The Anatomy of Building a Brand: The Wonderful World of Marketing

MARKETING is the battery that keeps your business running. Now that you've selected the perfect business name and logo, it's time to present your masterpiece to the world. Here are a couple of strategies to get your company out to the right audience.

1. Marketing materials is a MUST: Often times when professionals create their business budget, they tend to put the least amount of money into marketing. You will need to start with business cards, postcards/flyers, and a website. Other things such as stickers, buttons, pens, car wraps, etc, can be purchased when you become more established.

2. Reach out to Bloggers: Business owners are starting to rely on bloggers to test their products and services, and then report their opinions to millions of visitors. Find a list of blogs related to your business topic and offer to send your item or service for exposure on their blog. Make sure you are 100% prepared to showcase your business to the world, because bloggers are giving their honest opinions to millions of viewers.

3. FREE .99: Consumers LOVE to get things for free. It can be something that they don't need or will never use, but they want it anyway. Offer something for free with your services. How many times have you gone to a sandwich shop to eat just to get your card stamped? You know that after the 8th sandwich, the 9th one will be free. Sometimes my goal is to get the free sandwich, even though I've already spent money buying 8. The point is that it makes me anticipate the free item. Put that same anticipation into your clients, and offer something for free with your services.

4. Run Contest: Holding contests is a great way to bring attention to your company. Again, you are giving your consumers something to anticipate...A PRIZE. Carefully think out your contest and be sure to provide clear details. My clients, New York Times Best Selling Authors, Ashley & JaQuavis are famous for their contest when releasing a new novel. The contests usually mandates the contestants to do something on Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook. With the right strategy, this can become one of the easiest ways to market your business because you are letting your contestants market for you.

5. Become Your Own Walking Billboard: Aside from the marketing materials that I listed above, it would also be wise to invest in items such as t-shirts, tote bags, umbrellas, etc. Whenever I do makeup at an event, wedding, or any place where there will be a lot of people, I wear a t-shirt with my logo and web address on it. If you do your local traveling on public transportation, carry a tote bag or umbrella with your business information on it. You want your logo and company info visible to as many people as possible.

6. Sponsorship: This is a great way to expose your business to a broad audience as well as give back. As a sponsor your logo and business information is usually placed on banners, programs, giveaway bags, etc. Of course your objective as a business owner is to make money, however donating your services can double your exposure for a good cause.

Hopefully this series of tips have been helpful to you. Please feel free to leave feedback below on other methods that you use to market your company.

CONTEST ALERT: For #1 Exfoliating Glove

My GalPal over at HotChixRock (Beauty Blog) has set-up an awesome contest for a chance to win a Magic Peeling Glove (the world's #1 exfoliating glove). Details are in the video below. Be sure to enter and also check out her blog www.hotchixrock.com.

Here is her review on the Exfoliating Glove

HONK if you like Oddball Dsgn & Cartel Publications

Seeing my work on wheels is SO DOPE :0) Van wrap and book cover designs by yours truly (Oddball Dsgn). If you spot this fabulous vehicle around the city, please send me a picture. And be sure to check out the Cartel Publications at www.thecartelpublications.com.

Please Excuse My Hiatus...

Hello Viewers, I want to quickly apologize for my hiatus with the blog updates. This is a pet-peeve of mine on some of the blogs I follow, so I understand the concern. I have been super duper busy, but you better believe I think about blogging every second of the day :0) I have so much to update you all on. With my line I work I easily get sucked into robot mode and forget that I am human. Blogging has been a way for me to stay involved with things that I love, so I must remember that!

I would also love to hear from YOU. If there are any topics, tutorials, or product reviews that you would like for me to do, please feel free to send those requests to davida@oddballdsgn.com. Thank you!

Love Vida

Do You Have the Right Business Card?

The one mistake that a lot of Entrepreneurs make is not having the proper marketing material. The most important marketing tool is a business card. I've compiled a list of features your business card should have.

1.) If your business involves anything visual then it is a MUST to include snapshots of your work. I get so many business cards from other photographers, hair stylist, fashion designers, etc...that do not include pictures of their work. Your business card should always remind a person of why they should be contacting you. Showcase your awesome work!

2.) Using stock photographs instead of photographs of your own work tells your potential clients several things: A.) You aren't taking your business seriously B.) You aren't confident in your own craft C.) Use my services at your own risk. The point of a business card is to sell yourself and what you can provide. A person may be reluctant to using you if they can't see the actual work.

3.) When you give one person a business card, chances are other people will see it as well. Include as much information as possible about your services. Instead of listing 10 different social site addresses, use the space to list your prices or specials. My photography business card (below) has my prices and a description of my packages. So when a person calls, more than likely they are ready to just book.

4.) Having a Facebook or Twitter page these days has become as common as having a driver's license. If your Facebook or Twitter page is not 100% dedicated to your business then you should not include that link on your card. If you insist on connecting to people through those outlets then set up a business page, especially if it's FREE.

Here are my cards for OBD Photography & Oddball Dsgn. I have a collage of my work on both cards. On my photography cards I have my packages and prices. The card is also slightly larger to act as a mini comp card as well. If you are in need of a set of fly business cards, feel free to contact me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

BLOG FOLLOWERS WILL RECEIVE 10% OFF OF THEIR 1ST SET OF CARDS