Are You Neglecting Your Online Brand?

Will you take candy from a stranger? Or invest a hefty sum of money in an unknown business?

Of course you won't! (At least most of you wouldn't...)

So why do you think that your target audience would immediately buy your product when they see your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube ad?

In their rush to generate leads and secure sales online, many small business owners fail to consider the one thing which can make or break your bank.

Namely this: Build your online brand!

Now I know that there are funnel hacks and formulas and scripts out there.

You can "gamify" the algorithms with the right behaviours and content types.

You can optimize conversions with the right "neurologically triggering" copy.

You can design your videos and images with the right aesthetics—colours, patterns, and graphics that spur action.

You can conceive offers that are "irresistible" with money-back guarantees—"and if you sign up today, you'll get all these extra bonuses FREE!"

But all the tricks, hacks, and secrets won't work if you do not have a brand.

So how do you build your business or personal brand?

First, you need to tell people your backstory.

This can be how your business came about, what spurred that journey, and what steps you took to get to where you are today.

Let people know how long you've been in the game. Be proud of your brand heritage.

Next, talk about your quality process.

What you do to ensure that every widget, every food item, every service, or every item that you produce is fearfully, wonderfully and meticulously made.

Have a happy customer or 10?

Share their 5-star reviews, before-and-after stories, and testimonials on your online (and offline) channels. Relate how your brand has helped them.

And if you have photos and videos of your production facilities (or your lab), share them on your website or your social media channels.

Media reports and media mentions? Put them on!

Oh, and do share consistent and coherent content!

Valuable, relevant, insightful, helpful content.

Articles, videos, infographics and posts that will help your prospects to live better, eat healthier, grow wealthier, and work smarter.

Now what about your company logo?

Well, it certainly helps to have a professional looking one. And you need to also ensure that your website, social media channels and social media posts have a certain consistent look and feel.

That means keeping to a certain typography, colour scheme, imagery and video.

Yes, branding isn't easy.

It is a lot more than just whipping together some fancy graphics and clever sounding copy.

It is a holistic process of not only building brand awareness, but cultivating brand trust and brand affection over time.

However, branding can make a world of difference in how people will perceive your credibility and reputation.

And that may be what it takes to get people to patronize your business.

Do you agree that building your online brand is important in growing your business?

I'd love to read your thoughts!