There are three local brands who have continuously impressed me with how they represnt themselves online. Before I found them, or they found me online, I had bever heard of them. After getting to know them online, however, I have decided to make an effort to support their business.

Last week I was thinking about what these brands did that was different and special? How did a brand develop a relationship with me? Let's explore what I have learned from them....

Which Wich in Norcross http://twitter.com/WhichWich_Forum

I had never heard of this restaurant, and when they started following me on Twitter I did not immediately follow back. I would not be interested in following a sandwhich shop. But when you visit their twitter profile you will notice that they are actively connecting with their community. They retweet often, but they also engage in sincere conversations, about sandwhiches. They first hit my radar when I saw them referring to me (@sherryheyl), then I saw other people within my network engaging with them (@whichwich_forum). I eventually began following them and receive updates on sandwhich specials and sandwhich ideas. It is like getting to know your local store owner who has a passion for his business. I then willingly became a fan on Facebook. I have since told people to check out their sandwhich shop when they are in the area as well as making sure I visit their shop as well.

Which Wich's story is really not a new idea. It is the story of a sandwhich shop owner developing personal relationships with members of the community. They only novelty is the tools that are now available to do so.

Another Norcross brand that caught my attention is http://twitter.com/NorcrossGAGhost

Whomever is behind these tweets has truly taken on the personality of a mischeivious ghost with a warped sense of humor. Like @whichwich_forum, @NorcrossGAGhost is actively engaged in conversations with community members. The ghost posts interesting information about the paranormal, seems to know the history of celebrity ghosts, and personally reaches out to community members to invite them on a ghost tour.

NorcrossGAGhost @sherryheyl Weather is great for a ghost tour!! Join me FRI & SAT 8PM www.norcrossghost.com Thks for RTs

When @NorcrossGAGhost hosted a tweepup, I made it my mission to attend, simply to meet the personality under the sheet. The experience was definitely paranormal. I will be going on my ghost tour next week.

Finally, the ultimate example of a great local brand is the Wren's Nest. Lain Shakespeare is not only an amazing story teller with a wonderful personality, he is also incredibly tech savvy. I find myself checking out what the Wren's Nest is doing online and taking notes of what can be done. Recently The Wren's Nest (http://twitter.com/thewrensnest) was featured in Atlanta Magazine, where it was pointed out that

what he lacked in financial know-how he made up for with a mastery of social media.

I do not know about Lain's financial know-how, but he definitely knows how to bring a house to life through the various online channels.

If you are struggling with how your brand can build meaningful online relationships, I highly recommend following these three brands and taking a few notes from them.