Branding is a huge part of you're business and should be through of strategically. Some Brokers give you full creative freedom to market and sell yourself; others, prefer you follow their set guidelines. Who right? We'll, no one! Brand building isn't an All or Nothing game. Why not compromise? There are two ways to get this done: Logo-Mashup or Co-Theme your Marketing.
Logo-Mashups
Logo Mashups is combining your personal and broker's brand logos in a cohesive way. If done correctly it adds value to both you and your broker's brand image. I've helped a few agents do this with great success. Typically used to leverage the broker's brand equity, but it can still apply in this case. Mashing the logos isn't very hard. You can spend a few hours on Illustrator; however, to get it done right, I'd recommend using a skilled graphic designer. The last thing you want it to have a mash-potatoed logo [ the wrong way to mash a logo =) ]. If you don’t have access to a good graphics person, there’s an awesome web service I used. I added the reference link at the bottom of this post.
In conjection with a logo-mashup you might round out the brand by using Co-Themed marketing materials.
Co-Themed Marketing
Another alterative to co-branding is Co-Themed Marketing. Brokers are most worried about 2 things: Their logo and their colors; since you’re using their logo anyway, or using a logo-mashup, applying a color theme isn’t that bad of an idea. In fact, it’ll make your marketing, real estate flyers, more cohesive. Take a look at the flyers below. Both were created to incorporate the broker’s color theme but still placing the agent front and center.
It’s a thin line marketing the broker and you. Why battle it out, when you can compromise right? Co-themes and mashups are the best of both world. It helps to promote the broker and allow you to separate you from the competition!
Both the Mashup and Co-Theme can be a DIY project. But, I’d recommend using a GD if you’re not 100% fluent in Illustrator (the only program that’ll look professional and polished, don’t bother trying use Word, Photoshop, or –gosh no- MS Paint!). I sometimes contract GDs on 99Designs.com. They have a wealth of good designers. OR, for your Co-Themed flyers you can check out a few pre-made professional flyer templates (my shameless plug, sorry ;) at www.TurnKeyFlyers.com or www.MacFlyerTemplates.com
I hope this helps! Happy marketing
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