Brandmerry Blog Archives
Diversifying Your Income as a Small Business Owner with Whitney Bonds
Ever wondered if affiliate marketing could work for you—even if you have a small (or even nonexistent) audience?
Or maybe you’re exploring new ways to diversify your income in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship?
In today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I’m chatting with Whitney Bonds, who built a multi-six-figure business and grew a thriving YouTube channel with over 140,000 subscribers all from scratch using affiliate marketing.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
How the birth of her second child pushed Whitney to find ways to work from home, leading her to start a blog and jump into affiliate marketing.
Why affiliate marketing is a powerful income stream, especially for those who aren’t ready to create their own products just yet.
A simple content hack using already-performing content that can take your YouTube strategy to the next level.
**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 133 or watch it on YouTube here.
Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing
Whitney's journey into entrepreneurship began with her desire to be at home with her children.
She explored how to make money from home and stumbled upon the idea of creating a blog that shared successful moms' stories and how they accomplished their goals.
Whitney discovered that affiliate marketing provided an opportunity to earn commission by referring products or services via a unique referral link. This method allowed her to earn her first income online through her blog before she developed her own products.
Whitney emphasizes that you don't have to have your own product to get started. You can promote something that helps other people and earn a commission from it.
This strategy not only worked for her but led to a significant boost in her income over time. This strategy, while including links to online products she uses, also prioritizes sharing courses and programs with a higher affiliate payout.
The Importance of Diversifying Your Income
One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of diversifying your income streams.
Whitney experienced firsthand the impact of algorithm changes on platforms like Pinterest, which was initially a significant driver of traffic to her blog. When that traffic diminished, Whitney had to pivot and adapt, ultimately leading her to prioritize diverse income streams.
Creating sustainable businesses is crucial. This is why affiliate marketing, memberships, YouTube payouts, selling courses, etc… is key to building sustainability.
We can’t control the fluctuations in the market, or changes to our marketing platforms which is why this diversification is key.
Prioritizing YouTube as a Marketing Strategy
Whitney and I also discussed our expansion into YouTube, a platform that has significantly contributed to her income and mine.
She shared how important it is to identify what is working for others in your niche and find ways to do it better through your content. This hack falls in line with utilizing what’s already on the internet, similar to my SEO content tips here.
Whitney shares that with YouTube, the key is focusing on your title and thumbnail first, and then ensuring your content delivers.
YouTube stands as an amazing platform for marketing in 2025 and beyond thanks to its powerful search engine, consumers need to move away from short-form content and desire to look for more in-depth solutions.
I recently shared my entire recording and editing process in this YouTube training video.
Building a Reliable Email List
Another crucial income driver that Whitney and I both advocate for is building an engaged email list.
Whitney credits her remarkable open rate thanks to effective strategy and consistency. She prioritizes working smarter, by reusing the same subject line format. Building trust with your audience is where email lists come in. By giving them a way to hear from you consistently and invite them into your authentic journey, you build trust.
This trust can pay off when you’re utilizing affiliate marketing or looking for sponsorships as additional income streams.
Remember, you're on rented land on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but you own your email list, and it’s a vital fallback for any entrepreneur says Whitney.
Mindset and Long-Term Success
Whitney emphasizes the direct correlation between value and income. She shared that more value equals more income and emphasized both learning and sharing experiences, even from mistakes, as a way to provide value to others.
Sometimes, it can feel like we don’t have anything to share, especially when we’re just getting started, but these simple lessons or mistakes can prove to be rather valuable content.
Just think of all the things you’ve learned in the last six months and how valuable that information could be for someone else.
Whitney provided a new free resource for listeners, The Wealth Blueprint, where she shares the Secret to Building Wealth. Get your free download here.
CONNECT WITH WHITNEY
Whitney Bonds is a YouTuber with over 140K subscribers who is known for empowering her audience to build sustainable online businesses from home. Bonds shares step-by-step guides, tips, and resources to help her audience succeed in affiliate marketing, build online businesses, and achieve financial freedom.
https://www.youtube.com/@WhitneyBonds
https://www.instagram.com/whitneybonds101
https://www.facebook.com/triedandtruemomjobs
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.
