Branding can be an expensive proposition.
Either you do it yourself and pull all your hair out. Or you hire someone and they pull all your money out. At the end of either process, you level of happiness for the time, money and effort may or may not be what you’d expected.
Just this morning, I was introduced to this wonderful resource that I’m exploring as I write this. It’s called “How-To-Branding.com”
DIY Tools and Techniques for Affordable Branding Success. This is a blog by Michael DiFrisco, a branding expert with my same passion for DIY techniques.
First Impressions
The first thing I see is this HUGE list of brand-rich subject matter that hits home with me:
- Differentiate
- Create Tag Lines
- Branding Strategies
There are a ton more topics to explore on this information-filled site.
I’ve already subscribed to the mailing list and hope to get lots of great tips to share with you – either as part of the blog or as part of the weekly tips series that you can register for.
Discovering Your Brand Essence
I’m immediately drawn to the button that says “Unique Selling Prop” because even though this seems easy, it’s always harder when it’s yours. In fact, I’m a big collector of Unique Selling Prop tools and I think this one will go into my mix IMMEDIATELY. I didn’t read too far down the page until I ran into a link that said ““The inverted pyramid exercise” — pay dirt. I never read past that and clicked over immediately.
This is a really – really interesting exercise. And while I’ve done elements of this before, I can’t say that I’ve ever seen this one. here’s the summary of questions:
- List your products, services and offerings (at the base of the triangle) List them ALL.
- Now segment or categorize or group all these offerings (that goes above the base)
- List the fundamental customer needs at the top of the triangle — these would be emotional, what’s important to them,
- Almost done- what’s the common denominator that ties them all together?
- Finally flip your triangle and your brand essence is at the top.
There is so much more – but you will have to visit this new site and explore it yourself.
I’m looking to learning more from Michael, my new DIY Branding Buddy.
Email: ivana@thirdforce.net
Site: http://diymarketers.com
About: Ivana Taylor is the publisher of DIYMarketers.com and the President of Third Force a firm that specializes in helping companies find their best customers and be the one they choose – regardless of price. She's an expert and book editor for Small Business Trends and a contributor to AMEX Open Forum.See Authors Posts (256)
