Bradmarke | Branding, Advertising, and Marketing Solutions

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Headquarter

Bradmarke Interactive, G.R.A, No. 60 Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA, Ikeja 101233, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bradmarke Interactive, No. 39 Ikot Ekpene Rd, Opposite Chicken Republic, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Stop Trying to Be Like Apple (and Other

Branding Advice You Should Ignore)

Why copying “successful brands” is the fastest way to lose your own identity.

Let me paint a picture.

Imagine you’re at a Nigerian wedding, and there’s a dance-off. One guy (let’s call him Emeka) is busting the latest TikTok moves—trying to look cool, trendy, and like everyone else. Then there’s Ada. She’s doing the etighi (a traditional Akwa Ibom dance) with so much flair that even the DJ pauses to watch. Emeka might have gotten a few cheers, but Ada? She stole the show.

Now, here’s the question: is your brand Emeka or Ada? Are you trying to blend in, chasing what’s trendy, or are you standing out with your unique vibe?

1. Copying Success Doesn’t Guarantee It

You’ve heard it before: “Be like Apple! Build your brand like Nike!” But here’s the kicker—Apple wasn’t trying to be like anyone else. They stood out because they were different, not because they mimicked someone else.

When you try to copy another brand’s playbook, you lose the essence of what makes you unique. And let’s face it: no one wins by being a carbon copy.

Here’s Why:

What works for them might not work for you.
Their audience isn’t your audience.
Imitation kills originality—and your brand needs that to thrive.

2. Your Culture, Your Strength

Here’s a fun fact: Jollof rice is a West African staple, but the Nigerian version is different gravy. Why? Because we’ve made it our own. Imagine trying to make Nigerian jollof taste like the Ghanaian version. It won’t work because our secret spice isn’t in their recipe!

Your brand is like that too. Your story, your values, your unique touch—those are your secret spices. Stop trying to borrow someone else’s seasoning.

3. The “Apple Effect” is Misleading

Let’s talk about Apple. Everyone loves to cite them as a model of branding genius. But do you know what really made Apple stand out? They didn’t sell computers—they sold a vision: Think Different.

What Made Them Work:

They solved problems uniquely (remember the iPod?).
They had a bold, consistent message.
They weren’t afraid to take risks (like ditching the headphone jack).

Now think about it: what’s your brand’s “Think Different”? What can you say or do that no one else is?

4. Advice You Should Ignore

Here are a few overhyped pieces of branding advice you need to stop believing:

“Follow trends to stay relevant.” Nope. Trends die; your brand needs longevity.
“Always do what’s proven to work.” If it’s “proven,” it’s probably overdone. Innovate instead.
“Big budgets mean big results.” Ask any Nigerian entrepreneur—creativity beats cash any day.

5. Find Your Own Lane

Here’s a Nigerian proverb for you: “Person wey carry another person matter for head go miss their own way.” Translation? If you’re too busy following others, you’ll lose your direction.

Instead of trying to mimic other brands, focus on these:

Your Story: What’s your why?
Your Audience: Who are you serving, and what do they need?
Your Voice: How can you say it differently?

6. Being Different is Scary—But It Works

Remember, Ada didn’t win the dance-off by copying TikTok moves. She won by embracing her heritage, her vibe, her style. It’s the same with your brand. Being different might feel risky, but it’s the only way to truly stand out.

Ask yourself:

What makes my brand unique?
How can I embrace that unapologetically?

Now So What?

Stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold. The brands that thrive don’t follow—they lead. Apple isn’t Apple because they copied IBM. Nike isn’t Nike because they mimicked Adidas.

Your brand’s power lies in its originality, not its imitation. So, step out of the shadow of “what works” and build something that’s unmistakably yours.

Ready to stop following and start leading? Let’s help you find your unique voice. Let’s Talk!