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DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
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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
Five Unexpected Habits That Make Me a Better Entrepreneur and Business Owner
In 2019, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear, which completely changed my life.
It forced me to have a hard look at my life and business goals and evaluate just how I was getting there with my daily actions. The next year in business I doubled my growth, the following year we grew another 20%, and the harmony that I experienced between my personal and professional life changed completely.
I credit so much of this with prioritizing what I was doing behind the scenes, the unexpected daily habits that gave me the space and advantage to make me a better business owner.
Today on the Authentic Brand Builders podcast (and blog) we’re diving into those unexpected habits that have made me a better business owner. I’m a firm believer that how we spend our time directly affects how we run our businesses, and we’ll uncover that today.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
The habit that transformed my productivity, and has allowed me to get more done in less time - it’s been one of my secrets to working smarter, not harder.
What I implemented into my habit stack when I got burned out on personal development and how my business changed as a result.
My “Not-To-Do-List” and how I use it as a business owner.
**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 132 now or watch it here on YouTube.
1. The Power of Cycle Syncing
I use cycle syncing to better plan my meals, workouts, and business tasks.
Cycle syncing essentially involves aligning your activities and tasks with the different phases of your menstrual cycle, using hormonal fluctuations to optimize your energy and productivity.
This small habit adjustment has profoundly impacted my ability to manage my business and personal life. By understanding the ebb and flow of my cycle, I can strategically plan my schedule to leverage my hormonal strengths and accommodate my natural energy dips.
For example, during ovulation, when estrogen and testosterone levels surge, I experience a peak in energy, focus, and creativity. This is the ideal time for me to create content, film, brainstorm, and engage in strategic planning.
On the other hand, during menstruation, as progesterone rises and estrogen declines, my energy levels tend to dip. This is when I shift my focus to behind-the-scenes tasks such as administrative work, organizing, and updating pages on my website or landing pages.
By syncing my work with my cycle and noting it on my calendar, I'm not only more efficient and productive but also less likely to experience overwhelm during a launch or planned event. I label my cycle on my calendar so I can plan the next 90 days more strategically - working smarter, not harder, and honoring my body's natural rhythms.
If you're curious to learn more about cycle syncing and how to implement it in your own life, I encourage you to check out Episode 93 of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, where I dive deep into this topic and share practical tips and strategies.
2. Prioritize Your Sleep
Sleep is my non-negotiable. And yes, even as a busy mom, I fiercely protect my eight hours. Over the years, I've honed a nighttime routine that helps me decompress from the day and transition into better sleep.
I disconnect from work by closing out my day which includes responding to emails, writing my to-do list for tomorrow, and cleaning up ClickUp.
I also practice self-care and prioritize calming activities like reading or lying on my acupressure mat.
A big shift, I’ve made, that I know isn’t possible for everyone today is getting rid of my alarm clock. Instead, I focus on morning sunlight to support my natural circadian rhythm. It’s allowed me to wake up gradually resulting in less grogginess and more mental clarity in the morning.
It didn’t happen overnight, but implementing soothing practices both in my evening and morning routine has greatly benefited my sleep which has given me more energy and clarity to tackle the day.
3. Invite More Space and Play into the Schedule
At the end of 2023, I was completely burnt out from personal development. I had been using my “free space” and breaks to read, listen, or learn what I could to improve my life. Honestly, it just left me tired and feeling like I wasn’t enough.
I knew I needed better ways to plan, take a break, and create space for myself to tap into more of my creativity. Essentially I needed ways to silence the noise so I could think!
Reading fiction might sound like it won’t benefit your business, but it's my secret creativity weapon. Fiction allows me to recharge, unlock creativity, and ultimately enhance my business mindset. It's not just about reading; it's about finding joy in relaxation and play, whether through books, crafting, or games, that fuels my productivity.
Now, I prioritize downtime and incorporate intentional breaks into my schedule which has allowed me to be more present, rather than constantly striving for the next goal and improvement.
This simple practice has created a much larger habit which includes making sure my calendar has plenty of whitespace throughout the day!
