Branding Your Business: Written Communication

Branding our businesses happens naturally with each action we do. Written communication can present our businesses in a positive or negative way. My five tips for branding your business through your written communication will help you improve your image. These tips will also help you establish your brand.

Five Tips for Branding with Written Communication

1. Spell check. Spell check can catch most spelling errors. Unfortunately, it will not catch grammar errors or the wrong use of a word when it can be spelled various ways. However, you can easily run your spell check before sending an email or posting a status update on your social media pages. When people see misspelled words they view you and your business as unorganized or uncaring. The reader assumes you did not make time to proofread or you just did not care about the accuracy of the finished product.

2. Quality card stock. When you are sending a letter, note or thank you card you will want to splurge and use a quality card stock. This is not the time to scrimp. You want to appear as a successful business not one that is about to go under.

3. Font and ink. When printing your document ensure you use a professional font or one that is appropriate for your industry. Also make sure the font is large enough to be easily read. Do not make it so small that the reader must pull out a pair of cheaters, readers or a magnifying glass. When printing your document use the normal or best ink setting. You do not want to print it on the draft setting and appear cheap. Plus, most people cannot easily read a document that was printed using the draft setting.

4. Signature Block. Your signature block is a place to reinforce your credentials. You can put your highest degree attained behind your last name, military affiliation or certification. Under your name you can place your job title followed by your phone number, email or social media contact information. Some email services allow you to add a logo or photo to your email signature block.

5. Tag line. Your tag line is comprised of two or three sentences that lets the reader know about you and your business. This is typically not added to a letter. However, it is commonly seen at the bottom of an email.

Using spell check, quality card stock or paper, a professional font and ink all aid in branding your business. When you use a signature block and tag line in an email others that receive a forwarded copy of your email will know who you are and how to contact you. They will get to know your brand. Branding is necessary for business growth. Branding is more than just wearing your logo on your shirt or it on your business card. You are your brand in everything you do. Brand recognition is paramount for business growth.