Branding your business doesn’t have to take a lot of money - what it does take is a little bit of time, and some well thought out tactics. The web has become such a pivotal part of business, so I find it only fitting to talk about 3 ways to brand yourself online.
1. Email Signature line:Your signature line should be distinctively you. The first time you send someone an email it should have all of your contact information, look clean, include your logo and fit your business. You want a signature that stays the same every time you write a new email, this will make it easy to recognize and create your own email brand. For example, here is my signature line for new emails:
Adrianne Machina, CVO, Chief Velocity Officer
Tornado Marketing, Inc., Strategies for Sales Velocity Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach
amachina@tornadomktg.com | 949-743-1444 x104
Visit our website | LinkIn | NEW Visit our blog - A little hot air, lots of hot ideas!
BUT!!! Do not use your full signature for reply emails - just leave the most pertinent information. Sending emails back and forth can get long, once they have your full contact information they don’t need it again. Keep the reply signature short and sweet:
Adrianne Machina, Tornado Marketing, Inc.
949-743-1444 x104 | amachina@tornadomktg.com
2. Company Logo - Yes, this is both on and offline, but more people are going to see your logo on your emails and webpage than they will on your letterhead, so it is worth discussing. Obviously changing a logo is not an easy endeavor, and only you can decide if you want to do so, but if your logo doesn’t fit your business and the message you are trying to portray, you might think about it.
3. YOU - Yes, you are a brand! Especially in a small business. Make yourself seen, known and trusted by writing a blog and becoming an expert in your industry. Proving that there is a real person behind the business is one of the easiest ways to make people want to work with you. People love working with companies (and business owners) they know, like and trust!Branding yourself online can be one of the most important things you do, so why wait?
Very good points. Contact companies directly. Surprisingly companies often report that few job seekers do this so by doing this automatically you stand out! Find reputable businesses in a field you’re interested in and get them on the phone or through email. You’ll be surprised how many positive responses you’ll receive.
John Tantillo "The Marketing Doctor"
June 2nd, 2008