In 2012, a South Korean performer named Psy posted a video titled “Gangnam Style” on YouTube. Psy’s performance, personality and K-Pop confidence propelled Psy to became the first music artist to reach one billion views on YouTube.
The concept of the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) has been enshrined in marketing and sales circles for decades. Advanced by advertising executive Rosser Reeves in the late 1940s and 50s and then introduced into the lexicon in his 1961 book Reality in Advertising, he called on brands to extend their product advertising from product features to the specific unique benefits their product delivers to consumers.
Whether we like it or not, cults are very effective in building a following of devotees. Beyond the manipulative and unethical aspects of cults, there is a lot marketers can learn from cult leaders.
The biggest shift today is that Brands used to be about products and services — but today “Brand” is about the people who buy those products and services.
Self-expressive brands enable us to express our inner selves, “the way others see me.” People who want to express their “real me” are more engaged with brands online and are motivated to co-create brand value. They become brand advocates. Ultimately, they are willing to pay a premium and will develop a long-term relationship with the brand.
