If you’re online you’re a brand. What are people learning about you?
What story does the photo or gravatar you use tell us? What’s the story on your Facebook wall? How about your on blog, your Twitter profile and tweets?
Personal online branding’s scary when you start to think about it. Even if you haven’t got a gravatar there’s a message in that.
In my never-ending quest to seek information, meet interesting people and connect with readers I’ve probably left approximately 8,367 comments on other blogs about everything from dogs to blogs, and facial hair to facing fear. If you wove all those comments together to create a story I wonder what it would say about me? Apart from the fact that I spend far too much time commenting on other people’s blogs when I should be writing my own, of course.
Personal Online Branding and Consistency
There’ll be a lot of opinions and advice in those comments, may be even some contradictory messages depending on what the post was about and my mood at the time. But I hope that the overall values I communicate would be the same. I hope if you read all those comments it would clearly tell you that they came from someone knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging.
It goes to show why you have to be yourself online. It would be impossible to maintain a false persona online as well as pointless.
Personal online branding like all branding is something that happens over time. Advertising agencies and marketers talk about brand recognition because they know that repeat exposure is essential.
People often won’t pay attention to you the first time they read one of your comments. The next time they see you mentioned on Facebook they probably won’t be interested either. It may not be until the 3rd, 4th or even 18th exposure that they finally decide they’ve seen you around enough and they’re ready to visit your blog and find out for themselves what you’re all about.
Personal Online Branding With Pictures
I have a great brand at my travel blog Get In the Hot Spot (that’s the logo above) and my name, Annabel Candy, is strongly linked to that. The Get In the Hot Spot (GITHS) branding is fun, energetic and adventurous. I hope the hot colors will sear themselves into people’s minds and that every time they see that logo or read Get In the Hot Spot they’ll immediately think: hot, quality, actionable information from a trusted source.
My web design company Mucho has totally different branding. The blue and grey branded colors are safe and corporate. I love the look but Get In the Hot Spot is superseding it because it’s a better representation of me and the GITHS readers.
Now I have a new brand here at Successful Blogging but the design still ties in with GITHS. While there’s a definite crossover in branding and business values which brings trust the blue speech bubble represents the voice that blogging gives us.
Personal Online Branding With Words
Having these three separate websites and brands could be confusing but I hope me and what I actually do ties the two separate brands together.
My friend Robin Dickinson has an amazing post on his business development blog about share words. Robin says business people should be able to explain what they do in a few words other people can easily remember. Share words are like the traditional elevator pitch but shorter and more memorable.
But it’s hard to come up with one short sentence explaining everything we do because our role usually covers a lot of things. For me it includes blog and web design, web copy writing, consulting and writing or speaking to teach people how to succeed online.
But the idea’s sound and hopefully this one sentence explains what I do and reinforces my brand too:
I help you win business and influence people online.
Personal Online Branding Actions
Actions speak louder than words has become a cliche because it’s true. We all need to make sure what we actually do is in line with what we say we do. It’s not enough to look the part and talk the talk. We need to walk the walk too.
The exercise we did earlier this week perfecting the first three sentences of our about page worked a treat. Everyone really thought about the message people would get on their about page and realised why they had to make the message count. Now let’s pare that down to the essentials. See if you can come up with one hot sentence that explains everything you do.
If you’re anything like me it won’t be easy but give it a go. Because trying things out and taking action is what Successful Blogging is all about.
But enough about this blog and personal online branding. Tell us again, what do you do?
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{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re totally spot on Annabel, what you say and do online really creates an image of who you are.
Hi BA, thanks for being the first commenter off the block:)
Annabel,
I never considered that leaving blog comments are part of the process of personal branding. Now that you mention it, it makes sense.
Here’s my one line sentence:
I share practical tips and simple wisdom to help you create a more awake, authentic, happier, and healthier life.
More simply: I share practical tips and simple wisdom to help you create a better life.
But I don’t know if I would actually “say” that sentence to someone else!
Hi Sandra, I love the 2nd sentence. I agree, I was very reluctant to use my words at first – Helping people win business and influence people online sounds a bit spammy to me but other people loved them so I’ve been practicing using them (here, at my biz networking group, on Twitter) and it’s getting easier:) Simple wisdom and practical tips for better living is a good tagline too.
Hi Sandra,
I agree with Annabel. Using your words is hard at first, however, they are the fastest and most impressive way to say what you do.
Before I started using my Sharewords (see Robin Dickinson’s blog) I would take about 40 seconds to kind of say what I do. Now it is done in less than 5 and people say Wow! How do you do that?
I am still getting the hang of them. My tip – if you feel tongue tied or uncomfortable using them, visit Sharewords because it probably means they need to be tweaked.
