How to Get People Highly Addicted to Your Brand

by MarsDorian

During the last months I got a lot of messages from people. Some of them were really bad. Most of them were good. Really good. In fact, they were that good that I consider a lot of them to be coming from true fans.

What makes me believe that ? Well, certain behaviors that seem rather obvious:

leaving 12+ comments A DAY on your blog. And then writing you a personal “thank you message” !
having people tell you that your blog is more addictive that cocaine !
making people interview you and feature your answers right next to Leo Babauta and Chris Guilebeau
seeing readers turning into clients that pay for your consulting services !

There are more. But those are the ones that I remember.

So what did I do to ?

Bribe them with big bucks ? Use black magic to manipulate their souls ?

No way.

I simply followed a few steps that felt good in my heart.

I believe that everyone has the potential to create an online presence that makes some people crave you. Remember, this also means that you scare a lot of casual readers away, but hey, who wants those anyways. It’s deep connection or nothing.

But enough with the jibberish. Here’s how I attracted my true fans:

Aim for a big, first impact. It took me over 3 months to get my design right. Too long ? I don’t think so. I wanted the coolest and freshest design known to humankind. And it paid off. A lot of readers tell me that they experienced that “Wow!” effect when they came to my place for the first time. Most blogs and websites still look as if blind grandmothers designed them. Their style equals triple zero ! Don’t save on your design ! If you are really tight on budget, then get at least a kick-ass banner/header. Ask a designer to design something really special that fits your style. Believe me, it’s SO worth it !

Follow the greatest marketing advice ever. Provide the most ass-kicking value in the most remarkable way possible. Whenever you produce any form of content, ask yourself these two things:

Does this help anyone ?

How can I make it more unique and entertaining ?

Answering these two questions will always result in highly addictive content that hooks your readers faster than the white powder.

Bring yourself totally in. That’s one of the biggest true fan attractors. Once I brought my full Mars Dorian style into the blogging game I saw the traffic going ballistic. Take your whole, uncensored personality with all its foibles and edges and throw it into your content. Many people know that, but most of them still don’t do it. Playing it timid and safe is a dangerous game. Going raw means you share your mistakes. When you fuck up, you show that you fuck up. When you feel like cussing, then you cuss. No “American family style” toning down on your language. Drop the fakeness. Edges are good. Give your audience your full black-and-whiteness. You are a 3 dimensional being. Prove it to me !

test your assumptions. Whenever I read something that tells me “this is how you do it” I hold still for a moment. Is this really true ? Or could the opposite also be right ? Fact is, the opposite can always be right. If everyone is doing something in a certain way, maybe you should do something completely opposite ? Most people say you should design your blog in a way that fits your “target audience” and topic. Heck, my blog is about branding and marketing and it looks like a comic dragged through a candy store. According to the design, my target audience must consist of 12 year old comic geeks. But it doesn’t. I have psychologists, independent moviemakers and personal development coaches reading my blog. Make always sure that you play the game by YOUR rules. If you like them, they will work out for you. I have experienced it for myself.

Take your reader interaction to a new level. Everyone tells you to reply to every comment. How lame is that. I personally write personal messages to my readers every day. I go to their blogs and ask them how they are doing. I tweet their stuff if it’s killer. I Skype with them or even do a project with them and build an ever-lasting alliance ! If you really care about your community or want to build one, then go deeper into the interaction. What can you do to connect with your readers TODAY in a more deeper level ?

Do things that make you look like a dork. Fact is, when you have a deep passion for something, you run the risk of looking like a dork. And that’s awesome. I luv my logo more than anything else, and that’s why I slam that sucker on every digital space I can get my dirty hands on. About page ? Slam. Post images ? Slam. Own T-shirt collection ? Slam, slam and triple slam. One of my readers was scared when he saw me in a video where I promoted my own brand T-shirt collection. You see, when you luv something that much you should show it. Going overboard with your foibles may scare the casual bystander away, but it will draw the true fan closer to you. Geeky passion is more sticky than honey duct-taped to your face. Show me the dork within YOU !

