The document discusses branding and developing an online platform. It defines branding as creating a unique name and image for a product through consistent advertising. A platform refers to the various online channels, like a website and social media, where one can establish a voice and expertise. It provides tips for getting started with key elements like a website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The goal is to use different tools to drive traffic, build trust and expertise, and create a following.

1. September 15 & 16, 2014
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
 Delivers a clear message
 It helps people relate to you

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 Shannon or Julie for a one-on-one
appointment
Shannon – sdistel@ahml.info
Julie – jkittredge@ahml.info
 Get a business library card
 Attend other business programs & classes available at
the library.