Exploring Brand Extension Success – 14 Cases to Learn From
1. Introducing 14 of the Most Successful Brand Extensions
Making the most of your brand is key for companies seeking to maximize consumer recognition and build their bottom line. When done correctly, brand extensions can turn a successful product into a business opportunity. To help you get up to speed on successful product extensions, we’ve highlighted a few of the most impressive examples of companies extending their reach.
From classic food brands to web services, the 14 brand extensions below have not only been extremely successful in their own right, but have made their parent companies into international household names. Unilever’s Dove soap has expanded its product offerings to include body wash, shampoo, antiperspirant, styling products, and even dermatological treatments. Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser beer has become the first name in beers with a wide range of custom varieties. Dell Computers increased their exposure through the computer peripherals and web services.
These 14 brand extensions have helped to grow their respective parent companies by providing excellent products and services, and also introduce their respective brands to an even wider audience. They have become a part of the way their respective companies conduct business and have been innovative in their approach to expanding their reach. Here are the expansions:
- Dove: Soap, Body Wash, Shampoo, Antiperspirant, Styling Products, Dermatological Treatments
- Budweiser: Custom varieties
- Dell Computers: Computer Peripherals, Web Services
- McDonald’s: Premium Salads and Smoothies
- Starbucks: Wholesale Groceries, Ready-To-Drink Beverages
- Apple: Software, Apps
- Google: Cloud Computing Services
- Amazon: e-Book Reader, Prime Video streaming
- Oreo: Flavored Dips, Cookies and Creme Milkshakes
- Adidas: Streetwear Clothing and Accessories
- Nike: Yoga and Workout Equipment
- Microsoft: Hardware, such as Xbox, Surface and Windows Phone
- Coca-Cola: Sparkling Fruit Beverages
- Pepsi: Nutritional Drinks
Each of these brand extensions has seen varying degrees of success, but all have made an impact on their parent companies and the consumer market. These brand extensions have allowed their respective companies to make use of their original product as a launching pad, while distinguishing themselves in an already crowded marketplace.
2. Exploring the Strategies Behind These Innovative Ideas
The Creative Strategies Behind SEO and Google Ads
When it comes to SEO and Google Ads, the key to success lies in understanding the nuances of the platforms. In the past, SEO was mainly a question of keyword optimization, but more and more, the goal is to create a comprehensive user experience. The same holds true for Google Ads. This means adopting and understanding the strategies behind deploying compelling content that’s crafted in a way to align with customer personas.
Developing these creative strategies ensure that your SEO and Google Ads content will stand out from the competition. Here are some innovative ideas to keep in mind when creating content:
- Adopt a holistic approach when developing the content, taking into account the needs of multiple user personas.
- Tailor content to match the customer’s industry and sector, ensuring it speaks in their language.
- Incorporate visual elements for greater engagement, such as infographics or multimedia.
- Include keywords in website’s metadata and focus on readability and intention.
Also, make sure to employ Quality Score measurement tools when running campaigns, be it through SEO or Google Ads. Quality Score is Google’s way to predict the relevance and performance of your ads and know whether it will be suitable for potential customers.
These are some of the key points that should be taken into consideration to efficiently get the most out of SEO and Google Ads. It might sound complex, but they will lead to better performance in the long run, allowing businesses to reach their goals.
3. Unveiling 14 of the Least Successful Brand Extensions
It’s a trope that is know too well in the marketing world – the failed brand extension. Some of the largest companies and brands have taken risks and thrown a new product into the mix, only to have it flop and fail. Fortunately, lessons can be learned from such failures.
From cars to clothing and celebrity fragrances, here are 14 of the least successful brand extensions:
- Coke II – Coke was never able to compete effectively with Pepsi Max which was released at the same time.
- KFC Grill – KFC did not market the product significantly and it was pulled from the shelves after only a year.
- Nokia Music Phone – This device was marketed as a phone for music lovers, but it was unsuccessful due to its less than stellar features.
- Citroen C8 – This car was heavily criticized by car enthusiasts, who found it slow and uncomfortable.
- McDonalds’ Red Stripes – A range of seasonal drinks that were pulled from the menu after just a few months, due to a lack of interest.
- Domino’s Pizza Burger – Following a brief stint as a new item on the Domino’s menu, the pizza burger was eventually discontinued due to negative reviews.
- H&M Revolution – H&M’s attempt at a high-end clothing line did not meet consumer expectations.
- VeggiBurger – This meatless burger was intended to appeal to vegetarian and vegan consumers, who found it to be too unappetizing to try.
- Nike Jordan Streetwear – Streetwear fans were not as convinced by Nike’s foray into the genre as they had hoped.
- McDonald’s McAfrica – The South African version of McDonald’s African-inspired burger was regarded with bewilderment by many due to famine and poverty in the region.
- Tootsie Roll Snack ‘N Sip – Tootsie Roll’s attempt at making a snack and drink combination resulted in lukewarm sales.
- Amazon Fire Phone – Amazon’s first foray into the smartphone world failed due to a lack of well-received features.
- Donald Trump’s Tour De Trump – The 1990s bicycle race that received much negative publicity.
- Abercrombie & Fitch Accessories Line – A&F marketed their accessories line too aggressively, alienating their fans.
In the end, it’s a valuable lesson for any brand – be careful with your extensions and take heed from these cautionary tales.
4. What Can We Learn From These Failed Endeavours?
Trying to do something and failing can hardly be defined as a pleasant experience. Nevertheless, it’s one of those situations in which it’s essential to look on the bright side. Yes, failing can be seen as a defeat, but it’s also an opportunity to discover. Here are some lessons that we can all benefit from when it comes to failed endeavours in SEO and Google Ads:
1. Revisit Your Strategy: If your SEO or Google Ads campaign didn’t succeed, take a step back and analyze what went wrong. Perhaps the strategy you chose was not the most effective. It’s a learning process and it’s important to recognize what you can do differently next time.
2. Look at the Big Picture: Remember that SEO and Google Ads are long-term strategies. A failed campaign can teach you valuable lessons so you can move ahead with a much higher chance of success. It’s important to not just look at the results in the immediate moment, but think about the big picture.
3. Stay Creative: Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. SEO and Google Ads are constantly changing, and it’s necessary to stay creative in order to stay ahead of the competition.
4. Monitor Analytics: Analyzing data is important when it comes to SEO and Google Ads. Keep an eye on the analytics of your campaigns and make sure you’re making the best decisions to reach your goals.
5. Hire Professionals: Finally, it can be beneficial to leave it up to the professionals. An experienced, knowledgeable team of experts can make sure that your campaigns hit their target and meet your overall objectives. At times, extending a brand can feel risky. However, as these 14 examples prove, taking calculated risks can pay off and create successful extensions! From the food industry to technology, these brands have defied the odds to launch successful new offerings that have impressed and inspired customers for years. Who knows what the future holds for them and other companies inspired by their savvy extensions? As the saying goes, only time will tell.