For small business owners, creating an identifiable brand can be a challenge. But much like a fingerprint a brand is a unique, intricate identifier attached to your business only and therefore must be handled like a very valuable asset.

Creating a logo and establishing a look is just the first step. Once the brand has been created, you must actively work to continuously boost said brand.

You may not have the large scale marketing world at your fingertips but there is plenty that can be done.

Let's start with the obvious, so that we can move on. Optimise your web presence.

The vast beasts that are search engines are your friend, embrace them. Utilise their powers and allow for some of the leg work to be efficiently completed by the computer.

Next, let's tackle the physical world. Coffee mugs, key chains, t-shirts, reusable bags, wine topper, bottle openers, coasters, pens...the list is infinite.

Pick an item and slap your logo on it. Branding 101, give away free things - people love it! Just make sure the gift reinforces what you do. There has to be a connection.

With this strategy, you are constantly reminding them of your existence - sounds profound, doesn't it? It's not - it's called repetition and recall and it is the foundation of a sound promotional campaign, directly related to boosting a brand.

Participate in charitable events and fundraisers. Donate products or services that reflect your business as prizes in silent auctions, networking events, galas, etc.

This is a low-cost, high-return strategy for brand awareness that innately allows access to both targeted markets as well as new niche markets.

Take it a step further and sponsor your own public event, using the opportunity to put your name and brand out there, on the shoulders of a great cause that will keep people talking.

Take a walk down memory lane and revisit the nostalgia of tradition - classic advertising strategies. Contrary to popular belief, print media is not dead!

Advertising campaigns in print, on radio or in any of those traditional channels can still provide effective results when it comes to boosting your brand – when they are done right.