Understand the difference between your brand and your platform, why they're important, and how to build your platform.

1. August 11, 2015
Julie Kittredge
Business Services Advisor

2. What comes first?
The Brand or the Platform …
… and what are they anyway?

3. What is “Branding”?

4. What exactly is “Branding”?
“The process involved in creating a unique
name and image for a product in the
consumers' mind, mainly through
advertising campaigns with a consistent
theme. Branding aims to establish a
significant and differentiated presence in
the market that attracts and retains loyal
customers.”
Read more:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definiti
on/branding.html#ixzz3CBhHoctT

5. Why do I need “branding”?
 Establishes your expertise
 Develops your identity to your customers and
prospects – an emotional connection
 Delivers a clear message
 It helps people relate to you
 You will create a brand even if you’re not trying

6. How do I develop my brand?

7. Branding and my Platform
How are they related?

8. What is a Platform?
 It’s about … your stage.”

9. Why do I need a Platform?
 Develops your “voice,”
 Shows your personality (Brand)
 Provides an opportunity to influence people
 Establishes trust
 Gives you visibility
 Establishes you as an expert in your field

10. Elements of your Platform
website
instagram
e-newsletter
blog

11. Where Do I Begin?
 Decide what would best serve your business
 You need a home base
 Add the different elements gradually
 Each tool works great alone
 and even greater together.
 Use Social Media management tools like Hootsuite.

12. Website
This is home base
 Purpose
 Content
 Branding

13. Blog
 Free or low fee
 Purpose
 Content
 Frequency

14. Facebook
 Viral marketing
 Audience
 Content
 Frequency

15. Twitter
 140 character limit.
 Short snippits of information and
links.
 Audience
 Frequency
 Content

16. Linked In
 Professional networking
audience
 Make sure your profile is
complete.
 Content
 Frequency

17. Pinterest
 Visual bookmarking
 Use as reference for your clients
 Link to your own work
 Link to articles, images, or themes
that reflect your branding
 Inspire and teach your followers
 Continued reflection of your
personality/brand

18. Etsy
 E-commerce Storefront
 Handmade marketplace,
vintage, & supplies
 Personality is shown through
your work
 Well crafted items and sales
give exposure
 Social Media creates
increased traffic

19. Instagram
 100% Visual
 Audience
 Content
 Purpose
 Frequency

20. E-Newsletter
 Opt-in
 Content
 Frequency
 Be brief and succient.
 Speak to your audience.
 Make the content valuable.

21. Public Speaking
 Get out there
 Target your audience
 Teach what you know
 Offer classes & workshops
 Establish your expertise
 Gain visibility
 Let your personality shine

22. Link them up
 Choose one or two “platforms” to start
 Gradually add platforms to increase your visibility
 Use them to drive traffic to your website, blog, facebook,
etc.
 Help people find you and create a following built on trust
and expertise.
 Be generous in sharing what you know, not just what you
sell.
 All of these points back to you being the expert in your
field. Builds your relationships.
 Creates a following by becoming a trusted resource for
what your people need.

23. Get additional help & direction
 Meet with Julie or Susan for a one-on-one
appointment (In person or via Google Hangouts)
Julie – jkittredge@ahml.info
Susan – smayer@ahml.info
 Get a business library card
 Attend other business programs & classes available at
the library.