Launching a successful, profitable online brand is no walk in the park and companies must realize the importance of branding in the internet world. How one appears, their actions, promotions being offered, and a variety of other factors contribute to the perception of a company. Corporate identity has always been an important aspect of advertising, though it becomes more imperative when engaging customers via online channels.

When building a successful online brand, there are a few best practices to follow:

Don’t be a car salesman
Do not push sales and sales will follow. As I have always stated: “The best way to make sales is to not makes sales at all.” Basically, don’t try to sell potential customers on a brand. Instead, provide them with information so they can make a decision that best fits their wants/needs. By connecting on a personal level and avoiding a corny sales pitch one’s brand is put in a class above the rest.

Sherlock Holmes-ing it
A Commonly ignored — yet very powerful — tool for online branding comes in the form of statistics/information on one’s target market(s). Having a clear, unbiased understanding of target markets allows for an online branding pro-fesh-un-al (sounds better) to complete their mission. Put it this way: if you’re driving down the road in pouring rain with no windshield wipers you’re a) Not too smart; and b) In for trouble. The same applies to online branding in the sense that failing to research and gain a feel for one’s target market will lead to an online branding catastrophe. Gather information and act on such, not the other way around.

Tinfoil hats are back in style
Yes, I know, sometimes the newest technologies and marketing platforms may seem useless or too “techy,” but following this mindset will lead to just that — following. Don’t begin using online marketing mediums after they become popular, rather research and experiment with innovative channels when they launch. The last thing potential customers want is a follower because, after all, they will revert back to the innovator when it’s all said and done.

Lastly, simply have fun. Show customers that it’s not all about business and you care about them as people. Ultimately, this is what really matters.

Sincerely,
Aaron Schoenberger
The Brainchild Group

The Brainchild Group is an online advertising agency that specializes in SEO and Social Media campaigns that think outside of the box…Far outside the box. Clients include top restaurants, Olympic athletes, educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies and mom-and-pop shops.