What to do now:

1. Retweet and Facebook-share this post.

2. Tell me: What are YOU going to do for your brand / business TODAY to attract some raving fans ?

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http://twitter.com/CatchCatfish LearnToCatchCatfish

Great stuff. I enjoy your articles. Your a little “out there” sometimes but your passionate. Keep up the great work!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, thanx man. I appreciate your honesty !
The “out there” is part of my geekiness that I mentioned in my last point. Oh well, my foibles ;)

http://twitter.com/gerri50 Gerri

I am trying to build up a brand and this post has given me a bit of food for thought. A week or two or go I was thinking that it was going to be a hard task but hey, nothing is impossible and reading posts like this given me even more drive to get there.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Gerri,
that is awesome – it takes work, but hey, it's soo worth it if you aim for a successful career !
Go ahead ! And if you have any questions, just write me a message !

Rock it !

http://www.waliqfactory.com/ Michel J. Gagnon

“Do things that make you look like a dork” That's not the kind of advice we're used to get from marketers:) What you say sounds a bit like finding your target audience and not trying to please everyone. Your true fan will forgive you for your “dorkiness”, in fact, he may actually enjoy it.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, Michel,
true, but the old form of marketing is limiting today's options. What I mean is that showing your foibles/geekiness is a HUGE plus in building your brand ! Instead of aiming for that shiny, perfect surface – you should push your edges more.
People luv that kind of authenticity, and it feels much better, too !

http://www.murlu.com Murlu

gi-gi-gi-gi-yeaaaah I do cocaaaaaine

That’s what it’s all about Mars, so effin tired of dry, strung out posts that feel like they’ve been chewed up and spit out time and time again. I admit, I’ve probably wrote quite a few posts that were flat out stupid but it’s a process, ya know?

I look at how my writing has evolved. When I picked up Murlu I was straight forward (lame) which makes no sense because I’m actually really crude – I noticed this when I had to switch “modes” to write one of my other blogs where I swear, rip into things, insult people – but ya know what, that humor and edge is what got people really active on the blog.

On Murlu, I think I’m finally getting around to my roots – my writing looks kinda sloppy but it’s like, who gives a shit, right? If you give some good info and make it your own you’re ace.

Mars, you hit it perfectly because you have this cocky attitude, it’s such a smack in the face that wakes you up, gets you energized and pumped. Keep at it man.

ps. you wanna know how well you’re doing? I can spot your post from a mile away in my RSS before even looking at what blog – it’s that style and I mean I have dozens of blogs on my reader to go through but yours sticks out.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Murray, it's definitely a process.
If you check out my first posts, you will see that they are pretty lame. I believe it's natural to play it safe first – testing the waters.
It takes courage to go beyond that and to say – ok, let's take it to a higher level – let's really make this my style. It will deter some peeps, but attract those that ride a similar wavelength.
And it doesn't happen overnight. In fact, I'm still working on it. It's a lifelong process…or artwork in the making.
But we're both getting there, day after day :)

http://www.murlu.com Murlu

gi-gi-gi-gi-yeaaaah I do cocaaaaaine

That’s what it’s all about Mars, so effin tired of dry, strung out posts that feel like they’ve been chewed up and spit out time and time again. I admit, I’ve probably wrote quite a few posts that were flat out stupid but it’s a process, ya know?

I look at how my writing has evolved. When I picked up Murlu I was straight forward (lame) which makes no sense because I’m actually really crude – I noticed this when I had to switch “modes” to write one of my other blogs where I swear, rip into things, insult people – but ya know what, that humor and edge is what got people really active on the blog.

On Murlu, I think I’m finally getting around to my roots – my writing looks kinda sloppy but it’s like, who gives a shit, right? If you give some good info and make it your own you’re ace.

Mars, you hit it perfectly because you have this cocky attitude, it’s such a smack in the face that wakes you up, gets you energized and pumped. Keep at it man.

ps. you wanna know how well you’re doing? I can spot your post from a mile away in my RSS before even looking at what blog – it’s that style and I mean I have dozens of blogs on my reader to go through but yours sticks out.
http://lynnfang.com Lynn Fang

Hey Mars, great stuff as always! I love your style and vibe and you always deliver on great advice/content.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Thanx Lynn,
always trying to provide the best from me ;)

http://cashwithatrueconscience.com/rbblog Ryan Biddulph

Mars Man, great break-down.

