Branded House: One big, happy family

Imagine a big, shiny umbrella, and under that umbrella is your brand. Every product, service, or extension you create lives happily together under the same name.

Think: Apple. iPhone, iPad, iMac, iEverything. It’s all Apple, all the time. Omnomnomnom.

Pros of a Branded House:

1. Consistency is King: All your messaging, logo, voice, and visuals are consistent. Whether someone’s buying your software or your swag, they know it’s YOU.
2. Efficiency, Bb: You’re not reinventing the wheel for every new product launch. One brand = one marketing push. Hello, budget saver.
3. Trust & Recognition: When people already love your main brand, they’ll likely love your new product, too, because—well, they already trust you!

But, there’s a Catch: If one product has a bad day, your entire brand might feel it. One wrong move from a sub-product, and your golden reputation could take a hit.

House of Brands: A world of options

Now, this is like owning a mansion with a bunch of different rooms, and each room has its own vibe, color, and style. You’re the big boss, but each product brand does its own thing.

Think: Procter & Gamble (P&G). Tide, Pampers, Gillette—each one is its own brand, and most people don’t even know they’re all part of the P&G empire.

Pros of a House of Brands:

1. Freedom to Explore: Each product can go in its own direction, appeal to its own audience, and have its own personality.
2. Safe from Scandal: If one brand faces a PR nightmare (hey, it happens), your other brands are safe and sound.
3. Targeted Marketing: You can get real specific with your messaging. One brand for eco-friendly consumers, another for luxury lovers—it’s all possible!

But, Beware: It can get expensive. Managing multiple brands means more resources, more teams, and more complexity. Plus, you’ll need to make sure each one succeeds independently.

So, Which Should You Choose?

There’s really no ‘one size fits all’ here. Spoiler alert: there rarely ever is when it comes to branding… sorry. It really comes down to your goals, your products, and how much you want to invest in building those separate identities.

If you’re just starting out or want everything to feel cohesive and easy to manage, a branded house might be your best bet. But if you’re planning to branch out into very different products with unique audiences, the house of brands could give you the flexibility you need.

No matter which strategy you pick, remember that strong branding isn’t just about names or logos. It’s about building relationships with your audience and telling a story that resonates with them—whether it’s one brand or a whole portfolio of them.

And hey, if you’re stuck trying to figure this out or need a VIP day to get some clarity, you know wehre to find Carl 😉

Until next time, stay bold, stay branded and keep buildin’!