The Scene: Why Some Brands Feel Like Places You Want to Stay
Think about the last brand you truly felt connected to.
Maybe it was a clothing brand that made you feel like you were part of a movement.
Maybe it was a coffee shop that felt like a sanctuary.
Maybe it was a book series that made you want to live in its universe.
Now think about the brands you forget.
The ones that feel… functional. Bland. Replaceable.
The difference?
Some brands don’t just sell a product—they create a world.
And if you know how to do this?
You don’t just build a brand. You build a place where people want to belong.
Why Some Brands Feel Like Worlds (And Others Feel Forgettable)
A brand that feels like a world has three key things:
- A Clear Identit– It knows exactly what it stands for.r.
- A Sense of Story & Culture – It feels like stepping into something bigger.
- An Emotional Pul– People don’t just t buy from —they align with it.
Think about Disney, Apple, Nike, or even niche brands like Glossier or Dark Academia-inspired bookstores.
They’re not just selling products—they’re selling a way of being.
The good news?
You can create this feeling, too—whether you’re building a business, a personal brand, or even a creative project.
The Experiment: 3 Ways to Build a Brand That Feels Like a World
1. Design a Brand Like a Story, Not a Product
The best brands aren’t just things people buy.
They’re stories people step into.
Think about Hogwarts. Think about the Apple keynote. Think about Nike’s “Just Do It.”
They all have a world, a mission, and a feeling attached to them.
How to Apply This:
- Define the “origin story” of your brand. (Why does this exist? What problem does it solve?)
- Create an immersive world. (What does it feel like to enter your brand? What visuals, words, and emotions define it?)
- Give your audience a “role” in the story. (Are they the hero? The scholar? The rebel? The artist?)
When people feel like part of a story, they stay.
– Lauren Janeen
2. Build a Visual & Sensory Experience (So It Feels Like Stepping Into a Space)
Think about brands that feel like a fully realized world.
They don’t just have a logo and colors—they have a feeling.
Why do bookstores with warm lighting & handwritten notes on books feel different than big-chain bookstores?
Why does an independent coffee shop with deep green walls & old books feel more like a “place” than Starbucks?
How to Apply This:
- Choose a strong, emotional visual identity. (What colors, fonts, and textures create the mood of your brand?)
- Think beyond visuals—what’s the sensory experience? (What does it sound like? What emotions does it create?)
- Design for immersion, not just aesthetics. (Your brand should feel like stepping into a distinct atmosphere.)
A world is something people can see, feel, and experience.
3. Create Brand Rituals (So People Keep Coming Back)
A strong brand isn’t just a moment—it’s a culture.
Think about how Starbucks trained us to crave seasonal drinks.
Think about how Glossier made their packaging part of the experience.
Think about how Hogwarts houses make people feel like they belong to something.
How to Apply This:
- Create traditions that give your audience a sense of belonging. (Do you release special edition content? Do you have inside language or “hidden” Easter eggs?)
- Make engagement part of the brand. (How do people interact with your brand outside of just buying something?)
- Give your audience something to claim as theirs. (Can they choose a “side”? Can they create something inside your world?)
People don’t just follow brands. They follow movements, cultures, and rituals.
The Final Lesson: People Want to Step Into Something Bigger Than a Product
Brands that feel forgettable try to sell.
Brands that feel like a world create a sense of place, meaning, and story.
They give people something to step into, belong to, and participate in.
So the next time you think about your brand, ask:
- What does it feel like to enter this world?
- What makes it different from anywhere else?
- Why would someone want to stay here?
Because when you build a world, people don’t just buy from you.
They become part of the story.
Your Challenge This Week
- Look at your brand (or a brand you admire).
- Ask: Does this feel like a world—or just a business?
- What small change could make it feel more immersive?
