When Your Name is the Brand You Need to Brand Your Name

I made it all up.

There is no Haus Studio. I have invented a business for an example for this article. But you will likely remember that image, right?

And you might even want to know more about the person(s) behind that clever tag line. (I hope you think it’s clever?)

It’s all about the branding. I have done some branding for many of you reading this. It’s really one of my favorite things to do!

What’s in a Name?

As you already know, branding is a very important part of owning a business. Branding helps a total stranger figure you out. Branding helps your established clients experience an “instant” recall of your value to them. Branding is what sets you apart from your competitors. And often, a tag line can be a really great addition. “Elevated Furnishings” implies custom-made or unique furniture and the chairs increase that message.

Branding is a bit hard for some people to grasp. Some associate branding with some kind of corporate business concept. So, I know some of your are thinking, “That’s what Coca-Cola and McDonald’s do.”

Have no fear. I know you don’t want to be seen as some slick business concept and it’s not going to happen, even if you try. You are creative souls. It’s your creativity that needs branding! That’s the whole point to branding; making sure people who visit your studio or your website will see YOU and remember you.

You can shine by showing off your quirkiness and trumpet your disregard for conformity. Branding is what you use to make sure people know you are an artist and not a mainstream business.

Branding is not dependent on any set of rules. And a tag line can be where you really go to break the rules.

A tag line can do wonders for your messaging

And they don’t even need to make sense. They just they need to be memorable. “The Big Apple” brings New York City to mind. Some will make a promise, like “It melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” M & M used that for over 60 years! And what do you think of when you hear, “SNAP! CRACKLE! POP!”? It’s the tag line for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and it’s been around since 1932.

Of course the two that I mention the most in my seminars and in talking with my clients are “Just Do It!” from Nike and “Can you hear me now?” which Verizon made famous.

I am not suggesting that your tag line will make you a household name, but it will resonate and add depth to your persona.

But a logo is a must

I am not talking about a logo like the Nike “swoosh”. However, I am suggesting that you do some kind of “treatment” to your name if possible.

Here’s a quick “sketch” of what I mean using my fictitious Haus Studio:

Anything you can do to make your name more artful is a good thing.

The addition of the tag line can solidify your story. In this fictitious business, furniture that is “elevated”. This suggests something unique is going on. Another tag line could be, “Handcrafted Heirloom Furniture”.

I can think of several more and maybe your wheels are turning, too. It’s easier to look at someone else’s business than our own, right?

If you are not using branding for your name, consider it now. As the internet gets busier and noisier, we need to use whatever means at our disposable to stand-out from the crowd!