The history of branding

The word “brand” is derived from ancient Norse meaning, “to burn”. By 950 AD, “brand” was a word used to refer to a burning a piece of wood.

1500

By 1500, “branding” meant what farmers are still familiar with today – to burn an identifying mark on cattle in case they were stolen, lost, or mixed with other herds. Each mark had to be unique and identifiable. We still see this with logos today.

1800

Ah, the discovery of the new world. Pitchmen granted patents to make and sell their medicines to and in America.

1820s

A rise of production and shipping developments took place around the 1820s. Popular and accessible beverages like wine and ale were getting sold in larger batches. Distributors began burning their ‘mark’ on crates to distinguish them from their competitors. After awhile, this turned into an indication of quality rather than one of ownership. These could demand more money from their consumers.

1870s

Companies where stealing ideas from each other by the 1870s. As a result, it became possible to register trademarks so one company could not offer disconcertingly similar products at another company’s loss.

1890

The 1890s marked a time high in innovation and productivity, because new technology and communication methods were invented. Suddenly, there were catalogues to order products, railways, and postal service. Industries gained momentum now that people started gaining access to things that were once out of range.

1920

The culture that once revolved around necessity turned into a culture of desire by the 1920s. This was amplified by radio and TV which created a new stream of demands for products.

1928

Edward Bernays published his book Propaganda which argued that by associating products with ideas, people could be persuaded to change their behavior.

Post WW2

The end of World War II meant large factories no longer needed to produce war equipment, so they started mass producing products.

1950

Brands were often personified with mascot characters with their own background stories.

1960

The dynamics of branding got increasingly psychological in the 1960s. Markets were using mass media to associate brands with subjective and emotional advantages rather than practical ones. Adverts illustrated how using brands would make you more likeable and make you feel as though you were a part of something. By the end of the 1960s, advertising criteria was set. Thriving in business was done through understanding consumers better than competitors.

1980

International distribution channels were set in stone and in full swing by the 80s. Companies competed with many others and started focusing on building brand recognition rather than improving their commodities or services. This allowed them to build extensive loyalty. It gave their consumers a sense of belonging and personal meaning.

1984

Apple Computer when they released iconic TV ad. It showed users breaking from static conformity by resorting to Apple products. The business started focusing on establishing long-term corporate identity rather than creating short ad campaigns. Soon after this development, advertising agencies grew into brand consultancies. Corporate branding extended to non-profits, political groups, and even personal brands for celebrities and famous personalities.

Today

The dramatic rise of internet and social media is encouraging branding to more forward. People who have internet access want to join in the conversation. Social media brands rely on users to help establish their value and how they’re represented in the public eye. Internet-based companies are a little more vulnerable because they give up some control of their brand image, but their customers are loyal and help by actively participating online. All in all, today branding has become a whirlwind of viral marketing, SEO keywords, and outsourced delivery which means organisations claim an online presence as though they are respective individuals with social media profiles.

As a leading branding agency, we look forward to seeing what the future has in store.

Contact us today.

words by Nicole Anne Bouwer

images from: junktype.recapturist.com