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April 8, 2025 52 mins

In this conversation, Laura Jones, Jason Gaikowski, and John Sabine discuss the critical role of trust in branding, particularly focusing on Merriam-Webster's unique position as a trusted brand in a low-trust environment. They explore the historical significance of Merriam-Webster, the importance of authenticity and engagement in building trust, and the challenges brands face in maintaining trust in the digital age. The discussion also touches on the evolution of language, the significance of spelling bees, and the future of brand trust in a rapidly changing landscape.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Key Takeaways

  • Merriam-Webster is ranked among the most trusted brands in America according to BAV data.
  • Trust is easy to gain but hard to maintain.
  • Longevity contributes significantly to brand trust.
  • Merriam-Webster operates as a public service, reflecting language as it evolves.
  • The brand's descriptive approach enhances its trustworthiness.
  • Social media can be a double-edged sword for brand trust.
  • Brands must engage authentically to build trust.
  • Mistakes can be forgiven if handled with honesty and transparency.
  • The future of brand trust will require agility and adaptability.
  • Language and communication play a vital role in establishing trust.

Chapters
00:00 The Trust Landscape in Marketing
04:02 Merriam-Webster's Legacy and Trustworthiness
10:00 The Role of Public Service in Brand Trust
16:02 Challenges of Maintaining Trust in the Digital Age
21:55 Building Trust in a Distrustful Environment
25:02 Building Trust in a Low-Trust Environment
29:07 Authenticity and Brand Voice
32:52 The Importance of Spelling and Language
37:03 Navigating the Future of Brand Trust
45:11 Surprising Insights from Brand Data
52:05 Outro/Signoff

Click here to view the episode transcript.

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Opinion Party is brought to you by:
BAV Group, the world’s leading authority on data-driven branding. ™️

Our strategic consulting services transform brand growth into brand = growth. Whether you need to analyze, transform, or grow your brand, our team provide solutions based on 30 years of proven methodology and results.

Learn more at https://www.bavgroup.com.


CREDITS:
Hosts: Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski
Executive Producer: Mark Richardson
Editor: Gabriel Montoya
Spiritual, Menu, and Technical Advisor: Ketzirah Lesser
Research: Aly Ryan

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