Blogging for Your Brand

Having a quality blog is one of the best tools for building your brand; this is the voice of your organization. Blogging can help establish credibility and can give your target audience a reason to connect with you. Unfortunately, many businesses are neglecting their blog. Some fail to blog consistently, due to fears of blogging incorrectly. Here are some tips to help:1. Remember Your Blog is about Your Audience, Not You. A mistake that many organizations make is only blogging about the company. Yes, your clients may be interested in what's new with the organization; however they also want to benefit from reading your blog. Write about something that is valuable to your audience. What can help them and their business?2. Be Consistent. For best results, you should blog at least once a week. Having an editorial calendar will help with consistency. If you are not consistent with your blog, your target audience may forget about you. Also, updating your blog regularly will boost your search engine ranking. This will give your audience a reason to visit your website, and connect with you.3. Be Informal. Many organizations have a formal blog, where they use language that their audience cannot relate to. Being causal will make your audience feel more connected to you and your business.


4. Encourage Readers to Comment on your Blog. A great way to build relationships with your readers is to encourage them to comment. Ask a question at the end of your blog. You'll be amazed by the results.5. Write about News and Trends in your Industry. Do you want your target audience to see you as someone who knows what's going on in your industry? A great way to be seen as an informed professional is to write about news and the latest trends.6. Share with your Social Media Followers- If you have written a valuable blog that will be helpful to your social media followers, share it with them. Let them see that you are an expert, and they can come to you for help.7. Make sure your Content is Relevant to your Brand. Everything that you publish has to support your brand. Having a solid image, is crucial for the success of your business. You want your audience to know that they can come to you first, instead of a competitor.Blogging can help you build the brand that your company desires. However, it has to be done correctly. You are what you publish; a quality blog can improve your image tremendously. If you need assistance, consider hiring a Publicity Virtual Assistant.

Brand Equity - Your 911 Emergency Plan

It's that time of the year again, where usually, a lot of small business CEO's and entrepreneurs are looking at the revenue goals they set way back in January to what is actually happening now.And then, create a 911-emergency-plan to actually make that revenue goal happen before New Years Eve.This in my opinion, is precisely why a lot of businesses fail within 5 years or less of conception. I don't want this to happen to you ever again.So, I'm going to talk to you about Brand Equity, because like I insinuated, I'm not here to entertain you until your business is no longer in operation. Nope. Not on my watch. So, let's get to it.Brand equity is a marketing term used to refer to the marketing impact of a given product or service in association with a brand name. It tries to examine how a given product or service will perform in the market if it did not have the privilege of that brand name.Therefore, the basis for equity and its impact on a business is based on the knowledge of the customer about that product or service. And yet, brand plays a vital role in helping build that knowledge and awareness, as well as the choices they make based on that knowledge.This then reinforces the significance of a brand's value and produces that positive type of recall in the mind of consumers. Marketing research has revealed that brand equity is one of the most important assets to your company.THREE PERSPECTIVES OF BRAND EQUITYAs an intangible asset, it only gets its meaning out of the perceived quality and associations made by a consumer on a given product. It can be viewed in three different perspectives:#1 FinancialOne way to understand the value of brand equity is to calculate the premium that is placed on a product or service. To further understand, take for example two types of products: one that is of a recognized brand, and the other is unrecognized brand. Consumers are willing to pay a bigger amount for the branded product over those that they are unfamiliar with.


#2 Brand ExtensionsWhen certain products or services attain a certain level of success, most companies consider extending their line by introducing newer products under their brand. Because of the existing brand awareness, these companies will no longer invest on large advertising expenditures just to make that newly introduced product known.#3 Consumer-BasedThe trust and attitude exhibited by a customer towards a given product or service and the associations they make with that brand impact service. Oftentimes, these associations are a product of their own experience with using the brand. Therefore, actual experience plays a crucial role in the marketing strategy, especially in a developing brand.BENEFITS OF A STRONG BRAND EQUITY

Establishes a more reliable stream of income.

By increasing brand equity, companies are also able to increase their profits through increased market share and premium pricing for less promotional costs.

