The old adage that ‘simplicity is the greatest sophistication’ still holds true for some of the world’s biggest brands.
Indeed, every year, the Siegel & Gale Brand Simplicity Index ranks the worlds with the most straightforward branding and customer proposition – keeping things simple has paid off for the likes of ALDI, Lidl, Lego, Google, Netflix, Ikea and Amazon.
If you asked executives or employees of these global giants to describe their business mission in a few short words, chances are that few would struggle, because their mission and values are embedded in everything they do throughout the hierarchy. But could you do the same with your business or is everything a lot more abstract and nebulous?
To get to grips with the concept, here are three diverse brands that trade on simplicity.
1. We Buy Any Car
If there was ever a company that ‘does exactly what it says on the tin’, it’s We Buy Any Car.
Want to sell anything from a bashed up old banger to a brand new Bugatti? These guys stay true to their name and will consider selling on practically any contraption with four wheels and a few seats.
As you would expect, its website is a wonder of stripped-back simplicity. The only feature above the fold on the home page is a search box promising to serve you up a free valuation in 60 seconds – perfect.
2. Property Buying Team
Need to sell your Greater Manchester home fast and want the peace of mind that comes from working with a group of skilled professionals?
Then Property Buying Team have you covered – another simple yet super-effective outfit, this firm’s no-nonsense name reflects its MO magnificently and its website landing pages are perfectly designed with prominent search boxes and CTAs (Calls to Action).
Points too for including a fab FAQ section which answers the most pertinent questions you’re likely to ask when you need to shift your home fast for the best deal possible.
3. Compare the Market
Believe it or not, insurance comparison engine Compare the Market existed before the brand was boosted by the pun-tastic appearance of meerkats Aleksandr and Sergei, who are always encouraging us to ‘keep life simples’.
Our furry friends have a life of their own that’s arguably transcended the brand and entered the collective consciousness – but in actual fact, they’ve merely personified the best aspects of the brand’s business proposition. If you want to weigh up the best deals on everything from car insurance to credit cards and broadband, this is probably one of the first places you look.
These three brands operate in different sectors but succeed thanks to the one thing they have in common – staying as simple as possible so that customers can instantly recognise their fairness, transparency and commitment to customer care.