Regards,
Kathleen
PS “I build business the easy way”
Hi Kathleen, they sound brilliant to me. Great to hear that I’m not the only one who struggled at first. What you say in those 5 words is meaningful and memorable. Well done!
I love the concept of “Share words” so thanks for sharing that (!)
I often wonder if bloggers (as opposed to businesses who use a blog) are better sticking with “themselves” as the brand, simply because our avatars are seen everywhere.
Hi Mike, thanks for coming by:) Yes, it’s a brilliant concept. I think that’s a good point. I often think I should have just used my name as my url and twitter name! But the good thing about using Get In the Hot Spot is that it’s not totally dependent on me so I could sell it one day if I wanted. Then I have annabelcandy.com for my next project;)
Hi
I agree with you and you make awesome points.Obviously action speak much more than our words.
Thanks For Sharing
-Abhishek
Hi Abhishek, Great to see you here and thanks for commenting. It’s the same for the big companies too.It’s not use them making noise about how they want to save the planet they have to really do something otherwise we can see through it instantly.
Hi Annabel!
You are rockin’ it!
I especially love this post. What you’re saying is so important: our comments, our image (avatar), or logo, our header, etc. all wrap a package that should showcase who we really are and what the heck we’re doing. I’ve been thinking about this very thing for a long time: what my “sentence” would be.
While I build my online presence, I think it’s time I get more serious about answering this question, so thank for the push.
I do have one question I hope you won’t mind answering or maybe even addressing in a future post. You mentioned you spend a lot of time commenting, time you should probably be spending more time writing posts. How do you really feel about that statement, can you expand? I’ve seen a trend in the blogosphere where people are shutting off (or not answering) comments and reasoning that their time is better spent writing more posts, for example. And, that the commenters would be better off not commenting to posts but rather doing other things. (I know, I know, the classic comment question, yet again.) But, what if no one commented? Where’s the community? Where are the conversations held? Maybe the trend is that the discussion is moving to Twitter or Facebook?
Apologies for the long comment, but I’m very much interested in how you feel about this.
Thanks for your lovely internet presence and for all you do to help others.
~xo
Hi Lori, I was a post about another blogger turning off comments too. I understand why some bloggers do it but that’s not for me. I want this blog to have an active, engaged community that really help each other. As a writer we bloggers are so lucky to be able to get instant feedback and have a conversation with our readers. I want to nurture that relationship, not turn my back on it.
I can see a day will come when I can’t reply to every comment but I hope to still read them. I know Darren at Problogger has someone to help him manage the comments and let him know if there’s something he needs to take care of. I repect those major bloggers like Darren Rowse and Brian Clark who do reply to their reader’s comments. It shows they listen to and care about their readers.
As for me commenting on other blogs – I need to cut down on that but I like to think the networking and good feelings I sent to other bloggers don’t count for nothing:) Good relationships are key to blogging success and leaving comments on blogs is a great way to build a relationship with someone.
Thanks, Annabel! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my tangential comment. I can understand that the pros may not be able to answer every comment — if I had hundreds of comments I wouldn’t be able to do that, either. But I think your remark about Darren really says a lot about his candor, and I agree with his approach.
I like what you said about wanting your blog to be an engaged community helping each other. That comes through in your writing and blog, Annabel.
And, if you hadn’t commented to my site, I’d have never found you (and become enamored with you). And who knows, maybe one day soon I’ll hire you to give me a hand, which all would have spiraled back from your initial comment. I think commenting is valuable and worthwhile, too. It’s great to read your agreement.
Thanks again, Annabel. I appreciate you.
Thanks Lori, I’m sure that the number of comments I left was exaggerated but it’s still a lot. I love what you say here and agree. If just one out of every 99 comments helped sow the seed for a strong relationship then all 100 of them are worthwhile. You may never know who you’ll from friendships or alliances with unless you extend the first hand:)
Dearest Anna & Lori,
Just between the two of you…this conversation is full of timeless knowledge. More about being You than anything I have read in along time. Be You and Loving it is more like it right! We are our own brand….what we say, tweet, share, comment….it all adds up. Sometimes though in all the chatter we tend to forget…believe me, its in those times I have found the most interesting conversations. I love spicing things up, by sometimes (very rarely) adding something different to my sharing, conversations, tweets etc….it keeps us(as a person/brand) interesting while maintaining the brand too. What do you think Anna? You think it might help me in the long run? Or is this so called trial on my part gonna fizzle out?..hmmmm
Lots of love to you,
Z~
Yes, Annabel, you are in the zone! (as they say in basketball).
Brand has been a continual adjustment for me… and I’m still honing it.
