Five quick small business branding tips from MOO's head of brand

This lunchtime, we held a webchat all about branding with MOO's Head of Brand Communications, Simon Goble. Simon kindly answered your questions on topics ranging from blogging style to logo design - and he's promised to answer the ones he didn't have time to address, too! You can read the full webchat in the box below (just click and scroll). In the meantime, we picked out five at-a-glance tips as a taster for what Simon (left) had to say.

**1. Be honest about your copywriting.** "Seek opinions from those around you," wrote Simon (left). We're all consumers and copy online and on packaging is increasingly taking this 'friendly' tone. If it bothers you and those immediately around you, it's likely to bother others."

2. Stand out by doing things a little differently. "[When blogging], if you can offer something different (a different perspective, a different set of tools, a different way of accessing the information), then by default you *should* stand out. Providing something unique should help you stamp out your differences."** ** **3. Invest in an effective logo. "A logo is often the cornerstone of a brand's identity, so it's important to get this right. What do you want it to say about your brand?"Â ** **4. Think beyond your logo. "**Every part of your business with which the customer/user engages should form part of your brand, from the 404 page on your website, to the thank you note in the package you send." 5. Surprise your customer. "Packaging is often forgotten, but it's a very easy way to put a smile on a customer's face - especially if they're not expecting something so in keeping with the brand (and well designed). For me, Apple is the perfect example here." You can read the full question and answer session below - and keep an eye on the Enterprise Nation blog for more branding advice from Simon!

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More webchats with great small business brands

Over the coming weeks, we'll be holding webchats with experts from many of our partners, including Evernote, 1&1, Sign-up.to, Moneypenny and Companies Made Simple. Each will give you the chance to ask questions about a different aspect of running your business - from the comfort of your own desk. Register for a reminder on our webchats page. You can also take a look at the webchats you've missed, including last week's conversation on business collaboration with Hayley Connick from Elance.

Get a FREE pack of MOO business cards - then 30% off

As a member of the Enterprise Nation Club, you can claim an exclusive pack of business cards with business tips from Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones. After that, you'll qualify for 30% of future MOO orders. Club membership is just £20 a year - join the Club and claim the offer!

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