It is well known that branding is crucial to the success and survival of businesses. Yet too often, businesses overlook the importance of applying branding strategies to their website. Whether you're a big business or a small online retailer, your website is more than just a site – it's your brand! Many people think branding is about little more than name recognition. However, brands are better utilized when viewed as a collection of perceptions in the mind of the consumer. Thus it is essential your website properly relays the message that you want to resonate with your consumers. When a brand is functioning at its fullest potential consumers will think of it first. Two of the vital responsibilities branding takes on, especially in terms of your website, are as follows:

• 1. Branding has the power to make people trust you more than your competition. This trust will equate to increased sales and loyal consumers.
• 2. Branding can bring people to your website first. When they need your product or services, they'll search specifically for your website instead of searching by topic or niche.
Making use of branding strategies on your website puts you at an advantage over others. In this cutthroat, highly competitive Internet marketplace, you can't afford to ignore the power of branding on your website.[newslettersignup]