I believe what it boils down to is: “If it ain’t practical, it ain’t spiritual”
Hi Rob, you have a great tagline there and the red hat and big smile make you stand out from the crowd too:)
I promote sharing. Ideas. Experiences. Hopes and Fears. In this way, we all grow.
TheParmFarm.com is my blog. (It’s a co-op) Stop by. Share. Grow.
Amy Parmenter
TheParmFarm.com
Hi Amy, this is exciting, is that the first time I’m seeing your photo here? What you do sounds great. Stop by. Share. Grow. That’s powerful.
I’m not a fan of the ‘personal branding’ trend because I find it makes people pretend too much. When you visit the blogs and Twitter pages of a lot of the people who do this you see two types of photos: one is arms-crossed, 45 degree angle away from camera, in a suit; the other is the ‘public speaker’ in front of a lecturn or screen. Mind you, I guess the issue isn’t with ‘personal branding’; it’s more that these people are disobeying branding rues by just being like other people.
A couple of other points of view.
1. False persona: I don’t believe anyone is truly their one absolute self at any time online or offline. If anything, online, we’re just showing a ‘part persona’ but never a ‘true representation of our entire selves’. If you care about getting a job, getting work, building audience then its definitely worth being conscious of this but try to stand out. That’s the point of having a brand in the first place.
2. Brevity: if you showed people a flurry of brands or people and did some word assocation they’d probably be able to explain them in a word. One word. So work out your short spiel (actually, if you get stuck have someone else do it as they may be able to explain it better and without baggage) but force yourself to think of a few single word explanations and see what happens.
PS I can’t believe you have left so many comments. You’re a machine!
Hi Mark, thanks so much for swinging by and leaving a comment for us. It’s great to hear from someone who really understands branding. That’s hilarious about the suit and lectern photos.
I hated the term personal branding to begin with but then I realised it just happens as soon as you put an image online so everyone needs to be aware of that and make sure it works for them, not against them.
Number 1′s a good point. A lot of people say their social media image is them to the power of ten. Many shy people shine online when they’d be hiding in the corner at party.
Re number 2. I did that exercise at a recent seminar asking people to instantly choose professional/amateur, interesting/boring, trustworthy/dodgy, old-fashioned/modern etc after a 5 sec view of various blogs and websites. This is a great exercise with gravatars too.
I hope people would look at mine and say ‘fun’ and some may but others might say garish. Still, it definitely stands out and it’s useful to hear from an ad pro that that’s the key with branding:)
PS. Re comments – I probably exaggerated at bit! No idea what the true figure is but definitely lots – probably too many!
You know Annabel, I always say there will be no competition to be you. Building a personal brand is quite possibly the most important thing a person can do. Now, if only my personal brand could be a little less smart ass!
Hi Joshua, I like that about no competition, it’s true that no one else can replace any of us. Hehe, now I’ll always remember you as a little less smart ass!
Now that you mention branding and you mentioned your colors … I miss a banner from a while back. I think it had a plane and maybe a Tucan or some bird and the banner resembled something of an adventure map, like Indiana Jones or Alan Quatermane.
I remembered it when you mentioned fun, energetic and adventurous, and I think that’s what you seared on to my mind
Hi J.D, ah you miss the toucan! It was fun and crazy, yes with a map. Maybe I can resurrect it for my travel blog. Thanks for sticking with me on this journey – I wonder where it will all lead in the end?!
Annabel, its like you’ve been reading my mind lately with the topics you’ve been writing about. I used your post about your survey to craft one for my blog, and ever since its like I have homework from you
My sentence: I motivate, encourage and inspire people to live their dreams.
I have a question for you, if you have a chance to answer: how do you find the time to both write your posts and comment on others? When I’m diligently blogging, I don’t have enough juice to read all the blogs in my Reader (and I even set up a ‘must read’ folder but don’t always make it all the way through) and comment on relevant posts. If I’m diligently reading the blogs I subscribe to, I don’t have the energy to write a full post. If you add Facebook and Twitter to the mix, that all equals an overwhelmed Anilia.
Plus you write as part of your business… how do you juggle it all?
Hi Anilia, I guess the same things are bothering all of us:) Your sentence is perfect.
Re your question, I’m a bit overwhelmed at the moment myself! I see reading other blogs as part of my job description so that’s lucky and I comment when I can to encourage other bloggers. But at the moment I have a major copy writing job so I will have to pull my head in and focus on that and getting my own blog posts written. I think you have the right focus diligently writing your own blog but don’t forget to save some time for networking on because you need to be part of a team of other committed bloggers.
Annabel, now that you are talking about online personal branding, I must admit I became interested in your blog, and getting to know you better, was because of your photo: looking straight up front and big smile.
