Branding: What Not to Do

Here's a little story about what not to do as you carve out a name for yourself in the world of internet business.

Don't use a miscellaneous email account as your primary web contact address.

Some silly copywriter did this when she thought she was going to start working "freelance corporate" for staffing agencies.

This copywriter chose the name "seniorcopywriter" for her contact email because, in the corporate world, copywriters come in three sizes: Junior, Regular (actually referred to as just "Copywriter"), and Senior. (It's sort of like the sizes of Starbucks coffee cups, but not.)

Since she had left her last corporate job wielding the lofty title of Senior Copywriter, I guess she thought that would be a fairly direct way of advertising her capabilities.

What she did not realize was that she was about to embark on a wild internet mega-marketing adventure, and that corporate had seen the last of her and her copywriting seniority.

So, now when people go to her website, they see the email contact address as "Seniorcopywriter" and probably wonder what kind of self-titling weirdo she is.

And when they come across her email address in some unexpected place, they make no connection between it and her website, which is called Wordfeeder.com.

If you haven't caught my drift yet, I'm using this story to illustrate the point that highly effective branding is planned and purposeful. All of the elements of your business should "match." Your website, company name, logo, tagline, email address, and basically everything you create thereafter, should be aimed directly at your target audience. Everthing should coordinate perfectly-- like Jackie O's wardrobe.

Someday, this copywriter who shall remain nameless, will get around to changing her email address to something more appropriate. But since it's seemed to bring her good luck, for now she superstitiously keeps it as is.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Find out how crisp, targeted copywriting can make a world of difference for your business. Dina Giolitto is a Copywriting Consultant with ten years of experience. Visit http://Wordfeeder.com for free tips on branding, copywriting, marketing and more.

Could Ray Kroc have founded McDonalds in the Era of Sarbaines Oxley?

Over regulation of our free markets is stifling our growth... Read More

Wealthiest 10% of Americans Name Top Quality Brands for 8 Products in New Survey

The seventh in a continuing series of twice-yearly surveys by... Read More

Branding Mistakes - Brand Identity Guru

1. It "sells itself." I don't need to market.Okay, you... Read More

Speech on Branding from a Franchisor Founder

I was asked today by a group of students; What... Read More

Notable News - The Branding Myth

How many times have you heard of seen advertising for... Read More

Standing Under the Umbrella And Still Getting Wet

Make More Money Making a Name for YourselfCalling all realtors,... Read More

Branding Guru - Brand Identity Guru

Branding TodayHave you ever had a good brand experience? How... Read More

How Do You Define a Good Logo Design?

Everyone wants his company logo to be the best but... Read More

Business Image

One of the most important things in a business is... Read More

Brand to Sell Well

Branding is an application of appropriate marketing techniques in the... Read More

Simple Risk Reversal Formula Will Send Your Sales Into Space (1 of 2)

Make A Bold Promise Then Back It Up With An... Read More

Franchisor Policies for Unlicensed or Sold Territories

Franchisors often have issues when they own a brand which... Read More

How A Crazy Branding Stunt Can Bring Results For Years

As a beginner, you would be forgiven for thinking that... Read More

Branding Junk Removal - He Did It, Can You?

What does it mean to be remarkable?Brian Scudamore, CEO and... Read More

The Top 10 Strategies for the Positioning of Success

Many businesses of today are often driven to compete striclty... Read More

The Trust Issue In Marketing

One of the prime motivating factors in the purchase decision... Read More

Brand Identity - Corporate Identity and Brand Value

Companies work hard building the strength of their brands -... Read More

What is Private Franchising? It is Nothing Someone Made It Up

The Federal Trade Commission has an obligation to the general... Read More

Why Should I do Business With You?

It's the question that is on the minds of all... Read More

Why Having A Niche Automatically Boosts Your Credibility - Become The Expert by Getting Focused

Yes, yes, we've heard it all before... loads of life... Read More

Personal Branding: Characteristics of a Strong Personal Brand

How many times have you been at a networking function... Read More

Importance of Branding - Whats in a Name?

Branding is perhaps the most important facet of any business--beyond... Read More

Branding Your Radio or TV Campaign With A Musical Identity (aka Audo Logo, aka Jingle)

You don't think twice about a business card and letterhead... Read More

Brand Warfare is More of a War than You Think

We will discuss Brand Marketing for a minute. In this... Read More

The Face of Your Business, Part I

When we initially started our businesses, we had to decide... Read More