4. Create a 'Not-To-Do' List
A not-to-do list is a list of tasks that you intentionally decide not to do, either by eliminating, automating, delegating, or outsourcing them. This strategy allows you to focus your time and energy on tasks that are more important, enjoyable, and aligned with your goals.
For my business, a not-to-do list has been highly beneficial in improving my productivity, efficiency, and overall ROI. By identifying and eliminating tasks that are time-consuming, repetitive, or don't contribute significantly to making money I’ve been able to free up resources, money, and energy to focus on things that will actually grow the business.
To determine which tasks to streamline and which to remove or outsource, here’s what I look at:
Identify time-consuming and repetitive tasks: Look for tasks that take up a significant amount of time but don't require much skill or expertise. These tasks are good candidates for software improvement or possible outsourcing.
Assess the value and impact of each task: Determine which tasks directly contribute to your business goals and which ones have a minimal impact. Tasks with low impact can be eliminated or outsourced if you’re not loving them.
Analyze your enjoyment of the task: If you enjoy doing something, but the steps of the process are where you’re getting hung up then consider optimizing your workflow. This is similar to what I did with my podcast and YouTube recording last year. I streamlined my process to make it easier to record (something I love) and share my content. This allowed me to save money, and time, and increase my output. This video shows what I did.
I also use my ‘Not-To-Do’ List to plan my monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals. Having this list handy when I planned my 2025 was so nice and a great reminder that taking notes throughout the year is essential.
5. The Weekly Money Date
One of my favorite weekly rituals is my "money date."
Every Friday, I make it enjoyable by sitting down with a cup of coffee and some music, and I really get into the nitty-gritty of my business finances.
I go through all the expenses, look at where the money's coming in, and basically just get a really clear picture of where things stand. For years, I outsourced all my financial tracking and didn’t have a clear idea where the money was going, or what was contributing to the ROI of the business.
It left me feeling a little disempowered and while I loved having the support of an accountant, I knew I needed to be more involved to gain that financial empowerment I craved.
While the money date is not always the most exciting thing, I've found that it's been incredibly helpful in terms of managing my money and making informed decisions about my business.
It's kind of like a weekly check-in with my finances, and it helps me stay on top of things and feel more in control both professionally and personally.
CONCLUSION:
I’m a big believer in the power of healthy habits and I hope this episode has given you the motivation to look at your personal, daily habits and evaluate how they are helping or hurting your business.
If even one of these habits is something you haven’t tried yet, like cycle syncing, prioritizing sleep, or anything else, take this as a sign to explore it further. We’ve got tons of resources to help you along the way, especially in episode 93 of the podcast.
As we kick off the year, now is the perfect time to set a solid foundation with your habits (it’s one of my favorite things to do for Q1).
Remember, the habits you build today will directly impact your end-of-the-year goals. Whether it’s a financial goal or an impact goal, it’s your daily actions that make all the difference.
If you want support with planning out your quarterly and monthly goals or feel a little behind in your yearly planning, I encourage you to check out my program Brand New Plan. Inside, the program we prioritize authentic and aligned planning, and your habits are a large part of that process. Learn more about Brand New Plan here.
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
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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
5 Strategic Steps to Launch or Relaunch Your Business in the New Year
As we wrap up another year and get ready to step into the new year, I’ve been reflecting on what I would do if I were to start my business from scratch today.
Having been an entrepreneur for nine years, I’ve seen the ups, downs, and dramatic changes in the industry. There are things that have completely shifted and things that honestly have remained the same.
Here are five approaches that I believe would accelerate your business growth and set you up for long-term success.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
Why PR should be your top priority and how building a network of collaborators can accelerate your brand growth.
The secret to focusing on sales from day one and how long-form content like podcasts and YouTube can drive sustainable success.
The essential mindset changes you need to take confident action and make your business thrive.
**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 131 now.
1. Prioritize Public Relations (PR) Strategically
When I think about building a business from zero, prioritizing PR would be at the top of my list.
I hold a degree in public relations, and I know firsthand that you don’t need a massive following to get featured. It's about shifting your approach.
My advice? Dedicate just one hour each week for pitching yourself to smaller platforms—like niche podcasts or guest articles. Sometimes the smaller the audience the higher the conversions because of the trust the host (or brand) has built with their audience.
