Building A Brand That People Love

What do you think is the key difference between customers who "like" a brand versus those who "love" a brand?

Creating a brand that people genuinely adore isn’t just about flashy logos or clever ads—it’s about forging real, lasting connections. On this episode of Market It Like It's Hot, Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadoski discuss what separates “like” from “love” in branding (with plenty of dad jokes and a little chaos thrown in for good measure).

Here are 3 big takeaways for anyone looking to turn customers into true fans:

Authenticity wins every time.

People can spot a phony from a mile away. Brands that show their real personalities (the fun, quirky, even slightly awkward sides) are the ones that stand out. Take a page from Duolingo’s playbook—they lean into who they are, and it works.

Go for love, not just likes.

Having a huge audience of passive followers can look good on paper, but a smaller, engaged tribe that really loves what you do will have your back every time. Focus on building that die-hard community—it’s more valuable than empty numbers.

Meet your audience where they are—emotionally.

Understand how your ideal customers feel and what they’re experiencing. Respond with empathy and genuine care, not just sales pitches and “look at me” content.

When people feel that you get them, the loyalty follows.

Curious how to map your customer journey, identify your brand’s emotional core, or avoid influencer marketing mistakes?

Quick Win

Pick one thing this week to show more of your brand’s personality—post a behind-the-scenes video, write a “real talk” caption, or just thank your loyal fans.

Key Moments

05:39 "Social Media: Balancing Branding and Personality"

09:42 "Value of Micro-Influencers Overreach"

11:52 Influencer Marketing Misalignment

13:55 Defining Brand's Tone of Voice

18:09 Balancing Emotions in Branding

21:41 Duolingo's Engaging Social Media Strategy

25:23 Authentic Social Media Engagement Tips

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