Analysis of value, image and positioning of a brand

Inhalt

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

3. Methodology

4. Findings
4.1. Introduction to the Brand Apple
4.1.1. Apple´s Brand Strategy
4.1.2. The emotional Brand World of Apple
4.2. Brand Image and Position
4.2.1. Brand Positioning
4.2.2. Image
4.3. Brand Value
4.3.1. Defining and measuring Brand Values
4.3.2. The Apple Value

5. Conclusion

6. Recommendation

7. References
7.1. Books
7.2. World Wide Web
7.3. Articles, brochures, journals

TABLE DIRECTORY

Table 1: Subbrands of Apple

Table 2: Main Customer Segments of Apple (by Chazin, 2007)

Table 3: Positioning analysis on the basis of Keller four dimensions

FIGURE TABLE

Figure 1: Development of Apple sales till 2004

Figure 2: Current Apple product range

Figure 3: Apple - A brand arousing emotions

Figure 4: Positioning definitions (Sengupta, 2005)

Figure 5: Image statement by Rothfeld (2008)

Figure 6: Apple vs. PC Advertising

Figure 7: Innovative Image of Apple

Figure 8: Customer-perceived value definitions (Snoj, Karda and Mumel, 2004)

Figure 9 Interbrand Value Calculation

Figure 10: Possible Brand Values by Moser (2003)

Figure 11: Consumers opinion about Apple´s brand values

Figure 12: Estimation of Apple development by professionals

Figure 13: Brand Ranking Milward Brown

Figure 14: Steve Jobs dominates the Apple Events

Figure 15: Steve Jobs welcomes Phil Schiller for representing Apple

Figure 16: Apple´s latest innovation: the iPad

1. Executive Summary

Apple is a strong brand that stands for high prices and stylish technological products. Its core values, innovative easy to use, different and stylish in design contributes to the image of the brand: innovative but managable products for people who „think different“. Apple created an „army of Apple evangelists“ because of its strong and lasting brand values (Kotler et al., 2009, p.443). Despite this strength and effectiveness the brand faces also weaknesses. For example Steve Jobs is a main contributor to the brand´s success - but an unsecure assets (as he could leave the company again - on purpuse or not).

2. Introduction

Apple is one of the biggest computer companies in the world. It was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in California. At the end of 2009 Apple owns 217 stores in the US and 56 stores internationally (Linzmayer, 2004). Apple Inc. is a masterpiece of a „Silicon Valley“ start-up company as it was born in a garage by two young computer freaks (Janacek, 2007). The companie´s customers are consumers, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government and creative customers Bloomberg Businessweek, 2009). After facing success and hard times as well (see figure) Apple now is a master in building a strong brand that achived incredible brand loyalty. Eventhough Apple is a technology company Apple the brand emerged to a lifestyle brand (Trott, 2008).

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Figure 1: Development of Apple sales till 2004

(Trott (2008), Figure 1.9. The rise and fall and rise of Apple)

3. Methodology

Kapferer (2008) discussed the difficulty of clearly detaching branding terminologies like image and positioning or value and equity. Due to the diverse usage of different authors there exist many definitions that drift apart. Therefore the author gives short definitions of important terms under respective paragraph. After an insight into Apple´s branding strategies and structure, the brand positioning and image will be scrutinised. In order to analyse Apple in regard to all VIP criteria (Parrott, 2010) the value of Apple will be analysed in addition in regard to non-monetary and monetary values. All discussed points include theoretical point of views (that represent tha companies strategic view) and consumer point of view by considering blog entries and survey data dealing with the brand Apple. As a conclusion the main findings are extracted and by having an outlook about future possible challenges and weaknesses a resulting suggestion concludes this report.

4. Findings

4.1. Introduction to the Brand Apple

4.1.1. Apple´s Brand Strategy

According to Alliance Consulting Group a fundamental success factor of a brand is the product line architecture. The product line architecture defines subbrands, types or variations of all branded products and displays what markets the companies and its brand targets. Before the iPhone and the iPad were launched Apples targeted the three main market categories: stationary computers, transportable computers ad portable MP3-Player. Now the product range can be divided as following:

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Figure 2: Current Apple product range

(own construction of the author based on http://store.apple.com/us, 23.05.2010)

Despite the transportable and stationary computer sector, the iPod with iTunes and the iPhone, the newest launch, the iPad, completes the line range at the moment. Those main product lines include different types of the products a wide of accessories and software products (http://store.apple.com/us, 23.05.2010).

All Apple products are marketed under the umbrella or corporate brand „Apple“ and possess own subbrands with different benefits (de Moij, 2005):

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Table 1: Subbrands of Apple

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