Branding is the core of marketing. We want “folks out there” to recognize our brand and associate it with certain things. Readers in our core audience will see and respond positively to the brand. Readers not in the core audience may respond negatively. But wouldn’t it be nice if they all recognized it?
Branding can be thought of as a larger subject than just a tag line. It’s a concept that differentiates you from your peers. You refer to it again and again in multiple ways as you market yourself and your books. When people learn about you, they learn about that concept.
But you need to identify that concept. It’s not necessarily so easy.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What motivates you to write?
- What thread runs through most everything you write?
- What thrills your soul when you read it or see it? Why?
- If you write books that often follow a strict formula, such as romances, how are yours different?
Keep asking yourself questions until you can lay bare the nugget of truth that you want all your readers to learn from your writing.
“Gentle stories of hope” for Kim Vogel Sawyer. “Life is a tale. Make yours original” for Lisa England. “In Your presence is fulness of joy” for Rachel Hauck. “Live free” for James L. Rubart.
What for you?
Let the readers understand what makes YOU tick, and come to associate that element with your name. When you’re a household name, they’ll think of that element when they hear your name. Like Stephen King. You’re not thinking of sweet romances when you hear that name!
Some food for thought for the day!