5 Steps to a Better Brand
Hi - Jeanette Cates here with this week's article on visual branding. Whether you're a new business owner or someone who has been online for many years, you'll find it helpful.
In keeping with the visual branding theme, I'm pleased to offer a complimentary teleseminar for you on Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 pm Eastern. Reserve your place at
Online Success Interviews
Visual branding is everything you see about your business - from your business card to your website. In this week's article I share tips on branding including:
- Identify your market
- Your place and perception in the marketplace
- Why you need to hire a professional
- Who makes the final decision on your brand
- Why it can't become stagnant
Read the full article below.
I'll look forward to seeing several of you at Stu McLaren's Idea Incubator this weekend in Anaheim. It's always fun to meet face-to-face.
The rest of you I'll "see" on next week's visual branding teleseminar.
Talk soon -
Jeanette
5 Steps to a Better Brand
by Jeanette S Cates, PhD
All of us have multifaceted personalities. We're outgoing at times, shy at other times. We're talkative and quiet, depending on the time of day, location and who we're with.
We all play multiple roles in our lives. We're mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, boss, employee, entrepreneur and partners.
But when it comes to branding your business, it doesn't pay to display multiple personalities. People like to be able to identify you immediately. They take comfort in consistency. And consistency breeds memorability. Memorability is one of the keys to being top-of-mind when a prospect is wondering who to trust and who to follow.
So how do you develop a brand?
First, determine the market you want to serve. Learn as much about them as possible. The more you know, the easier it is to hit their hot buttons in creating your brand.
Next, determine how you want to be perceived in the marketplace. Do you want to be the serious professional - or the light-hearted expert who adds fun to the mix? Who you are can be reflected in your branding on all of your marketing materials.
Third, hire a graphic designer. Many people try to develop a "look" for their business on their own. And frankly, it usually turns out looking homemade. One of the best investments I ever made in my business was hiring a designer early in the business. The logo and brand he created for me 8 years ago is still working well. We've updated and modified, but it has provided the basis for a memorable business identity.
Graphic designers, like any other professional, are not inexpensive. But they bring a level of polish to your branding effort. They are great at pointing out nuances and brainstorming on ideas you had never considered. It's an important investment for your business.
Fourth, run your designs by several members of your target audience. No one can out-guess the customer. Even with the best of designers, the final say comes from your customer. So post several brand ideas and ask your best customers to vote on the one that best reflects you and your business. You may be surprised!
Finally, update your brand. Left to itself, a brand can become stale and outdated. Consider the most recognized brands in the world - Coca Cola, AT&T, Nike. They have updated their look multiple times over the years. You need to do the same!
Your Brand is a critical part of your business identity. A good brand is like money in the bank. So start branding your business today.
-----
Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with consultants and other experts to help them Create Cash Flow From What They Know. She is constantly reviewing and updating her TechTamers branding. Jeanette shares weekly tips, trends, and techniques in http://www.OnlineSuccessNews.com
In keeping with the visual branding theme, I'm pleased to offer a complimentary teleseminar for you on Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 pm Eastern. Reserve your place at
Online Success Interviews
Visual branding is everything you see about your business - from your business card to your website. In this week's article I share tips on branding including:
- Identify your market
- Your place and perception in the marketplace
- Why you need to hire a professional
- Who makes the final decision on your brand
- Why it can't become stagnant
Read the full article below.
I'll look forward to seeing several of you at Stu McLaren's Idea Incubator this weekend in Anaheim. It's always fun to meet face-to-face.
The rest of you I'll "see" on next week's visual branding teleseminar.
Talk soon -
Jeanette
5 Steps to a Better Brand
by Jeanette S Cates, PhD
All of us have multifaceted personalities. We're outgoing at times, shy at other times. We're talkative and quiet, depending on the time of day, location and who we're with.
We all play multiple roles in our lives. We're mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, boss, employee, entrepreneur and partners.
But when it comes to branding your business, it doesn't pay to display multiple personalities. People like to be able to identify you immediately. They take comfort in consistency. And consistency breeds memorability. Memorability is one of the keys to being top-of-mind when a prospect is wondering who to trust and who to follow.
So how do you develop a brand?
First, determine the market you want to serve. Learn as much about them as possible. The more you know, the easier it is to hit their hot buttons in creating your brand.
Next, determine how you want to be perceived in the marketplace. Do you want to be the serious professional - or the light-hearted expert who adds fun to the mix? Who you are can be reflected in your branding on all of your marketing materials.
Third, hire a graphic designer. Many people try to develop a "look" for their business on their own. And frankly, it usually turns out looking homemade. One of the best investments I ever made in my business was hiring a designer early in the business. The logo and brand he created for me 8 years ago is still working well. We've updated and modified, but it has provided the basis for a memorable business identity.
Graphic designers, like any other professional, are not inexpensive. But they bring a level of polish to your branding effort. They are great at pointing out nuances and brainstorming on ideas you had never considered. It's an important investment for your business.
Fourth, run your designs by several members of your target audience. No one can out-guess the customer. Even with the best of designers, the final say comes from your customer. So post several brand ideas and ask your best customers to vote on the one that best reflects you and your business. You may be surprised!
Finally, update your brand. Left to itself, a brand can become stale and outdated. Consider the most recognized brands in the world - Coca Cola, AT&T, Nike. They have updated their look multiple times over the years. You need to do the same!
Your Brand is a critical part of your business identity. A good brand is like money in the bank. So start branding your business today.
-----
Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with consultants and other experts to help them Create Cash Flow From What They Know. She is constantly reviewing and updating her TechTamers branding. Jeanette shares weekly tips, trends, and techniques in http://www.OnlineSuccessNews.com
2 Comments:
Amazingly simple advice to a complex challenge. Simple yet effective -thank you for the brain Jog.
Nice blog with good information on articles.
Thank you for providing relevant information. I’ll keep visiting it for updated information.
Keep it up
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