If you have established a good brand, then you can sell that brand name at a given price.
MANAGING BRAND EQUITYThere are three stages involved in creating, building, and managing your company's brand equity. Here they are below:1.) You must establish a certain standard for your brand to be able to launch products and services in the future that will sell in the market. Your aim here is to produce a positive response from the consumer to build trust among consumers.2.) Produce a brand that is unique and yet memorable. The attitude of your brand must be accessible to consumers and must also provide benefits to satisfy its users. (You clearly know already I'm about standing out and standing tall!)3.) Consistency is the key. Your message must be synchronized with your company's overall image and reinforce the value espoused by your organization. This is one of the most effective ways to build strong brand equity.

Social Media Makes the World Smaller and Better?

Have you really thought about what it means to use Social Media in today's world? Well, as a Social Media Entrepreneur, there are so many reasons for us to use it, but rarely do we have time to analyze what it all means and how we can in fact utilize the power of social media. One of the most important reasons that I found in using Social Media is that it makes the world smaller and thus, more accessible to making improvements.Here are my top five reasons how you can use global social media in your business to connect on an international scale:1-Social Media Connections All Over the WorldNo longer do we have to stay local in our business! Although we completely value shopping at local farm markets and purchasing from local businesses, isn't it a marvelous thing to be able to do business all over the world? This advantage alone helps us expand our businesses more quickly and if you are like us, spread information about our services to a wider audience around the world. The advantage of being globally minded in our business enables us to think about global issues and also to finding solutions.2-Global CreativityHave you really thought about how your business impacts the global community? Whether you are a writer, artist, teacher, mechanic, architect or lawyer, your business matters in the grand scheme of globalization, sustainability and creativity. Next time you think about a product or service you are offering your client, think about it from the global perspective and how it can creatively help make our world better. Thinking globally and connecting to other businesses in similar industries around the world can help us solve some of the most complex problems and find amazing solutions! Think outside the box!3-Awareness of Identities and RelationshipsWe all know that social media can be a powerful tool in spreading information about identities and relationships of people in our societies. We can use our social media to spread wonderful examples of how our business and industry engagement help create long lasting relationship with those in our business. For example, are you a leader or a teacher in your business? Show the world how you engage with your students or staff by creating a video of your latest group meeting or presentation. Show your students or guests on camera talking about what kinds of benefits your organization fosters in developing relationships in your community. Post on YouTube and start inspiring others to be social and showcase their relationship building businesses also! In fact, identities and relationship building are keys in building strong, healthy communities. Be sure you create those identities and relationships in your business so that you create a ripple effect in your organization, community and society. After all, one smile a day can change a thousand lives. Be positive, helpful and create genuine relationships that reflect your brand identity.


4-CommunicationSocial Media is a form of communication that has grown to be a powerful tool in the world. Using it in our business allows us to communicate our reasons for being in our business through blog posts, videos, pictures, quotes, newsletters and more. Be sure you use all sorts of different platforms to communicate to your audience. Be sure you know exactly what it is that you want to tell them when you hit the POST button! A clear vision of your intended message will help you be clear and effectively communicate what you are promoting, selling or advertising.5-Advancement in Business and in SocietyLast, one of the best reasons that we have found to utilize social media in business is that it allows us to advance in business and as a society. Imagine all the amazing things that we are capable of learning, teaching and sharing online that we weren't able to do just a few short years ago. Sharing, posting, teaching and listening to new age technological advancements or hot topics in our world allows us to problem solve and apply our solutions to business services. Think about if everyone who has a business applied the use of reusable bags in their stores or only used safe materials for building homes and then spread the awareness of why they were doing so on social media. Our world would likely start to improve just by applying the value of helping our world by helping through our business. Where one man leads, others follow. Be the leader in your industry and encourage others to do the same via social media!Whatever your reasons are for using social media in your business, the next time you post, think about how small these tools have really made our world. In fact, whatever you post today will leave a cyber footprint for someone to uncover years from now. What do you really want to say? What is it that you are trying to achieve? How can you make the world a better place? In thinking about our business on social media, it is crucial to think about what kind of legacy that we want to leave behind just as much as our overall goals in business. The more we help, the better we become and so, the better the world becomes too.Stay Social!

Is Your Package Ready for the Festive Season?

