The 5 Step Blog Branding Proccess

Branding, a word that we all know is very important but maybe is not something we think of creating for ourselves. Or, maybe you have thought of creating a brand for yourself and your blog but you don’t really know what that is. You are NOT alone, lots of bloggers are intimidated by the idea of branding themselves simply because they don’t know where to start. I have put together some of the basic steps that I have picked up from working at a great branding and design firm for the past year to help you get started with our own unique brand!

1.) Brain Storm

In order to create a brand that truly represents you and your blog you have to know what that is. Take some time to brain storm some words that you think best describe you, your blog, your aesthetic, and any other important things that represent the audience you are trying to reach. Write these words down to serve as a way to stay focused and inspired throughout the rest of the process.

2.) Your Blog’s Name

Now that you have come up with some key words use them to create a name for your blog. If you already have an established blog, consider using your new list of words to see if they are in line with your current name. I personally really enjoy names that are creative or immediately tell me what the blog is about. It is also important to consider domain name availability, and how long your URL will end up being. As a blogger, it is important to have a memorable, short-as-possible, URL.

3.) Create a Mission Statement

A mission statement is a staple for any successful brand. It is a short, to the point, summary of what your blog’s goals are. It is very helpful for you as a blogger to have a mission statement to keep your blog in focus, and it is also helpful to the reader when trying to get a sense of your blog. Your mission statement should easily be able to incorporate some of the key words you established in step one. This keyword rich mission statement is also good for your SEO.

4.) Colors and Design

A major part of branding your blog is establishing recognizable colors, a logo, or both. I have personally always had a hard time with this so for me it is always easier to see the colors together. Now that I have access to Pantone swatches at work it is easy to lay colors out in front of me and see them together. However if you don’t have access to these then you can go to any paint store and play with paint swatches they have on the wall. These colors don’t exactly translate into web colors but you can find colors close enough and still get a great idea of what the colors will look like.

Your logo is also important. If you are not quite ready for a logo you can achieve consistency by using the same font and capitalization throughout your website and avatars. If you are ready for a logo I would suggest finding a graphic designer that can help you, or find someone that you can hire to really create a unique, well designed logo.

5.) Put Together a Brand Toolkit

Once you have established the beginning of your blog’s brand you might want to consider creating a brand toolkit. This kit should consist of all of the promotional material and profiles around your blog. It is important that these things are all consistent in color and overall design. Some of the things that you might consider creating for your brand toolkit are:

• Business cards
• Custom email address (yourname@yourblog.com)
• Social media profiles
• Note cards
• Tee-shirts and other clothing

Have you gone through any type of branding process of your own? Share you experiences and tips in the comments!