August 10, 2011

Your Blog, Your Brand



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In October I'll celebrate my two-year blogging anniversary. In those two years I have been blessed enough to share some of the most wonderful moments of my life through this blog and feel the love that you all give in return. It truly overwhelms me sometimes to think about the way my blog has grown and developed since that first post.

That being said, I've thought a lot lately about what it means to have a blog, contribute time to it, market it, and ultimately create a brand of your own. So, what does it mean to create a 'brand?' Well, my friends, as with any tried-and-true product there is genius marketing at the heart of it all. (Think Kate Spade or Matchbook Magazine, for example.) Your blog is your brand. And truth be told, if you want it to be successful, it's going to take a little bit of sweat.

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- Brown Eyed Belle's tips for creating your 'brand' -

1. Write often.
You want readers to get used to seeing your updates everyday. You want to become a part of their everyday blogging routine. It's all about consistency.


2. Have a point of view and stick to it.
Decide who you are as a blogger and what you want to share with your readers. No, every post doesn't have to be the same, but there should be a common thread that tells your readers that a post was written by you.


3. Connect with your readers through other social media networks.
Having a tumblr, twitter, pinterest, or facebook pages are great ways to market your brand and connect with readers. Jump on the bandwagons, gang. It's worth it.


4. Make your site aesthetically appealing and easy to read.
 This is pretty self explanatory. When it comes to a blog, less is more. Keep it simple, clean and easy to navigate. It will pay off in the end.


5. Find blogs that you enjoy and apply what you love about them to your own site.
Keep track of blogs you love. The best way is to create a blog roll via a page on your blog or a list on your sidebar. Comments are a great way to spread the word about your own blog and make connections with other bloggers. Let writers know you love them!


6. Be original, Give credit
I can't tell you how important it is to be yourself. Don't copy others, and if you use an image or idea you first discovered on another blog, give credit. Blog copiers are one of the things most frowned upon in this community. Play it smart from the beginning.


7. Be consistent
(Contributed by my sweet friend SP)
If you choose to pursue multiple avenues of social networking (blog, facebook, twitter, etc) to create and market your brand, make sure you are consistent. Use the same name for each. If you're like me, use an avatar created especially for you to tie everything together, as well. Just make sure your readers and followers have a way to connect the dots. The point of branding is recognition. To be a successful brand the dots must be connected.


(My friend Annemarie wrote a wonderful post recently that will give you some tips, as well.)


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 - Connect with me -

twitter    tumblr    facebook    reader



Happy blogging, loves!

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18 comments

Unknown said...

love this :) and i so agree with all your tips! xo

Ashley @ Places To Go, Things To Buy said...

Thanks for the tips!! I'm fairly new to blogging so I'm always looking for advice from the veterans! :)

tara said...

Fabulous tips, julie! I just tweeted a link to this post! :)

lesapeamusings.blogspot said...

Yes, I agree with all you shared. I have learned all these things over time.

Lisa x

Unknown said...

Great post. Liked all your tips. I am approaching my first full year blogging and it has been a learning process. You encapsulated many points on blogging in this post. Thank you.

And I hope you are around for another ten! :)

Stephanie @ henry happened said...

COngrats on 2 years! I've been blogging for 6 months and have learned so much (mainly thru trial & error) so thanks for the tips!!

Fash Boulevard said...

congrats. obsessed with this. thanks for another amazing post. Would love if you'd check out my latest post featuring pictures from my Mad Hatter themed engagement party. Thanks love. xoxo

www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

Ree Bee said...

Thanks for the tips! I'm a new blogger and would appreciate if you could check out my blog :)

xoxo, Editor A.

http://vergeofeverything.blogspot.com/

Tricia Loves Makeup said...

Totally agree! Great tips!

Deviled Megs said...

Great tips that anyone can use

Anonymous said...

Lovely advice :)

x M.

Lauren Grace said...

Julie! Little nuggets of wisdom like this from you is what has kept me going in blogging this year throughout such a crazy schedule! Congratulations on your blog success and thanks always for what you contribute and share with the rest of us!
XO

http://honestelegance.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Julie,
Coming from you, these suggestions are like gold!!! You are one of the most happy, consistent, generous bloggers I know. There's a reason you are jamming in your brand creation!

xoxo Elizabeth

Kori said...

Great tips Julie! Blogging has added so much happiness to my life! Kori xoxo

Meredith said...

Your blog is in my top 5 faves! I have been trying to write more often on my own blog and can always find inspiration from you. THANKS!!

Ruth said...

Great tips. My 2 year anniversary is in October too.

Anne-Marie @ 10 Rooms said...

great advice, hon - x

MM said...

Love this! I just started blogging last week and this is so helpful! I also browsed your blog and I L-O-V-E it!! :)