Suppose you don’t have a lot of content on the internet to show your expertise, you can easily craft a simple media kit to share some of your top brand values, messages, and of course story.
The goal here is to expand your network, and even just one interview a month gets you in front of 12 new audiences in one year without a single dollar spent on ad spend.
2. Build a Network for Collaboration
I have to admit, that networking isn't my favorite activity, but it’s crucial.
Over the years, I’ve maintained a handful of collaborators, but expanding this network could have yielded even more opportunities. It’s something I’m prioritizing in the new year and something I wish I had focused more on when I was just getting started.
If I were starting over, I would focus on expanding my network with more collaborations. These can come from creating your own networking group, deepening the relationship when you’re on a podcast or have a guest on yours, and being in the room with people who challenge you.
I think that last piece is the big reason this works so well for business growth; challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone and see where these new relationships can take you is one of the greatest (and often free) ways to grow your business.
I also have a mission to support my clients in stepping outside of their bubble and building more connections, so we’re focusing on this inside of the Authentic Brand Builders Academy a great deal in the coming months.
3. Focus on Selling from the Start
A common mistake I see entrepreneurs make, myself included, is getting bogged down in the details before focusing on sales.
In the early months of my business, I spent way too much time perfecting things like my brand and website. I still believe both of those pieces are crucial in building a business foundation, I also know that most people are spending more time, energy, and money than necessary.
You absolutely can build your brand and start promoting your offers in just two weeks.
You absolutely can create a simple website over the weekend, and add to it and improve it as your business and resources grow.
The truth is, that selling should be your primary focus from day one. Give yourself two weeks to clarify your audience, define your messaging, create your offer, and start promoting. The rest, including brand refinement and content development, will naturally align once you get into the practice of selling.
Inside my Build a Better Brand Method, I teach you exactly how to build your brand in just 2 weeks. Explore the program here.
4. Establish a Long-Form Content Platform
Creating consistent, long-form content via a podcast or YouTube channel should be one of your foundational strategies if you’re looking for sustainable growth.
I know social media can be incredibly tempting and I’m not denying its power to reach a lot of people quickly, but focusing on the longevity of your content is key if you don’t want to burn out.
Although I started my podcast a bit later, I see how impactful it would have been to begin sooner. Not only does this establish credibility and authority in your field, but it also provides a wealth of content to repurpose across other platforms.
Sustainable marketing strategies like these can be a game-changer if prioritized early on.
Want to learn more about multi-channel marketing? Watch this video here.
5. Cultivate a Strong Mindset
Finally, sustaining a positive and strong mindset is crucial not only when you’re starting your business, but also when you scale.
While I always understood the importance of mindset, it was typically centered around my money mindset and my mindset around being successful.
I wish I had spent more time working on my mindset around trusting myself more from the beginning.
Overthinking decisions can hold you back. Looking outside yourself for all the answers can lead to even more confusion.
Oftentimes, we know exactly what we should be doing, but we’re not giving ourselves the space to really listen to our intuition.
If you're starting out, work on trusting yourself and your business instincts, I really think it's a key to authentic growth.
CONCLUSION
As we gear up for a new year, I hope these strategies inspire and guide you, whether you're starting new or scaling your current business.
Even though I’ve been in business for nine years, I’m still always finding new ways to improve and align my business with my goals. These same five tips truly apply to you no matter where you’re at in the process.
For me, selling and collaboration are going to be significant drivers of success. Remember to trust your gut and stretch beyond your current network (it’s one of the fastest and cheapest ways to grow your business).
You’ve got this—I’m cheering for you every step of the way. If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at Brandmerry for more insights and updates throughout the year.
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
5 Marketing Predictions for Your Business in 2025 from a Brand Coach
Every year, I share my marketing predictions for the year ahead.
I’ve been doing this since 2018, and this year I'm thrilled to share a bit of a twist.
I sat down with my friend Jodie Brown, to kick off a new series where you can essentially be a “fly on the wall,” listening in as Jodie and I take a deep dive into the world of marketing today. And, today’s episode is centered around predictions we’re making for 2025.
