Sourabh Jha’s Post

“People at Nike believe in the power of emotion because we feel it ourselves.” - Phil Knight These words of Phil Knight give you a peek into the core belief of the brand and the culture it represents. In the world of advertising, Nike is an institution. I’m sure you have heard many say, “Nike doesn’t sell shoes, It sells an Idea.” It’s true, that’s how they ace marketing. However there’s more to it, in the words of Phil Knight himself. “You have to be creative, but what really matters in the long run is that the message means something. That’s why you have to start with a good product. You can’t create an emotional tie to a bad product because it’s not honest.” On that note check out this latest campaign by Nike, “What If You Can?” Checks all the right check boxes the brand believes in. Re-emphasising its slogan, ‘Just Do It!’ These words from the campaign just blew my mind, “Potential is a terrible thing to waste. So, what if you can? There's only one way to find out. Just Do It.” #marketing #advertising #strategy #nike #philknight #creativity

Marketing: Aspirational identities Brands like Nike use the following concept: They show a desired person or lifestyle and associate it with their product. That way the customer gets the feeling, if I buy the product then I will be the same. That's the reason why Nike shoes have such an emotional appeal. Getting better at basketball, being part of a movement and being cool. #marketing #branding #marketingtips #brandingtips

Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign is a legendary example of marketing done right. Launched in 1988, the campaign used three simple words to inspire millions worldwide. It wasn’t just about selling sneakers—it was about encouraging people to push their limits and believe in themselves, no matter their background or level of athleticism. This inclusive message resonated deeply, turning Nike into a cultural icon. Over the years, the slogan has been featured in powerful ads with athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and even Colin Kaepernick, adapting to the times while staying true to its core message. The results? Nike’s revenue grew exponentially, from $877 million in 1988 to over $9 billion by the late ‘90s. “Just Do It” is more than a tagline—it’s a global mantra for motivation and success. #viralmarketingstrategies #marketingcasestudy #socialmediastrategy #creativemarketing #nike #justdoit

No one at Nike wanted to partner with Michael Jordan. They thought he was too expensive for their marketing budget. In 1984, Nike was primarily known for its track shoes—perfect for jogging, but far from cool. It was not an aspirational brand. That all changed when Nike teamed up with the GOAT—Michael Jordan. But the journey to that partnership wasn't easy. First, Michael Jordan himself wasn’t a fan of Nike. At the time, no top athlete was. Adidas was the brand everyone wanted to wear—it was the cool choice. Second, Nike’s marketing budget was $250,000, which they intended to split among four athletes. Michael Jordan’s asking price? $250,000—for him alone. The Nike marketing team wasn’t even considering him. Enter Sonny Vaccaro. He was convinced that Michael Jordan was the next big thing in the NBA. He fought tooth and nail to take a risk and bet everything on one player. Even Phil Knight, Nike’s visionary founder, was hesitant. The partnership was too expensive, and the return on investment was uncertain. But Sonny wouldn’t back down. He believed in Jordan and risked everything—even his job—to persuade Nike to take the plunge. Finally, they struck a deal by launching Air Jordan 👟 and giving Michael Jordan a share of the revenue—a bold move negotiated by Jordan’s mother. Fast forward to today. Phil Knight anticipated $3 million in sales over four years. Instead, Nike sold $180 million in the first year alone. And today, Nike is an aspirational brand. The movie "Air," streaming on Amazon Prime, covers this incredible story in detail. It’s a must-watch for everyone. #air #nike

