The Future of Celebrity Branding

Jennifer Aniston is not only known for her acting skills, but also her svelte physique. She can commonly be seen showing off her figure as she endorses many health products such as Aveeno, Smart Water, and L’Oreal. Brands like these need a spokesperson, so a consumer can feel connected to the product. It’s similar to having your best friend tell you about an amazing new skin care product that they want you try. More often than not, you would probably purchase the product because you trust and admire your friend’s judgment. The same thinking applies for celebrity branding.

Celebrities can influence customers to buy the latest perfume, apparel or even donate to a philanthropic cause just because of a public relations campaign. They are able to generate excitement from not only their fans, but also the media through advertisements in magazines, billboards and even TV commercials. Stars help bring credibility to the product that they are selling. Any product that a celebrity is endorsing becomes apart of their own personal brand and the values they stand for.

As technology continues to advance, app developers are looking for new ways for celebrities to endorse the latest and greatest products beyond the typical social media sites like Twitter or Facebook. The “Are Personal Apps the Next Step in Celebrity Branding?” article mentions how actor Adrian Grenier launched his own app where his fans can be more connected to him as he posts his own photos, videos, autographs and live signings. This type of branding would allow celebrities to be in control of how they want the public to perceive them. These apps would let fans feel more connected and invested in their favorite star.

The design of a celebrity app can be adapted based on their latest project. Certain social media sites like Twitter and Facebook limit the amount of content that a star could be endorsing about their personal brand. Customizing an app could help shape a celebrity’s image such as offering concert tickets or even making a type of reward system for donating to a charitable cause through their app. These apps could be applicable to not only actors, but also professional athletes, politicians or any other major public figures.

In public relations it is especially important to showcase your personal brand. Everyone’s brand or public image is a vital part of who they are. It is the first impression someone gets of you and usually showcases the types of values or skills you have. The future of celebrity branding through mobile apps instead of just magazine covers or commercials could help stars expand their brand throughout a public level.