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Brand Personality: The Secret Sauce Behind Unforgettable Brands

  • Writer: Addis Studio
    Addis Studio
  • Jul 2
  • 3 min read
Brand Personality: The Secret Sauce Behind Unforgettable Brands
Make your brand feel real, relatable, and unforgettable.

Let’s face it—nobody remembers a brand that plays it safe. People remember the brand that feels like a friend, a mentor, or a rebel. That “something” they connect to? That's the brand personality


A striking logo might get you noticed. But it’s your brand’s personality that keeps people coming back.


Your personality isn’t just how your brand looks—it’s how it sounds, how it acts, and how it makes people feel. It’s the vibe, the voice, the energy.


Yet most small businesses either skip defining it or let it happen by accident—leading to bland messaging and forgettable experiences.


This blog will show you how to shape a bold, authentic brand personality that makes your brand impossible to ignore.


What Is Brand Personality (And Why It Matters)


Brand personality is the human side of your brand—the traits, voice, and values that people can relate to.


It’s the difference between saying “we sell skincare products” and saying “we help you feel confident in your own skin.”


Real-World Examples:


  • Boat—Bold, youthful, unapologetic.

  • Glossier—friendly, minimal, inclusive.

  • The Whole Truth—Transparent, witty, health-conscious

  • Oatly—rebellious, quirky, eco-conscious

  • Notion—calm, supportive, quietly confident

  • Mama earth—caring, clean, community-first


Why it matters:

Because people don’t just buy products—they buy connection. A strong personality makes your brand trustworthy, recognizable, and emotionally sticky.


How to Define Your Brand Personality


Here’s a simple 3-step method we use at Addis Studio to uncover your brand’s true personality.


Understand Your Audience


Who are they? What tone do they vibe with—playful or professional? Aspirational or relatable?


Your brand should speak their language, not yours.


Pick 3 to 5 core traits.


Think of your brand as a person. Is it bold? Warm? Clever? Reliable? Pick traits that align with your purpose and values.


Pro Tip: Use frameworks like Aaker’s Brand Personality Dimensions.


Sincerity

Excitement

Competence

Sophistication

Ruggedness


Audit Your Current Presence


Review your website, captions, ads, and emails. Do they reflect those traits, or is there a mismatch? If your tone says “friendly” but your copy feels cold, it’s time for a reset.


Real Brand Personality in Action


The Whole Truth


Tone: Honest, quirky

How it shows up: transparent ingredient lists, cheeky packaging, and no-nonsense blog content. You trust them instantly.


Notion


Tone: Calm, clean, quietly confident

How it shows up: minimalist design, helpful language, no pushy sales tone. You feel supported, not sold to.


Oatly


Tone: Rebellious, cheeky

How it shows up: loud packaging, sarcastic messaging, climate activism. You either love them—or hate them—but you remember them.


How to Apply Brand Personality Everywhere


Once defined, your brand personality should shape every single touchpoint.


Touchpoint

How to Reflect Your Personality

Website

Use copy and visuals that match your tone and vibe

Social Media

Social Media Write captions in your brand’s voice; be consistent

Emails

Let your tone shine in intros, subject lines, and CTAs.

Product Packaging

Use language, color, and styling that reinforce who you are.

Client Communication

Even proposals and WhatsApp messages should feel like you.

Tip: If you hired a new social media intern tomorrow, could they instantly “get” your brand voice? If not, it’s time to document it.


Your brand personality isn’t an accessory—it’s your core identity.


It’s what makes you relatable, consistent, and trustworthy. It’s how you go from just another business to a brand that people love and remember.


So if your brand feels scattered or generic, don’t change the logo—change the personality.


Let it be bold. Let it be human. Let it be you.


Want to define a brand personality that actually connects?

Let’s bring your brand to life. hello@addis.studio.

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