It’s July 2024, ‘Circus’ Taylor Swift has landed in Amsterdam. As designers mostly working for brands, it intrigues us how she managed to transform herself into a global brand. What can brands learn from Taylor Swift?
Whether you like her or not, it’s undeniable that Taylor Swift is an extraordinarily talented phenomenon of our era. She excels as both a writer and a performer, and beyond that, she is a highly gifted entrepreneur. At the age of 34, Swift has managed to transform herself into a powerful global brand.
Whilst big brands often spend hundreds of millions to promote their products, Swift mainly focuses on what she is good at: writing and performing, letting her fans and (social) media do the promotion.
Swift reminds me of Pippi Longstocking. Pippi was the kind of character every child wanted to be: funny, daring, strong, generous, and above all, very smart. If you study powerhouse Taylor Swift a little, you’ll find quite some similarities between her and Pippi which they share where we think brands, can learn from
Be Recognizable
The braids We’ve added to the AI-generated image at the top of this article probably made you think of Pippi Longstocking instantly. Just like Pippi’s unforgettable style, Taylor’s distinctive look draws immediate attention. Much like Pippi, Taylor’s unique appearance is a key part of her brand identity, breathing independence that invites people to discover more about her.
Embrace Authenticity
Like Pippi’s, Taylor’s authenticity is one of her strongest points. Through her music, she shares personal stories, forging deep connections with her fans. Similarly, brands that stay true to their core values build trust and loyalty in a world where consumers quickly detect insincerity.
Master the Art of Storytelling
Taylor is a master storyteller. Each album she releases is a carefully crafted narrative, reflecting different chapters of her life. Her storytelling deeply engages fans, demonstrating to brands how compelling narratives can elevate products from mere commodities to essentials.
Engage Directly and Foster a Strong Community
Taylor’s direct fan engagement through social media, surprise releases, and intimate performances has helped her build one of the most loyal and passionate fanbases, called ‘Swifties’ in the music industry. By engaging directly with their audience and creating interactive experiences, brands can foster strong communities and cultivate powerful advocates. Additionally, Taylor uses her platform to speak out on important issues, showing integrity and courage. Brands that take a stand on social issues can strengthen their identity and deepen connections with their audience.
Design Matters
Taylor’s well-designed visual style, from her make-up, videos and album covers to stage designs, helps her define her identity. Successful brands recognize the importance of design in creating cohesive product lines and an appealing brand identity. Thoughtful, consistent design creates lasting impressions and sets a brand apart.
Adapt and Evolve
From country darling to pop superstar to indie-folk artist, Taylor’s ability to evolve keeps her relevant across generations. Constant evolution is also crucial for brands. Staying attuned to trends and consumer preferences while retaining core values helps them remain relevant and stay ahead of the competition.
Maintain Quality
The quality of Taylor’s work is consistently high, and commitment to excellence is a hallmark of her brand. Maintaining high-quality products and services is essential to building and sustaining a positive reputation. Consistency in quality assures customers that they can trust you, no matter the circumstances.
Aren’t There Any Negatives?
Of course, there are. One of them is Swift’s flying behavior. Her frequent use of a private jet raises questions about her commitment to sustainability. While one could argue that people with superstar status like Swift might need such travel for their work, she could be more mindful and transparent on this important issue. Global brands today should prioritize sustainability on their agendas.
Conclusion
Taylor’s journey from country starlet to global music icon is not just an inspiring roadmap for musicians but also an interesting guide for any brand seeking to build a strong, lasting connection with its audience. Like Pippi, Taylor’s recognizability, authenticity, storytelling, adaptability, audience engagement, principled stance, commitment to quality, and community building are key ingredients to her success.
The most compelling commonality between Pippi and Taylor is their ability to inspire and unite people, infusing much-needed positivity into the world during these uncertain times.
This blog was published earlier as an article on Linkedin
