Building your brand image and message across social media is very important for brand domination. Here are the first five stops for you on the road to your social media brand-building journey: branding you, your branded blog, your branded bio, your branded photos, your "Thing-A-Majiggy" and your brand image for consistency.
STOP #1: Brand YOU!
How do you brand yourself? Start by knowing what you have to offer and what makes you unique. Identify your target market, your “niche slice” and then how you are seen by others. In order to brand yourself you have to take a look within and really get clear on what image and message you want to communicate. Facebook me for your opportunity to receive a FREE personal branding assessment to help you get started on your journey.
The next way to brand yourself is by branding your name. Now there may be others with the same name as you but there is only one YOU and that makes you pretty YOUnique! If nothing else you can obtain your domain name. I would suggest you search for your name or variations of your name _______.com. For example: Jane Renee Smith is a designer. She may look for the following domain names to brand her name: janesmith, janereneesmith, thejanereneesmith, janesmithdesigner, designerjanesmith. It is better to obtain your domain name and not need it than need it later and not have it. See if your Social Savvy Domain is available!
STOP #2: Branded Blog
Your blog is your single most important brand domination tool. Your blog or website is your virtual real estate. It creates an online presence for you to share information or services to your followers, friends and connections. It will either turn people on or off depending on the professional look of your site. Whether you are a business owner, professional or hobbyist, it is important to grab your virtual real estate today. I recommend a WordPress website if you are in business to make money.
STOP #3: Branded Bio
Build out your profile across social media platforms. Your bio is a very important component to your online presence. It will be information that others look for to get to know you better. It will determine if they want to hire you, do business with you or joint venture with you. A branded bio is much like a resume in that once you invest the time, energy or money into it all you will have to do is tweak it from time to time to keep it updated. Your bio can then be used on your blog/website, LinkedIn and other social networks.
STOP #4: Branded Photos
Are you ready for your close up? Say CHEESE! Enlist the assistance of a professional photographer for your photo shoot. If you have never been involved in a photo shoot it can really go a long way to brand yourself and your business and really present the image you want to help your business stand out.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of photographers at different experience levels from fashion and editorial to amateurs. Let your budget dictate what works for you. There are great photographers out there who can provide you with headshots to help you brand yourself for your business. Rates run anywhere from $350 and up for about an hour. I have worked with photographers that charge $350 for 3 looks (change of clothes) with a makeup artist $150 (separate charge) for a total of $500 and I have worked with photographers for about an hour for $150 for 2 looks. Be prepared with a variety of different looks. Check with the photographer to see if you will have the opportunity to change your wardrobe for a different look for example, you may have one look with a suit that is very professional and then you may have a second look that is more casual.
Go with an outfit that makes you feel confident but presents you in an approachable, positive, professional light. Be sure to have fun for your close-up!
STOP 4: Get a “Thing-A-Majiggy”
That's a "technical" term for that funny black and white square gizmo above. That “thing-a-majiggy” better known as a “Do-Hickey” is called a QR code, which stands for Quick Response Code. They can redirect your clients to your website or other social media site. You can use them to redeem coupons or other fun prizes.
Add it to your business cards and other marketing material so your tech savvy followers, friends and connections can scan your code with their smart phone and directly connect to your website, or social media platform without even typing in the website. How cool is that? You will need to generate a code but you also need an application to read the QR code.
STOP #5: Brand Your Image for Consistency
Provide a consistent look, feel and message online and across social media platforms. Make sure the photos that are representing you online and across social media platforms are professional and up to date. You should use the same personal photo on your blog, bio and social media profiles. Using the same photo creates consistency and it connects that photo to your brand. If you change one profile photo on one social media platform be sure you change it across all your platforms.
Create your own branded image graphics with your sayings, quotes, taglines, photos and images. I just love PicMonkey. It is a great FREE resource to brand you!
In closing, creating a consistent look and feel for your brand image across social networks is the way to go on the road to social media marketing success. Take small road trips and plenty of stops along your journey and before you know it you will be remembered in the hearts and minds of many.
Looking forward to sharing with you Part II of 10 Stops on the Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success!
Dr. Sarah David is the Founder of Social Savvy Sarah...A Personal Branding and Social Media Consultancy Providing Social Media Strategies to Build Your Brand and be Socially Savvy! She works with a World-Class Team to provide a "One-Stop Shop" "whether you are a "Do-it-Yourselfer" or need "Done for You" services for all of your social media needs so you can Build Your Brand and be Socially Savvy! To learn more about how to use social media to build your brand and be socially savvy, sign up for her free exclusive personal branding and social media marketing updates
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