What is a brand? And, how do you develop a brand for your business? There are a lot of elements that make up a strong brand, but first let’s define what a brand is.

Your brand is how your customers perceive you – what they think about your products, how they feel about them, and you. Your brand is a promise to your customers. It’s not something you can touch or see, but instead is more like your customer’s feeling about your business.

Whether you created your website yourself or had someone else do it for you. There are certain elements that will attract your customers and keep them coming back. The last part is important especially if you sell products because if someone land on your website once that doesn't mean they’ll return. So here are the elements for how to design a website that attracts customers (and keeps them coming back).

Did you know your logo is an integral part of your branding?

Not only does a high quality logo show your customers that your business is professional, but it also differentiates you from your competitors and creates a powerful memory of who you are. They’ll think of you the next time they need the type of product or service you offer. This is because your logo and branding has been perfectly communicated in just a few seconds. This creates a lasting impression and what is known as brand identity.

If you want to grow your blog or business than you should have a plan for your marketing, and strategies for your content, Pinterest, social media, product creation, sponsorships and more. Is it important to have a strategy specifically for Pinterest? With 300 million monthly users, it sure is! Take a look at these stats: “93% of active pinners said they use Pinterest to plan for purchases and 87% said they’ve purchased something because of Pinterest”. Here are the steps for creating a Pinterest strategy that will help grow your blog and business.

Retailers know that many people start their planning and shopping early whether it’s in a brick and mortar store or online. The holidays are a busy time… buying gifts, planning and attending parties, traveling to visit relatives...there's a lot to do. Holiday sales has actually been increasing each year and is predicted to hit as much as $730 billion this year!* So how can you get in front of these shoppers with your blog content and products? Figure out who they are and what they're looking for.

There are many ways to make your blog more appealing - stock photos, infographics, distinctive fonts, icons, textures, illustrations... Here are my suggestions for some great sites that offer graphics, fonts and more for your blog.