Whether you're a small business just starting out, or a large corporation with multiple brands and product lines, finding the right brand asset management software can be a game-changer for your marketing efforts. After all, a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets any company can possess, and managing that brand effectively is crucial to staying competitive in today's market.
That's where AI comes in — it's a game-changer when it comes to managing your brand assets efficiently and effectively. The presence of AI or artificial intelligence can be felt all around us, from the chatbots on our favorite websites to the personalized recommendations on our Netflix accounts. AI is an invaluable tool when it comes to brand asset management as well.
With the right software, you can automate repetitive tasks, organize your assets more efficiently, and even gain valuable insights into how your brand is performing online.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right BAM software for your business? Fear not, for we have created the ultimate guide to help you navigate this complex world. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, including key features to look for, important considerations, and more. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to boost your brand with AI! Incorporate the benefits of workflow automation into your brand asset management for unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness.
What is brand asset management software?
Brand asset management software (BAM) is a powerful tool that can help you streamline and manage all of your digital brand assets in one place. But what exactly does that mean?
In a nutshell, BAM software is designed to help you organize, store, and distribute all of the digital assets related to your brand — from logos and images to videos and marketing materials. Think of it as a digital asset library that you can access from anywhere, at any time.
But there is more to a BAM system than just storing your brand assets — it also allows you to categorize and tag your assets so you can easily find what you're looking for. Plus, many BAM software options offer features like version control, so you can keep track of changes and updates to your assets over time.
If you work with a team or multiple stakeholders, BAM software can be a lifesaver. With features like role-based permissions and approval workflows, you can ensure that everyone has the right level of access to your brand assets and that nothing gets published without proper review and approval.
Key Features of Brand Asset Management Software
If you're considering implementing brand asset management software in your business, there are a few key features you should look for to ensure you're getting the most out of your investment. Here are ten features to keep in mind:
1. Digital asset library
A digital asset library is the backbone of any brand asset management software. Look for a solution that can handle a variety of file types and provide search and filter capabilities to make it easy to find the assets you need.
2. Cloud-based storage
Cloud-based storage means that your assets are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to share assets across teams and locations.
3. Advanced search functionality
A powerful search function is a must-have feature in any BAM software, allowing you to quickly find the assets you need, based on asset type, colors, and more. Some BAM platforms offer custom tags combined with AI-driven auto tags which allows you to find and categorize assets your way easily.
4. Role-based permissions
The ability to set user permissions is crucial for teams working with a shared asset library. It ensures that everyone has access to the right assets and prevents unauthorized changes. Platforms such as Artwork Flow has time-constraint sharing links, which expire after 24 hours providing the utmost security and flexibility to its users.
5. Approval workflow
An approval workflow is a must-have feature for larger organizations where multiple stakeholders need to review and approve content before it's published. Look for a solution that allows you to set up custom approval workflows tailored to your business's needs.
6. Version control
With version control, you can keep track of changes to your brand assets over time. This is particularly useful when collaborating with a team or making frequent updates to assets like logos or marketing materials.
7. Analytics
The ability to track asset usage and performance is crucial for assessing the success of your brand assets. Look for software that provides detailed analytics to help you make informed decisions about your branding strategy.
8. Integration with other tools
To truly streamline your branding efforts, look for brand asset management software that integrates with other tools you're already using, like design software or project management tools.
9. Brand guidelines
Look for BAM software that lets you easily create on-brand assets with a brand guideline template so that you can maintain a consistent look and feel across all of your digital assets. A brand guideline feature would typically contain different sections to outline the standards to be followed when creating any brand asset such as typography, colors, and other visual elements.
10. User-friendly interface
Last but not least, make sure the brand asset management software you choose is user-friendly and easy to navigate. A complicated interface will only slow down your workflow and discourage adoption among your team members.
Why is brand asset management software important?
Brand asset management software may seem like just another piece of software to add to your business's tech stack, but it's actually an essential tool for any company serious about its branding efforts. Here's why:
#1. Stay on-brand and make a lasting impression
BAM software provides easily editable brand guidelines which help ensure that your brand is consistently represented across all platforms, ensuring that all of your marketing materials and assets are on-brand and on message. The brand guideline could be easily shared and accessed, helping to establish a strong and cohesive brand identity.
#2. More time for what matters
With a centralized digital asset library, advanced search functionality, ai-powered smart tags and streamlined workflows, BAM software can save you and your team a ton of time that would otherwise be spent searching for and organizing assets.
#3. Protect your brand assets
With BAM software, you can set user permissions and access controls to ensure that your brand assets are only accessible to those who need them, reducing the risk of unauthorized use. Certain BAM systems also allow time-restricted access which causes a shared link to expire after 24 hours.
#4. Grow your business with ease
As your business grows, BAM software can scale with you, providing a secure and reliable place to store and manage all of your brand assets, no matter how many you have. With features such as creative scaling, you can resize, crop, or otherwise modify your digital assets on-the-fly, without having to open up the original asset in a separate software program.
This feature can be especially useful for businesses that need to create multiple versions of the same asset for use across different platforms and mediums.