We all know that the festive season is the only time of the year where people get out of their homes and go on a shopping spree that you would never get to witness at other times. It is due to this shopping preference that many businesses and brands bring out special offers for the customers so that their shopping experience is enriched. One of the most important elements of this season is the sharing of gifts and with gifts, comes the need for having a jaw dropping presentation by using creative packaging.Why is the Visual Appeal of Packaging So Important?Customers have often shared that packaging plays a key role in their purchase decision, especially in the last 10 seconds where the individual is contemplating on various aspects. But if the package has a splendid visual appeal with some really engaging aesthetics, then a customer would not twice about buying it. The secret to successful sales, especially during festive seasons, is the way in which you package and present the product.What Should You Focus On?During the festive season, people are emotionally charged up and you need to target this specific area. Emotions drive 47% of purchases on an average, but during special occasions this percentage increases (in accordance with the level of emotions for the individual). FMCG products witness an increase in sales by almost 40% during this period and this just goes on to show the importance of packaging and the care that needs to be given for making it absolutely stunning. This is the reason that during Diwali, you tend to find special boxes and packages that reflect the festive spirits. These customized boxes are created so that every customer feels special and is full of joy when sharing these gifts.


The Bottom LineIf you have not yet decided on a package design for the upcoming festive season, then it is about time that you came up with a good one. Moreover, the amount of packaging that would be thrown in the garbage would also be quite a lot, so it would be better if you could invest in sustainable packaging designs so that the impact on the environment is minimized. Ask yourself, "Do I have the best packaging this festive season?" There is a good chance that you might have overlooked key points so reevaluate the package design and prepare your strategy before it's too late. So put on your thinking caps and come up with some really cool package designs.

How to Improve Brand Awareness for Your Business

Creating brand awareness for your business is the key to the future. The strength and popularity of your business will depend upon the brand awareness today. It is one of the most important elements of marketing which not only gets success of your business, but also helps your customers by connecting them with you.Brand awareness can be defined as the number of people or percentage of the target market, which knows about the existence of the business or company or about the services and products offered by the company. Every business craves for brand awareness as it helps stand out from the plethora of companies in the market.Read following points which will help you create and improve brand awareness for your business and create your unique image in the minds of your customers and prospects:1. Market Your Brand, Products and ServicesThere is a very famous saying in marketing, Out of sight is out of mind. So make sure that the name of your company stays in front of the eyes of your target segment. You need to keep reminding them of your existence on a regular basis, otherwise your competitors will steal away all the attention.2. Deliver What You PromiseBe it a good product or a great service, your company shall be able to deliver great quality to the customers. Make sure that you leave no stone unturned for impressing your customers and delivery of quality goods and services is the best way to earn their trust and confidence. No customer forgets a promising brand.3. Write BlogsA blog is an interactive and interesting way of communicating with your audiences. You have all the liberty of informing and educating your target segment by informing them about your range of products, services and company. But be regular with your blogging and make sure that all the information that you include in your blogs is authentic and helpful.


4. Send Newsletters and EmailsAnother interesting way of improving your brand awareness is by sending emails and newsletters which talk about something interesting like tips on any topic which can interest your target customers. Be regular in sending emails and newsletters. Make them attractive and don't forget to put your logo.5. Create a Facebook GroupSocial networking must not be ignored. Create a Facebook group and invite more and more people to join it. This platform is the best way to interact, communicate, share information and answer queries of your target segment. You can stay in touch with your customers and increase your customer base by interacting with them.6. Always Use Your Logo No matter whether its your business card or pamphlet or flyer or newsletter, make sure that you use your logo in every marketing material. The idea is to create an association between your brand and logo which people can memorize and recognize easily. Try and popularize your logo amongst your target market.Each tip discussed above can get your brand more awareness and recognition. So start practicing the above mentioned points so that you can enjoy a popular and flourishing business.

Spread Brand Awareness With Eco Friendly Promotional Products

Climate change is affecting the environment in various ways. In trying to limit this impact on the environment, business owners so their share to avoid harmful effect of climate change by changing their current mindset into an Eco-friendly one.These business owners did this by implementing some ecological tactics in their brand promotion.Integrating Eco friendly substance to the business is the best way to make a direct statement to customers and prospect. Sending them an Eco-friendly promotional product is one of the effective approaches any company can make.According to studies, 82% of customers were still buying green and 66% customers think that companies should support the environment.This change in consumer buying behavior has direct influence on advertising and marketing through promotional giveaways.Using Eco friendly promotional products, business organization can:-Create a positive impact of brand on targeted marketThe products business gift out seems like a gesture to your customers, but these items can speak volumes about a company as they increase your brand awareness and recognition. When a company incorporates ecological elements into the business promo products can create a valuable and positive impact on the targeted market.Offer amazing Return on Investment


