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Get Started Checklist For Business Branding

Branding is all about creating instant recognition in the minds of your target audience. There are a number of steps to building and growing a successful brand. As an entrepreneur, sometimes doing this as a solo entrepreneur, there will be a lot to do. Use this checklist so you don’t leave out anything.

The Importance of Branding

  • I understand how important branding is to give me the chance to position myself in the marketplace

Defining the Brand

  • I have defined my mission, the reason I have gone into business
  • I have defined my unique selling point, what makes me different from the competition
  • I have defined my unique value proposition, and why my target audience should be happy to do business with me
  • I know what the people in my niche really want and need
  • I have done market research and know who my main competitors are
  • I know why their brands stand out
  • I have created at least one product or service that meets the needs of my niche audience

Choosing the Brand

  • I have considered the pros and cons of branding myself
  • I have considered the pros and cons of my business
  • I have decided to brand myself

The brand I wish to create will convey:

  • My personal values
  • My personality
  • My expertise

I have decided to brand my business. The brand I wish to create will convey:

  • My business values
  • My differences from my competitors
  • That customers come first

Building the Brand

I have considered the following aspects of building my brand

  • The name of the business
  • The URL of the business
  • The slogan of the business
  • The personality of the company
  • The logo for the business:
    • Color scheme of logo and brand
    • Font used in the logo
    • The image or design used
    • The emotions conveyed:
      • Green-health
      • Red-power

BUSINESS category

Presenting the Brand

I will get or already have a high-quality logo that can be used on all my marketing material, from stationery to social media. Check out forquick and pretty inexpensive logo design and so much more.

I have set up my logo to use on:

  • Business cards
  • Letterhead
  • Business invoices
  • Business forms like receipts, packing slips and so on
  • Envelopes
  • Printing labels
  • Website
  • Blog
  • Social media accounts

Buy these items as I can afford them:

  • Promotional items-pens, pencils, fridge pads
  • Apparel-shirts, caps
  • Mugs
  • Water bottles
  • Travel mugs
  • A quality tote bag

Increasing the reach of the brand

I will increase the reach of the brand consistently using the following:

  • My website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • Tumblr
  • YouTube
  • Blog
  • Share buttons at the blog to connect to the social networks
  • An email to a friend feature
  • Video sharing sites
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Podcasting
  • Guest blog posts
  • Press releases
  • Discussion boards
  • Forums
  • Interviews
  • Email marketing

I will build an email-marketing list by offering:

  • A free special report
  • A free e-course
  • Another free item my niche audience will be eager to receive __________

I will create an autoresponder series of messages that will help reinforce my brand

I will create regular emails to keep in contact with my list and develop a relationship with them

I will create videos regularly to update my YouTube channel

I will embed my YouTube videos at my site/blog

I will create PowerPoint presentations about my products and services:

  • I will upload them to Slideshare.net
  • I will promote my presentations by sharing them via my Linked in account

I will set aside a portion of my profits for paid add opportunities using:

  • Facebook ads
  • Promote the account
  • Boost individual posts
  • Twitter ads
  • Promote the account
  • Boost individual tweets
  • Google AdWords
  • LinkedIn Lead generation

I will put customer service first

I will reply to all emails promptly

I will engage with my target audience on social networks in a helpful way

I will engage in brand-building activities every day

I will consider the impact on my brand of any new product, service, or initiative I am considering

I will not sabotage my brand through thoughtless actions or inappropriate behavior online

I will be the best ambassador for my brand

I will write an elevator speech in 30 seconds or less to tell people about my brand

I will look for chances to widen my audience for my brand:

  • Trade shows
  • Conferences
  • Interviews
  • Press releases

I am branding myself. I can create an air of expertise by:

  • Offering courses at:
  • The local Chamber of Commerce
  • Learning Annexe
  • Community College
  • Becoming a speaker at a speaker’s bureau
  • Writing and publishing a book at Amazon
  • Engaging with other thought leaders in my niche or industry
  • Interacting with my niche audience in groups, discussion boards, social sites, and so on