"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Sunday, October 5, 2014

4 Benefits of a "Well-Branded" Blog

Today's savvy writer recognizes the importance of creating and launching a blog as a promotional tool, to help build their platform and their bottom line.
And the evidence is overwhelming.

According to WPvirtuoso.com, there are over 152 million blogs on the Internet. Additionally, it is reported that a new blog is created somewhere in the world every half a second!
Representing an array of topics, themes, niches, causes, genres, and life experiences.
But, here's where things begin to get sticky.
A considerable amount of bloggers' efforts end there.

In other words, many fail to publicize their sites through guest posts, article marketing, social media forums, or even something as simple as including it in the signature line for outgoing emails.
Word to the wise: it defeats the very purpose of having one.
It's like being "all dressed up with nowhere to go."
Perhaps it's even you.

With this in mind, let's explore some of the benefits of a well-branded blog in enhancing your writing career and your online image. Shall we?

1. It helps you to work smarter, not harder.
That's right. A well-branded blog makes you as hot as "Bieber fever." What does that mean and how does that translate? Instead of "pounding the virtual pavement" for work, ad opportunities, speaking engagements, and creative collaborations, many times people will come to you. Here's an example from a recent Email:
"Jennifer, I just love your blog. I'm wondering if there might be some interest in presenting at one of our upcoming workshops?"---Cynthia Clampitt, President of Midwest Writers Association.

2. It helps to establish and enhance your expertise.
Wendy Burt, author and P.R. executive, formerly gave her blog the clever title "Ask the Query Queen." Simple, effective, and easy association here. If you had to describe your brand, what would it be?
A good place to establish it is with your blog's slogan or tagline.

3. It serves to distinguish your writers "voice" above all the online "chatter."
Think about this for a minute. I'm sure you'll agree that the blogggers you read and follow on a regular basis are those that are unique in their style of expression, their approach, and their delivery. They stand out above the crowd. They're memorable. Something we should all strive for.

4. It helps to create brand loyalty.
Similar to the favorite products that you add to your shopping list each week, simply because certain products have earned your trust and your hard-earned dollars.
(Which consequently, adds to your bottom line).

Now that you know why branding your blog is essential, here are a few timely tips on how to make it happen. 

1. Remember that "repetition reinforces."
You'll need to cleverly and consistently work on getting your site out into the blogosphere and associated with quality content and usefulness. Not just when the mood hits you. Devise a marketing plan; start there.

2. Guest post at both small sites and the big, influential ones as well.
From my personal experience they both have advantages, depending upon your strategic goals.

3. Keep your site updated regularly.
Doing so helps to maintain momentum, establish credibility, and ensures you'll be taken seriously within the blogging community.


Thoughts?
How would you describe your "brand?"
...OR, how would you describe mine? :-)

11 comments:

  1. You've nailed it, Jennifer! I've found these points to be true. Working on refining my brand as we speak. Thanks for the encouragement. :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Karen. Good luck on building your brand (and your bottom line). :-)

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  2. Jennifer, short and sweet...and so true! Those few words of our tag lines are super important and one of the hardest things to write...but worth getting it right. I think one of the most effective ways to promote our work, without having to push it too hard, is the inclusion of our tag and blog details in our email signiture...thanks for the reminder, am going to amend mine now!!
    Also, guest posting is a GREAT way to move in wider circles, if we can see an opportunity to align our message with another blog, I would definately go for it!
    Thanks Jen...Maribel

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    1. Good to hear from you on this, Maribel. Thanks so much for stopping by and weighing in!

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  3. You convinced me of the importance of tag lines and blog info in my signature long ago, Jen. It really helps. I don't get oodles of comments (only sometimes), but I do get them in person when I'm out and about or in emails. Your advise is invaluable!

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  4. I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This
    post posted at this site is actually good.

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    ReplyDelete
  5. ...And so is your support! Always love hearing from you, Sue. :-) Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Informative read, Marcie. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. For what Branding is concerned, I currently would describe my Brand as a happy place online for your Daily Writing Inspiration.....,

    With practical news, - products and services you can buy for your writing, tips, idea, experiences from me and from readers,

    As a place where you can discover possibilities you might not have thought about or know about.

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  8. Jennifer Brown BanksOctober 14, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    We could all stand to increase our happiness potential, H.P.
    Thanks for sharing. :-)

    ReplyDelete