3 Phases of Brand Development for Faith-Driven Writers
As a writer, you may have asked yourself, "Do I have a brand?" The answer is a resounding yes. Every writer, published or not, is a brand unto themselves. Your brand is the unique combination of elements that sets you apart from other authors in the literary world. It encompasses your writing style, themes, values, target audience, and reputation. Your brand development showcases your differentiation, promise, and what you're known for.
My Personal Story
When I was a new author, someone said to me that I needed to start building my brand. And I thought to myself, I don't have a brand. I'm just posting a few blog posts and putting some short devotionals on social media.
I thought a brand was a logo and a color scheme—recognizable visual elements I could put out in the world, like a Pepsi or Nike logo.
I've come to understand that we all have brands, whether we're just beginning the writing process or have a best-selling book. A brand is the characteristics and viewpoint that set you apart, it’s your promise, and it’s your reputation.
Understanding Your Brand Development
To develop your brand as a writer, it's essential to understand the key components that define it:
1. Differentiation
Your brand sets you apart from other writers. It's the unique blend of your writing style, voice, and the themes you explore. Your faith, personal story, and experiences all contribute to your differentiation.
2. Promise
Your brand is a promise to your readers. It sets expectations about the quality, content, and value they can expect from your work. Consistently delivering on your promise helps build trust and loyalty among your readership.
3. Reputation
Your brand is what you're known for. It's the reputation you build through your work, public image, and interactions with your audience. Your reputation is shaped by the quality and consistency of your writing, as well as your engagement with readers and the literary community.
3 Steps to Developing Your Brand
Now that you understand the key components of your brand, here are three steps to help you develop and strengthen it:
Define Your Unique Perspective
In business terms, it’s your USP (Unique Selling Position) that sets you apart from other writers. As a faith-driven writer, your beliefs and values are at the core of your writing. Identify the unique perspective and messages you bring to your work and make them the foundation of your brand.
Craft Your Brand's Narrative
Your personal story will become a crucial element of your brand's narrative. Share your journey, experiences, and how your faith has shaped your writing. Be authentic and vulnerable in your storytelling to create a deep connection with your readers.
Develop Your Brand's Personality
Your writing style and voice give your brand its unique personality. Consistently express the qualities that define your brand, such as compassion, wisdom, and truth-seeking, through your writing. This reinforces your brand's personality and strengthens your connection with readers.
Every writer has a brand that is waiting to be unlocked and developed. By understanding your differentiation, promise, and reputation, you can take steps to create a strong and authentic brand that resonates with your target audience. Remember, your brand is an extension of your faith, personal story, and unique writing style. Cultivate these elements, and you'll be well on your way to establishing a powerful brand in the literary world.
I help faith-driven authors become more comfortable with marketing so that they can sell more books and help more people. I invite you to follow me on Instagram for more marketing tips and insights on developing your brand as a writer.
