Brandmerry Blog Archives
Your Voice Matters: How to Impact Your Audience by Showing Up Online as a Business Owner
In today’s online world, authenticity has become a buzzword, especially as it relates to branding and online marketing. Last week, on the podcast, we dove deep into the importance of showing up authentically online, and today, we’re continuing the conversation by shifting our focus to another crucial aspect: "Being Seen Online."
Showing up online brings up the topic of vulnerability – a word that, rightfully so, can strike fear into the hearts of many when it comes to their online presence. It's a challenge that even the most seasoned entrepreneurs face.
But it's a challenge that, when embraced, can lead to building trust with your audience. For those of you who resonate with this struggle, you're not alone. If you’re looking for resources, Brené Brown's work on vulnerability has been a guiding light for me on my journey.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why showing up online, and embracing your vulnerability no matter how uncomfortable it can be can be life-changing for you and your audience.
What vulnerability and being seen really entails - hint it’s not about sharing everything online.
My top tips for sharing your story online via your content, and how this practice alone can lead to a more consistent presence for your business online.
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 94 now.
Shifting Your Mindset Around Being Seen
One of the most beautiful aspects of having an online business is the opportunity to make an impact, even if it's just on one person.
Remember, your purpose is not solely about reaching millions or achieving high sales numbers. It's about touching someone's life with your unique experiences and insights.
Knowing that even one person is positively impacted by your content can be a powerful motivator to keep showing up. This of course leads to more consistency which is a cornerstone of a successful online presence. Over time, this consistency builds trust with your audience and community, leading to growth and sales.
Get Crystal Clear on Your Ideal Customer
Ideal customer work may seem time-consuming, but it's essential. It truly plays a role in everything you will create via your marketing moving forward.
By defining your ideal customer, you can better empathize with their needs and tailor your content to resonate with them. It also helps you understand what types of stories can be shared online to make the greatest impact. This approach makes it easier to show up authentically and provide value.
Balancing Vulnerability and Privacy in Brand Storytelling
Brand storytelling is an amazing tool for building connections with your audience. However, the challenge often lies in finding the right balance between vulnerability and privacy. It's essential to determine what feels right for you, aligns with your brand, and respects your boundaries.
You absolutely do not need to share everything about your personal life online. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s ok to keep some things sacred. I’ve found from my experience, that you’re able to provide the best experience for your audience when you’re on the other side and can provide value.
Value and Benefit: The Two Pillars to Great Brand Storytelling
Before sharing any piece of content, ask yourself, "What value and benefit does this offer my audience?"
If you can't articulate this clearly, reconsider sharing it at this moment. It doesn’t mean it’s not a great story or piece of content, but it might be better to share it at a later date. Providing value is the foundation of trust and connection, ultimately leading to business success, so we always need to keep this in mind when choosing our stories.
Intentionality in Your Content
Instead of aiming for viral fame or massive likes, focus on creating intentional content that serves your ideal customer.
Being deliberate in what you share ensures that you attract the right audience and, more importantly, the right customers.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, remember that there's someone, somewhere who needs to hear your message.
By embracing authenticity, consistency, and value-driven content, you're not just doing your business a great service; you're making a difference in the world.
Your story has the potential to inspire, educate, and motivate others. Don't hide behind your brand; let your voice be heard. Embrace vulnerability, find your balance, and share your unique journey.
Your impact may be more significant than you can imagine, but you’ll never know if you don’t put yourself out there (even if small steps at first).
Remember, your story is worth sharing.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Summer Content Hacks Every Entrepreneur Needs
The urge to get outside and away from the computer comes with the summer weather. So, how do you juggle enjoying your summer and content creation for your business?
Does the idea of being cooped up inside, glued to your laptop, crafting content, dampen your enthusiasm for the season?
Wouldn't it be amazing if you could bask in the summer sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and still create compelling content that captivates your audience? Or better yet learn how to use what you already have?
In the latest episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, I reveal the top content hacks that will empower you to create irresistible content while enjoying your summer!
As a fellow lover of the great outdoors, I understand the longing to make the most of this beautiful season. Let my podcast episode be your guide to unlocking the secrets of creating compelling content while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Tune in now to hear:
How to take a break from creating content in your business without sacrificing lead generation, brand growth, and sales.
How summer is the perfect time to try something new keeping your content fresh and exciting for your audience.
