I was really hoping you could take just a few minutes out of your time to tell me how you got yourself out there and known. I’m working on a project myself and just can’t seem to get it off of the ground. How do I get my name out there, how do I get myself in a position to be noticed? If you could just take a few minutes and give me any advice you have to offer that would be so incredibly helpfully!

- Christine

Dear Christine,

It’s very brave of you to ask this since most people would probably see this type of a question as ‘fame-seeking’. However, it’s clear that it’s not a matter of self-aggrandizement to you, and for that reason I think you have an excellent chance at succeeding.

What you’re essentially asking here is how to build a brand. There are tons of articles on branding already written, but I’m going to keep mine as un-corporate and un-complicated as possible.  There are 3 basic components:

  • Great product/service
  • Strong message
  • Consistent approach

Great product/service

Whatever your product is, I’m sure you already think it has a place in the world. The next step is to make sure it’s excellent! (I’m not saying your product is not good enough; it’s just a matter of testing it out in the real world). This stage is fairly easy: all you need to do is to put it out there and take in feedback. Does it meet, exceed or underwhelm expectations? Is it priced right? How can it be made better? While your business is still in low-risk stages, use this to collect as much information as you can and improve. You’ll know it’s working by the reaction you’ll get!

Strong message

Every company has a message – what’s yours? What is the reason you started your brand? Maybe you saw a niche in the market or maybe you wanted to put a new, refreshing spin on the same old? Either way it’s a legitimate reason. However, formulating a definitive message and sticking to it is what will help you advance further. A good message is unique,  simple, something people can relate to, but most importantly, it must be something you strongly believe in! For example, my message is that color is awesome and the brighter, the better! :)

Consistency, or Keeping it Going

This is something people tend to have the most trouble with. Once you have your product and your message together, it’s time to get it out there. Most like to give it one big push and after they don’t see amazing results, get discouraged and give up. Don’t expect results right away. Just one push, no matter how big, is never enough; it’s about a series of small, consistent pushes. Be prolific, network, help others out – and whatever you do, nurture those who believe in you – they are your greatest asset!

Success doesn’t happen overnight. I began building my online presence and, consequentially, my brand in 2004 and didn’t see it take off until 2009. During those 5 years, I’ve tried many different things – from fashion to music to makeup tutorials – but never strayed too far from my core message: color and individuality. Sometimes it’s just about finding the right fit. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s the kind of work that you enjoy doing, so it hardly feels like work at all.

In my experience, it takes anywhere from 2 to 5 years of daily activity to get your name out there; longer if you want to expand outside the internet. Speaking of the internet: use it! It’s your most powerful tool which also happens to be completely free. Observe & learn from others who have had success with it – like Audrey Kitching, Tila Tequila and Jeffree Star (Regardless of what you may think of their work, these guys are undeniable self-marketing geniuses of the modern age.). Best of luck to you, Christine! xo

For the curious: Nubby‘s blog is pretty much dedicated to branding with numerous great articles on the subject.

Deerlings: if you have any questions on self-marketing, feel free to ask here!