What you do on a business blog in order to brand yourself

In my previous article I talked about the different elements involved in developing and leveraging a web based business. I also said that you have to find a way to unify all those elements on your blog. You use YouTube for video marketing or Twitter to build relations and establish your place in the market, on FaceBook you share text, images and videos. All your actions on these social networks must direct people to your blog.

A business blog is the place where all these separate elements work together in order to develop your business. The purpose of web marketing is to direct people to your blog. The purpose of your blog is to create awareness, build your brand and determine people to buy.

All your actions depend on the product and/or service that you sell. The reason is because a certain product is for certain people and you’ll have to adapt your language and behavior to the people that are potential clients. Also, keep in mind that every article you write, every video you record, every image that you post contributes to the whole picture of your business.

A brand takes time to build. The reason for that is because you have to establish some power elements that will stick in people’s mind. These elements must determine people to think of you instantaneous. You can’t expect to be recognized over nigh. Another strong element, when dealing with an online business, is the name of the website.

Shoemoney.com receives big traffic from people that search on Google for “shoemoney”.

So, what you have to do on your blog to start building a brand?

First, I think it’s important to have a strong name for your domain. Secondly go and secure that name on as many social networks as you can. Once you are famous many people will try to take advantage of that and maybe damage your reputation. And third, arm yourself with patience, passion, commitment and determination.

A brand is build around a product/service or a range of products/services. This is your starting point. In time you’ll learn to spot patterns in the industry behavior or in the way people talk or in what they like to read most. Use those patterns by addressing it on your blog.

A main characteristic of a successful blog is consistency in posting. It doesn’t matter how many articles you post every week. What it matters is to be consistent. People have to rely on you for providing content.

My recommendation is to post 3 (or at least 2) articles each week. By this I don’t mean news articles or articles that talk about other articles published on other blogs. I mean articles that you create, that express your way of thinking. Here is a small list of what type of articles to write: how to …, list articles (5 ways to …, or 10 methods to …), tips and suggestion articles (5 things you need to know about …, did you know that …, if you decide to buy … here are 10 things to watch for), company related articles.

How and when do you create these articles: you read articles all the week.  While you do this I’m sure that ideas for new articles will come, so write the title and few ideas down. Then, at the end of the week, sit down, close the TV, cell phone, Internet connection and start writing. You write 3 articles (or 2) on a row. The idea is to write all the main articles for the week that comes.

It’s not easy to write every day. That is why I recommend writing all the articles at once. If you find it easier you can also have articles under the form of podcasts, videos and PowerPoint presentations. It’s not important the way you send your message as long as it reaches the right audience.

Between these main articles you can also publish news or articles related to other blogs. This is not necessary but if you have time you can go for it.

If you have other suggestions on this you can place a comment bellow – I’d like to see what your vision on this is.