If I said to you "McDonald's, Toyota, Marlboro," you would most likely immediately conjure up thoughts about fast food, cars, and cigarettes. This is because these names have been cemented in your brain and you automatically associate them with certain industries. Name recognition is a very important factor in creating a successful business in any industry, and what follows are a few key points to take heed of when attempting to increase your name recognition.
Any public relations expert will tell you name recognition alone can sell anything. Whether it's a product or service, a business model, or simply an idea, people identify with brands or names they are repeatedly exposed to. Over 99% of consumers do not even consider a purchase after only seeing or hearing about something once. It takes multiple exposures to imprint a name in the consumers' mind, and coerce them to subconsciously associate your name or brand with a certain product, service, or industry.
There are three main reasons to write articles to increase your name recognition:
1. To create awareness that you exist
2. To become known within a niche market
3. To develop an expert persona
Three important things to keep in mind when writing articles:
1. A solid tag-line or signature can be as valuable as a logo. Keep it prompt, professional, and personable.
2. Offer valuable information for FREE to your audience, preferably in lists. Readers like lists they can refer to.
3. Be sure to post your articles on your blog. You can also assemble multiple blog posts to create new articles. They compliment each other well.
Other ways to increase name recognition for your name or brand include:
1. Press releases - these are short "extra, extra, read all about it" types of promotions
2. Newsletters - email newsletters serve as periodicals people can look forward to
3. Workshops and seminars - great ways to reach certain, social, like-minded groups of people
4. Sponsoring local charitable events - puts you in public favor; high regards = high rewards
