Why Branding Matters

A Strong Political Brand …

Your Candidate, Your Product:
A Strong Political Brand Will Change the Race’s Outcome

We can all agree the that 2016 GOP Primary election was anything but typical. It was the first time in recent history where it wasn’t necessarily about party affiliation anymore – it was about the candidates, themselves. When it comes down to it, the two individuals with the strongest brand won; Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. Always staying true to his brand identity – Donald Trump understood his brand and what it meant to his supporters – he always remained authentic. No matter what.

That said, what this election showed is that brand identity matters — a lot. It also showed most candidates had either a lack of brand identity, or worse, they or their campaigns attempted to make the candidate something he or she was not.

We have entered into a new political landscape where candidates aren’t necessarily defined by their party anymore, but by their brand. And as voters become more and more savvy — demanding authenticity. Now, the essence of one’s brand plays a huge role in winning or losing the race. It’s as important as the “issues” — and much more important than party politics.

*Photo courtesy of Ted Cruz