Let’s get one thing clear, branding isn’t something you can just put at the end of the to-do list.
In fact, branding is so important it should be #1. When considering how to brand yourself, be clear and concise. The entire point of branding is getting people to see something and instantly associate it with you… like Target, eBay, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.
As a blogger, you want to brand yourself in ways that incorporate your blog name as much as possible so it’s drilled into people’s heads like WeWoreWhat did with Home Wore What, He Wore What, and We Ate What.
If you want to be a successful blogger or entrepreneur, you need to know how to brand yourself. But how?
Pick a catchy name.
There is a lot in a name. No matter how many times people have told you, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, when it comes to blogging, we absolutely judge a blog by its name. This is both good and bad news for you depending on what name you choose.
You want to pick a name that sticks - something that is easily identifiable like… Zanita or Not Another Blonde! Zanita’s blog name is great because it’s unique. How many Zanitas do you know? And people won’t ever forget her name. You’ll never hear someone say, “Oh it’s the blogger from Zanita, what’s her name again?”
Not Another Blonde is my idea of poking fun at the idea of another blonde blogger, which if we’re being honest, there are thousands upon thousands of blogs with the name “blonde” in it. This name was the only thing I could think of to stay out. It captures my essence - being blonde - and also gets people curious because I’m not just another blonde.
Don’t stress out too much over a name, though. By providing great content and value your name can be “I Love Chocolate” and people will remember it because of how good your stuff is. But if you’re just starting and trying to build brand awareness and traffic, a catchy blog name is something to consider.
Stick to a theme.
I’m sure you’ve heard of “themed” Instagrams before, but the theme I’m talking about is a little more in-depth. Sure, making every other picture an inspirational quote is cute and aesthetically pleasing but it’s been done so do something else!
Be unique, make your own theme.
Your theme is something that travels far outside of Instagram; having a theme and sticking to it is essentially what branding is all about. When you have a theme, you’re creating an aesthetic that represents what you/your blog represents. Happily Grey does an amazing job by keeping grey and nude tones across her blog and Instagram. Sara of Harper & Harley has also nailed her theme immaculately on newly launched boutique, The Undone.
If you use a lot of high glam pictures on your blog, make sure that transfers over to Instagram and Snapchat (if you’re even snapping anymore). People like to know what to expect, so if they follow you for something specific, make sure that’s what you give them.
Niche down.
How many minimalist bloggers do you know? What about boho-beach bloggers? Probably a butt load. Now, I’m slightly minimal myself, so I am not knocking any of these niches, but to be fair, they’re nothing new. Now, how many boho-beach bloggers that only wear vintage rocker tees do you know? Probably not a lot.
When you have a very specific trade or niche, you become the go-to person for people looking for that specific thing. A perfect example of this is #ihavethisthingwithfloors.
While every other blogger was posting #ootd shots, or curated #flatlays, this blogger was posting cool shoes on cool floors. So, she then became the #1 source for people to seek out when they wanted to know where to find killer floors.
#ihavethisthingwithfloors was such a trendsetter that now there are all kinds of renditions like #ihavethisthingwithceilings and #ihavethisthnigwithwalls.
I know it’s tempting, but try not to do what everyone else is doing.
Do what is specific to you, not someone else.
Pump out consistent content.
If you don’t have your finger on the pulse of the digital world, you will be drowned out by all the noise. One way to prevent this from happening is by continuously putting out amazing content.
If content isn’t something you can do every day, make an easy-to-remember schedule. I personally do “Blog Tip Tuesday”, Zanita posts every day, other bloggers do “Friday Faves”, but whatever your vice, keep it consistent. People like routine, they need some sort of structure to stay engaged. And engagement = brand awareness.
How do you make your brand different? Tell us in the comments!
xx Britt
Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope Snapchat @notanothrblonde
Image Source Credits - The Undone, Happily Grey
You Should Also Read:
How to Use Snapchat to Build Your Brand
How to Use Instagram to Build Your Brand
How to Use Youtube to Build Your Brand