Join us in this new series, on the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, called Marketing Mayhem. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about:
The 5 marketing predictions we see being a top priority in 2025.
The singular trend we see picking up even more momentum in 2025 - if you’re not already doing this NOW is the time.
The truth about niching down in the online space today.
**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 130 now.
2025 Marketing Prediction: The Rise of Brand Storytelling
If you're not incorporating storytelling into your marketing by now, you might be missing out.
Storytelling has always been my forte, and I can't stress enough how it's essential in building genuine connections with your audience. Especially as AI becomes more prevalent, there’s a hunger for authenticity in content.
Jodie and I both agree that authentic, story-driven content is more crucial than ever in establishing trust with consumers. Everyone, from marketers to the consumers themselves, is using AI, which means showcasing real experiences is the differentiator that builds credibility.
If you want to stand out online, storytelling needs to be front and center in your marketing (seriously every single post) in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to elevate your digital storytelling strategy? I’ve made it super easy for you. Learn more about my Storytelling Made Simple course here.
2025 Marketing Prediction: Is a Niche Necessary?
There’s some chatter online about skipping the niche and ideal customer profiles. Jodie and I find this notion a bit misleading.
While the approach might have evolved beyond a fixed persona like "Becky," having a clear understanding of who you serve best remains a core asset to your marketing. This specificity sharpens your messaging, making it more effective in reaching your target audience.
It’s about knowing their struggles and desires deeply, allowing you to craft messages that truly resonate. When you’re selling a service or product, as a personal brand, having a niche is absolutely necessary. It tells people exactly what your brand provides them and who it’s for, giving you more intentional community members and leads.
Need to define your niche and ideal customer? You! Branded walks you step by step through my signature branding process. Learn more here.
2025 Marketing Prediction: Personal Branding as a Priority
Jodie and I are massive fans of prioritizing your personal brand and the personal experience for your customers.
As we mentioned above, the growing importance of storytelling and personal branding puts a personal spin on your marketing efforts, making them relatable and impactful. Whether it's sharing how you integrate AI into your business processes or illustrating your unique approach to brand strategy, inserting yourself into the narrative is key to increasing engagement.
When it comes to the digital age, we are in today, your personal brand is what builds connection. Storytelling is a way we share our personality with our audience, but you must know exactly who you are, your values, mission, etc… to determine which stories will resonate best with your audience.
Don’t skip the personal side of your branding, and your content, it’s the secret sauce! Learn more about You! Branded here.
2025 Marketing Prediction: Embrace Experimentation
I’ve been talking a lot about experimenting in my business, and Jodie and I both feel that an experimental mindset is vital moving into 2025.
The marketing landscape is dynamic, so flexibility and willingness to try new things are crucial. Everything we “follow” as marketing truths was once an experiment, and those truths change so frequently that staying ahead of the curve and playing with things based on your authenticity is crucial.
Remaining open to new methods of content creation can lead to unexpectedly beneficial outcomes. Experimentation can sometimes mean ignoring traditional metrics in favor of creating more meaningful interactions - and we’re here for that here at Brandmerry!
2025 Marketing Prediction: Don't Reinvent the Wheel
Lastly, one of the biggest takeaways is to remember not to reinvent the wheel every time you feel stuck.
Revisiting what has worked in the past and finding new angles or spins on established content can be surprisingly effective. Consistency in your core messaging, even if it evolves slightly over time, remains the fundamental of successful branding.
It’s also a great reminder, to look at the data. If something isn’t working, look at why it’s not working, look at how consistent you were, and look at tweaking one thing at a time, rather than reinventing the wheel and building from scratch over and over again.
CONCLUSION
As we look ahead to 2025, remember that solid brand foundations, storytelling, and focused strategies will distinguish you in a crowded niche - and if you want to stand out on social media these are crucial
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Authentic Brand Builders podcast for more Marketing Mayhem episodes and additional content on branding, marketing, productivity, and more. Watch full episodes on YouTube.
