When groups of people raise a brand or its product into cult status, it has a highly dedicated fanbase. It has a unique connection to its audience.
A product can become a cult phenomenon if it is widely recognized as one of the very best in its niche, even by people who don’t usually use or buy that type of item. It may also be because it provides something unique or rare to its users.
Apple, Starbucks, Lululemons, Moleskin, Nintendo, and LEGO are only some brands that, over the years, built cult followings.
But how do you create a cult following for your product? And why does it matter?
Creating a Following
A following matters because it creates hype and can lead to people rushing out to buy what’s hot. It also means that the fans will develop a sense of ownership about the brand and its future to get behind the company’s marketing efforts. They will also act as brand ambassadors by promoting it to their friends and family. And, if you’re lucky, they’ll even create cult-like gatherings where your product is a central focus of attention.
Here are some steps on how to turn your product into a cult phenomenon:
Focus on Quality and Innovation
Quality is an element that cannot be compromised. It is what makes people come back for more. If you want your products or services to become popular, they must meet their standards in terms of quality. That means putting more focus on using quality materials and production processes than on the overall cost of manufacturing them. This will improve their desirability, which will increase demand among consumers who value the same things as you do.
The other element that can bring more value to your company is innovation. It can make your product more desirable because it’s different from the rest of the competition, even if it costs more to produce. New technologies or new designs are examples of what can contribute to arousing your customers’ curiosity and interest in your products.
Create a Unique Personality
A cult following for a brand exists when it has a strong personality that people can easily recognize and associate with. The brand should offer something new or extra that the audience likes. They should also appear unique, not like an ordinary commodity.
As you put your product out there, make sure it has its own unique identity. Even if it’s only some tiny element, make sure it’s something that instantly makes people curious. You can also use storytelling to create an emotional connection with your audience.
You should reflect this unique personality in billboards, commercials, and social media posts. Businesses should consult an all-in-one digital agency that could consistently run their online marketing campaign with traditional offline media.
Make Sure Your Message is Consistent
Consistency is another crucial element for creating a cult following. Although you are allowed to have different campaigns, make sure that they follow the same message and tone. The audience should still see your product as part of the same brand.
Don’t try to please everyone by saying yes to one person or no to another; this will only confuse your followers. It won’t be clear where you stand in terms of what you offer, resulting in fewer sales for your business.
Give People Something They Can Brag About
People love showing off what they like and care about, whether it’s their favorite food or celebrity crushes. If you create something that has value among those who use the same products or services, they will make sure to share it with them. You can accomplish this by offering discounts or freebies that encourage people to buy your product.
You can also show appreciation for loyal customers by giving them something special, like exclusive opportunities or luxury gifts. Their friends and family will want the same thing, which is good for business. That’s why it’s also vital that you should take time to communicate with your target audience regularly. This way, they’ll know that the product is still being made for them.
What About the Competition?
You need to know what your competitors are doing and how customers view them to distinguish yourself from them. This way, you’ll be able to take advantage and offer something different to your fans. You can also learn from what they’re doing to find areas where you can improve over them.
Creating a cult following for your product or service can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. With hard work and dedication, you too can cultivate a loyal fan base that will help promote your business far and wide.
