Just write in your own UNIQUE and distinctive style - what comes naturally to you. Be yourself in your writing and you will find that words will flow. Use your individual area of expertise (and/or interests) to help others through sharing your unique knowledge and experiences of magical journey that is life.

Then submit your articles to relevant ezines in your area of interest or expertise, and/or publishers resources - lists like Shelley Lowery's Article Announce, Mike Valentine's Free- Content, Angela Giles-Klocke's TheWriteArticles, PromoteYour Article and Free-eContent. All very useful lists, that we regularly use.

Their web adresses are:

http://www.egroups.com/group/article_announce TheWriteArticles@yahoogroups.com http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Free-Content Also, Publisher Network: publisher_network@egroups.com PromoteYourArticle@yahoogroups.com Free_eContent@yahoogroups.com and finally ArticlePublish@yahoogroups.com.

They are all an excellent source of information and many ezine publishers source relevant articles from these lists. Sometimes even ezines with huge readerships pick up articles.

I believe that this strategy is most effective form of TARGET MARKETING... that get's us best results on a very limited advertising budget (like most start up home online businesses)... and best of all it's BRANDING oneself through free advertising.

These words became a national catch phrase in mid 1980's and catapulted Wendy's hamburger chain into limelight as a major player in fast food sales.

Wendy's credits "Where's Beef" ad campaign with a 31% jump in sales and a 24% boost in year-end profits.

Not bad for a campaign built on a three-word ad slogan.

Granted, you may not have budget to build a brand awareness campaign as Wendy's did, but you certainly should practice advertising strategies that are built around your own unique business identity.

Identify Your Uniqueness

If you haven't yet put a finger on distinct quality that sets your business apart from your competition, then you need to get busy. You only need one quality. Just one.

This unique quality that sets you apart from herd is your brand. It is essence - fabric - that runs through your operation. It speaks to consumers instantly about nature of your service or product, your reputation, your commitment, your uniqueness.

Once identified, you must be able to clearly communicate your brand to consumers. There are two easily recognizable ways to do this: with your logo and tagline.

A branded business has a memorable logo. A straight- forward example is Ford's blue oval, while a more abstract example is Nike checkmark. Your logo is visual component of your brand.

The next component is a written or verbal one. It is referred to as your tagline, and it reflects exact position you are assuming in relation to your customer, your product, and your competitors. Specifically, it clearly defines quality which differentiates your business from competitors while extolling benefit your customer will enjoy.

Coca Cola's statement of being 'The Real Thing' is a classic example of positioning in relation to a competitor. Clearly, if they're real thing - original - then other guy isn't. But does this mean anything to consumers? The benefit to customer is kind of murky.

For small business owner it's better to go with a more narrowly defined tagline that clearly denotes uniqueness. The sandwich shop Quizno's exemplifies this with their tagline 'Oven Toasted Tastes Better'.

Five Ways to Promote Your Unique Identity

Your logo and tagline are valuable property. Make them a visible thread that runs through all your promotions. Here are five great ways to get your brand name out there in front of consumers:

1. Give Away Something People Will Expose To Others