How to determine your summer content strategy based on your summer goals, and the characteristics and schedule of your ideal customer.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Video Marketing Guide for Entrepreneurs, and Small Business Owners: Enhance Your Brand Strategy
What if I told you there's a single tool that can skyrocket your online business, create a devoted community of fans, and boost your sales?
It's not magic, but it's pretty close. My friend, it is the incredible possibility of video content.
Video marketing has transformed the online space over the past few years and it's not slowing down. With short-form video content, live videos, and of course, my good friend SEO pre-recorded content (think Google), there are so many possibilities for you to incorporate videos into your content strategy.
Video marketing is not just a trend, it's a necessity for online entrepreneurs and this episode will help you approach video marketing in a strategic and sustainable way.
It's not enough to just focus on viral or trendy content, we have to keep in mind how our videos lead our ideal customer to the sale.
I’ve been marketing online for over eight years, and video marketing has gone through quite a transformation. But, video marketing still stands as an incredibly effective brand-building tool.
Video helps create a powerful connection with your audience, making your brand more relatable and engaging. When consumers see and hear you, they get a feel for who you are, which builds trust faster than other mediums.
I started my video marketing journey just months after launching my business, using the platform Periscope. Shortly after that Facebook Live was released and I never looked back.
Being a baby brand at the time, I can attest to the amazing results and power of video marketing. It not only made content creation quicker but also significantly boosted audience engagement.
Over the years, I’ve used live videos, pre-recorded videos on YouTube, and short-form videos on social media. So, let's explore why video marketing is essential and how you can leverage different types of video content to elevate your business.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
How videos can captivate your audience, tell your brand's story, and help you build an engaged community that expands your online business.
The four types of video every business owner should be using online to lead their ideal customer through the buying journey with ease.
My favorite tool for repurposing video content to multiple platforms, ultimately expanding your reach with one single video.
**I’ve included the main points below, but I encourage you to dive into the full episode via audio or video!
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 89 now. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the video on YouTube to hear the full episode and all the tips.
Types of Video Content to Create
1. Live Video
Live video involves going live on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even YouTube to engage your audience in real time. Although it's the scariest form of video marketing for a lot of people because of its unpredictability, it's also the most time-efficient.
There’s no complex editing—just hit "Go Live," share your insights, and you're done. This format works great for ongoing series, similar to the weekly live series I did from 2018-2021 called "Mondays with Michelle."
2. Pre-recorded Video
For pre-recorded content, you record your video, edit it as needed, and then upload it to various platforms like YouTube.
While editing can be time-consuming, it allows you to ensure the content is easy to consume, and digest, and has more of a structure. You can keep it light on the editing if you don’t have a large budget, but you will be spending more time on pre-recorded content than on live video. Editing of course is an option if your budget or resources allow it.
3. Short-form Video
The hottest content type right now—short-form videos includes reels, TikToks, YouTube Short, and even videos for Pinterest. These are quick, engaging snippets designed to hold the viewer's attention.
While they may not always result in viral success, short-form videos effectively keep your audience engaged and are excellent for repurposing existing content to multiple platforms.
How to Use Various Video Content Strategies in Your Marketing
Every brand can benefit from incorporating one or more forms of video content into their marketing strategy. And, as we previously discussed video works on most marketing platforms, so you don’t have to feel trapped by social media.
The key is to find what works best for you, given your comfort level, resources, and marketing priorities.
Here are some tried-and-true strategies to get you started:
Text Overlay and B-roll
If being on camera isn't your thing, consider using text overlay with B-roll footage. Capture lifestyle shots or use pre-recorded videos from resources like Canva, then add text to convey your message. Pair this with trending audio to get better reach!
These can be excellent for every phase of the consumer buying process. They can showcase educational content, share a point of view for brand building, tell a story, and more.
Quote or Tweet Videos
You can easily turn your insightful quotes or tweets into video content. These are easy to create using tools like Canva and work well on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Add a video background, overlay your quote, and you're good to go.
I like to pair these with a “Read the caption” text on the video and then expand more in the caption to provide your audience with more insight or tips.
Trends in Video Content
Every platform loves trending content. Even my tired and true marketing platform Pinterest, is built on trending and seasonal content. Participating in trending challenges, or finding trending audio and making it your own is a great way to hop on a trend, while still showcasing your authenticity.
