Semiotic Analysis

As one of my classmates, Gerry, has already pointed out concerning semiotic analysis is the impact of web site branding.  I too feel that Google.com has done an outstanding job at using the site’s logo images to create a brand that we as web surfers identify with Google and only Google.  Although the logo changes on occasion, such as holidays and other special days, the logo remains true to the site and even includes sub headings when the user visits a different portion of the site other than the main search page.  Google Images, Google Maps, and the like all contain the Google logo and the specified name of the area of the site under the main logo.  It’s easily identifiable and as such it allows users, no matter what language they speak, to know the site they are visiting is Google whether they’re on Google Video or Google News.  As a society, we have invested a meaning in the sign that is the Google logo and thus we identify with the sign and the Google empire. 

When discussing off-line content in terms of image branding, I feel as if Starbucks has accomplished the same sign meaning as Google.  My friend’s nearly 3-year-old daughter, Zoe, who I have mentioned in a previous post can spot a Starbucks from a mile away.  She’s better at yelling out “Starbucks!” than even identifying with McDonalds, which I know as a child I found quite amusing to point at in the car with my parents.  If a small child can identify with a sign and give it meaning, that sign has far surpassed any goals those in the adult world have had for a logo or other similar type of sign. 

There’s no telling how big of an empire companies like Google or Starbucks can achieve if they are already so incredibly identifiable and popular among societes around the world.