How to Build Your Brand Online

Posted by Heidi on April 3rd, 2010

More people are spending money on the Internet than ever before. Here are some ideas to help you create your online brand identity.

1. Make a good first impression. Let visitors know immediately upon arrival to your site, what you do and who the site is for. Look at your site. Does it portray the exact message your brand stands for?

2. Tell visitors what you do. It just might be the most effective way to reinforce your brand. The benefits of doing business with your company should be immediately obvious to the visitor.

3. Get real! Your branding efforts will be much more effective when you show the human side of doing business with your company. In fact, it’s okay to put your name, photo and a personal message on your site. I personally get annoyed by sites that requests and messages be sent to the Webmaster. The Webmaster may be one of the most important people to your business, however to the general public, it’s like speaking to a recording.

4. Become a wordsmith. One of the most important skills you can develop for greater online impact is the proper use of words, crafted to emit passion, emotion and most importantly a call to action. If you need help in this area, I recommend taking a copyrighting course at a junior college or community school. Visitors will stay longer and you will sell more if you write in a conversational tone.

5. Cultivate your champions and fans. Champions are people who visit your website, buy your products and services, and subscribe to your newsletter. And they tell everyone about you! Fans may not necessarily buy, but they too spread the word about your company in a positive way. Cultivate both!

Excerpted from: Creating a Buzzzzz: Building Your Brand in the Marketplace ~ a special report by Heidi Richards Mooney.