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October 21, 2009

Brand Naming Grotesque and Painful

Today's BBC News discusses a new movement in the UK known as "Ponies 4 People" that is attempting to prevent the branding of Exmoor Ponies.

Before I go any further, I think the branding of animals, ponies or otherwise, is inhumane.

What I find interesting, however, is that one of the earliest applications of branding was when owners branded their livestock.

Today this behavior is considered "grotesque and painful." Branding in business today may not be grotesque, but it certainly can be painful.

To reduce or eliminate the potential pain of modern day branding, it is helpful to:

• Let the target market drive the decision.
• Don't assume the way you think is how the target market thinks.
• Recognize that if the brand feels uncomfortable to you at first it may be the best decision long-term for a defensible and extendable brand name.

Technorati Tags: Branding, Branding Tips, Painful Branding, Animal Branding, Ponies 4 People

Posted by William Lozito at October 21, 2009 3:45 PM
Posted to Branding

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