#5. Maximize your team's potential
With features like version control, approval workflows, and other AI-driven functionality, BAM software can increase efficiency and streamline workflows, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.
#6. Collaborate smarter, not harder
With BAM software, team members can collaborate more easily on asset creation and review, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that assets are approved before publication. Features such as intelligent proofing tools and annotations are especially handy for running multiple approval cycles with ease.
#7. Better marketing decisions with valuable insights
BAM software can offer insights into how your assets are being used, what colors and elements drive more engagement, and much more, giving you valuable information that can inform your marketing strategies.
Knowing when to invest in brand asset management software
Investing in brand asset management (BAM) software can be a big decision for any business, but there are certain use cases where it makes sense to do so. Here are a few examples:
1. You have a rapidly growing business
If your business is experiencing rapid growth, you may find that managing your digital assets becomes more complex and time-consuming. A BAM system can help you streamline your asset management process, saving time and resources as you grow.
2. Your asset library is a mess
If your digital assets are scattered across different folders, platforms, and devices, and you're spending too much time searching for the right asset, then it's time to invest in a BAM system that can centralize and organize your assets.
3. You are struggling to ensure brand consistency
If you're struggling to maintain consistency across your brand assets, resulting in confusing messaging or brand identity, then a BAM system can help by ensuring that all assets are consistent and up-to-date.
4. You have multiple departments and teams
If your business has multiple departments or teams that need to access your brand assets, a BAM system can provide a centralized location for all assets, making it easy for everyone to find what they need and collaborate efficiently.
5. You are looking to rebrand or need a brand refresh
If you're going through a rebranding or brand refresh, a BAM system can help you ensure that all of your brand assets are updated and consistent across all platforms and mediums, avoiding the risk of outdated or inconsistent branding.
6. Your brand deems brand compliance and governance a priority
If your business operates in a heavily regulated industry or has strict brand guidelines, a BAM system can help you enforce brand compliance and governance, ensuring that all brand assets are used appropriately and consistently.
7. You are using high-value assets
If your business relies heavily on digital assets, such as videos, images, and other media, a BAM system can help you protect and manage these high-value assets, ensuring that they are used effectively and efficiently.
Evaluating brand asset management software: Your burning questions answered
Choosing the right brand asset management software for your business can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, here are some common questions to consider when evaluating BAM software:
Q1. What are the key features of the software?
Look for software that has features like asset organization, permission management, version control, and integrations with other software programs.
Q2. What is the user experience like?
Make sure the software is easy to use and intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that doesn't require a lot of training or technical expertise.
Q3. How scalable is the software?
Choose software that can grow with your business and can handle large volumes of assets and users.
Q4. How secure is the software?
Look for software that has robust security features, like role-based permissions and encryption, to protect your brand assets from unauthorized access.
Q5. What is the pricing structure?
Make sure the software fits within your budget and offers pricing plans that are flexible and customizable based on your business needs.
Q6. What kind of customer support is available?
Look for software that has reliable customer support options, like live chat, phone support, and email support, to help you resolve any issues or concerns.
Our expert tips for selecting the right asset management software
Choosing the right asset management software for your business can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you select the right asset management software:
1. Identify your specific needs: Before you start looking for software, identify your specific needs and priorities. What types of assets do you need to manage? How many users will be accessing the software? What integrations do you need? Knowing these details upfront will help you narrow down your options and find software that meets your needs.
2. Consider ease of use: Choose software that is intuitive and user-friendly. Your team should be able to use the software without extensive training or technical expertise. Look for software that has a clean, well-designed interface and is easy to navigate.
3. Look for scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business. Look for software that can handle large volumes of assets and users, and that can be customized to meet your changing needs over time.
4. Security is key: Make sure the software has robust security features to protect your assets from unauthorized access. Look for software that has features like role-based permissions and encryption to ensure that your assets are safe and secure.
5. Check for integrations: Make sure the software integrates with other software programs that your business uses. This will help streamline your workflow and make it easier to manage your assets across different platforms and mediums.
Why go for an automated DAM solution with AI
When it comes to brand asset management, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of assets that need to be created, organized, and shared across various channels. An automated digital asset management (DAM) solution with AI could be just what you need.
Automated DAM solutions like Artwork Flow use AI technology to streamline the asset management process, making it faster, more efficient, and more effective. With AI-powered features like auto-tagging and facial recognition, you can quickly find and categorize your assets without any manual effort.
AI-powered creative scaling can help you quickly create different versions of the same asset for use across different platforms and mediums, without having to manually resize or crop the original asset.
Smart asset recommendations can also help you discover new ways to use your existing assets, improving the ROI of your marketing efforts and ensuring that your brand stays fresh and relevant.
But even beyond the convenience and efficiency of an automated DAM solution, AI-powered features can help you make more data-driven decisions about your brand identity. By analyzing your asset data, AI can provide insights into which assets are performing best and which may need improvement, allowing you to continually refine your brand strategy, especially with the help of advanced online proofing tools.
So why not consider giving Artwork Flow a try and see how it can take your brand asset management to the next level?
