Did you do the previous assignment? Good! No slackers today!
So, do we want a Brand? Yes, you bet! It is a wise business decision, Grasshopper!
What is a Brand?
The definition:
a. A trademark or distinctive name identifying a product, service, or organization.
courtesy of http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
But, this is only part of it! A Brand is so much more! It, also, includes the following:
- Your Logo
- Your Color Scheme -- based on your Logo
- Your Website -- based on your niche
- Your Advertising <insert Logo here!>
- Write a Jingle -- if you are like me, you back away...but, depending on your site, niche, and level of madness...uh, meant your level of creativity. Yea, that's what I meant. *grin* I say go for it!
- A great Tagline! While this is totally optional I still highly recommend that you do it.
- A Mascot! If you are a little bit artistic & can draw, this might be a good idea, depending on your niche.
- Your Products. I know some of you create your own products. Are they consistent with your niche?
- Your sevices. Some of you provide services, don't deny it! It's great! Are your services quality and match your niche?
- Your Content. Oh, we know about content here at WA! It's what drives us!
- Your Social Media Accounts. Do they match your niche? Or are they personal accounts? Well?
- Your Mission Statement -- for our purposes here at WA, this is optional though I do recommend it. Your customers will appreciate this, if done correctly.
- Your Values -- please tell me you have good values!
- Your Style -- that little thing that creeps into your writing, the way you build your sites, everything! Sneaky!
- And, last but not least, your Attitude! A good solid attitude is a must!
Some of the items from the list above will be discussed in other parts of this course.
Basically, your Brand should be involved in every aspect of your business. Every step. Every decision. Just like when the farmers used to brand (burn symbols!) their livestock, you need to make sure you brand all your work. This way your customers can identify your services, products or sites. And it's a great way to build a solid reputation!
Sounds good? Yes! On to the next part! But, first, those sneaky tasks are here again:
- Discuss what should be included in your brand.
- Why is a brand a good business decision? Write it down.
- Look at those five brands from the previous lesson & see if you can identify the different areas from the list.
- Check your Social Media. Is it personal? Can it be used for your business? Write this down.
- Write down ideas for your brand.
- Choose a brand from the previous task for your business.
Top Helpers in This Lesson
ReplyI have 3 completely different sites, so I had this question too. Actually, for each of my sites I have a different business brand. But, my personal brand (this is discussed a little bit in a different lesson) is consistent for each one. Well, I share the personal brand with Buddy (my pup, it's his site really) on that one.
If you're a business is like Virgin Mobile (the same niche all across) then you might consider using one brand. Here is an example of consistency in a business brand:
Virgin Mobile. They have a consistent brand all across their sites (all cellphones, I think). Same color of red with white letters, same tone, etc. And Richard Branson put his personal brand on these sites.
