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5.
Make good use of words. Verbal content is not only king, it's
the entire kingdom. Even though designers try to squeeze as
much graphic impact as they can out of limited bandwidths, what
matters most online are the words you use.
I don't
buy into the less-is-more, bullet-point mentality of writing
for the web. To create fans online, you must deliver useful
brand-related information and speak to readers in a conversational
tone. If it takes more than one or two scrolling screens to
do that, so be it. As an example, illustrator Bob Staake has
designed a web site that uses his personality effectively at
www.bobstaake.com.
6.
Become a one-stop destination. Let's say your company sells
unicorn-themed knick-knacks, posters and greeting cards. You
might simply post an online catalog and a few profiles of your
products. However, a far better approach would be to set up
your site as a clearing house for all things unicorn-related
-- articles on the history of unicorns, personal stories from
customers who have been touched by their unicorn possessions,
unicorn-related photo galleries and message boards, etc.
Your online
presence should establish you as the primary resource in your
field. For a great example of this concept in action, check
out Hot Air Ballooning at www.launch.net.
7.
Publish an e-mail newsletter. Having a brand-centered web site
is great, but you must rely on people taking it upon themselves
to visit it. Offering a free e-mail newsletter allows you to
build a database of subscribers who are specifically interested
in what your brand represents. Best yet, being able to deliver
your message by e-mail puts you in control of the frequency
with which your audience is exposed to your brand. Repetition
is crucial.
The Internet
is still a gold mine of opportunity, especially for those who
use it to create a recognizable brand identity. Use these tips
to create your own indelible image online
Bob Baker is
the author of "Poor Richard's Branding Yourself Online: How
to Use the Internet to Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field."
Download two chapters and get free branding tips by e-mail at
http://www.BrandingYourselfOnline.com
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