The first step in platform building is brand creation. Coming from a graphic design background, I’ve created a number of identity packages for clients that had a look and wanted a new look, or companies expanding their customer services. But to create the brand Judy Dawn, may prove a challenge. I am the client; my priorities may not match what is truly needed. Where do I start?
Part of creating a brand is the name. At this point, my name is more than a title I’d inherited by family. It’s what I write and what makes me unique. In preparation for the conference, I had this already: My name is Judy Dawn and I’m a writer of action romance with a biochemical twist.
The next step in creating a brand is a good, professional photo. The purpose: when I start to speak in public many of the establishments will ask me for a photo. From a NY Times best-selling author John Foxjohn, “The Five P’s in self promotion”, a photo creates a visual identity to my brand. Stayed tuned, I’ll have a good photo up before long.
A blog was the next step. I’ve heard about blogs and how time consuming they can be. In my goals, anything that detracts from producing my novel defeats my purpose. To open a blog, is to take time away from my love of writing. This must be researched before I commit.
Pro or Con, what was the benefit of a blog? I posted this question to a group within Romance Writers of America’s Kiss of Death chapter, invisible words. Among two hundred and some members, most didn’t respond with an answer. Confused and somewhat frustrated with the outcome, I needed to find the answer to my question.
I decided to attend a workshop at the PNWA conference titled “Building Your Platform” by Karen Burns. She’s written a book titled “Working Girl” and helped me to blow away the clouds covering the gold. One reason to have a blog is to establish my voice.
In writing, practice makes perfect. The more I write, the stronger my voice becomes. And once I have a strong voice, I’m likely to create strong characters. This is one way having a blog impoves my novel.
Another reason is to show my writing stability rather then tell. With each post, I show I’m a dedicated writer. Over time, people lose interest in things. Writing is one of those things. Life, time, and energy goes into being a writer. Only the dedicated and determined need apply.
Under the show don’t tell heading, a blog is a example of my ability to stay on subject. It show’s I can organize my thoughts and communicate effectively. In writing that’s a prerequisite to success.
Among the examples given above, blogs are a great way to network. A way to announce, “I’m here!” and to get support for my goals. Without a blog, I’m another website in a vast sea of good people.