What is Brand Activism and why it matters

Brand activism is when a company or product uses its brand to advocate for a cause or issue. This can be done in many ways, such as donating money to a cause, speaking out about an issue, or even just using their platform to raise awareness.

Brand activism can be a powerful way to inspire change. When a company or product takes a stand on an issue, it shows that they care about more than just profit. It shows that they are willing to stand up for what they believe in and that they are willing to fight for change.

Brand activism can also be a great way to connect with customers and build loyalty. When customers see that a company is taking a stand on an issue that they care about, they are more likely to become loyal customers. Brand activism can also inspire customers to take action themselves.

Authentic brand activism is about communicating a commitment to creating a positive impact – and following through with this commitment. In today’s increasingly contested and political climate, consumers value honesty and authenticity above all else and want to interact with brands that share their values. Many demographics, particularly millennials, are investing more time and money in brands that care about more than just profit. 91% of millennials reported that they would switch to a brand if it were associated with a cause.

Big or small, all brands and businesses should strive to use their platform to impact the world around them positively. The ability to influence people is a big responsibility and not one to be taken lightly. While the impacts of brand activism are mainly positive, there’s no denying that taking a stand online can be tricky for brands, businesses, and creators alike. The internet (social media in particular) can be a brutal place to openly express one’s opinions or beliefs – especially if they challenge the status quo.

In the past, marketing was all about creating awareness for a product or company. But now, with the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, marketing has to do more than just create awareness; it has to create a connection with the consumer.

And that connection has to be more than skin deep. It has to be based on values.

That’s where brand activism comes in. Brand activism is using your brand to stand up for something you believe in. It’s using your platform to promote a cause or make a difference in the world.

Some examples of brand activism include:

• TOMS Shoes: For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.

• Warby Parker: For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker provides a pair of glasses to someone in need.
• Chobani: Chobani works with local farmers to source their milk and create jobs in the local community.

These are just a few examples of how brands are using their platform to create social change. And there are many more out there.

So, how do you take that first step toward creating a positive change in the world?

1. Pick a cause that you’re passionate about and align your brand with it.

2. Use your platform to amplify the voices of those who are fighting for social change.

3. Use your brand to drive donations to organizations working to create social change.

4. Use your marketing dollars to support businesses that are making a difference in the world.

5. Educate your consumers about the issues you care about and how they can get involved.

At Senuelo we believe in creating content for good. Here is some of our work in brand activism.

Climate Justice [Greenpeace Taiwan]

65 Roses Ball [Cystic Fibrosis SA]

In this together [StudyAdelaide]

Feeling inspired? Start making a difference today. Contact us and let us help you be the change you wish to see in the world!