Blog Workshop | Personal Branding

Mar 5, 2015

I'm pretty certain that personal branding IS one of the funnest things, ever!! Knowing your style and communicating it throughout all your platforms... your blog, blog design, photography and social media is such an important tool, and one many new bloggers overlook. For me, it's taken awhile to hone in on my "personal brand" and honestly I still feel like I have so much to do and learn. In fact... I'm considering having my site professionally re-branded later this year and switching over to the squarespace platform, but, we'll see! ;) In the meantime, lets take a look at how you can tweak and improve your personal branding... and as always, don't be shy in sharing your own tips + tricks!!


Logo // Having a professionally designed logo is a great place to start. When choosing "the one" you'll want to keep versatility in mind... as you'll be using your logo for your blog header, business cards and invoicing. It's such an easy thing to overlook, but trust me, it's an important tool to distinguish yourself as a professional. Whether you're running an etsy shop or a blog, being taken seriously is always a good thing!

Colours // For my blog, no matter the design revamp, I've always stuck to pretty and feminine colours. Soft greys, blacks and blush tones seem to be among my favourites! So how do you go about defining your own colours?! I recommend using Adobe's Color CC tool, it's an absolute favourite of mine and I use it for all of my blog templates. Once you've picked your three or four main colours, remember consistency is key, you'll want to use your branded colours for your social media chanels, business cards, or anything else blog related!

Blog Design // If you're serious about blogging and want to develop your brand & business... I absolutely recommend hiring someone to help design your best online life. Typically a custom design will run you between $300 - $600 and will allow you to truly shine the spotlight on your blog or business. A professional designer is there to help you access your brand, capture your vibe and help define your vision. However, if that's not feasible for you... choosing a template which will suit your logo + branded colours is also a great place to start!

Photography // Yay! My favourite thing in all the world. When it comes to taking photos for your blog, again, you'll want to think about your branding. Is your blog clean and modern?! Then I'd recommend using white & softly textured backgrounds for all of your photography, as well as airy and bright Photoshop filters. However, if you're more of a crafty/DIY blogger?! Then you might consider using reclaimed wood backgrounds and slightly more vintage inspired Photoshop actions. Skies the limit here, grab a stack of magazines, or start a pinterest board... there's so much fabulous inspiration out there!!

Props // In line with my photography advice, but definitely deserving of it's own category... let's talk props! Whether you're taking photos for a recipe, beauty post, or your instagram, props are such a wonderful way to further drive your branding. So, get shopping! ;) You'll want to grab some fun plates, bowls, backgrounds and above all remember to keep your "branded colours" in mind when choosing your items. You want everything to feel nice and cohesive!

Social Media // As for social media? Your sites should flow cohesively with the look and feel of your blog as well. For example, when designing my twitter page... I chose to work with the same elements and colours as my blog. Feels so much more cohesive, right?! The same is true of instagram, hone in on "your look" and stick to it! On that note, I hope to give my YouTube channel the same overhaul as well as my jewelry and graphic design shop later this spring/summer. Yay!

Look Around // There's no better way to learn than from the people who do it well. I love checking out blogs and their social media channels to take note. Sites that do it well? I have mad love for the Maiedae girls, take a peek at their pages & social sites... they do an amazing job. As well as Monika Hibbs, A Beautiful Mess and Oh So Pretty to name a few!

Well guys that's a wrap... thank you for reading! Be sure to share your favourite branding tips, or let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. I'll be sure to answer!! And... if you enjoyed reading my blog workshop feature, be sure to check out part one, "Creating Content!" xo

19 sweet notes:

  1. Oh V, how I wish you'd written this post five years ago when I was a newbie blogger with no idea where to start - these tips would have made my life (and probably saved my blog design, too.) I've taken a more learn as I go approach to my blog and I think it's finally in a place now where I feel almost 100% about it. But there's always room to refine and improve! Wishing you the happiest of Thursdays, my friend. We're off to Paris tonight and I'm over here doing a happy dance ;)
    xox,
    Cee

