Thursday, September 10, 2015

7 Tenets Of Author Branding



Entrepreneur magazine listed the 7 tenets of branding in its August issue.  It suggested if one follows the basic principles and practices followed by today’s cutting-edge businesses that one would be successful.  Let’s examine how these could relate to authors.

1. Simplicity
“While it’s tempting to try to be everything to everyone, one of the most impactful ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace is to do one thing well.” –Entrepreneur

As a writer, you can brand yourself as being known for a specific thing, from plot themes to character development to vocabulary used to story pace and length to something else.  This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be strong in all areas of your book and writing, but think about your style and which thing should stand out and become known as your signature style.  In other words, what will distinguish your work from that of another?  What’s your writing DNA going to be?

2. Disruption
“Strategies that break from norms can force an entire category to reevaluate its behaviors” 
Entrepreneur

So, as a writer, you can adhere to the norms and patterns out there or break away and do something not commonly done.  Will you have a 99-page book or a 990-page book?  Will your book add in or hold back something unusual?  Determine what will be unconventional about your book.

3. Original Expression
“A bold statement or expression can establish a new narrative and original attitude.” 
–Entrepreneur

You can make bold statements about your writing.  Or, your writing can make a bold statement.  In either case, do you give off a feeling of attitude or of providing a fresh voice?  To be different, sound different.

4. Big Ideas
“A groundbreaking idea that evokes emotion can generate brand loyalty in unexpected and lasting ways.”  
--Entrepreneur

Touching people’s hearts is a good way to get people to like you.  What will you provide them?  What can you say, do or be that will get people behind you?

5. Symbolism
“Powerful symbols transcend words to trigger emotions and create a meaningful impression.”
-- Entrepreneur

Symbols come in many forms. Some could be in a gesture, as in a symbolic act.  Others could come in the form of public statements.  Another could be a visual symbol. However you want to use symbolism, say something that will leave a lasting impression.

6. Meaning
“Commit to making a genuine connection with your audience, and you better your chances of evoking an emotional response.” -- Entrepreneur

So as a writer, you need to speak to your audience.  Determine what demographic you are seeking.  Is your likely reader or fan a man or woman, old or young, white or not, educated or wealthy, etc.  Then seek to say and do things that sincerely speak to the experiences, needs, desires, and feelings of those people.  Get them to feel that you understand, appreciate, and identify with them.

7. Depth
“Layers of meaning and purity of purpose create a sense of warmth and emotion around a brand.”  --Entrepreneur

Show some depth. You offer a real voice, personality, vision, and past when you write or speak.  Show others that there’s more to you than the surface, that you have insight to -- and understanding of -- things that matter to your readers.

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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2015

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