How to Build Your Online Brand

There are numerous reasons for artisans to have an online presence, even if you only sell locally or haven’t yet begun to sell your creations.

Community

There are forums and groups online for virtually every interest now. Joining one can offer companionship, support and encouragement, as well as valuable information.

Sharing

Whether you need an objective critique of your creation or just want to display your newest ‘baby’, sharing online is a rewarding experience – for both you and your followers.

Revenue

Making money is usually the primary reason to have an online presence. But times have changed since the ‘90’s. You don’t just build a website and watch the money roll in.

You need to build a brand.

What is “Branding”?

Branding is basically the buzz word for a businesses’, or artisan’s, identity and the marketing of same. In the past if you had a shop you just needed a business card and a sign, and if budget allowed, maybe a print advertisement.

Not now. Creating a brand is much more than a logo, although a logo is a necessity. Branding is more than an ad, but you might want to invest in that as well. No, branding is a full representation of what you do and/or create, what your product or service is, and also who you are.

When you build a successful brand, you’ll have hundreds, if not thousands, of people who will feel they know you and your products/services. You become a mini celebrity in your own online world. That’s not to say you give up your privacy, however. At least, not if you create and build your brand strategically.

Over the coming weeks we’ll do just that – strategically create and build your brand. Creating is the first part. Building your brand, however, is a whole ‘nother thing. By developing and following a plan step-by-step, we’ll avoid one of the most common small business pitfalls – running out of hours in each day.

Colleen Jorgensen is a self-taught artist and blogs at Mural Maker & More. She has multiple websites, besides her blog, that need branding.  She has given up trying to create 28 hours in a day and is now trying to work smarter, not harder.