Brand it like Beyoncé: 5 Powerful Lessons from Cowboy Carter
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After the hit Texas Hold ‘Em, Beyoncé surprised the world again with her eighth studio album and the second act from her trilogy: ‘Cowboy Carter’. A melting pot of styles that takes you as a listener on a musical journey of discovery. At first glance, the album is a musical masterpiece. If you zoom in further, it is also a masterclass in innovative marketing and brand management.
This album breaks with conventions and offers countless insights that are not only relevant for the music industry; but also for every marketer and brand strategist who wants to grow and evolve their brand. In this article I dive deeper into the nuances of Beyoncé’s latest work and explore what our Frankwatching community can learn from it.
1. Explore and mix genres
‘Cowboy Carter’ is presented as a country album. Yet it is much more than that. The album is a lively patchwork of sounds and styles. From pop to psychedelic funk and from rock ‘n’ roll to the use of acrylic nails à la Dolly Parton . Proof that (musical) creativity really comes into its own when creatives can color outside the traditional boxes.
Beyoncé challenges us to think in opportunities rather than boxes, which is a powerful lesson. By blending genres, she creates a unique musical language that broadens and deepens her audience. A strategy that brands can use to expand their reach. More on that later.
2. The power of strategic storytelling
The album consists of several segments that seamlessly flow into each other. One of them is the broadcast of the fictional ‘KNTRY Radio Texas’. A brilliant tactic in terms of storytelling. With country legend Willie Nelson as one of the radio hosts, Beyoncé brings an authentic atmosphere that enriches the listening experience. Nelson, with his deep roots in country music, offers a sense of authenticity and tradition. All while Beyoncé’s modern influences bridge the gap to a contemporary audience.
This kind of thoughtful storytelling can be crucial in marketing, because the right voices and formats are essential to give a story extra power.
3. Be agile and anticipate changes
The country album ‘Cowboy Carter’ was originally the first album in the Beyoncé trilogy. We were supposed to hear it in 2022. Due to the pandemic that we just got through, the artist decided to release the house album ‘Renaissance’ first. She responded to what was going on in the world at that time. And with success: ‘Renaissance’ earned her a Grammy record , for example .
Changing the release order of her albums in response to san marino email list 9210 contact leads the environment shows that it pays to react to external changes. This adaptability is essential for brands that want to remain relevant in changing times.
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4. Reach a wider audience
The approach of ‘Cowboy Carter’ transcends musical and cultural tropicana, gap & dunkin’ donuts: the 3 biggest pitfalls in rebranding boundaries. By blending her music with genres popular with other fans, Beyoncé appeals to a broader audience than many traditional (country) artists. And by collaborating with names like Post Malone and Miley Cyrus, she also appeals to listeners who don’t listen to her music directly.
This strategy of “inclusive marketing” can be very effective for brands ao lists looking to expand into new markets. By opening up and connecting your brand to diverse cultures and communities, you can gain new fans and customers that you might not have reached otherwise.
5. Experiment with new platforms
Another important lesson from Cowboy Carter is the value of exploring new platforms and channels for your brand. Just as Beyoncé ventured into a new genre, brands can also benefit from venturing into unconventional platforms. Whether it’s leveraging a new social media platform or offering your products in an innovative way, exploring new avenues can lead to greater growth. This can lead to unique opportunities and innovative ways to communicate with customers.
The final round of the rodeo
As Beyoncé diversifies her music, we can think even more creatively in our marketing tactics. For example, to appeal to different demographic groups. Because such a dynamic dialogue defines and drives the sustainability of a brand. To do this, it is necessary to consistently and creatively