Designing and implementing brand architecture strategies

Abstract

Given the importance of brands as intangible assets for organizations, the ability to strategically manage those brands is critical. A well-designed and well-implemented brand architecture strategy can provide a product roadmap to the future for a brand, clarifying where it can go and how it can get there. The brand architecture strategy of a firm determines which brand elements a firm should apply across new and existing products and services. It is virtually impossible to manage and maximize the value and equity of a brand without a clear, compelling brand architecture strategy, whether explicitly written down or not. Toward that goal, we outline a three-step process by which a firm can design and implement their brand architecture strategy. Throughout our discussion, we introduce key concepts, provide insights and guidelines, and offer illustrative examples.