1. Online branding can be personal, so it’s ok to be friends with your clients

There is more to social media than Facebook and Twitter. Today, more and more business minds are trying to connect to people in like-minded, closed groups circles. Just a few years ago, they were connecting via Google or Yahoo groups. But with the spawn of social media and online conversation, came a whole new league of applications to enhance community activities and professional relationships. From forums and special groups such as LinkedIn, Ning and Yuku, there are now various other online hosted community platforms that help you to manage, track and communicate with your end users in no time. And when it comes to clients both new and old, there is nothing they want more. So get out there and begin connecting, collaborating and engaging with clients, colleagues and fellow industry professionals.

2. Offer something for free

Everyone loves free stuff and when it comes to creating a buzz and driving traffic to your site, there is no better way. Online exclusives and contests are a great tool to spark initial interest and/or get people talking. And don’t forget about your potential clients. Beginning a professional relationship with something to offer will speak volumes for your agency’s reputation and exposure. Also, be creative. Giveaways don’t have to cost your agency tons of money. Wallpapers, coupon codes and advice are not only welcomed, but highly regarded! So be a little generous with your next posting or status update; you never know who’s watching.

3. Be consistent

Whether it’s your website, avatar, images or online videos, everything needs to be consistent. Your online presence and representation is sometimes the only thing speaking for your agency and employees so the worst thing you can do is confuse your consumers and/or potential business. This also goes for the voice of your agency. Every blog post and social media engagement should stem from the same tone and voice every time. Recognition is key and the only way to do so is by staying unified. Be clear and consistent about who you are and what you do not just on your website, but anywhere your organization is present.

4. Watch your reputation

Staying on top of your ranking and the conversations surrounding your brand allows you to ALWAYS stay a step ahead (and will possibly help to avoid putting out fires later). If you were to Google your brand name, do any of the top ten listings have negative impact? Are you monitoring the dialogue around your brand in social media? If so, how well? Take the time to track what is being said. If you see negative results in the top ten listings when searching for your brand, you’ll want to address it before too many customers come across it.

5. Keep your online branding clean and simple

Studies have shown that cluttered banners perform worse on branding impact measures than less cluttered banners—and more often than not, this goes for all aspects of your online presence. Along with good, clean design, clarity of message is also crucial in online brand building. You should be able to sum up your aim in one short sentence, or even a few words. Find that message, and keep repeating it until its synonymous with your brand. So when it comes to online presentation, remember: less is more.