Put Your URL Anywhere

Branding

Branding is the process of establishing a customer's viewpoint about a company or product. When you see a company name on a pair of shoes, for example, and think, "These shoes are made by people who care about quality," it is the result of successful branding. Branding does not only convey a message, it attaches a "feeling" to products and company names in the minds of customers.

When you see a name and it evokes a reaction, branding is to blame -- and it's everywhere around us. Why else would people spend $40 on T-shirts with logos on them? To the person wearing it, such a shirt represents a company they like and want to be a part of as a customer. Using advertising in newspapers and magazines, on television or radio, and through direct mail or telemarketing, companies use branding every day.

Branding exists on the Internet, too. Some companies choose to use their web sites to provide information and establish customer relations though they may not even sell from the site. A business of any size can brand its company name or product. Branding separates your business from the rest of the web, giving customers a reason to choose your company. With millions of web sites, branding will enable customers to find your site, see the name, and think, "Now, these are people I want to do business with."

Create and place your brand
When branding for your company, talk to the people who work in your office and find out how they feel about the business or product you're developing. Your competition may have a similar product or service, but what makes your business better? Use branding to highlight your company's strong points to customers.

Put your URL everywhere. Keep your web address in the header on stationary, faxes, and invoices. If you can afford it, billboards are a good option as well. Television, magazines, and newspapers are also good places to advertise. If you choose to have contests on your site, give out prizes with your logo and URL on them. This keeps customers feeling positive about your business and provides advertising.