Have you ever wondered how a company like Apple has gotten to be so successful? Or how they are able to charge so much more than what we could pay for a PC?
Well, it goes far beyond Apple making a good product. Although that is extremely important, that is not the secret to their success…
Apple has done an amazing job on marketing and branding and this is where the secret to their success is at… Brand Messaging.
Apple has done such an amazing job with their branding, they have gone beyond just building a loyal tribe of customers, they have built a culture!
Think about it…
Atmosphere
A friend once told me that there is no other feeling like walking out of a Apple store with a new computer. It just makes you feel good about yourself. Wow! Are people saying that about your product or service? 
Apple has done an amazing job with the looks and feel of their products. Because they have built their products with quality materials and added a more space age smooth look, it causes you to feel like you have gotten something special. Apple is using their products to target the 5 senses.
Add all of this up with their moto “Think Different”, they have created this image that if you get an Apple product it’s the best of the best… which must mean “I am the best!” And this makes me feel good about myself. See how this works?
Price Point
Because everything that Mac produces is sold for a premium price, even if you are on a payment plan with them, this still can cause you to feel more successful. Like you own something that someone who is struggling financially would never have.
Once again…. Striking to the heart of the desire which drives the emotions of their target market.
And when you can do that and offer that kind of experience, product, etc… You can charge a premium price!
Loyalty
Have you ever talked to a Mac user about getting a PC? lol… There is no way you are going to change their mind that Mac is the best thing ever!
About a year or so ago, I was talking to a friend of mine (a hardcore Mac Culture Member) and I was telling him about how much I like my Droid Incredible (I have an iPhone 4s now!). Well, he wouldn’t hear it! He proceeded to tell me that he has never heard anything good about the Droid since the iPhone 4 has come out! Which is kind of funny, since at that time, the iPhone 4 was having reception issues!
But it proves a point, some little ol’ reception problem wasn’t going to stop a Mac user from getting that iPhone 4! That is loyalty!
If you think about it, why would they give up a product (brand) that works well and makes them feel good about themselves?
So here are 4 thing to think about when looking at your brand.
• Is my brand, products and services targeting the core drives that push the emotions of my target market?
• Does my brand, products and services hitting the 5 senses of my prospects and customers?
• What makes my brand message different from my competitors? Why should they pick me over my competitors?
• Does my brand have a personality where consumers feel comfortable engaging? Is our brand “humanized”?
I really believe this is very crucial things to think about when developing a successful and effective brand. It is my hope that you take the time to really think about this so if need be, you can make changes to your message and see an increase in your results! 
Please let me know what you think about this below… Plus, let me know if you are a Apple fan or not!
Keep moving forward!
