Build your brand in your niche

Achieving your goals doesn’t require the whole world to know who you are, you simply need the right people to recognize your brand and value. At C2 Communications, our approach is to develop targeted goals so that we can identify the most important audiences and focus our efforts to maximize return.

Fortunately, branding yourself in a niche is easier than you think. Follow these tips to build your brand.

1. Specialize. Getting recognized is easier if you are extremely good at what you do. Recognized experts specialize in a specific skill or market.

2. Identify and understand your ideal customer. Think about who you are trying to serve and draft out a detailed description. What is their family life like? What stage of their career are they in? Where do they live? What hobbies do they have?

If you can describe this person like they are a colleague or a friend, you have just the right amount of detail. It’s important to know who you’re trying to reach so you can avoid wasting time with those who don’t value your service.

3. Focus your message. What does your ideal customer want or need? What is a common pain-point that they all have? Focus your message around this need and your ability to solve it to make your message more meaningful.

4. Brand yourself as an expert. When your ideal customer is in need, there are certain resources that they reference for answers. It may be a trusted publication, association conference, or simply searching Google for answers. If you can provide key resources in this area, you will become the trusted expert they seek out.

• Submit guest commentaries to news outlets and high-quality blogs.

• Build out a complete profile on LinkedIn.com with your awards, recognitions, and recommendations.

• Be consistent in sharing information on your social media. Be approachable but avoid off-topic and controversial posts that detract from your brand.

• Write your book. With many self-publishing options, it isn’t as daunting as it seems.

5. Get to know existing experts in your field. You can become recognized as an expert through association. Network with fellow experts regularly, interview them for your book or blog, ask them to write the introduction to your book.

The world within your niche is much smaller than the general market, so it’s not nearly as challenging to become a recognized expert. And, a little fame can go a long way toward building your career or business.