More people are drawn to my brand as it becomes *My* brand, not anybody else's. It's interesting because although I have one of those blind grand-ma designs ;), when I let myself out I started to receive up to 90 comments per post and got heavy sharing on the social networks.

As you note many of these people became addicts, others like to rip me for being a loon or whatever their opinion is. No problems here, it's part of your presence expanding.

Keep up the great work and have a fun day!

Ryan

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Ryan,
sweet – yeah, separating the masses really comes with the territory. And up to 90 comments ? That is double sweet – nice, nice – I like it ;)

I also believe it's a marathon – it doesn't happen overnight. The more quality work you put out there, and the more “original heart” you put into it, the higher the chances of attracting true fans !

http://experimentsinpassiveincome.com Moon Hussain

First, congrats Mars :) I agree with your design point–that everyone needs a unique 'look' so they can be remember. However, I did start out with a free template but at some point, you need to develop your identity, or rather, your face on the web.

Keep up the good work.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Thanx Moon,

and yeah, I'm a huge sucker for grrreat design – so free template and stuff like that is a huge no-go for me ;)
If you really want to take it to a higher level, you should…no, you MUST think about creating your own, ass-kicking visual flair !

http://www.ideasbubble.com Peter J

True what you said about design, and i see why it took you a long time to perfect yours – it's awesome. When it comes to your “getting addicted to a brand style,” I like Ur uncensored attitude, i think I've held back on the “G rated” audience when it comes to what i think about things, as you said, just unleash what you have to say, not in a restrained sense.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Peter,

yeah – I don't mean you have to cuss like a sailor, but when you do, just like in real life, let it out. It will have so much more intensity and aliveness towards it. It takes time to overcome that limit, but hey, it's SO rewarding both in personal pleasure and in how you come across to your audience !

http://www.thelifething.com Jonny Gibaud

Retweet?

Go on then, seeing as its you.

P.S. I launched CHOOSE today, thanks for all your help fella.
http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

Mars Mars,

You are DA man! Now, about your blog being more addictive than cocaine – well…to be honest, I've never tried cocaine and have no intention to but you're definitely on my top “blogs to read today and everyday” list! So that puts you pretty high up there with my cigarette addiction :).

You always manage to write with such Umphh and it is indeed a pleasure to read your work and see how far you've come along in such a short period of time. Bravo! You definitely are an inspiration to many!

Ok, enough with the brown nosing ;) cause I don't do that…I mean what I say and I say what I mean!

As for what you said about design – I couldn't agree more. I have spent so much time trying to find the perfect look for my baby and somehow I'm never satisfied. I like the way it is now – as it does reflect the tone and style of my writing and subjects – but I am working on a new and improved layout.

My blog is my personality – or at least it reflects a big part of it. I have made it a point to write the way I talk. People who know me personally will vouch for that. Now, in college I would have gotten screwed for doing that, but I ain't in college no mo :). I think people get to know you better by reading your words.
Playing it nice and safe may get boring to read at times. That's why I try to throw in my wit and sarcasm (which I dare say come naturally – ask my friends, family and oooold college professors lol) and anything else that spices things up into every post of mine that can take it.

A few months back you left a comment on one of my posts and at the end suggested that I switch to Disqus – since I was using IntenseDebate. I never had the chance to tell you that I actually took your advice right then and there and did just that. You see, I already knew back then that you knew what you were talking about lol :). Damn, is this another brown nosing comment or what?! ;)

Keep up that great passion of yours! It's always a pleasure to read what you have to say. I'll make sure to continue following your wise, dorky and daring advice. For no doubt, it's been paying off for you!

Cheers to your continued success.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Wow, Ingrid. I think I'm going to make you passionate commenter of the month ;)

Haha, I made you change your comment system ? Good, because IntenseDebate isn't really good.

I can see that you care about your blog design – the logo is pretty sweet and you have your brand color. The name's pretty kick-ass, too !

It takes a while to just put your entire style into your content – the whole world teaches us to be formal and dull. I'm glad you broke out of that system with your sarcastic style !

You definitely rock, Ingrid :)

http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

Hey Mars, what I see you saying in all these points is take a risk. It is such an important part of success in any area of business or life yet so many people are fearful to step up and take anything that feels like a risk.

Your tips are real food for thought, especially for a relative newbie to all things online like me. I am giving my blog an overhaul at the moment so will keep you points in mind.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Ali,
yeah – so true. It's all about expanding your comfort zone and improving / trying out new things.
I have found out that the more I push myself – the more success both my real life and my business life get.
Now, just got to keep on pushing :)

http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

Outside of our comfort zones is where real change happens. So learning to be OK living outside your comfort zone is a must for anyone wanting to seriously up their game. I always say to clients “get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable” – then you know you are on the path to change that delivers results.

http://www.lifenotion.com Derek Jensen

Create the urge for people to interview me by creating create live video, audio podcasts, and products like ebooks.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

lol, you mean YOU ?

http://www.lifenotion.com Derek Jensen

I'm saying what I'm going to do for people to notice me, etc.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

ah, ok. Got it.

http://www.lakechapala.net David Krug

You hit the nail on the head hear it's all about consistency man. And I'm addicted to your brand so you must be doing something right :)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, awesome man.
I am doing the best I can. I want to achieve something inspirational in the future as well, so I try to mix both – value and inspiration to create the ultimate ass-kicking brand.

http://thetitanproject.wordpress.com/ Jonathan Manor

Great post, and great use of the English language.

I remember spending so much time on my wordpress “.com” site. There isn't much you could do with wordpress themes. I took into consideration the designs of ViperChill's, Plugin ID's, and Dragosroua and tried to get it as close to purdy as possible. If you look at my site, that's pretty much the extent as to how that would go.
http://thetitanproject.wordpress.com/ Jonathan Manor

Great post, and great use of the English language.

I remember spending so much time on my wordpress “.com” site. There isn't much you could do with wordpress themes. I took into consideration the designs of ViperChill's, Plugin ID's, and Dragosroua and tried to get it as close to purdy as possible. If you look at my site, that's pretty much the extent as to how that would go.
Valerie

Mars, I wandered over here from Twitter somehow (forget, exactly…) but I’ve read a few of your articles now and I just wanted to say you’ve totally lit a fire under me! Your enthusiasm is infectious, even over the interwebs. Thank you and keep it up!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Valerie,
I luv to hear this kind of messages – that's what this whole blog all about – getting you fired up to go out and do something !
Your comment just made my day !

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1631962970 Maryam Alhafidh

You are so special and everyday you offer something new and real .
keep it Up !

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Thanx Maryam,
doing my best to inspire the world as much as I can :)

http://www.emilybelyea.com Emily

I really like what you said about “Aim for Big, First Impact.” Given that I have the brain of a 5 yr. old on speed, when I get an idea, I get so excited that I want to do it right away. I have to calm myself down, come back to earth and put some quality time and thought in to it. I spent 3 months building my first web site and I must have restarted it about 4 times. While at the time I felt rushed rushed rushed to get it done, I look back now and am so thankful that I spent that long, because I really do love the final result.

This is the first time I've read your blog and I kind of want to keep doing it. I think you exude craziness in a good way. Thanks for the great tips!
http://www.alemja.net/blog Alexandra Jackson

You're right about it taking time to build and get to the heart of what our blog is about. I'm kind of in that phase right now, I've played around a little bit but I'm starting to get a feel for the subjects I truly feel like talking about. I kept thinking about how much work it was going to be but then I thought about the things I like writing about and that got me looking forward to it again. Plus reading your stuff also helps, It makes me feel like someday, I too shall be walking away from explosions in slow motion without every looking back. Yes that's how you present yourself Mars, a cool cool guy walking away from explosions. :D
Maryam

Love everything about you Mars ! Great work ; )!