Hi Ed.. We’ve found that eBooks do well, especially in the small and micro business spectrum. Local networking groups are good as well, there are plenty of groups like NAWBO, NAPW, and your city and state chambers of commerce. Great top 10 list 
Branding Voodoo That’ll Smoke The Competition
There are lots of ways that you can approach your brand to make it more effective. Some can be
costly, while many are simple and relatively inexpensive. It is the latter that I will outline for you today. They don’t take much thought or effort but can impact your brand in a big way.
1) Sponsor a local adolescent sports team.
This is not so much to get your logo on a jersey but it
is part of giving back to the community. Volunteerism speaks to your brand values. Not to mention that many of the organizers are also leading members of the
business community.
2) Join local networking groups.
Don’t just join groups and wait your turn to say your
elevator speech, but take an active role. Join committees, offer your assistance where ever you see an opening. People are impressed by go getters.
3) Write a short eBook.
You are an expert in your field. Take that valuable knowledge and apply it to a subject your potential customers might find compelling. Offer it up on your website or blog for free. Doing this puts you on
the path to building a niche group to sell to.
4) Consistency of image.
Make sure that all your materials have the same brand image. Any deviation only causes confusion among your audience. I go to great lengths to be sure I stay on track with my brand, so should you.
5) Do you have a new product or service that needs attention?
Do a press release and spread the word in the media. Any pick-up is free advertising for you.
6) Do a color analysis of the competition.
See what colors the competition is doing and choose a color they are NOT using to own that color and differentiate yourself. Of course this is great if you’re willing to re-do your brand image. If not, look at the attitude or tone of their messages and differentiate based on that observation.
7) Go on blogs that your audience is on and purposely leave constructive comments.
These comments will lead customers back to you. This is a great way to get the conversation started. It also works the same way in Linkedin groups, Facebook and Twitter.
Track your online visitors.
Be sure that your websites and blogs have analytic code installed so that you can see what keywords people use to find you. Use those keywords as the basis of links back to you rather than your company name.
9) Record podcasts/videos.
They don’t have to be super professional, just decent so as not to cast any negativity on your brand. A/V adds a distinct tone to your online content and positions you nicely. It helps add a personality to your brand.
10) Lead don’t follow.
How can you lead in your category? Determine a way to take the high ground from your competition. In Branding Voodoo, you MUST have the bigger pins, anything less is just doodoo.
Author: Ed Roach (123 Articles)
For 25 years or so I have developed positioning strategies for small businesses that helps to differentiate them. I appreciate working with companies who see the value of going beyond mere slogans and have a desire to sell from compelling positions. Opportunities come to light in every discussion. I consult predominantly with small business and and implement the solutions developed. I've had the pleasure of being interviewed in all media regarding branding small business, most recently in "America's Best" magazine and the "Christian Radio & Music Industry" trade magazine. I am available for speaking engagements and I have authored "The Reluctant Salesperson", an Introvert's Guide to Selling. Contact me if you are looking for practical advice on bringing your corporate brand to the next level. I also have international speaking experience including a recent event in Prague, Czech Republic. I am currently working on a branding conference in Mumbai, India for next year. I can be contacted directly at: 519-324-9536 or ed@thebrandingexperts.ca Blog: TheBrandCorral.com Twitter: BrandCorral Facebook
23 comments - add yours
Aaron
June 29, 2010
Ed Roach
June 30, 2010
Thanks for sharing what you’ve found to be effective Aaron. Let’s see if other readers add to the list
bubblers
July 1, 2010
Very interesting & useful posting…It will me a lot in terms of business.
Perennial Gardens
July 2, 2010
Thanks for the tips – I think I might try the ebook one!
Ed Roach
July 2, 2010
Good idea Perennial. You’ll enjoy the positive feedback from your efforts.
Ed
Sam Reiki
July 4, 2010
You really need to track your visitors for you to improve your site. In this way, you will surely know what topics you need to focus on. It’s a matter of discovering the mind of your visitors.
Ed Roach
July 4, 2010
Analytics can be very insightful. Sam makes a great point if you want to determine where to put your efforts.
kale kasa
July 5, 2010
thanks..
thanks..
thanks..
ebagseller
July 6, 2010
Thanks for sharing this powerful information.That’s very helpful and interesting.
flat rate internet advertising
July 7, 2010
We may able to do every thing by searching,analyzing and observing carefully.same is the case with blog and websites ,if we want to enhance the traffic volume on our blog or site,keep the blog alive with daily posting and make it dofollow and do not ignore the seo techniques.
Ed Roach
July 7, 2010
Great tips Flat Rate – thank you.
Ed Roach
July 7, 2010
Your welcome ebagseller – thanks for commenting
jurnalyn soria
July 7, 2010
Always consider that your image will be your mirror. If you put a decent image as your brand you will be treated decently.
Ed Roach
July 8, 2010
many small businesses under estimate the power of a powerful image. Done properly, your brand image can direct a prospective customer to take you more seriously.
katy
July 8, 2010
thanks for sharing this to us
good work
keep it up..
Ed Roach
July 9, 2010
Thank you Katy.
Giochi
July 13, 2010
nice tips
i like specially the one about color analyses of competition.
I didn’t think about it but it really make sense.
Ed Roach
July 13, 2010
Giochi, color differentiation is fascinating when you look into it. When I was introduced to the concept from a peer, it was an ah ha moment for sure. Now is is part of my design process when I develop brand logos.
Thank you for commenting.
sarah
July 26, 2010
Hello Ed,
The 3rd step is so eassy when you going to start any business,that’s time we have to fight with our destiny,i will try your ebook tip for increase my business,
Thanks!
Ed Roach
July 27, 2010
Thanks for the comments Sarah. Would you mind checking back in later and telling us how it worked out for you?
sarah
August 1, 2010
hi Ed,
thanks for your response,i have just put my words in to action,if it worked then i will surely tell you,hope it works..
thanks again
$arah…:)
katy
August 12, 2010
hello ed,
i am agree with your second tip,it is true that networking is the best part of business,we can grow our business with network connections…
thanks
katy
Ed Roach
August 14, 2010
Let’s face it Katy, commenting and blogging is another form of networking. You become part of a community. Over time that build familiarity.
Sarah – nice signature there – “$arah” loved that
