During my charity networking over the last year, one of the most powerful statements I heard in a coms workshop (that explored helping young people in traditionally poorer communities) is this:

“Are they hard to reach, or are we hard to find?”

The answer, for me, is that they’re not hard to reach at all for aspirational brands; if anything, they’re pretty accessible. But for organisations making a difference, there is a gap, and a tricky one at that – and we can’t allow the people we’re reaching to be at fault if we haven’t got our brand communication ducks in a row.

Here’s why I think charities should make the best brand builders:

1. What is a brand? A brand is an idea that exists beyond a product or service. It’s an idea with a sense of mission. An idea that, when executed, offers value, convenience and, more importantly, belonging. This idea can be tangibly crafted through a system of authentic values executed with relentless consistency. A very brief example: brand = Virgin Idea = Adventure.
2. What is brand building? It’s the exercise of increasing reach and furthering engagement and the concept of sustaining memorability in the hearts and minds of the people you’re reaching. It’s the ability to be the first thought or phrase on the lips of a ‘consumer’ when a particular theme is in play. For example: Phones, Apple. Cars, Ford. Although these examples are global and historical, the principles apply in more nuanced contexts within the detailed fabric of our lives. You may have a local hair salon you like; the brand will play a part in that.
3. How do you brand build effectively? Well, you have to understand how and why people make buying decisions and what influences the ideas they adopt. A well-known psychological analogy is one from Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in which he tells the story of an elephant and its rider. The rider being a person’s reason, and the elephant being a person’s emotion. The story is about rider trying to guide the elephant, who does a decent job, but the elephant overpowers them in the end. It’s the science of how our emotions, empathetic belief system and personal values make the buying decision for us. And when we use reason, it’s more to structure how we make the decision rather than the decision itself. With this in mind, charities are well-positioned to persuade at this more abstract level.
4. So why could charities be the best at it? Well, one thing that’s for sure is that authenticity is trending – and it’s not going away. A recent study found that 88 percent of consumers say authenticity is a crucial factor when deciding what brands, they like and support (Stackla). And with authenticity comes transparency. According to a survey, 74 percent say transparent communication has become more critical after the COVID-19 pandemic (Salesforce), with society leaning into more human-centred causes, thought-provoking narratives and a significant ask for brands to be more empathetic. Indeed, there has never been a better time for charities to engage actively in brand communication, both on an employee brand level and in the public influence domain.

Now is the time to dust off that brand tool kit, find your authentic value system and start building like never before.

If you’re interested in some initial consultation about how your organisation could be more relevant, active, and influential as a brand, don’t hesitate to contact the hopeful studio or email stephen@hopeful.studio.