A reusable products are a great to promote your brand for stability of the item will allow your customers to use the products again and again. Each and every time customers reach for the custom brand product, they will recall products and services of the company.Ultimately the lifespan of reusable products depends on how much customers make use of them. But, after your first investment, the product will rain-forcing your brand.Use Eco Qualities that represent your brandRemember, the more customers use branded promo products the more exposure the company will receive. Make consumer products Eco-friendly by using material that are reusable, recyclable. Opting for recycled products are great as they would be tossed after the end of the their life span in the recycle bin.Convey a Positive messageMake sure, the words and images have printed on the promotional products will convey a clear message about your brand to the customers. Business can get its marketing message while doing something positive for the environment.Individuals and businesses must work hand in hand to promote environmental awareness. Using ecological promo products, organization is not only promoting their brand, but also making a good impact on audience and potential customers.

What Excuse Are You Using to Not Get Professional Photos Done?

"Why do you think you're not pretty?"This was the question asked of me from one of our long-time clients-turned-friend after I finally got the nerve to get professional photos done and posted several of them on Facebook.More on answering that thought-provoking question in a moment but first, I wanted to share the reason why I FINALLY got the photos done.Ever heard of the saying, "Do as I say and not as I do"? I was getting tired of saying that to clients when I saw their beach photo or a picture of their kids as a representation of their brand on social media.How could I keep telling them to invest in some professional photos when I could barely get nerve to put up a photo taken of me at a party from eight years ago?It was the only photo that I didn't gag on when I saw it, so I used it. For a long time.Last year I broke free from that old photo and had our videographer snap a few shots of me when we were doing shooting a video for a client.I used that one for about a year.Why did it take me so long? I guess I was waiting...Waiting for some miracle to happen that I would suddenly be OK with seeing myself in photos.You see, I hate seeing myself in photos. Period.All I see are the nasty, bulging, ugly deficiencies. You know the kind I'm talking about.But one day I came to my senses and realized that I'd never realistically get to that point of being free from those oh so many deficiencies, so made the decision to, someday soon, find a local photographer and get my professional photos done.I also decided I would get my make-up done at the same time... I theorized that make-up can mask all kinds of nasty, bulging, ugly deficiencies along with the right lighting and at the right angle.And lo and behold, in walks a wonderful make-up artist to my life, Judy LeBeau of Beauty by Judy who just happened to be partnering with a local photographer, Taneane Tweale Photography, whom I had already known for years.They asked me to be their model for their promotional pieces for when they officially announced their joint venture.Say what?ME?Be a model?You are kidding right? Is this some kind of cruel joke?


Nope, they wanted me alright.I agreed.Big breath.Why don't I think I'm very pretty? Well, let me count the ways...- I was bullied in school. I was called ugly on a regular basis, ignored, teased, taunted and all the other fun stuff that kids in elementary school think are good times.- My brother was also a bully. His idea of fun was calling me "Sueeeeey" (as in calling a pig), calling me other choice, cruel names, and basically treating me as if I were a pest that needed to be squashed on a continual basis.- My Mom, being the frugal gal that she was, invested in the $1 gallon jugs of cream rinse for hair. I don't think my tangled, frizzy messed up hair benefited from that investment much.- And don't get me started about my horribly dry skin ("Porcupine" was another pet name) and railroad track braces!Shall I go on? I think you got the picture.I grew up quite convinced I was not pretty, not by a long shot.I'm not sharing this to get your sympathy but just giving some insight as to why I loathe seeing myself in photos.Or shall I say used to loathe.That's until I saw the photos that Taneane and Judy took of me.They stunned me. Truly.Not only that, but during the whole process, they made me feel pretty! We had so much fun too, it was a remarkable experience and one I will treasure for a long time.So now I can finally say to DO what I DO and if you haven't invested in getting professional photos done for your social media profiles, marketing pieces and website, then please believe me that if I can do it, so can you!The right time is right now.Don't wait to lose those 10 (or whatever) pounds.Don't wait to grow out your hair only to cut it short again anyway.Don't wait for the sky to turn yellow and for pigs to fly.Just do it.You will be amazed at how good you will feel when you see the finished photos.If you live in the Lower Mainland of BC, please do yourself a favour and call up Taneane and Judy and if not, find someone in your local area.You can thank me afterwards.To your success,Susan