The power of media-owned assets: Why brands should take control of their platforms

By Shaune Jordaan, issued by Hoorah Digital
17 Feb 2025
It never fails to surprise me how many brands, in this digital age, still hesitate to invest in their media-owned assets. For years, we’ve watched businesses pour millions into external media platforms, essentially strengthening other companies instead of building something sustainable for themselves.

Take Facebook, for example. It’s a platform designed to direct traffic to brands, yet it’s a cluttered space where consumers are often bombarded with irrelevant advertising. The result? Limited engagement and fleeting attention spans. This leaves brands with a dilemma: how do you create a space that nurtures direct consumer relationships, strengthens your brand message, and avoids being drowned out by the noise?

The answer lies in owning your own media assets - platforms designed and controlled by the brand itself. Done right, these assets don’t just drive engagement; they foster deeper loyalty, more meaningful interactions, and long-term value. So why aren’t more brands prioritising this approach?

The barriers to media-owned platforms

Let’s be honest - building your platform is hard. It takes creativity, investment, and patience. You need to create something that people want to engage with, not just another corporate site filled with promotional content. But if brands are willing to spend millions boosting content on third-party platforms, why not redirect a fraction of that budget into building something they truly own?

The long-term benefits speak for themselves:

  • Full control over your brand’s messaging and engagement – No more being at the mercy of ever-changing social media algorithms.

  • Stronger consumer relationships – People engage on your platform because they choose to, not because they’ve been interrupted by an ad.

  • Better insights and first-party data – When you own the platform, you own the data - giving you far more valuable and accurate consumer insights.

  • A reduction in paid media spend over time - A successful media-owned asset becomes an organic traffic driver, reducing the reliance on costly paid ads.

    Brands leading the way

    Some businesses have already cracked the code, showing exactly how media-owned assets can transform engagement. Two great examples are Pets24 and Wildspace, both developed by RCL Foods.

  • Pets24 is an all-in-one platform that provides information on pet adoption, insurance, and general pet care. For a pet food brand, this is an incredibly smart move - offering genuine value to pet owners while reinforcing brand trust and presence.

  • Wildspace takes a different approach, using gamification to create an engaging, interactive CRM program. Imagine Ouma Rusks, Thirsti, or Yum Yum Peanut Butter’s mascot interacting with users in a fun, immersive way. This isn’t just brand awareness - it’s a direct connection with consumers that feels authentic and entertaining.

    Then, of course, there’s Red Bull - arguably the best example of a brand becoming a media powerhouse. What started as an energy drink company is now a full-fledged media empire, spanning extreme sports, documentary-style content, and high-quality storytelling. Their approach proves that when you create content people want, your brand becomes a part of their lifestyle, not just another product on a shelf.

    How to build your media-owned asset

    The good news? You don’t need to create the perfect platform overnight. Experimentation is key - start small, test ideas, and refine based on real engagement. Here are a few strategic ways to get started:

    1. Content hubs – A well-executed blog, video series, or podcast offering real value to your audience (not just promotional material).

    2. Gamification and community platforms – Interactive experiences that encourage participation and make brand engagement feel effortless.

    3. Exclusive membership and loyalty platforms – Reward consumers in a way that builds long-term affinity and retention.

    4. Branded apps and digital tools – If it makes sense for your business, an app can be a powerful way to drive direct engagement without relying on external platforms.

    Final thought: Be brave

    Investing in media-owned assets isn’t just about reducing dependency on social platforms - it’s about future-proofing your brand and creating meaningful, long-term relationships with consumers. Yes, it takes effort, but the rewards are undeniable.

    So, what’s your brand’s media-owned asset? If you’re not thinking about it yet, maybe it’s time to start.

    • About the author

    Shaune Jordaan is the co-founder of [[http://www.hoorahdigital.com]].
    Hoorah Digital
    Hoorah Digital
    We digitally transform brands in an ever-changing world. We do this by applying creativity alongside innovative tech & data-led ideas. The result for brands is growth, sales and future certainty.
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