Brand storytelling in the smartphone industry: good and bad examples
In the digital age, when competition in the smartphone market has become fiercer, it is important not only to provide consumers with technically advanced devices, but also to create a special atmosphere around your product, a story that will bring emotional value to the process of choosing a smartphone. This is where brand storytelling comes into play, a powerful marketing tool that can capture attention and build brand loyalty. Let’s take a look at some good and bad examples of using brand storytelling in the smartphone industry.
Good Examples
- Apple and “The Evolution of Technologies and Ideas”. An example of successful brand storytelling is Apple. The company not only sells products, but also builds an ideology that raises important questions. Their marketing campaign, titled “Evolution of Idea Technology”, focuses not only on the technical characteristics of the product, but also on the history of its creation.
A new stage in this evolution was recently introduced with the release of the iPhone 15. Following its philosophy of innovation, Apple has made a number of significant improvements to this model. Particular attention is paid to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which meets modern requirements and consumer expectations.
With the new technologies of the idea, embodied in the iPhone 15, users have an incredibly powerful device that can cope with the most complex tasks. The history of the creation of this model, taking into account the many technical and design details, gives buyers the feeling of participating in a great idea, in the process of creation.
This brand storytelling approach helps Apple solidify its position as an innovative leader in the smartphone industry. “Evolution of the technology of the idea” becomes not only a slogan, but also a philosophy that unites the company and its users in the pursuit of continuous improvement and intellectual development.
- Samsung and Push the Limits. Samsung focuses on innovation and diversity of its products through the “Push the Boundaries” concept. The company talks about people who are not afraid to go forward and change the world, which fits perfectly into the story of the technology and versatility of their smartphones.
- OnePlus and “No frills”. OnePlus stands out with its minimalistic design and the slogan “No extra pillowcase”. This approach to storytelling emphasizes their focus on essential features and functions, with a focus on optimization and performance.
Bad Examples
- Amazon and Fire Phone. Although Amazon has been successful in e-commerce, their attempt to create their smartphone, the “Fire Phone”, failed due to poor storytelling. The company failed to clearly articulate the unique features and benefits of its device, resulting in poor sales.
- HTC and the lack of a clear concept. HTC has struggled with the lack of a clear identity and narrative around its smartphones. Despite technical advances, the company has failed to convey to customers what makes their products special.
- Microsoft and “Kin Phone”. Another example of bad brand storytelling is Microsoft’s “Kin Phone”. This smartphone was aimed at the youth audience, but could not find its place in the market due to the inept construction of the brand story.
Conclusions
The use of brand storytelling in the smartphone industry is of great importance. Success stories such as Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus show that building a story around a product can inspire consumers and increase brand loyalty. However, failed attempts like those of Amazon, HTC, and Microsoft highlight the importance of carefully crafted brand storytelling for success.
Marketers should pay particular attention to building a brand story that aligns with their values, emphasizes unique product features, and evokes emotional engagement with consumers. Creativity, authenticity and the ability to engage an audience are the key elements of successful brand storytelling that can take smartphones to the next level in the consumer electronics world.
Internet marketing expert. Head of marketing agency MAVR.
Business degree “Master of Business Administration” (MBA).