3 Keys to Successful Branding

Creating a powerful brand is not as simple as coming up with a flashy logo and a catchy slogan.

A powerful brand comes into existence by developing a core message via words and images; a message that connects with people on an emotional level. If done correctly, the brand sticks and is memorable.

Whether your brand is a product, a service or yourself, it\’s essential to follow these three keys.

Since I have just completed the process of rebranding myself, I will use examples from my own brand. Keep in mind that there are other important factors to consider when branding, but nailing down these three essentials will get you off on the right foot, especially where your internet presence is concerned.

1) Define your brand clearly

You have to know who you are before others can know who you are. If you don\’t define who you are and what you do clearly, people will have their own understanding of what your brand is all about.

I am very clear that I am my brand, and as an author/speaker/entrepreneur/consultant my mission statement is to \”inspire and equip entrepreneurs to live passionately and with purpose.\”

2) Communicate a consistent message

On my blog and all my social profiles, you will see a similar message communicated. What\’s more, I make sure to use my own voice in all my blog entries, posts, tweets and updates. This is easy for me to do because I do all the posting. It becomes more challenging for companies who may have multiple people managing the public face of the company.

3) Use similar graphic elements

A logo is simple enough to replicate on all sites, but it\’s not unusual for brands to use different color schemes or images on the social sites. I have sought to establish a uniformity and consistency which presents a familiar brand across all the social sites while leveraging the unique look and feel of each site.

Here are my profiles for the major social sites. Click the name above each image or the image itself to see the designs in their native environment.

YouTube

Facebook

Google +

Twitter

My business cards and other printed materials use the same logo, color schemes and descriptive elements.

You\’ll notice that in my business and inspirational quotes, I often use a photo of myself. At the very least, you\’ll find my logo as a consistent element.

It\’s important to me that people know who I am, what I do and how I can best serve them.

I\’m grateful to Matt Clark at Tweetpages for wonderfully communicating my vision through his creative design. I recommend you check out his work should you require branding and/or graphic design.

So what are you doing to insure a consistent brand and message for you and your company?

I\’d also be interested in hearing your feedback on my branding. Please visit me on the social sites and leave your comments below.