The Challenges of Place Branding

Unlike products, places can’t just be "discontinued, modified, withdrawn from the market, re-launched and re-positioned or replaced by improved products".

1 minute read

May 4, 2004, 10:00 AM PDT

By Charlotte Fitzgerald


Similarly to product branding, place branding is "all about identifying, developing and communicating the parts of the identity that are favourable to some specified target groups". The additional difficulties encountered in place branding and developing a truly integrated place marketing strategy stem from the much larger and more complex groups of stakeholders, lack of a single controlling authority and major marketing campaign skills in government, and the very nature of places themselves with fixed physical conditions and long-term reputations, governments and economics. Place branding also suffers from the difficulties in measuring its success. As with products, places can also have umbrella brands with multiple products from those places all being marketed consistently with the overarching place brand.

Thanks to Charlotte Fitzgerald

Monday, April 19, 2004 in Brandchannel

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog