Every business provides either goods or services of one kind or another. If you're running your own business from home, then you'll be doing the same thing. However, unless you've come up with a very unique product or service, you'll have a lot of competition from other people doing the same thing.

As an example, McDonalds™ is well known for "The Golden Arches" which is represented by the letter M in the name. If they were branding hamburgers, surely they'd have a letter H or a picture of a burger. They have a lot of competition but their success is built on branding.

You can go into any store in any country and know what you are getting is of a set standard. In fact, many overseas travelers choose McDonalds™ over unknown restaurants if they feel uncomfortable about their food.

Running an online business is the same. You'll have lots of people offering similar products or services as you. Therefore it will be very tough to earn good money.

So use the idea that many big businesses, like McDonalds™, use to become successful. Brand yourself!

You are unique. That is an absolute fact. Whatever your business may offer generally won't be unique, but the point is to establish yourself as a credible person with a great reputation for providing whatever your business has to offer.

Internet marketing is an online business. As such, the chances of you actually meeting any of your customers face to face is very remote. You have the whole world as your potential market. Therefore, you have to create a unique identity they can recognize and relate to.

Let's choose an example to make this easier to understand. You'll offer a resume writing service to help people get interviews for jobs. Lots of other people do exactly the same thing. So what makes YOU different?

If possible, include a decent photo of yourself in all your advertising. Then your potential clients can see who they're dealing with. Make sure it is a professional looking photo and not one taken at the last Christmas party. Remember that this forms part of your branding.

Your home business needs a distinct logo. Make it relevant to what you do. It could be someone typing on a keyboard, an icon that looks like a resume or something equally as relevant and specific. Use the icon in all your advertising as well.

You MUST have a website. You simply don't have credibility without one. If you can't build a website yourself, pay someone to create it for you. It doesn't have to be a flashy site. It does have to represent you in the best possible way. Have your photo on the home page so it helps with the branding.

The actual service you offer is similar to others so try and find ways to make it better or different. You can have cheaper prices. (this can be good when you start because it can quickly establish your portfolio) You can offer extras such as:

• Cover letters
• Information on interview techniques
• A list of Websites where your clients can look for jobs
• To help them look for jobs

Ask your customers for referrals. Ask them for testimonials. Add these testimonials to your site which will help boost your reputation as a high quality service, knowledgeable service provider.

You are unique. Use that advantage wisely and you can't fail.