Have you ever caught a whiff of a scent that instantly transported you to a specific brand, like the unmistakable aroma of Starbucks coffee? Perhaps you recognise the distinct click of an Apple phone when someone is texting or locking their phone. These experiences are no accident; they are precisely crafted marketing strategies aimed at etching a brand into the recesses of your mind, leveraging the potent influence our senses hold over our emotions.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the concept of multisensory branding, exploring what it entails, showcasing examples from successful brands, and outlining the potential benefits for your business. Discover why embracing multisensory branding is a move worth making as soon as possible.

How multisensory branding works
Many brands, perhaps without conscious recognition, embrace this marketing approach due to its exceptional effectiveness in imprinting your brand into the consumer’s memory, associating it with specific and lasting recollections (as our senses are closely linked to memory). This, in turn, fosters brand recognition and loyalty.
Multisensory branding involves marketing strategies that engage your consumer’s emotions and senses, strategically appealing to the five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. These sensory elements can be integrated at the beginning of the buyer’s journey or introduced as a vibration, alert, or visual cue at the conclusion of that journey. Here are some examples of multisensory branding:
- A distinctive scent of a retail store.
- Customised soundtracks in stores.
- Packaging opening sounds.
- Tactile experience of packaging.
- Signature tastes.
- Distinctive lighting schemes.
- Specific temperature control.
- Vehicle engine sounds.
Real-world sensory branding examples
Successful brands master a range of marketing tools, with multisensory marketing as a valuable asset tucked into their back pocket. Just as these brands adeptly burrow into your mind through effective multisensory branding, let’s delve into their strategies. You might even find some of these examples carving a place in your brand’s toolkit.
1. Tiffany & Co.
Visual marketing: The iconic blue box is a visual symbol associated with Tiffany & Co., contributing to a memorable and visually distinctive brand identity.
Tactile experiences in packaging: The box, with its smooth and luxurious texture, enhances the tactile experience of receiving a Tiffany product.

2. Visa
Distinctive transaction sounds: After a Visa cardholder uses their card and the transaction is officially complete, consumers are treated to a distinctive and unique sound, providing a recognisable auditory cue associated with successful transactions.
3. Coca-Cola
Branded signature tastes: The secret formula and unique taste of Coca-Cola contribute to a distinctive and memorable flavour associated with the brand.
4. Lush
Scent marketing: Lush utilises distinctive scents in its stores.
Tactile experiences in packaging: Lush products often feature unique textures and eco-friendly packaging.
5. Porsche
Distinctive vehicle engine sounds: Tailors the engine sounds of its vehicles, including electric ones, to create a unique and futuristic auditory experience for drivers.

6. Apple
Visual packaging: The satisfaction of sleek and clean packaging has become a hallmark of Apple’s presentation.
Haptic feedback in devices: Incorporates haptic feedback in iPhone interactions and other devices, enhancing the tactile experience.
7. Singapore Airlines
Scent marketing: The airline incorporates a distinctive and refreshing scent (featuring notes of rose, lavender, and citrus) that flight attendants wear. This unique aroma is also sprayed on various elements of the aeroplane, creating an exclusive experience that can only be encountered during their flights.
Visual marketing: Flight attendants wear “The Singapore Girl” uniform, featuring a specific colour and pattern that matches their specific designation.
8. Zara
Visual merchandising: Zara’s store layouts and visual displays contribute to a visually appealing and immersive shopping environment.
9. Starbucks
Customised soundtracks: Starbucks has curated a playlist that plays a similar style of music in each shop’s location.
Scent marketing: The aroma of freshly brewed coffee in Starbucks stores is intentionally designed to enhance the overall sensory experience for customers.

10. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Temperature and climate control: Offers a consistent level of comfort by controlling temperature and climate in their establishments for a premium sensory experience.
Advantages of sensory branding
Embracing multisensory branding offers a range of advantages, contributing to a more immersive and memorable experience for your audience. Some benefits include:
- Enhanced brand recognition: Utilising multiple senses helps create a distinctive and memorable brand identity, increasing recognition among consumers.
- Emotional connection: Engaging multiple senses fosters a deeper emotional connection with your brand, leading to increased brand loyalty.
- Improved customer experience: Creating a multisensory experience enhances the overall customer journey, making interactions more enjoyable and positive.
- Differentiation from competitors: Multisensory branding sets your brand apart, providing a unique selling proposition that distinguishes you from competitors.
- Increased perceived value: Incorporating sensory elements adds perceived value to your products or services, making them stand out in the market.

Look to the professionals for multisensory branding
Start the journey into the realm of multisensory branding with S.O.H. Group. As experts in the art of crafting immersive brand experiences, we specialise in curating bespoke sensory libraries that cater to every sense. From captivating visuals and distinctive sounds to enticing aromas and tactile elements, our team excels in designing comprehensive sensory strategies.
Elevate your brand’s identity, foster emotional connections, and stand out in the market by starting your own multisensory journey with us. Browse through our services or contact us today and let S.O.H. Group guide you towards a uniquely resonant and memorable brand experience.
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