S01:E25 Should Your Brand Get Political? Let’s Chop It Up!

In this episode of Brand Chops, Zack Lemear and Chris Duhaime dive deep into the polarizing world of politics and its undeniable impact on branding. From Trump’s iconic red hat to Ben & Jerry’s activist messaging, they explore real-world examples of how political alignment (or avoidance) can shape brand identity, attract or repel customers, and ultimately affect the bottom line. Whether you’re a small business owner navigating your personal brand or a marketer managing a national campaign, this episode reveals the risks and rewards of mixing politics with branding—and why knowing your audience is more important than ever.

Takeaways

• Politics plays a significant role in branding and marketing.
• Brands must consciously decide their political alignment.
• Political statements can polarize audiences and affect brand loyalty.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective branding.
• Brands like Trump have mastered the art of polarizing marketing.
• Ben and Jerry's exemplifies a brand taking a strong political stance.
• Personal branding can bleed into business branding.
• Being vocal about political views can have business repercussions.
• Brands should be mindful of their messaging on social media.
• The current media landscape contributes to political polarization.

 

Chapters

 

• 00:00 Introduction to Branding and Politics
• 01:11 The Polarizing Nature of Politics in Branding
• 06:53 The Impact of Political Stances on Business
• 10:17 Navigating Audience Expectations and Brand Alignment
• 15:48 Case Studies: Trump and Ben & Jerry's Branding Strategies

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See you next time on Brand Chops, where we chop up brands to see what they're made of!