posting, learnt so much about branding. Personally I don't really fancy on whether famous brand or not. More to try out 1st & then from my user experiences :D cheers, siennylovesdrawing
ReplyDeleteThat's right Sienny.
DeleteGreat article, with quite a few good points. will suggest a friend about this
ReplyDeleteThank you Arnab for stopping by.
DeleteWhoa! I never had so much idea about it. But it gave me idea about my products. Valuable and informative...
ReplyDeleteThank you dear. Being mindful in branding can be also applied to anything, even for branding your own blog.
DeleteInteresting post. I will have to share this with me wife to see what she thinks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Scott!
DeleteI have never encountered a label mishap, and I am one to read labels carefully.
ReplyDeleteAs a consumer, it is also wise that we get involved coz we are the end consumers.
DeleteAt least it's not called skunk hahaha.Well let's admit it, something controversial really sells.
ReplyDeleteOMG Neil that is hilarious!
Deletewhen I'm shopping, I do look at brands and it's only because I know what quality of clothes those brands carry. Like you said, good reputation. I haven't encountered any brand mishaps but now I will defiantly be on a look out for some!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you buy, your subconscious tell you that the product should represents you :D
DeleteYou are so right about buying items base on their products. Got to admit I do that a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks babe!
DeleteNice educative writeup..yes lsbeks have to be chosen carefully ..keeping in mind the target clients..
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your insights!
DeleteLol ... spunk on your lips. well i must say, for a not so picky consumer i wouldn't notice it.
ReplyDeleteThat's why when in doubt, use simple English :D
DeleteSpunk on your lips? Kind of weird name don't you think? Should have chose any other word and people will still notice it. Maybe I should notice more on these kind of things.
ReplyDeleteHahaha it's hilarious. And makes me think how come this was approved.
Deleteindeed, sex sells though inappropriate...it is prevalent and become a norm among beauty ads, perfume ads....some subtle but highly suggest sexual connotation and some are straight forward sex....i'm talking about controversial nude ads.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is many becomes blinds and just brushed-off this kind of scenario, just for fame and money.
DeleteHaha. Never really though how weirdly creative people can get while naming brands. They better be careful or else they may become a joke!
ReplyDeleteI know right. But some still believe that bad publicity is still a publicity. Still make opt for gambling their names for fame.
Deletefor me i like to choose products which is from the brand and most importang suit to me and good feedback from others user.ya nowsaday many ads are so dramatic and sometimes censored
ReplyDeleteYeah, rarely to see brands that have good reputation and does care to their customers.
DeleteI never had so much information about branding. I often found the names misleading especially while buying lipsticks online, now I know why! Its good you highlighted this aspect of branding products.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is still nice to be mindful on what we buy. Remember, what we use and buy sometimes a reflection of who we are.
DeleteI like to think I'm not persuaded by brand, but deep inside I know I am. It's a brave move by the marketing department, one, that if it fails, could see a massive chunk of their target market turn against them. However, the people who embrace the message will become even more loyal and love them more than ever. Risk upsetting some people for fierce loyalty from others.
ReplyDeleteYou have a point. This collection is targeting a Generation Z market that are always after on trends.
DeleteHaha there are advantages and disadvantages. Good or bad, it's still publicity and has got people talking about the brand. Let's hope it translates into sales and profit for them.
ReplyDeleteYeah that's a huge question!
DeleteGreat article indeed. Yes brand is very important and that is what i'm trying to my product also. The great marketing will impact the great brands.
ReplyDeleteI believe that doing business is not all on making money. It is also building a legacy.
DeleteInformative post. Referring to my wife as it will help her.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!
DeleteI would say brand is essential for me when it come to shopping. But I will feel put off if the brand use unappropriate marketing stunt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insights, Rina :D
DeleteThis was a really interesting article indeed. I think you made some great points. Spunk on your lips though... I laughed SO HARD!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha sometimes it isn't wise to use strange words.
DeleteI'm so keen on branding so when I'm shopping for mostly beauty products , I'm very picky on what brand I'm bringing home. I've fallen for some mishaps before thus my precision lol!
ReplyDeleteI've learned branding thru experiences, and by constantly reading and taking notes.
DeleteI wan to try the 'Wonder' Pretty sure I'm not agreeing with Ackerman though...that almost makes me NOT want to buy lip color, lolol
ReplyDeleteThat "wonder" shade looks gorgeous.
DeleteYeah this is the kind of marketing I don't understand. A quick google search will tell you if the word is a good choice or a bad one!
ReplyDeleteThat is true. However, you can also consider your target market when choosing the brand name and labelling.
DeleteThis is so true. I agree with your ideas. Your concepts are very well-said.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jhoan. I think they should consider changing the label.
DeleteWill have to apply this kinda branding to even my blog I guess. Good read!
ReplyDeleteThis concept of branding can be applied to anywhere, even for blog if you aim for a long term.
Deleteoh my goodness I had to double look there! Not sure about it to be honest. I agree could of chose the other words
ReplyDeleteAlways double check :D
DeleteI don’t really wear cosmetics but I do find this very fascinating! And will share with my best friend who’ll be into this! Very informative :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jade! Better to take care of your skin. You don't need makeups :D
DeleteI hate that some brands are using shock value in their marketing. It does work. A friend of mine says that any publicity is good publicity!
ReplyDeleteWe all have a love-hate relationship with marketing :D
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful blog and very informative for readers! Branding is such an interesting subject!
ReplyDeleteThank you Queen Momma!
DeleteI agree, I have no formal education for marketing but this area is very interesting topic. I realized you don't need a degree to learn the 360 of marketing.
this word reminds me our conversation... well, the color of the lipstick looks good actually... and really keep it in my mind strongly due to the word!! hahaha
ReplyDeleteI agree, the shade looks great, but I recommend that they MUST change the label.
DeleteYou are right that our buying habits sometimes gets governed by the brand and labels. However, to have a sustainable business, the core product has to be good.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Pujarini :D
DeleteThis was really a good read ! People really must understand certain things before promoting products
ReplyDeleteThat is true. If you will promote a product, consider it to have a longer impact than overnight fame.
DeleteSuper interesting post! I love hearing about what goes into successfully marketing products.
ReplyDeleteConsumers needs to understand also these things, in order to get a more understanding of the products they are using.
DeleteThat's crazy that they missed this kind of an error in naming the brand. Sometimes you can only wonder who is reading the copy. And who is editing it?
ReplyDeleteI agree. Or sometimes that feeling of making this word "the new thing".
DeleteI also curious whether is this intended or really is a mistake! Guess the brand did not research nicely before naming it lol.
ReplyDeleteYou have a valid point Sharon.
DeleteI had to have another look at the end, i was not sure. i had to google the word but omg, yeah, not sure it's very good taste!
ReplyDeleteahaha words are very tricky especially nowadays.
DeleteBlair, when I'm shopping for food, I'm cynical whenever I see a really low price tag on a brand I've never heard of. But if it's really high, I pay more attention, thinking that the price is higher for a reason.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wise move! Always double check.
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