When I say "Google", You say "Awesome", "Amazing" and "Everything".

When I say "Microsoft", You say "Big", "Boring", and "Bill".

I know this, because I've spent some time on BrandTags, a website that lets its 1.7 million users play simple word association games for all kinds of well-known corporate brands and logos.

While not an official research tool for major corporations today (because the research method isn't exactly regulated), the concept does give business owners and marketers some food for thought.

Have you ever asked your customers to play word association with your brand and/or logo?  If so, did you get the results you thought you would?

Knowing the words and phrases your customers associate with your company can help you evaulate whether the messages you're sending are effective.  It can also help you evaulate your market positioning.

Even further, if you're starting up a new business venture--a general word association poll might help you determine which colors, phrases, and design elements to feature in your logo and marketing materials.

Who knew that such a simple game could deliver such powerful information?

Please take ONE MINUTE to play my simple word association game.