Sonic branding conveys a brand in a way that visuals cannot, representing millions of dollars in brand value.
Sonic logos are considered the distillation of a brand's identity, building familiarity and positive associations with repeated use.
Deep dives
The Power of Sonic Branding
Sonic branding is the process of creating short, iconic audio logos that represent a company. These sounds, when done well, can convey a brand in a way that visuals cannot. It may take months and hundreds of ideas for sound design and music companies to create the perfect audio logo. These logos can represent millions of dollars in brand value and are subject to numerous layers of approval. Sonic branding has become more common as companies recognize the impact of sound on consumer perception.
The Evolution of Sonic Branding
From whole songs in the early days of television ads to jingles in the 80s, sonic branding has evolved over time. The transition into modern sonic branding started in the 90s, with Intel's iconic 'Intel Inside' sound becoming one of the first sonic logos. Sonic logos are now seen as the distillation of a brand's identity, just like a visual logo. The repetition of these sonic logos helps build familiarity and positive associations with the brand. Companies invest significant time and effort in creating memorable and effective sonic brands.
Creating an Effective Sonic Brand
Creating an effective sonic brand involves understanding the company's desired perception and target audience. The process starts with exploring various musical ideas and melodies to capture the essence of the brand. These melodies are then distilled into short, memorable sonic logos. The choice of instruments and the recording process is crucial to achieve an authentic and human sound. Repetition and consistent use of the sonic brand across various touchpoints help reinforce brand recognition and positive associations. Sonic branding has the potential to further evolve, with research exploring the possibility of using sounds to influence taste perception and trigger emotional responses.
Companies spend a lot of time and effort perfecting the look of their brands. But now what a brand sounds like matters just as much. We trace the history from songs to jingles to what's called sonic branding, following the creative process that led to AT&T’s iconic four-note sound logo. And we'll explore what comes next: multi-sensory marketing. Can sound change how beer tastes? This episode originally aired on Household Name.