I agree with your Mucho brand… it is like in the background, this In The Hot Spot is more you. It’s interesting Mucho is about more corporate look… but the truth is, we all want to do business with Annabel because your brand is about being possitive, honest and not having it all perfect but sharing equally.
So there you go, the challenge of branding it all together Annabel Candy socially and in the corporate world!
Hi Taty, that’s lovely feedback, thank you! The Mucho branding is really a hangover from our first web design company set up in 1998. Back then web design was still viewed with suspicion so we kept the branding safe and corporate so our safe, corporate clients could relate to that at least!
I’m so happy these days I can let my hair down a bit:)
Annabel! Yes, it’s taken me a while to get with the gravatar thing…but viola! Now you can put a face with the name. Feeling better now about the ‘about’ re-write. Thanks for the push. Love the hotspot when i’m not ‘on the farm’!
Amy Parmenter
TheParmFarm.com
Hi Amy, it makes such a huge difference. I know I was writing and conversing with a real person before but this takes it to a new level and makes it personal:) Thank you!
Be yourself and branding will come naturally.
Hi Jackson,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I think for the branding you do need to be aware of what impression a five second look at your photo or website will give people and plan it with that in mind:)
What stood out the most to me in this post was the emphasis on not keeping a false persona online. It would be so hard and soo much energy to maintain a facade I can’t wait to check out mucho and to see what kind of referalls I might be able to aim your way from Financially Digital – http://www.financiallydigital.com
Hi Annabel,
Very kind of you to mention me and the sharewords post. Thank you.
In terms of branding, I work to the principle “you are what you share”. It’s when your words become consistent actions that your brand literally comes alive.
Best, Robin
My sharewords: I help you succeed in business
I came up with my tagline: “Your Comprehensive Home School Resource” before I even knew what a tagline was, I think!
But it perfectly describes what I am trying to do/want to be for my readers. In light of that I have Reviews page; a Resources page (where I list retailers and wholesalers that I have been buying curriculum and materials from for years); as well as weekly blog posts that cover everything from “Getting Started” to how to continue home-schooling when all heck breaks loose in your life. My About page tells people that I have been home-schooling for 20 years (and counting) – and yes, I use the same pic everywhere in order to “brand” myself.
Oh, and I comment all over the place too, Annabel. I seem to have an opinion on almost everything!
Hi Anne, I agree your tagline says it all and it’s great you’ve been aware of what you’re promising people with that statement and are focused on making sure everything on your blog delivers that. I love the photo too:) For me putting a face to the person behind the advice is essential.
Well BGB’s “elevator pitch” is: To bring forth quality info to readers, who can then use said info and apply it to their own biz, branding, and marketing shenanigans.
May contain info unsuitable for overly sensitive people. Dork label required
However, that isn’t quite just what I DO.. My business site WriteSyntax I still haven’t come up with a zinger I’m happy with, other than “Your Friendly Neighborhood Ghostwriter”.. lol and STILL not overly fond of even that. So I guess I’m still a bit of a work in progress on that one at any rate! Great post Annabel!
Hi Cori, great to see you here and thanks for commenting. I think the first one just needs shortening to the essentials but definitely with the shennanigans left it. I love that bit. As for “Your Friendly Neighborhood Ghostwriter” that’s perfect. If I needed a ghostwriter I’d instantly know where to go and if I know anyone who does I’ll send them your way:)
Hi Annabel! This idea of branding is something that is hard for an old goat like me to get my head around. I understand the concept, but something is missing.
I hear the idea of being myself and not trying to fit my size 14 feet into your size 7.5 shoes. It just doesn’t work! I need to be myself. I think it is easy to understand branding when we think of Coke or Ford, or Southwest Airlines. When we think of it in terms of ourselves, it becomes fuzzy. I think being authentic is another way to say the same thing!
Hi Steve, yes, being authentic is good. But knowing which bits to reveal and which bits to hide helps too. You come across as real in a way that some people who hide behind a logo never can:)
Great post!
Here’s our branding statement; know we need to work to convey it better in the blog design:
Sharing Travel Discoveries to Inspire Travelers.
Welcome any comments and enjoy your blog.
Hi TravelinJones, great to see you here and thanks for leaving a comment:) Sounds good but I’d like to try to get rid of the repetition, for example by changing it to: Sharing Travel Destinations to Inspire Adventurers. I think this one needs work to give it a bit more zing and differentiate it from other travel sites. Whose the main audience? What kind of travel exactly? Let’s think about it… and I’d love to see your gravatar too:)
These are EXCELLENT points!
awesome points here, very helpful for a noob like me
thanks for the info..