Why Turning People Away Is Good Branding

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Most people obsess over how to get more people to say yes to their brand.

But here’s a different perspective:

It’s a powerful flip.

Instead of chasing everyone, it invites you to embrace the right kind of no.

Here are some brands that thrive because they’re not for everyone:

Supreme

• A streetwear brand built on exclusivity. If you don’t get the hype or don’t want to line up for a T-shirt, you’re right to pass.

Hemingway Editor

• Helps you write clearer and bolder. Not for novelists—it’s for punchy communicators.

Basecamp

• Project management for small teams who hate chaos. If you need lots of features and integrations, it’s not for you.

The Onion

• A satirical news site. If you’re after real headlines or a sense of comfort, maybe skip it.

Duolingo

• Helps casual learners get started with a new language. Serious linguists will roll their eyes, and that’s okay.

Craigslist

• A classifieds site that’s gloriously ugly but deeply functional. If you care about aesthetics, look elsewhere.

Cards Against Humanity

• A delightfully inappropriate party game. If that’s not your kind of humour, no judgment. It might just make you cringe.

The Art of Purpose

• Sharp and direct motivation. If tough love isn’t your style, this probably isn’t your feed.

Visualize Value

• Business insights in minimal, black-and-white visuals. It may feel cold if minimalism isn’t your thing.

Each of these brands is crystal clear on who they’re for, and who they’re not.

That clarity is compelling.

And it applies to businesses of every size, from global giants to solo creatives.

Are you ready to stop being “kinda for everyone” and start building a brand that connects with the right people?

I can help you get there.

Drop me a line, and let’s make your positioning make sense.

🟠 Robert

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