While you can’t fully graph out the effects of branding, you can certainly show its effects. 

In other words, there are litmus tests. I’ve previously already covered two—the negative press brand litmus test, and the hotel lobby brand litmus test. I recently came across a third, which I’ll call the copycat brand litmus test.

If you’re doing your branding right, other people will copy it. People are seeing—and feeling—the brand; it resonates so much that a small percentage of them are inspired to express it for their customers as well.

Here’s an example of Linear doing its branding right, and inspiring a group of people who will continue on its style: