Google has been named as the most valuable brand in the world. This title comes from the annual Brand Finance, and is based on an extensive consideration of factors related to the top thirty businesses which have a global presence.
The result of this analysis sees an end to the five year reign enjoyed by tech giant Apple. It is interesting to note that when they first took the top spot it was in fact Google that was dislodged from number one back in 2011.
Whilst this announcement was widely expected, there is some debate about the biggest contributing factor to it. Some observers have suggested that the switch at the top is more related to a fall in Apple’s performance than it is growth at Google. There is an element of truth to this, but ultimately the strength of performance by the search engine giant saw them win through.
In looking at the claim, it is true that Apple’s 2016 value as assessed by Brand Finance fell by some 27%. Google, in contrast, saw their value grow by close to 25%, with the monetary value of the company thought to be $109.5bn.
From our perspective as a Google Partner specialising in marketing, web design and development, one of the most interesting points of the report was that the number one position had been achieved mostly through remaining focused on the core business.
Despite considerable diversification and broad investment, Google remains in the minds of many a search engine. This is something which is very much nurtured by the company itself. Inherent in the majority of their projects is the concept that they must in some way support and strengthen their position as a search engine rather than distract from it.
How long Google can hold on to the number one position is something which, of course, remains to be seen. Whilst Apple’s forecasts for the year ahead indicate growth there is still a sense that the company has reached saturation point with its premier brand, the iPhone. For Google to reach such a saturation point it would take, to be blunt, most of the population of the world to decided not to use the internet. We do not see that day dawning any time soon.
It is an honour for us, as Google Partners, to be associated with the most valuable brand in the world. We believe this reflects the values we bring to our work, and underlines why we are the number one company for web design Middlesbrough has.