From Branding Psychology to the Duolingo Owl’s “Death” – This Week in Marketing

Edition 56

Author

Luru Labs
February 17, 2025

Hello there,

From the science behind memorable branding moments to AI-powered web apps and even a surprising marketing twist involving Duolingo’s beloved mascot, this week’s newsletter is packed with insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

🔥 The Secret Science of Branding Moments

What makes certain brand moments unforgettable? This piece breaks down the psychology behind why some branding efforts stick in our minds while others fade into the noise. If you want to craft campaigns that people remember (and talk about), this one’s for you.

'Branding Moments'​: The Secret Science of Memorable Content

A few years ago, a group of neuroscientists discovered a secret way to make content more memorable and increase conversions: branding moments.

storytellingedge.substack.com/p/branding-moments-the-secret-science

🦉 The Duolingo Owl’s “Death” – A Marketing Masterclass?

If you’ve been online lately, you might have heard whispers (or gasps) about Duolingo’s mascot “dying.” But was this a genuine farewell or a brilliantly executed marketing stunt? NPR takes a closer look at the viral moment and what it means for brand engagement.

RIP Duo, the Duolingo owl. Why would the company kill its own mascot?

Duo was fatally hit by a Tesla Cybertruck, the language-learning company announced this week. The snarky owl has been the face of Duolingo for over a decade. Why his sudden demise, and what's next?

www.npr.org/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5295597/duolingo-owl-mascot-death

🤖 AI Web App Builders: The Future of Development?

AI is changing how web apps are built, making development more accessible and efficient than ever. Andreessen Horowitz explores the rise of AI-powered app builders and what this shift means for developers, businesses, and the broader tech landscape.

From Prompt to Product: The Rise of AI-Powered Web App Builders | Andreessen Horowitz

What products are builders using to make websites and web apps with AI? A deep dive into how these products work, their limitations, and the features on the horizon. 

a16z.com/ai-web-app-builders

🔠 The Power of Diagonal Text in Design

Sometimes, the smallest tweaks can make the biggest impact. This article dives into the fascinating effects of diagonally tilted text in design and marketing—and how you can use it to capture attention and drive engagement.

When to diagonally tilt your text

Diagonally tilt lines of text (upwards or downwards) according to the message you want to convey. People were up to 44.5% more likely to say they would buy.

app.sciencesays.com/p/when-to-diagonally-tilt-your-text

That’s it for this week! Let us know which insight stood out the most to you. See you next time! 🚀

Signing off,

Team ‘Luru