As with all trends, it’s essential that you make sure they are aligned with your brand identity and values to attract the right viewers. Remember, one of the downfalls of trends is they can go viral, and this is often paired with attracting people outside your ideal customer scope which can skew your data.
Talking Head Videos
By far my favorite type of video content to encourage my clients to create are talking head videos. This is where you deliver valuable content face-to-face with the camera.
While these might not go viral, they are highly effective in building a deeper connection with your audience. You can record a simple video, much like an Instagram Story, or you can repurpose longer videos into smaller clips using tools like Descript and Opus Clip Pro to reach a wider audience on various platforms.
How to Implement a Video Marketing Strategy
Start by determining how video fits into your content strategy. You can either create fresh content centered on video or repurpose existing content into video formats.
Here’s a framework you can follow:
Decide Your Format: Choose whether to go live, pre-record, create short-form videos or a mix of all three.
Plan Your Content: Lay out a strategy that aligns with your overall marketing goals and which platforms you want to focus on. Remember, different platforms have different criteria for video content so understanding your resources and availability is huge!
This diversity in resources is why inside Brandmerry Academy we teach video marketing for live, pre-recorded, and short-form videos for multiple platforms including social media, Pinterest, and YouTube.Create and Edit: Use tools like Descript for editing, Opus Clip Pro for creating smaller clips, and Canva for creating engaging visuals.
Publish and Promote: Share your videos on relevant platforms. Remember, with all things marketing it’s important that you don’t try to be everywhere out of the gate. Choose one platform to focus on for 30 days, then add to your workflow from there.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating video into your marketing strategy isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary tool for brand building.
Each format—live, pre-recorded, or short-form—offers unique benefits that can help your brand stand out. Start small, experiment with different types of video content, and watch as your brand starts to attract and engage more viewers.
As with all things marketing, consistency is key!
If you’re ready to dive deeper into embracing a more sustainable, and simplified marketing strategy, then the Academy might be the right next step for you.
Learn more about Brandmerry Academy at brandmerry.com/academy.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Time Management Entrepreneur Marketing Hacks to Maximize Efficiency and Save You Time
Are you struggling to juggle the demands of marketing your business while trying to wear multiple hats as an entrepreneur? I understand the challenges and frustrations that come with marketing your business and the amount of time your currently dedicating to all the things.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to effectively promote your brand and connect with your target audience?
Overwhelmed by the ever-growing list of marketing tasks, leaving you stretched thin and lacking focus?
Longing for practical strategies to boost your productivity, so you can focus on what truly matters for your business?
In today's episode, on the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing my top time management and efficiency hacks for your marketing efforts. My goal is to help you streamline your marketing efforts because as a business owner, it's necessary.
These five tips have the possibility to transform the way you approach your marketing efforts and empower you with effective time management strategies that will not only save you time but also increase your overall efficiency.
Let's dive in!
Tune in now to hear:
My tried and true approach to creating and sharing my content to increase brand awareness and sales without losing my precious time.
How I schedule my day to make sure I'm not burnout out and working in the most efficient way possible.
One skill I learned and adapted in my first year of business that still serves me today!
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
The Power of SEO for Entrepreneurs: How to Drive Free Organic Traffic to Your Website
Are you an entrepreneur looking to boost your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website?
Have you ever wondered why some websites show up on the first page of Google, while others are buried deep in the search results?
Well, the answer lies in SEO or Search Engine Optimization. In this episode, of the Brandmerry Podcast, we'll dive into what SEO is, why it's essential, and why entrepreneurs should be taking the extra, simple steps to optimize their brand.
And, if you're currently feeling the pressure to show up on social media this episode is going to be extra important to you! Social media can be a great tool for marketing and building brand awareness, but here's the thing: social media platforms own your audience, and their algorithms can change at any time, impacting your reach.
I'm sure you've felt it which is why relying solely on social media to build your business may not be the best strategy.
This is why I love SEO. By optimizing your website and content for search engines like Google, you can generate free organic traffic that you own. And, bonus points that this traffic is bringing prospects to your website where they can get everything they need from your website!
If you're an entrepreneur looking to take your online presence to the next level, or just looking for ways to stop relying on social media then this episode is for you.
Tune in now to hear:
How SEO works and why it's an essential tool for entrepreneurs in every industry.
3 ways to improve your SEO and where I recommend all my clients start.
How to improve your SEO in just a few hours and set your business up for qualified leads for years to come (hint: it doesn't involve blogging).
Tune in now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.