So, You Want to be a Writer? Develop Your Personal Brand!

Branding. Heard it mentioned all over, yet is it still a mystery? Wonder if it is just a bunch of fluff? Wondering what it has to do with YOU and the success of your articles, books and products? Well, you are in the right spot!

In the wonderful world of writing, a personal brand is an essential element of the success that you will experience. It is not an extra. It is not something for “big-time” writers. It is an essential element that determines how successful a writer can and will be.

Branding consists of your creative ability to intrigue others with your words, your unique approach to particular topics, your ability and your skill in composing enticing pieces, your personality and unique values, as well as your potential to excel in the writing type of your choice. Here, I will share with you some keys to how writers can develop their personal brand.

Who are YOU?

Time for some homework. Grab your journal. Let’s begin by a really tough, but vital assignment. Let’s look at WHO YOU ARE. Prior to beginning the process of creating your personal brand as a writer, it is important to take the time to take a good look at yourself. Who are YOU? What is your message? What is your purpose? What is it that YOU and ONLY YOU can offer others? Why are you doing what you are doing? What sets you apart from all of the rest? Take some time to really look at your unique gifts, talents, abilities, knowledge, perspective, and experience. What do you have to offer? You must know this or you can never communicate a strong brand to others. What will they find when they come to you?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Next, let’s dig into the next homework assignment. You should identify the particular strengths that you have, as well as areas of weakness. It is important to ensure that you base your branding endeavor on your strengths, and that you do what is necessary to increase your growth where your weaknesses lay. Just get honest. Your success depends upon first how honest you are with yourself, then how clearly you can market what YOU are all about. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. BE YOURSELF! As you get to know YOU and what you have to offer, you will find that others will also want YOU (and only you) and what you alone have to offer. The more clear that you are about your strengths and weaknesses, the more clear your business will be to others. You will become the “go-to” guru for your strength. And, you will not lose focus trying to be what others are and copying them.

Where do YOU fit in?

Ready for the next step? This is good! You are making tracks.

You have gotten to know who you are and what you do best. Once you have determined this, it is time to decide which writing market you will pursue. Yes, there are countless markets to pursue. Don’t look for a market that “appears” to be profitable. Instead, write what you know. Look for the market where you are the most efficient and qualified. Chasing a dollar will merely wear you out and it will be obvious to that market-people want relationship, not to throw away their hard-earned money. Without a calling or gifting in a particular market, there will be a tough climb that usually ends in failure. People are very bright. They are keen to sniff out the imposters. They will never receive you like YOUR market—the one where you fit in. You must determine how your writing can offer something unique to others. Once you have determined this “unique” fit, it is important to use that as your personal brand.

So, How Do We Develop Our Personal Brand?

Perhaps the biggest question that is asked in regards to branding is how a writer can develop their personal brand. This is a question that comes up time and time again as the need for writers increases. This is the big question as a writer begins their business. This is the big question when a writer looks for the secrets to success. So, how do we do it? Here are some tips…

• Forge relationships—bond! You must simply engage in a “bonding” process with the community of individuals that you are seeking to work with. The “community” that is seeking your style of writing, the topics and pieces that you are qualified for, are important people to keep close. You should work to establish working relationships with these individuals. Sway away from the “what’s in it for me” attitude, and jump in to the “how can I help this customer” attitude. It is important to put the customer/client first at all times. Doing this will help in building trust, and developing relationships. In the end, it will also play a large role in the branding that you seek as a writer.
• Find your twist! Find ways to be completely unique. Go back to our earlier questions about your self. Get to know who YOU ARE and what you have to offer. Focus on that. Give everything you touch YOUR personality. Remember, my personality will not work for you any more than your personality will work for you. However, my personality will work for me and your personality will work for you. Dare to be yourself. Give your entire business your personality. As you do, you will find your unique way of reaching others. You will find your brand.
• Stay focused! Don’t get distracted looking around. You will get off track. Don’t look at what others in business are doing. Don’t look at the successes of others. Don’t look at the projects that others are working on. Rather, get your “thing” together and stay focused on that good work. Take regular time apart to get away with God for clarity and focus. Seek God for what you need to be doing. Stick to what needs to be done to get it all done. Stay focused. You won’t smear your brand. Your brand will be crystal clear to you and to those who need you and what you have to offer.
• Use the internet! In order to increase the effectiveness of creating a brand as a writer, you should take full advantage of the many resources that are offered on the internet. You can start a personal blog showcasing your writing talents and there are many website owners looking for ghostwriting talent. Freelance writing sites encourage many writers to register and bid on particular jobs posted by clients. Many of these resources offer compensation for the pieces that you compose. In some instances, this income is residual. In other instances, you are paid per project that you complete – much like “piece work”. If you are looking to create a specific type of brand, ensure that all of your writing is focused on topics that are relevant to that brand.
• Build through the years! A strong brand does not happen in a day. It takes years of sowing, growing, planting, and nurturing. It will never be completely done. You are building your name. You are building a legacy. You are investing in a destiny. Build through the years.

If you want to jumpstart your career as a writer, it is absolutely essential to ensure that you take branding very seriously. You should decide what type of specialty you have in writing, and what you want to accomplish as a writer, then pursue that dream. Remember, passion is important when it comes to writing. Branding is important to succeeding in writing. If you have been wondering how writers can develop their personal brand, then the advice listed here is sure to be beneficial to your endeavor.