Yes, I know. 2011 has flown by. It seems it was only yesterday when saw Google Zeitgeist’s awesome Year in Review for 2010.

On that same spirit, they have recently published this year’s version on their site, where you can check out the trends and searches from all over the world in different categories, such as: Fastest Rising People, Maps, Consumer Electronics, News, Food & Drink, among others. From Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, to the Greek riots, to the Royal Wedding, it brings us marketers a great insight- an overview of how the world moved and what influenced it. Or as Sheila Shayon from Brandchannel says: “Beyond revealing the spirit of the times, it’s also a fascinating local snapshot.”

Here’s a look into the top moments from 2011:

By Maria Elena Moré
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Connect with More Than Branding on Facebook and Twitter (@MTBranding).

Coca-Cola is once again the number 1 brand in the world.

After much anticipation, Interbrand announced the 2011 Best Global Brands ranking with Coca-Cola in the first spot for the twelfth consecutive year and brands such as Apple and Amazon as top risers with their astonishing growth during the past months. With massive growth across the sector, technology dominated the list, with 7 out the top 10 brands coming from this industry- IBM, Microsoft, Google, GE, Intel, Apple and Hewlett-Packard.

Damian Borchok, CEO of Interbrand Australia and New Zealand said: “Interbrand’s Best Global Brands report is a reflection not only on how brands are performing in terms of their perceived brand success, it is also an invaluable tool for to detect how consumers are behaving, evolving and reacting to brands. More than ever, the economic climate and consumer movement alike are demanding brands to be flexible, innovative and to explore social spaced they never dared to before.”

According to Interbrand, there 10 factors that are present in these leading brands, which are:

Internal Factors:

• Clarity
• Commitment
• Responsiveness
• Protection

External Factors:

• Relevance
• Authenticity
• Differentiation
• Consistency
• Presence
• Understanding

Interbrand’s method of selecting the brands entails taking into account the different ways it affects the organizations- from customer expectations, financial performance of its products or services, the role of the brand in the purchase decision process and its strength.

Jez Frampton, Global Chief Executive of Interbrand, introduced the ranking by saying: “Brands increasingly need to be quick and nimble- flexing to stay one step ahead of the change happening all around them. And it isn’t just about speed, it’s about consistency and accuracy in response to the social media connected and hyper-aware marketplace…

Your customers interpret your brand as a result of every interaction; from culture to product, from environment to communications.”

To view the complete report on each brand, the Interbrand methodology, trends and sector overviews, click here.

By Maria Elena Moré
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Source: Interbrand

Connect with More Than Branding on Facebook and Twitter (@MTBranding)

In just a wee-bit more than 5 years, the San Francisco start-up turned social media giant is celebrating its 200 millionth Twitterer.

Since its conception, Twitter had a clear definition- to be a social networking and ‘micro-blogging’ site that would allow users to send updates under the confinement of 140 characters. The result today has been nothing short of mind blowing. Twitter has become a universal platform that instantly brings us news from all over the globe, allowing us to stay connected with brands, celebrities and friends in ways we never thought possible. 

Its growth is a reminder of the amazing possibilities in our field that make us go ever further when it comes to consumer-centric relationships, especially since it helps us connect with people in a more direct and instant way.

As Charlie White said, “And now that Jerry Seinfeld has jumped on the Twitter bandwagon, it reminds us that the little tweeting platform that was once about nothing, well, now it’s about something. Something big. One thing’s for sure: It’s changed the world.”

Twitterrific.

Check out this Infographic by the folks of Visual.ly

By Maria Elena Moré

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Connect with More Than Branding on Facebook and Twitter (@MTBranding).

On the eve of More Than Branding’s first birthday, comes this post dedicated to the latest ranking published on the world of brands. Agency Millward Brown Optimor has developed the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, considered as the most comprehensive annual ranking of brand value, focusing on consumer-facing brands, rather than corporate brands.*

The BrandZ index is structured around the following 13 categories: Apparel, Beer, Cars, Fast Food, Financial Institutions, Insurance, Luxury, Oil & Gas, Personal Care, Retail, Soft Drinks, Technology and Telecom Providers.

They calculate brand value based on three pillars through the following equation:

It’s no coincidence that the most valued brands in the world all master the art of experience, creating a sense of desire, fulfillment and excitement around its products and services. They foster a good relationship with consumers and enact a well established brand identity that is consistent in all areas of the company. It’s no wonder people are willing to pay whatever the sum for that added value. They live up to their promise.

In the end, brand value is not only to be measured in numbers, rather on a well-rounded architecture that should embody what we stand for. But most importantly, brand value is a reflection of our impact and effect on the human spirit. By adding significance to what we do, we spark preference. Guaranteed.

For the full report, click here.

By Maria Elena Moré
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*From the BrandZ 2011 ranking

Connect with More Than Branding on Facebook and Twitter (@MTBranding).

Ahh, yes, it’s finally here… the day we’ve all been waiting for. The most famous document in branding has just hit the screen- the list of the 100 most valuable brands in the world. 

As I woke up this morning, my thoughts quickly rejoiced when I remembered what day it was. It’s been marked down on my calendar for weeks, and I must admit that I could compare the feeling to my birthday or even Christmas- full of expectations and at the same time wondering what the outcome might be. As if I’d be getting a gift or something. But I know exactly what kind of gift it is- the gift of food for thought. It’s as if my mind automatically hits first gear in an S65 AMG.

There it was. As I took a look at the list, I couldn’t help but wonder… What elements do the brands in the top 10 have in common? What key ingredient has led to their brand value or change in brand value for that matter? Has it been the economy? Have there been changes in consumer behavior? If so, what triggered them? What has been the strategy behind the company this year? New market launches? New marketing campaigns? What elements were communicated in those campaigns? Ah, the list goes on and on… 

I am pleased to see that among this year’s top risers are Google, Apple and Blackberry, with increases amounting to 36%, 32% and 37%, respectively. Their performance has simply been outstanding- from product lines, brand extensions to ad campaigns- it’s been top notch. Sectors such as Internet and Financial Services are seen to have had a tremendously positive growth in their combined brand values, as well as Computer Software and Beverages, whereas industries such as Automotive, FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and Restaurants, decreased this year.

It is however interesting to see the relationship between the brand “value” and its participation and subsequent performance in the marketplace during the year. As Mark Ritson points out, “How long can a 19th century medicinal tonic head the list of the world’s biggest brands?” True.  But for the time being, regardless of the subjective nature of the ranking, I applaud the folks of Coca-Cola. Getting to be #1 is no easy task, much less holding on to that spot years in and out…

Congrats guys. I’m sure a lot of happiness was “opened” up today in your offices. Bottoms up!

Check out the complete list of Best Global Brands Ranking 2010 .

By Maria Elena Moré
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Connect with More Than Branding on Facebook and Twitter (@MTBranding).