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Looking to level up your brand from a commodity to a fan favorite?

The first step is understanding where you’re at right now:

Level 0: Your brand isn’t recognizable from other products or services. People are looking for the cheapest or free option.

• “I’ll buy this unbranded USB-c cable at the airport.”

Level 1: Your brand has an identity and logo, but it’s hard to recognize within your category. It looks like the cheapest option.

• “I’ll buy this water bottle because it’s cheap and I don’t have a preference.”

Level 2: Your brand has a specific look and message that sets expectations.

• “This agency looks a bit more creative. I’ll hire them.”

Level 3: Your brand stands out visually in the marketplace. Customers are curious about your brand’s distinctive story and style.

• “I saw an epic talk from this tech founder and now I’m interested in their products.”

Level 4: Customers vaguely recognize your brand and are primed to try it.

• “I’ve seen a few ads about this online tool. I’ll try it.”

Level 5: When customers think about your category, your brand is top of mind and the first choice in most buying occasions.

• “When I need to search, I go to Google.”

Level 6: Customers talk about your brand and get excited about it. They’ll pay extra to get it because it reinforces their identity.

• “I love to buy Yeti stuff because it makes me feel outdoorsy.”

Level 7: Customers love your brand. They belong to social groups dedicated to your brand. They go above and beyond to remain loyal to it.

• “I missed an entire day of work to get tickets to Taylor Swift.”

Head to Let’s Talk Branding for a deeper dive.

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And even if you’re not currently on the market, it’s a good way to get your reps in and keep your confidence up.

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Let’s get it on the calendar.

McDonald’s launched its new McValue platform yesterday with some help from John Cena, their official McValue ambassador, in a social campaign.

Sharing his faves from the new menu, John Cena said in a statement, “I always talk about ‘earning my sunset’ and there’s nothing like heading to McDonald’s after completely crushing your day.”

The more flexible McValue menu will include the Buy One, Add One for $1 Deal and the $5 Meal Deal from 2024, with lots more local and mobile promos to come.

Cena is actually a lifelong Mickey D’s fan, by the way, but he’s probably ordering off the full-priced menu, right?