How did Google perceive their branding in the Russian market?

Google's branding in the Russian market was primarily perceived as foreign and distant due to several factors, including cultural differences, competition from local search engines, and the general sentiment towards international tech companies. The perception of being a foreign entity can lead to a reluctance from local users to fully embrace a brand, particularly in a market where local alternatives are seen as more familiar and better aligned with the specific needs and preferences of the users.

In the case of Google in Russia, the company faced challenges from domestic competitors who were able to establish stronger connections with the local audience. This dynamic often results in international brands being viewed as outsiders, which can impact their market penetration and user engagement levels.

As for the other perspectives, while it's possible for Google to exhibit elements of trustworthiness and reliability or to be innovative, these qualities were not the primary perception in this particular context. Additionally, although Google aimed to be user-friendly, the perception of being local and relatable was significantly hindered by its identity as a foreign brand. Thus, the overall perception leaned more toward the notion of being foreign and distant within the Russian market.