Brandwashed

August 8, 2011
Lindstrom (coauthor of Buyology) passes off a familiar survey of marketing methods as an exposé. A marketer himself, he shares this primer of modern marketing objectives supposedly as critique, but just as much to crow about their efficacy. Lindstrom is especially proud of his own endeavors, including creating a fake “family” and installing them in a California neighborhood, then charting their influence on the purchasing behavior of their friends and neighbors. The book does include some surprises, particularly the extent to which Internet searches, sophisticated data mining based on credit card use, and loyalty card purchase tracking encourage more purchases. “Being able to predict what the consumer is likely to buy next—and being the first company in line to perfectly target the offering to the consumer in question—is of paramount importance to companies of all stripes,” he writes. Lindstrom makes some astute assessments about marketing techniques that work, noting that the concept of celebrity endorsers has extended to the lowest standard of public recognition, the reality television “star.” His insider’s perspective proves valuable, but his book strains for real critique and sophisticated analysis.

January 2, 2012
Even the savviest consumer is susceptible to the often invisible influences of marketing tactics. Brand outreach is so expansive that companies attempt to influence children in utero by exposing mothers to certain odors and jingles. In other words, fetuses are being prepped for brand loyalty before they can even open their mouths and cry. Lindstrom has more than 20 years of corporate marketing expertise, so Brandwashed is filled with fascinating anecdotes and corporate tactics that are at once brilliant and creepy. Dan Woren’s narration is well paced, authoritative, and soothing. This style works during the book’s more didactic passages. But the author’s prose also contains dry humor that doesn’t come across via Woren’s staid reading. While this audio production is slick and professional, it also feels a little lifeless. A Crown Business hardcover.