Posted in: Opinion

Words are the word

Every brand should tell a story. And that's why it's so important that the words you use and how you use them are defined from the very start.

28th February 2024

James Bolton

James Bolton

James Bolton

Written by James Bolton,
Brand Strategist & Creative Copywriter

In brand building, the union of visual and verbal elements can craft stories that are not just seen but felt on a deeply emotive level. At Better, we champion a philosophy where verbal identity — the deliberate sculpting of tone — stands as the cornerstone of a brand's identity.

This belief is rooted in an understanding that the most distinctive and compelling brands harness every tool, with language shaping the soul of their narrative. It’s an approach that ensures language and visuals evolve together, reflecting the character at the very core of a brand.

Building meaning through narratives

The power of a brand extends far beyond its visual appearance, right through to the stories it tells and the conversations it inspires. While logos, colour palettes, and typography catch the eye, the brand’s voice captures the heart, weaving narratives that resonate with an audience. So much so that words infuse life into the visual elements we associate with brands, transforming them into symbols of meaning that matter to shoppers, users and clients. Something which visual aesthetics alone might struggle to express fully.

Imagine the journey of a business: every single one starts with words, with a mission and a desire to provide something different. It’s a promise; one that can be read, heard and shared in conversation. And herein lies the power of words — to tell the story of brands, to build meaning and narrative that feels both intimately personal and universally resonant for the audience. It elevates a logo from a simple graphic to a symbol of collective identity and purpose.

Setting strong foundations

Our process creates the perfect space to define a brand’s visual identity and voice. We believe that verbal identity is foundational and should be woven into the very fabric of a brand from the outset. It’s about crafting a language that embodies the brand’s core, values, and promise to its audience.

Engaging with how a brand should speak and sound from the beginning ensures that every word, every message and every story is embedded in a strategic vision and unique personality. This integrated approach makes sure that language and visuals evolve together, each influencing and amplifying the other, crafting an identity that’s cohesive, resonant, and deeply engaging.

Moving in unison

Words and language inform and enrich the visual experience from the ground up. The most successful brands blend the visual and verbal elements in perfect harmony, neither leading or following, but instead, both moving in unison.

In a landscape saturated with competing narratives, brands that dare to challenge or delve beneath the superficial are the ones best placed to stand apart. And words wield the ability to explore issues and express ideas directly. Together with the visual, they have the power to make emotional connections. They invite audiences into a story not just heard or seen but profoundly felt. Brands like Innocent have exemplified the transformative power of a distinctive voice, turning the mundane into the magical while redefining industry norms.

Making the mundane exciting

The transformative impact of grounding brands in words spans industries, breathing new life into even the most traditional sectors. We have experience developing strategies and reimagining narratives for insurance, engineering, industrial redevelopment, and shipping; demonstrating that even the most complex subjects can be made engaging, accessible, and exciting.

Giants like Apple and Google have paved the way for others to follow, showcasing the benefits of humanising subject matter through language. As we advance into audio and sonic branding, a brand’s voice becomes even more important, which is reflected in a shift from the days of impersonal formality to warm, approachable friend.

Stronger voice, stronger storytelling

A brand’s narrative is woven from both visual and verbal elements, each one essential to its identity and perception. And in the quest for distinction, organisations must recognise the importance of rooting their brand in meaning and language. A stronger voice means a stronger narrative. And ultimately, that’s what creates both distinction and differentiation. It’s what places a brand in the hearts and minds of consumers. It’s what influences decision-making.

Get in touch to find out how we can help make your brand more distinctive, meaningful and effective through the power of words.

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