Your brand is not your logo or color scheme, it’s how people think about you

Having worked in ad services for many years (to the point where I really can't stand the words 'brand', 'branding' and 'brand equity') I just think "reputation" instead. Because that's what it is.

I totally agree! <a href="http://b.lesseverything.com/2010/3/30/brand-is-the-aftermath-of-your-actions" rel="nofollow">http://b.lesseverything.com/2010/3/30/brand-is-the-aftermath...</a>

Interface is brand.<p>(Shameless Plug)<p><a href="http://000fff.org/mr-brand-manager-tear-down-this-wall/" rel="nofollow">http://000fff.org/mr-brand-manager-tear-down-this-wall/</a>

I have a background in branding so I don't want to throw cold water on this post, but you can take things a step further: For a startup your product is the most engaging aspect of your brand — so get it right.

I would have assumed everyone would know this stuff, especially on HN.

&#60;grumpy opinion&#62; A single color scheme is the second-most immature form of branding, just behind combining initials into a logo. &#60;/grumpy opinion&#62;

Two definitions for brand I find useful:<p>"relevant differentiated promise"<p>"your brand is the promise you keep" Kristin Zhivago