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  2. Brilliant tips, Veronika! I'm with Cee when I say I wish I had come across this a couple years ago when I was starting out! BUT it just so happens that I'm considering a re-brand in the next couple of months, so this post was extra-timely :)
    xx

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  3. Carley, a re-brand, that's so exciting!! What a fun en-devour, and for me, it's always the perfect way to get my creative spark going. All the best! Can't wait to see what you come up with!! xo

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  4. Cee, thank you!! I'm still planning so much for the blog... and I LOVE continually taking things to the next level! As for your space?! I adore your branding and how you've grown over the years! Honestly, you do blogging beautifully and effortlessly. So proud of all you've done! :) And Paris!!! I'll be waving all the way from Vancouver!! Happiest travels and can't wait to see photos! xo

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  5. I really enjoyed reading all of the these tips for personal branding. The tip that I most connected with is the blog design. It is interesting to me to learn how expensive it can be to create a great blog design. However, having a blog myself, I would like to learn more about how to present my blog the most professionally. I would love to learn more about colors, font styles and layout. marketing rfp

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  6. I absolutely LOVE this post Veronika! I've been thinking more about my blog and where I want to take it and I'd definitely like to try rebranding it. Perhaps this summer when I have more time to dedicate to it...

    Anyway, definitely bookmarking this post and referring to it!

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  7. I have loved your blog for years, and all its changes that have come with it. Your brand has definitely been redefined over the years, and you have always inspired me to keep on top of my blog as well. I recently rebranded my own blog and am very happy with the results. I used a lot of your tips above - simply from seeing what you've accomplished over the years (I even learned HTML and CSS). But I am always up for input from those who do it best.

    On a side note, I love the image that you used with this post. It's so cozy! xx

    http://www.the-b-life.com

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  8. Don't forget about the use of testimonials or any other "validated" fan engagement. Meaning, people like to see that others have validated your credibility. This can be in the form of literal testimonials, shout-outs, post engagement, media mentions, etc. For those that are working to build a professional personal brand online to increase the exposure of their business, this is a key element in building credibility and trust among an audience!

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  9. props are such a good one, I love it when you see recurring themes in blogs.

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  10. Such great tips! I have so many of these I've been meaning to implement! I just need some extra time in my day haha

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  11. Great post and great tips!

    I'm new blogger. Check out my blog! :)
    http://ivanasonlinediary.blogspot.com

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  12. I think it's still going to be a while before I'll be on anything but the "receiving" end when it comes to blogging advice, dearest Veronika!! ;) So yay!...your workshop series is like a little goldmine of information; I've already refreshed my memory by re-reading part one!! XOXO


    www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

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  13. Thank you for sharing this advice! I just started my blog about a month ago, after a year of hesitation, and you have some great points for me to think about. By the way, your blog's style has been one of my favorites I've seen, and you're doing a great job! (Don't change too much ;) )
    Lauren
    http://thecuriouscoloradan.com

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  14. Marlen, thank you!! I'm glad to hear I've done my re-brands well!! :D As for recommending someone? Yes, I'll email you later today!! xo

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  15. Lauren, congrats on your blog!! And for your sweet words on mine... nope, I won't be changing too much!! ;)

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  16. Aw Monika, thank you!! I'm so glad to know you're finding good nuggets of info via my blogging workshop. I honestly love putting them together and sharing what I've learned. And... this weather can you believe it?!! Happiest week, love! xo

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  17. Shauna, thank you for sharing!! Testimonials are a great tip and something I've been meaning to add to sponsorship packages. Happiest week to you, loves!! xo



    PS - LOVE your site!

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  18. Brittany, thank you for the sweet words on my blog... AND I'm thrilled to hear you've been inspired to learn and keep on top of your own. Your blog looks awesome and I can see you've put a lot of time & effort into it. Always such a great feeling!! Plus, heck yes, for learning HTML + CSS. So fun too, right?! xo

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