The Ultimate Brand: Gator Nation is Everywhere

In the business world, your brand is what defines you. It is not just about a logo and a tagline: A brand is a concept. It is a state of being that should be lived and communicated throughout any company or organization.

The University of Florida (UF) is a major public research university. The state’s oldest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation’s most academically diverse public universities. It is also a great example of an organization living, breathing, and growing its brand through smart marketing and advertising. In 2006 UF launched an ad campaign with their new tagline “The University of Florida: The Foundation for the Gator Nation,” which has become the bedrock for their brand today. The ad highlights the educational diversity that can be found on campus and the bond that is created when you are there.

The Gator Nation has always been vast, but this branding strategy has put a spotlight on our community, making everyone feel like they could be a part of it. Following the initial ad in 2006, UF continued to grow their idea into the 2009 spot “When did you become a Gator?“.

The most effective part about this campaign and brand is the emotional appeal to the viewer (although being a gator I might be a bit biased). It proves that no matter the company or organization, living your brand makes you attractive to potential customers, clients, and in this case, students.

The Gator Nation is everywhere. As I walk down the street, or go to a restaurant in my Gator gear, at least one person always stops to say GO GATORS. Now you all can feel like you’re a part of that too.