The campaign isn’t just advertising—it’s a masterclass in creating movements. Nike through "Just do it": - Sold determination, ambition, and resilience—not just shoes.  - Connects with universal emotions to make their message unforgettable. - While featuring legends like Michael Jordan, It also championed you.  - Speaks to the dreamer in everyone, not just their primary audience. - Relatable struggles, inspiring victories, and raw human emotion became the heartbeat of this campaign. ‘’Stories sell because they stick.’’ - Just Do it like Serena Williams embodied Nike’s ethos to help the campaign blending aspiration with credibility. - Nike partners with ambassadors who represent their brand’s mission like Michael Jordan. ''Consistent, Everywhere'' From TV to social media - It unified its message across channels.  - It reinforce their campaign’s theme at every touchpoint. ''Just do it'' campaign reward Nike with : - Their share of the U.S. sports shoe market soared from 18% to 43%. - Their revenue skyrocketed to $9.2B within a decade. ‘’Just Do It” isn’t just a tagline - It’s a mantra for overcoming doubt and chasing dreams. - People act when they feel inspired.  - Your message should move, not just inform. ‘’Think Beyond the Sale‘’ - Build campaigns that connect with values, not just purchases. - Adapt a strong idea to evolving cultural narratives to keep it alive. Lesson: A simple, powerful idea executed with authenticity can transform you into a cultural icon. ‘'Just like you’’  - ‘’Nike did it’’ #MarketingMasterclass #BrandingTips

In 1988,Nike launched the iconic “Just Do It” campaign, forever changing the landscape of marketing. The campaign was not just about promoting athletic wear; it was about sharing powerful, inspirational stories of athletes overcoming challenges and achieving their dreams. Why did it work? 1. Emotional Connection: Nike’s storytelling went beyond features, connecting deeply with audience’s emotions. By featuring a wide range of athletes, from professionals to everyday fitness enthusiasts, Nike created relatable and motivational narratives that resonated with people from all walks of life. 2. Brand Identity: The slogan “Just Do It” became synonymous with determination, resilience, and success. It was not just a tagline; it was a call to action that encouraged people to push their limits and strive for greatness aligning perfectly with Nike’s brand ethos. Impact and Results? The success of the “Just Do It” campaign was phenomenal. It helped Nike increase its share of the North American sports-shoe market from 18% to 43% and boosted worldwide sales from $877 million to $9.2 billion in just a decade. This campaign not only elevated Nike market presence but also solidified its position as a leading brand in the sports industry. Nike’s use of storytelling in the “Just Do It” campaign demonstrates the immense power of narrative in marketing. By crafting stories that resonate on an emotional level, brands can build strong connections with their audience, inspire movements and achieve remarkable business results. #Marketing #StoryTelling #BrandStrategy #Nike #JustDoIt #EmotionalBranding

🚀 Dare to think uniquely, out of the box! 🚀 In 1984 Nike’s bold move changed the game 🏀 They made a DARING DECISION that changed the landscape of sports marketing forever. 🏀 They chose to pay a staggering $410,000 in fines just so Michael Jordan could wear sneakers on the court that were mainly RED instead of WHITE. Why was this special? 🏀 At that time, the NBA enforced a strict rule requiring basketball shoes to be "51% white". Violating this rule resulted in a $5,000 fine per game. Over an 82-game season, this accumulated to $410,000. 🏀 Nike sent Jordan out wearing sneakers which were mainly RED. These bold shoes were the first edition of what we now know as the Air Jordan 1s, and they instantly caught everyone's attention. Why was this a genius move from Nike's marketing? On the first game, for $5k, they reached: 🔥 48 minutes of undivided attention 🔥 Differentiation from other competitors 🔥 Nationwide coverage 🔥 Media controversy And what was the result in the long run? 🏀 The buzz around the fines and the striking design of the shoes turned into a powerful marketing wave. People couldn't stop talking about the shoes and Nike's bold move. So Nike's gamble was paying off. 🏀 By the end of the season, Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year, and Nike had sold over $126 MILLION worth of Jordan 1s. 🏀 Last year, the Jordan brand made over $6 billion in sales, and MJ earned over $1.5 billion in royalties. 🚀 This story should remind us all that thinking outside the box and daring to be unique can yield extraordinary results. Don't be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo. Do you know other bold moves like this from marketing? Share it in the comments! #Marketing #Branding #Inspiration #OutOfTheBox

