Book Review of Places: Identity, Image and Reputation – Simon Anholt

Did you know that many successful leaders read at least 5 hours per week? Places: Identity, Image and Reputation by Simon Anholt (2010, Palgrave Macmillan) is one of those books worth reading. Not once in a rush, but over time and with time to think and reflect. Here’s a short review of Places: Identity, Image and Reputation and a summary of key messages. You might also be interested in our recent interview with Simon Anholt to find out about his current projects.
Places: Identity, Image and Reputation

The book starts with a warning to not be blinded by place branding as a marketing or communications tool which could magically improve the reputation of cities or countries. Those of us who have followed Simon Anholt’s trajectory over the years know that among his greatest concerns is the constant misinterpretation of place branding – or worse – nation branding: terms and concepts which he talked and wrote into existence at the time where he was earning his money advising governments, but from which he has since distanced himself.

What really matters, according to Anholt and as emphasized in the book, are brand images and place reputation. Both are incredibly important in an era of globalization.

In reality, it takes many generations and much hard work and visionary leadership to build a strong brand image and reputation for a city, region or country.

Cities, regions or countries with a positive brand image and place reputation find it so much easier to attract talent, sell their products or services, or to win the hearts and minds of foreign publics through public diplomacy initiatives.

The key question is: how to you achieve a positive brand image and a favorable place reputation? By combining sound strategy with actually implementing (and not just promising) policy and delivering symbolic actions.
By reading the book, you’ll learn about:
The role of marketing in place branding – when it makes sense, and when it doesn’t (Tip: read our Free Quick Guide on the difference between place marketing and branding)
5 central ideas that support the need for place branding – or competitive identity, as Anholt calls it
Why the notions of brand equity and brand purpose are critical
How strategy, substance and symbolic actions can be combined for place brand success
The connection between image and trust
The role of national identity in a global(ized) world, and how identity leads to behavior and image
5 examples of national identity and image – cases which may surprise
The link between public diplomacy and place branding
Why Brand Europe is both admired (as region) and frowned upon (as administrative Union)
How public and private sector can collaborate to have a place branding initiative succeed
What role the media play regarding national image and perceptions of places
The tricky issue of relevance, and why it cannot be solved by promotion alone
Key message:

The underlying message of this insightful and easy-to-read (not academic!) book by Simon Anholt: be careful with the branding word. Understand that place branding is not just about marketing communications or advertising campaigns, but that it requires placemaking; place development guided by a place brand strategy, which has to be the product of collaboration among a place’s leaders. Don’t waste your public money on branding campaigns aimed at logos or taglines – or at least don’t expect any significant change in brand image or place reputation to happen as a result.

It’s the old rule of doing something good or useful and then communicating your achievements. Not the other way round.