“Germany showing more interest in colour” – under this title Edward Appleton, managing director of the market research and communications consultancy BRAND:NEW!, explains in the July issue of the magazine DIY in Europe just why the Brits are so fascinated by colour and why the Germans stick to straightforward white – to the detriment of profits. Taking Dulux as his example he demonstrates how a supplier can gear his branding strategy to create a positive trend
First introduced in television advertising in 1962 (!), the Dulux dog is probably one of the most strongest brand properties in the UK. Using a “shaggy dog” is a clever but simple way of symbolising a happy home and a happy family life. It also has the added benefit of appealing equally well to both men and women, and of emanating a balance of functional and emotional appeal – critical to the DIY paint category. Sticking with this multi-faceted branding device across the decades has made it an extremely powerful property for Dulux. So powerful that they not only have registered the Dulux dog as a protected trademark, they have even put a trademark on the sound of a dog barking.
In terms of marketing strategies, the consistent us of television advertising by Dulux over the years should not be underestimated. Apart from reaching a broad audience fast, using TV ads enabled the brand to became imued with positive emotions, and the dog a real-life character the people could relate to.
Including the dog as a brand property across relevant media is another point worth highlighting – especially its inclusion on the can, ensuring a transfer of positive emotions from the TV ads to the product itself. This is in fact an excellent example of how to successfully brand the product experience – or create an experience brand.
Contact: eappleton@brandnewonline.com