Starbucks logo (R)evolution.

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Many big brands are sadly only just now realising through Social Media, that they have deeper connections with customers than previously thought.

That, and of course they know that the deeper they (ahem) penetrate their customers hearts and minds, the more money and brand loyalty they get.

Say what you like about my favourite coffee chain, they make a lot of people buy $5 coffee and more every day, and that's only about to get bigger.

As many brands wake up to expanding into experiences, changes are beginning to happen. I'm deeply attached to the 2nd and 3rd gen Starbucks logo. And while I don't want to change, and many fans have been vocal about the change, new customers are joining along with new generations and new options for the brand.

Starbucks ventures into digital networks is just one of may avenues they intend to apply their experiences too, and with large retail sales of coffee and tea merchandise, more will come.

 

Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz explained the change as part of Starbucks strategy to expand beyond its core product."Even though we have been, and always will be, a coffee company and retailer, it’s possible we'll have other products with our name on it and no coffee in it,” he said in a statement.

But branding experts are critical of the logo change, likening it to the ill-fated attempt by US clothing chain Gap to change its well-known logo in late 2010. A social media backlash eventually forced Gap to revert to its original logo.

Erminio Putignano, managing director of FutureBrand Australia, says companies need to consider their business culture when creating a logo to avoid having to change it later. “More and more, brand management is about the culture. [It’s about] the people behind the start-up and the staff,” he says.

Green tea latte here I come.

 

Posted by Stephen Scott
          

Starbucks continues to get customer experience right with free Digital network.

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Good article on mashable showing how the free Wi-Fi Starbucks offered in the USA to everyone recently, was a very clever move. And one that dives them deeper in to the hearts and emotions of those that love their brand and products.


So free or subsidised Wi-Fi. That's already a huge 'WIN' for their customers, and already winning huge brownie points from that alone. However when you witness and read the layers they can glean from this, and the depth of engagement it can give it out, all other issues and concerns fall to the side.

Hopefully others will catch on much more.

Customer experience WIN yet again for the Seattle grown coffee shop.

Posted by Stephen Scott
          

Starbucks. Yes I am an addict. Free offers for fellow Australian Addicts.

Ok, say what you will, I   Starbucks.  The brand, the logo, the products, one of a few elite brands I really, really like. Why? Well aside form the afore mentioned, in the majority they make the customer experience an excellent one for me.* It's not cheap, but I want an excellent drink and not a cheap one, and that expense does provide some nice promos form time to time, and some have hit Australia recently.

If your a big Tea drinker like me, pop in to your local Australian Starbucks for a totally free cup of any tea.... That's it, a free cuppa,  no strings attached! Not only that but you'll get a small loyalty card and keep coming in until 31 August 2010 and you'll get your 6th cup also free. At the rate I drink thats oh...a few days : )

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Also top up your Starbucks card, (cool new design above-which erm goes with my Starbucks cups and coasters at home-I said I was an addict!!) with $35 of credit and get another free drink of your choice and size.

*aside from the utterly lame Australian Starbucks website when you compare it with the USA site. Get yer finger out Starbucks Australia!

 

 

Posted by Stephen Scott