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Hey There!
Let me start off by wishing you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm not Irish or big into green, but I just felt compelled to do it. Why? Because the leprechaun made me do it. He's done such a great job of branding March as his month. We should all do as good a job. In fact, we can. And luck has nothing to do with it. Read this month's article for tips on how to brand your communications so they are unforgettable and compelling.

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Are your fingerprints all over your communications?
Creating a compelling and memorable brand  Your brand is like a fingerprint. It's unique to your company and should be on everything you touch. Branding includes your logo, your colors, your fonts, your images, your tagline and your message.
The process of educating a customer about your brand is the same as teaching a child reading, writing and arithmetic. It requires consistency and repetition.
Make an Impression, Rinse, Repeat Don't assume you have your audience's full attention. They are giving your material a glance. So you need to use all the elements that make up your brand in such a way that people get the message, even at a glance.
This means your website, your emails, your brochures and your social sites should all use the same logo, tagline, colors, fonts, icons and voice. Other elements may change within your communications, but these should remain consistent.
In order for something to stick, people have to be exposed to it multiple times. By keeping these elements consistent, you are making it easier for people to remember your brand.
Communicate Consistently Consistency applies both to the content and the frequency.
While your content can change in each email, your brand message should be consistent. A great way to accomplish this in your emails is by using the same footer and "About Us" section. Make these elements a part of your email template.
You should also use a tagline that distills your brand message. For help with writing a tagline, check out: How to Create a Rock-Solid Tagline That Truly Works.
As for frequency, in emails you should communicate at least monthly and in social sites such as Facebook 2-3 times a week. With Twitter you can communicate every day.
Use Consistent Graphics Your logo should appear in all your communications. The best placement in your emails and website is the upper left corner. That is where most folks look first. Also use photography, illustrations and icons consistently. On your website and emails, icons include your "Buy Now" or "Register Now" buttons, your social sites and such.
Use Consistent Colors and Fonts This doesn't mean you must always use the same color. But you should choose a grouping of colors that work with your logo and then stick to those. Also use a consistent color for you link text.
To understand the significance of your color choices, take a look at Color Psychology in Logo Design.
Use a Consistent Voice We've talked a lot about voice in the last few emails. Voice extends beyond your words. Is you're voice animated, personal or professional? Your fonts, colors and graphics should reflect that.
Be Consistent Across Channels People should recognize your brand no matter where they encounter it. This doesn't mean your message is the same everywhere. But it does mean that the main elements are recognizable across the board.
 Pot at the End of the Rainbow: To leave a lasting impression, the main elements that make up your brand should be consistent throughout your communications. These include your logo, taglines, colors, fonts, icons and voice.
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There's never been a better time to try email marketing Because Now It Comes with a FREE Customized Template! As a Business Partner of Constant Contact, I've been given a very unique opportunity to extend a special offer to my email subscribers.
If you open a new Constant Contact account between now and March 31st, you can get a FREE Website Match so your email newsletter will have the same branded look of your website.
The Website Match service is normally $99 but it's absolutely FREE between now and March 31st.
To take advantage of this offer, email me or call me at (305) 610-6396.
>>Email Me for More Info *This offer only applies to customers who have not subscribed to Constant Contact's Email Marketing solution, and that have been "test driving".
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Sandi Abbott Xpresso Marketing
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Want to get your social media up and running? This three hour workshop demonstrates why social media is a vital part of marketing in today's culture and answers all your questions of what works and why. Friday, March 25 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Vinyl & Kai 1131 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 For more information, click here.
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Free Resources
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Great Connections
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 My friend Rosi Arboleya from Perpetual-Message has put together an very useful resource. Whaz the Buzz is a weekly newsletter that rounds up networking events taking place around Miami. Check it out...
Recent WhaztheBuzz
WhaztheBuzz Website
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Spotlight
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Here are two examples of very branded looks. These emails are consistent with the website and the overall brand message.

Anthony's Ladies Apparel
Key Transportation
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