CONNECT WITH JODIE
https://www.instagram.com/itsjodiebrown/
https://www.instagram.com/thevisionaryrising/
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
Scaling Your Business in 2025: Five Strategic Must-Dos from a Brand Coach
As we gear up for a new year, it's time to start thinking about 2025. While I don’t feel completely ready for a new year, I can’t help but recognize that my brain is already thinking ahead.
So, I asked myself, “If we were to sit down for coffee, and you were ready to scale your business in the new year to the 6-figure mark, what would I want you to know?
If you are ready to scale your businesses to the six-figure mark, there is an overwhelming amount of information available online, but not all of it is super strategic.
Today, I want to share five strategic actions that are essential for your growth without making you feel like you're drowning in planning details.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
A quick improvement you can make to your website that will result in qualified leads finding you on Google.
Why video marketing is a must and how to embrace it as your most authentic self.
How consumer minds have changed over the years and how you can make a single adjustment to ensure you’re not overlooked by your ideal customers.
**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 129 now.
1. Harness the Power of Site-Wide SEO
SEO is a game-changer, and if done correctly, it can have a high return on investment for years.
Site-wide SEO is all about optimizing your website so that Google knows exactly how to categorize it.
For this, you want to consider what potential clients are typing into search engines when they’re ready to make a purchase decision.
By implementing effective SEO strategies, you can rank on the first page of search results, driving targeted traffic to your site with less effort in convincing and converting potential clients.
I recently worked with a client who successfully optimized her new website's SEO, which led to her blog's ranking for competitive keywords like "burnout." The process is straightforward: research, implement, and watch the results snowball over time.
Even a simple website, if optimized for SEO, can significantly boost your business for years to come and should be something every business owner is implementing. It doesn’t have to take more than 90 minutes to do the proper research and implement it on your website. Find out how here.
2. Embrace Evergreen Marketing Platforms
The social media grind can be exhausting, causing many creators to burn out. If you want to scale, then it’s time to embrace evergreen platforms that continually work for you long after content creation.
Platforms such as Pinterest, blogging, YouTube, and podcasting use SEO to gain visibility (which is a bonus perk for these evergreen platforms). By doing specific SEO research for each platform, you can strategically create content that reaches new audiences for longer periods of time.
For example, a video I posted four years ago continues to generate views and leads because I tapped into the power of evergreen strategies.
The key is staying consistent and prioritizing this approach to avoid the constant content hamster wheel. Plus, you can take that long-form content and repurpose it to other platforms with ease (this includes social media)!
3. Leverage Video Content
Video content is essential for scaling your business in 2025.
While it might seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be an overly complicated process. You don’t need a fancy setup to create impactful videos.
I record my videos using a webcam and directly into Descript where I edit the content. This makes editing a breeze, making it possible to create content in under an hour.
Remember, raw, behind-the-scenes videos are performing well across platforms, and embracing them can boost your reach and engagement when using short-form videos.
Regardless of the platform you choose—YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok—video content allows you to repurpose and efficiently expand your audience. Remember, video is a storytelling medium that brings authenticity to your brand and helps expand your reach, getting you in front of new people consistently.
4. Plan Your Customer's Journey
Understanding your ideal customer’s journey is crucial, and there are multiple stages in the buying process, from the initial awareness of symptoms to the decision to make a purchase.
It’s vital to provide content and product offerings that support your customer at each stage of this journey.
Offering a micro version of your primary service at a lower price can attract clients who are not yet ready for the full commitment. It's a way to engage them with your brand, providing immediate value and building trust, making them more likely to transition to your higher-ticket offerings in the future.
This sort of offer suite is going to set you up for more success heading into the new year and give you the framework to scale.
5. Build Trust through Storytelling
Building trust is more critical than ever. With so much content noise online, storytelling is a powerful tool to differentiate yourself.
Sharing personal stories, values, and authenticity connects you with your audience on a deeper level. And, it doesn’t have to be overly complicated to integrate storytelling into your content.
Before posting any content, ask how you can incorporate storytelling into it, and don’t forget about non-verbal storytelling which can include behind-the-scenes video content.
There are a lot of options online, and the demand for you to show up as your true authentic self, build trust, and provide value is crucial.
Explore more videos on storytelling here and here.
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.
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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.