🚀 **Case Study Spotlight: Nike's "Just Do It" Campaign** 🏃♂️ Nike's iconic "Just Do It" campaign didn't just make waves in the marketing world—it revolutionized it. Over a decade, this campaign helped Nike increase its market share from 18% to 43%, a staggering growth driven by powerful storytelling and a message that resonated globally. 🌍 This campaign also led to a 35% increase in brand loyalty, reaching millions of people and inspiring them to take action, push boundaries, and "Just Do It." Let's take a moment to appreciate the power of a well-executed marketing strategy. 💪 #MarketingStrategy #Branding #CaseStudy #Nike #JustDoIt #MarketingInnovation --- Feel free to adjust it according to your needs!

Case Study: Nike – The Power of Purpose-Driven Marketing Nike has built one of the most recognizable brands in the world by aligning their marketing with purpose-driven campaigns. 🏃♂️👟 It’s not just about selling shoes—it’s about championing empowerment, social justice, and self-expression. Here’s why Nike continues to win: 🏅 Emotional Branding: Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan taps into universal feelings of perseverance and ambition. Their storytelling goes beyond product features to connect on an emotional level. 🏅 Championing Causes: From Colin Kaepernick to Serena Williams, Nike aligns its brand with athletes who stand for something bigger than sports. 🏳️⚧️⚡ 🏅 User-Centered Design: Whether it’s personalized sneakers or Nike Training Club, they always put the consumer experience at the forefront of their innovations. Want to create a brand that stands for something bigger? At BrandLiftz, we’ll help you build purpose-driven marketing strategies that resonate with your audience on a deeper level. #NikeCaseStudy #EmotionalBranding #PurposeDrivenMarketing #JustDoIt #BrandLiftz #BrandIdentity #CustomerConnection #MarketingStrategy #SocialImpact

In 1984, Nike took a gamble that would forever change the sports marketing world. They paid a staggering $410,000 in fines - just to let Michael Jordan wear black and red colored sneakers on the basketball court, defying the NBA’s "51% white" shoe rule. 🚀 The Strategy: Nike's decision wasn't just about being rebellious; it was a calculated move in disruptive marketing. They equipped Jordan with the now-iconic black and red Air Jordan 1s, making them stand out starkly against the standard white shoes of his competitors. 🎯 The Outcome: This bold move paid off spectacularly. The controversy surrounding the fines caught the public's attention, making the Air Jordan 1s a major topic of conversation nationwide. It wasn't just about a pair of sneakers; it was about the audacity to challenge the norm. 💸 The Impact: The buzz created around these shoes propelled Nike's sales to unprecedented heights. By the end of that NBA season, not only had Jordan clinched the Rookie of the Year honors, but Nike had also sold over $126 million worth of Jordan 1s. 📈 Long-Term Success: Fast forward to today, and the Jordan brand has grown into a behemoth, with sales exceeding $6.6 billion last year. Michael Jordan has earned over $1.5 billion in lifetime royalties from the brand that bears his name, all sparked by a bold marketing decision made decades ago. Lessons for Innovators and Marketers: Embrace Controversy: Sometimes, stirring the pot is necessary to stand out in a crowded market. Nike transformed potential negative publicity into a narrative that elevated their brand. Consumer Connection: The controversy and the story behind the sneakers created an emotional connection with consumers, transforming them from mere footwear to a symbol of uniqueness. Brand Legacy: Decades later, the initial controversy and the iconic design of the Air Jordan 1s continue to contribute to the brand's legendary status. Nike's strategy with the Air Jordan 1s is a testament to the power of risk-taking in marketing. For businesses today, it underscores the value of being bold and thinking outside the conventional playbook. What risks are you considering, and could they possibly redefine your industry? #marketing #startup #sports #innovation #technology