The first order of business for 1st Advantage was a signature piece of music to asset its identity. Audiobrain designed a sonic logo usable across a variety of sound touchpoints. It initially was deployed in branch locations, including one branch where it became a door chime to signal the arrival of customers.
The next step was to foster a positive climate for branch visitors. So AudioBrain developed a selection of licensed music for playing over the company's in-house sound system. The music, consisting of recordings from the 1920s up through the present, is interspersed with short 1st Advantage commercials using the sound logo.
AudoBrain periodically sends 1st Advantage an updated selection. "It consistently matches our brand personality of being human, empowering and welcoming," says Craig, noting "Audrey even found urban music with positive themes," widening 1st Advantage's demographic appeal.
The latest addition is a full music theme based on the short sound logo. Although 1st Advantage does limited TV and radio, its 60th anniversary is this year and the theme will be used in a series of celebratory spots featuring employees and customers. At some point, the credit union also plans to use the sound logo on its website.
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How to Add Sonic Branding to Your Business: The Price of Sonic Branding
Many factors affect cost, including the number of sonic elements, whether music is licensed or owned, and where it's used. First Advantage paid Audiobrain about $30,000 for the logo, music mix service at its branches and full theme music for ads.
If that seems steep, it's less than it used to be. Ryan Wines is co-founder and chief strategist of sonic branding at Marmoset Music, a boutique house in Portland, Ore. Marmoset composes and licenses music and has a roster of artists to supply the highly sought-after indie sound currently prized for projecting authenticity and individuality.
Wines says technology advances combined with drastic changes in the music industry have made sonic branding far more accessible: "It's an exciting time for small brands."
Most of Marmoset's music is produced for broadcast television spots, web and promotional brand vignettes. While its clients include major brands like Anheuser Busch, Nike and Levi Strauss, about half are small- and medium-sized businesses.
For the latter, says Wines, "Fees can vary significantly depending on the project. On the lower end of the pricing spectrum, $10,000 to $20,000 for original music licensed for a limited term, used in smaller mediums and regional campaigns can be typical. Bigger national brand campaigns can range anywhere from $30,000 to an upwards of $100,000 or more."
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How to Add Sonic Branding to Your Business: Find a Sonic Branding Service
Because sonic branding should be part of an integrated branding campaign, any marketing consultant advising your company should be able to provide direction. But there are some other ways to do research.
Wines says most of Marmoset's business comes via referral from advertising agencies, client recommendations or someone who has heard Marmoset's work somewhere and liked it.
"What I would tell businesses is to take note of music you enjoy in a commercial or retail setting, then find out who did it," says Wines. "Music is highly emotional and often your response will tell you who's doing work you might want."
There's also a budding organization called the Association of Music Producers (AMP). Its goal is to provide guidance and standards for the industry and information to the music, media and advertising communities.
When interviewing a sound branding service, be guided by the same standards you'd use for hiring an ad agency.
Dig Deeper: 10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing An Ad Agency
How to Add Sonic Branding to Your Business: Sonic Branding ROI
It's hard to nail the exact ROI for sonic branding, so you'll sleep better if you regard the expense as a long-term investment rather than a short-term revenue producer.
Craig has used mystery shops and anecdotal samplings from customers and says, "We've gotten feedback that shows both customers and employees like the music, and I have to say we're happy."
Some owners may wonder why they can't just download a generic ringtone or turn on a radio. The answer to that may lie in the changing nature of consumers.
"Listeners are much more discerning today when it comes to music and sonic branding," says Wines. "It's a quest for what's more personal and relatable."
And consumers have more choices. "Our ability to get anything we want at any time makes it imperative to rise about the clutter," says Arbeeny, "and sound is a very good way to do that."
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