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Introduction
Channel partners play a vital role in extending a brand’s reach, but inconsistent marketing materials can weaken brand identity and create confusion for customers. Co-branded marketing assets allow businesses to maintain brand integrity while empowering partners with localized customization.
With the right tools and guidelines, brands can simplify customization, set clear template standards and ensure a seamless customer experience across partner campaigns. GearBox® by IRIS Strategic Marketing Support (IRIS) provides businesses with a streamlined way to manage and distribute co-branded marketing materials while maintaining control over brand elements.
This blog explores best practices for co-branded marketing assets and how businesses can enable their partners to execute brand-compliant campaigns effectively.
Simplify Customization
Partners need marketing materials that allow them to localize messaging and visuals while staying true to brand guidelines. Businesses can streamline this process by using:
Digital Asset Management (DAM) Platforms
Provide a centralized hub where partners can access pre-approved marketing materials and customize them as needed.
Dynamic Templates
Enable partners to edit designated fields, such as location details and contact information, without altering brand elements.
Self-Service Design Tools
Allow partners to personalize ads, brochures and digital assets with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality.
Set Clear Template Guidelines
To ensure brand consistency across all co-branded materials, businesses should establish clear template structures, including:
Locked Core Elements
Keep logos, fonts and key brand visuals consistent across all materials to maintain brand recognition.
Flexible Partner Fields
Designate specific areas where partners can add their own contact details, promotions or localized messaging.
Usage Best Practices
Provide step-by-step instructions on how to customize templates while following brand guidelines.
Maintain Brand Integrity
Protecting brand identity in co-branded campaigns requires ongoing oversight and standardization. Businesses should:
Enforce Brand Color Schemes
Ensure all partner-created materials adhere to approved brand color palettes to create a seamless brand experience.
Standardize Logo Usage
Provide partners with high-quality logo files and clear guidelines on placement, size and spacing.
Conduct Regular Audits
Monitor partner marketing materials to confirm compliance with brand standards and address any inconsistencies.
Co-Branded Campaign Examples
Successful co-branded marketing integrates partner and brand elements cohesively. Proven strategies include:
Co-Branded Brochures
Use structured templates with a primary brand layout while allowing space for partner-specific details.
Digital Ads
Incorporate dual branding with side-by-side logos and shared messaging that reflects both the brand and partner.
Social Media Campaigns
Offer partners branded post templates that maintain visual consistency while enabling localized engagement.
IRIS Case Study: Strengthening Co-Branded Marketing for Partners
Case Study: How Ply Gem Optimized Co-Branded Assets with GearBox®
Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, partnered with IRIS to enhance their marketing strategies across a vast network of dealers and distributors. The company faced challenges in ensuring brand consistency while providing partners with the flexibility to customize materials for their local markets.
The Challenge
- Dealers and distributors needed marketing materials tailored to their regional markets
- Maintaining brand consistency across partner campaigns was difficult
- Manual customization processes led to inefficiencies and delayed marketing rollouts
The Solution
Using GearBox® by IRIS, Ply Gem implemented:
- A centralized asset library where partners could access and customize pre-approved marketing materials
- Customizable templates that locked core brand elements while allowing region-specific modifications
- Automated approval workflows to ensure all co-branded assets adhered to brand guidelines before going live
The Results
- Streamlined partner marketing, reducing time spent on asset creation and approval
- Enhanced brand consistency, ensuring all partner campaigns aligned with Ply Gem’s brand standards
- Improved dealer engagement, with more partners leveraging provided assets to drive localized marketing efforts
Learn more about how GearBox® by IRIS can help streamline your co-branded marketing strategy.
How GearBox® by IRIS Supports Co-Branded Marketing Asset Management
GearBox® by IRIS simplifies co-branded asset creation and distribution with:
Centralized Asset Library
Ensure partners have access to up-to-date, brand-approved marketing materials.
Customizable Templates
Allow partners to personalize co-branded assets without altering key brand elements.
Automated Approval Workflows
Review and approve partner-generated content to maintain brand integrity before publication.
Schedule a demo today to see how GearBox® by IRIS can help you streamline co-branded marketing assets and strengthen partner collaboration.
