For a while, I sat here just staring at a blank computer screen where I planned to write my very first blog post for the Linkshape web site.  I had a plan and I even had a name in mind for my topic:  “Shaping Up.”  (I just love making a play on words.)  But I’m just sitting here and I suddently realize I’ve run into the hardest part about blogging.  I knew that I wanted this first post to explain to you, dear reader, why our little Internet marketing start-up company was doing a blog in the first place.  So, I’ll just start writing.

You see, small businesses and especially start-up companies in particular have some unique marketing challenges to face early on.  We Linkshapers are no different.  Within our company’s S.W.O.T. analysis is the following weakness in big, bold type:

“Poor brand awareness”

This is both expected and understandable.  After all, we’re a small Internet marketing and web site design company entering into a highly competitive industry; one in which there’s already some big names who have spent years building their brands.  To overcome this weakness, we know we’ll need to play up our strengths, differentiate ourselves, and quickly build credibility with potential clients (like you).

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