Did you know a large portion of your business success has to do with how successful people think YOU are & how you happen to market that appearance? A lot of Brand Marketing is about you and the personality you give your business.
So what does your image say about you? Does it pop? Say I’m here for you? What message is it delivering about your business? How are you marketing that image? Do you use it on all your business material? Take a closer look at Brian Solis’ Branding Compass to really see what is involved in branding you and your business.
All businesses need to be represented online today – it’s generally how people search for products and services – so it is even more important your image reflects the brand, and it is polished and fresh – not dull and boring. What your website presents to a visitor is what type of experience they will have in choosing to work with you. If you are using Social Media as a marketing strategy in your business then that too needs to reflect the same message. The presentation of your social profiles can become even more powerful because you can leverage off the person behind the business – listing their experience and credibility, who they’re connected to.
People also love to be social – but not with a logo or a business – they love to be social with the people in the business, why do you think large companies pay for bloggers to write about them? Because people listen and trust people – not business logos – especially in social networks!
Social Branding and Reputation Management is something I spend most of my day helping people understand and use in their business. Branding is not just about having a professional glossy image – it’s about the message you portray about your business in the graphics, the colours, the tagline, the content and all the other components of your online marketing to those that are considering you. How many of you have a lot of traffic or followers but not a lot of conversions to clients and sales? Would you like to know how to change that? Then consider a personal branding consultation or attend an event where I speak on the subject, such as the “Powerhouse Your Brand” event because I can’t cover all the details in a blog article.
When it comes to your image it is important to understand presenting yourself professionally and unforgettably. You are the representative of your business’ message so how professional do you want your business to be taken?
Take the time to find a photographer who understands the importance of delivering a message through portraiture. Someone who knows full well the normal professional head & shoulders shot is not going to cut it. There is a photographer, and then there is ‘A Photographer‘!
View examples of their work and see if they have a talent that will set you apart from others within your niche, someone who takes the time to understand who you are in business and works with you to get that message across. This is the power of personal branding. So does your image say you are engaged, oozing success and confidence – and STILL look like you, so you are recognised and trusted when you physically walk into a room?!
No? Understanding how to combine photography with great graphic designs is a valuable marketing tool… It’s learning how to connect personality to your business images, and making it part of your brand to grow loyal customers – not just followers. Combining your image with the right brand appearance and message is how some of the most successful start ups in the most competitive industries got started. Look at Aussie Home Loans, Crazy John’s, Dick Smith, Yellow Brick Road & Apple to name a few who used a personality to help them build a loyal following.
Even large company’s who can’t use their founders, like Virgin and Richard Branson, do it by being representing their company by a celebrity like ING Direct or Bonds. If you are now picturing those celebrities then you also know these are all fun and vibrant personality people – not superstars or insipid skinny models, and there is no mistake in why the company’s selected them to represent their brand. If you have all the components of brand marketing there is no reason why you can’t do this too!
So if after reading this you’re now saying “Yes I get it!!!” then I have a gift because Brand Marketing is the topic I love working with people on the most. I have two ‘Branding Packages‘ for you which includes consulting to ensure your branding strategy is integrated across your whole business. But if you think you belong to a business network group that would value hearing more about using personal branding strategies I really would love to network and speak with other business owners too!
About the Author:
Lee Ussher is the Social Media Strategist & Business Training Consultant at Buzz Web Media. She is also known for Speaking and Writing under the title of Social Media Babe and co-founder of DIY Custom Fan Pages. If you're new to Social Media, or would like to stay up to date by Lee, sign up to her FREE E-course and bonuses.