What is the metaphor of bricks and mortar?

Answered by James Porterfield

The metaphor of bricks and mortar in the marketing world refers to the building of a strong brand through concise points or stories and consistency in advertising. Just like how bricks and mortar are used to construct a solid and sturdy building, the metaphor suggests that a brand needs a strong foundation and structure to be successful.

When it comes to building a brand, it is important to have concise points or stories that clearly communicate the brand's message and values. Just as each brick in a building serves a purpose and contributes to the overall structure, each point or story in a brand's messaging should have a clear purpose and contribute to the brand's overall identity.

Consistency is another key aspect of the bricks and mortar metaphor. In construction, mortar is used to hold the bricks together and ensure stability. Similarly, consistency in advertising helps to establish a sense of reliability and trustworthiness for the brand. When consumers see consistent messaging across different channels and touchpoints, it reinforces the brand's identity and makes it easier for them to recognize and connect with the brand.

To illustrate this metaphor, let me share a personal experience. When I worked as a sommelier at a bar, we focused on building a strong brand by using concise points and stories. We carefully selected a range of wines that showcased different varietals and regions, and we would share concise descriptions and stories about each wine with our customers. This not only helped to educate and engage our customers, but it also created a consistent and cohesive brand image.

Additionally, we understood the importance of consistency in our advertising efforts. We ensured that our branding elements, such as our logo, color scheme, and tone of voice, were consistent across all our marketing materials, including our website, social media, and print advertisements. This consistency helped to reinforce our brand's identity and made it easier for customers to recognize and remember us.

Furthermore, the bricks and mortar metaphor can also be applied to the process of building customer loyalty. Just as a well-constructed building can withstand the test of time, a strong brand built on concise points and consistency can create a loyal customer base. By consistently delivering on the brand promise and providing a positive and consistent experience, customers are more likely to develop trust and loyalty towards the brand.

The metaphor of bricks and mortar in marketing emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand foundation through concise points or stories and consistency in advertising. Just like how each brick contributes to the stability of a building, each point or story in a brand's messaging should serve a clear purpose and contribute to the brand's overall identity. Consistency in advertising helps to establish trust and recognition, while also creating a loyal customer base. By embracing this metaphor, marketers can construct a brand that is strong, reliable, and enduring.