It should come as no surprise some of the top U.S. brands are Apple, Microsoft and Google. They generally got there by offering unique products and more value for the dollar.
Jennifer Blanco of Houston's Spindletop Design says you don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to your product.
"I think it's just doing a better job of marketing yourself but, ultimately, offering some sort of valuable service or product."
Blanco says if your customers trust you, that's most of the battle.
"I would say always speak from a position of authenticity and being honest, producing a good product and thinking consistently about the brand at every point, every detail."
Blanco says you'd do well to follow Apple's formula.
"Every time you purchase an Apple product, when you open it, it's its own experience and it smells a certain way and the way you pull each piece out it's very careful, or as much as the product itself."
Barbary Brunner, CEO of the Austin Technology Council, says there are a few things you need to know about your customers.
"What motivates them to buy, what their likes and dislikes are, what will keep them loyal as customers and what will cause them to recommend your product or your brand to other individuals."
Some of Brandz' other top brands for 2017 are Citi, IBM, Marlboro, GE, Coca Cola and Wal-Mart.