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Global branding: creating consistency on diverse markets

Published on 03/10/2023

For a global brand, creating consistency on diverse markets is a complex challenge, but it is essential to ensure a strong and recognisable presence on a global scale. Here are some key strategies for achieving this objective:

Defining a solid brand identity 

This identity must serve as the basis for all branding activities, whatever the market. Here are the key points:

  • Mission: purpose and objective. Answer the question “Why?”.
  • Vision: long-term brand
  • Values: guide behaviour and decisions (beliefs).
  • Positioning: how you compare with your competitors. 
  • Brand personality: a consistent personality across all your communications and interactions with customers.
  • Target audience: the targeted market segments.
  • Tone and voice: communicating with the audience.
  • Logo and visual identity: the logo, colours, fonts and visuals associated with your brand contribute to its identity. 
  • Customer experience: consistent across all points of contact.
  • Brand history: a captivating account of the origins, development and key moments that have shaped the company.

Strategic segmentation 

Enables companies to understand their customers better, tailoring their offers and messages more precisely to create a deep connection with their audience. Here's how to implement effective strategic segmentation:

Market analysis enables you to determine the relevant criteria for segmenting your market (demographics, geography, buying behaviour, interests, values, etc.). As a result, homogeneous segments will be created to adapt your strategies. Assessing the profitability of this segment (growth, loyalty, size, etc.) allows you to adapt your communication and distribution, but developing offers based on demand can also be an advantage.

Cultural adaptation 

Take into account the cultural, linguistic and behavioural differences of each market. Adapt your message, design and communications to suit local norms and cultures, while maintaining overall consistency. When it comes to language, AbroadLink is the translation agency for you.

Brand platform 

Create a complete brand platform including visuals, messages and graphics based on the specific needs of each market. This platform will serve as a benchmark to ensure consistency while allowing for local adjustments. This diversification strategy also works on social networks, with the creation of a strong brand image and the presentation of unique products or services.

Central coordination and decentralisation 

Striking a balance between centralised decision-making and local flexibility. Central coordination can help maintain overall consistency and brand image. Well-informed local teams can adapt the strategy to the realities of the market.

Technology and automation 

Use brand management tools and systems to facilitate the creation, dissemination and consistent implementation of your brand on a global scale. This can include content management platforms, digital libraries and many others. 

To develop a brand image, it is important to have a constant development strategy, with the aim of keeping up with developments and remaining known to consumers through the technology used. 

Training and communication 

Make sure that all stakeholders understand the importance of brand consistency, whether at head office or on local markets, but also that they are trained in the correct application of branding guidelines such as communication strategies, types of diversification, social media, etc.

Monitoring and assessment 

Put monitoring mechanisms in place to regularly evaluate the implementation of the marketing strategy and to evaluate the graphic charter in each market. This enables any discrepancies to be identified and any necessary adjustments made. Building a consistent, coherent image takes time and any mistake can be disastrous, so you need to be extremely meticulous.

Responsiveness and evolution 

Markets are constantly evolving, so it's important to be responsive to change and adjust your brand strategy accordingly. Be open to consumer feedback and emerging trends to keep your brand relevant on a global scale. It is also important to take into account the cultural situation. For example, a low source of income for a high-priced product may prevent consumers from buying it. 

Horizontal diversification allows risks to be spread more evenly and secures the company's growth, but always on the basis of segments and developments. Conversely, a specialisation strategy enables a company to draw on skills, resources and know-how already acquired by the business, ensuring continuity of growth.

In conclusion, creating consistency on diverse markets for a global brand requires a balance between local flexibility and global consistency, while remaining true to the essence of the brand. A meticulous plan, careful management and intelligent adaptation will help you succeed in this ambitious undertaking, but evaluating your brand, segment or actions is also important.

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