Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, September 12, 2011

Branding - What Can It Do for You?

Branding is the concept that developing a specific image for you or your product will make you more recognizable and memorable in the marketplace. One of the most important components of branding is a logo. The Nike logo is a perfect example of great branding. You recognize it everywhere. The font on the Coca Cola can is an example of using another kind of imagery in branding. After experimenting with several different font designs, Pepsi appears now to have settled on a Pepsi Max font. All the while, Pepsi has an unmistakable logo that make its products stand out in the marketplace.

For writers, branding can be especially important. Over the years while attending conferences and book signings, I've noticed that certain authors really know how to use branding to their advantage. Several who write paranormal fiction wear long, dark skirts and have the appearance of their heroines. Those authors with western themes may arrive sporting boots and cowboy hats. The ideas for dressing the part and developing a brand are endless and compelling.

*As you develop your brand, keep in mind your logo and use it everywhere you can.

*Use only one or two fonts and stay with Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana whenever possible.

*Choose a color theme, and stick with it.

*Use the fonts and colors on your blogs, e-mails, web sites, brochures, posters, and wherever else it's appropriate.

What can branding do for you? More than you think.

Try it and find out.

6 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I have no idea if I'm branded or not!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Alex, I'm not sure either but I think of your Cassa books. Also, your movie reviews. How can you tie it all together, if you aren't?

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Monti .. good points - we have to think to the future too .. not just the now as we're starting out.

Interesting tips here .. cheers Hilary

J.L. Campbell said...

Useful information. I'm trying to give my covers somewhat of a similar look.

J.L. Campbell said...

I should have said 'keep' them similar as the first two were done by the publisher.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Great information. Now I have to think this through.