What is Branding? How you can use it on Etsy...

I was debating whether I wanted to touch on this subject today, but realizing my schedule for the rest of the week is going to be busy... lead me to this blog post today. So, without further adieu, here is the grand topic for this week: Branding!


The best definition of branding is as follows: "the promotion of a particular product or company by means of advertising and distinctive design." This of course being a Google definition.

But, what does that mean?

Branding is essentially in the rawest form is your "mark". Kind of like a specific logo or image. For example, when you think about McDonalds.. what do you think of? The golden "M" right? This is basically McDonalds "brand" or "branding". You know you are at this fast food restaurant when you see those bright yellow arches.

This same concept goes for when you are branding your shop. You need to pick a logo that will stand as your brand. Something people can associate with you and your product. It doesn't have to reflective of what you do or theme of products you make, but if you like that kind of branding.. go for it!

To give a better example of "branding", here is my shop logo:

You will notice it has my shop name and an image in the background. This is the brand I want people to associate with my shop. So when they see a wolf howling, they will think of my shop! 

Also, it is a good rule of thumb not to change your brand very often. Doing so confuses people and they may begin to wonder who you are and what your shop represents. Unless of course you are going under a complete re-branding. Re-branding your shop isn't a bad thing! Several people have been re-branding their shops lately. With the changes on Etsy, it makes it easier to showcase your brand, what you are about, and gets people closer to your product. Use this chance to show them who you are and find a brand to really stand out!

Of course there is more to branding than what I have described. For those who are more visual, here is some images I found off google to help better explain branding:

Of course if this doesn't help, here is a couple of links to images that might help break things down a bit:

Brand Details - This has some really neat information!

Brand Colors - Need some color ideas for your brand? Check this out!

Of course if you google anything to do with branding you will find several great sources of information. From name to colors to how to make your brand work for you, etc.

I love using google to research things and find new sources of information. It is a great tool and highly suggest using it when and where you can. If you are a mobile user, use anything you can at your fingertips to get a grasp on branding. From groups on FB, Etsy Teams, the Seller Handbook, etc. All these places will be beneficial to you and help you... well.. become you!

Next week, I will be blogging about photography and how it is crucial in the online world when you are selling products!