Branding basics are key. With the rise of artificial intelligence and today’s saturated market, it’s more important than ever to set yourself apart. Having a unique brand is key to this.
Brand building is the process of creating and developing a distinct identity, presence, and reputation for your business (or personal brand) so that people recognize, trust, and connect with it.
I’m going to share 5 keys you need to build a successful brand that truly sets you apart. I built my brand, Tinseltown Mom, over 11 years ago, and a lot of thought and prayer went into every detail, my name, logo, theme colors, messaging, and even the guests I invited on. As I’ve grown, become more prayerful, and clearer on my mission, my brand has grown and evolved with me.
Here are the 5 keys I believe are most important when building your online brand:
Know Your Story and Your Why – Be clear on why you are doing what you’re doing. For me, I’ve been a dreamer since childhood, improvising, acting, performing, and pursuing a Hollywood dream. I moved six hours away from home to chase a God-led calling that eventually evolved into what I do now. My passion today is helping others uncover and pursue their own God-led passion so they can find fulfillment and, more importantly, impact the people they are called to serve.
When you know your story and your why, you’ll show up more effectively, and you’ll connect with others in a way that helps them too.
Be Clear on Who You’re Trying to Help – Once you’ve identified your story and your why, the next step is to determine who your message is meant to serve. The clearer you are on your audience, the more aligned your brand will feel.
Define Your Brand Identity – Ask yourself: What do I want my brand to look like? How do I want people to know me?
When I first started my blog, I wanted to inspire and encourage moms. Mommy blogging was huge at the time, but I knew I didn’t want to do the same thing as everyone else. Instead, I envisioned my blog as a kind of magazine—where moms could read about celebrity moms and see how their stories related to everyday struggles.
So, I started interviewing celebrity moms about their hard-fought journeys: moms who had experienced loss, miscarriage, addiction, or tragedy. My goal was to show that no matter your status, motherhood comes with relatable challenges—and I wanted my brand to be a place of encouragement.
I chose lavender as my brand color because it felt inviting and appealing to women. I focused on rich, valuable content while avoiding personal controversy but still presenting difficult topics in a way that let readers decide for themselves. All of these choices went into building my brand before I ever launched.
Build Your Online Presence – I started out with a blog and tried to be everywhere—on every social media platform. Honestly, I was doing too much. Today, I still maintain a blog and podcast, plus social platforms, primarily Instagram, where I show up consistently.
My recommendation? Choose one long-form platform (a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel) and one social media platform to start. Be consistent with both. And don’t forget about email marketing—building an email list and sending a weekly newsletter is key.
Related: How to Know Which Online Platform to Show Up On
Whatever platforms you choose, keep your brand identity in mind. Your messaging and themes should always align with your overall brand.
Have a Strategic Content Strategy
When I first started, even though my target was moms, my content strategy was all over the place. I had no systems, no pillars, no consistent messaging. It was trial and error. Over the years, I’ve rebranded and niched down, and now my message is much clearer.
My advice: pick 3–4 core themes or content pillars that you’ll focus on consistently. This way, your audience knows what to expect, and they’ll keep coming back if your message resonates with them.
Also, don’t overlook SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Whether you’re blogging, podcasting, or posting on social media, use keywords—the words your audience is searching for—so your content is discoverable.
Related: Simple SEO Strategies to Use Across Any Platform
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