Brandmerry Blog Archives

brandmerry 10/12/17 brandmerry 10/12/17

Tapping into Your Desires & Giving Yourself Permission

TAPPING INTO YOUR DESIRES & GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION

In today's blog post, I'm sharing a recent video I did on your desires as a women, mother and business owner.

In a year I watched all my desires come to reality, and then I struggled to admit my new desires out of a fear of appearing selfish. I'm sharing the questions you need to ask yourself to tap into your deepest desires and give yourself permission to …

Last year when starting my business I created a list of desires, that although exciting, seemed a bit out of my reach - but that's the fun part of listing your desires. Over the past 1.5 years I've found myself living the life I desired in January 2016.

Leaving my 9 to 5
Spending my days with my son
Taking multiple trips throughout the year with my family
Working from anywhere I choose
Building a community of women with a strong purpose and mission
Spreading my message

As I've hit this new milestone in my business, I found myself having a hard time thinking about my NEW desires and fear crept in. What would my community think of me? What would my family and friends think of me?

Would me admitting that I wanted to fly first class, because it looks damn comfy, of having an in-home nanny make me seem selfish? In today's video I'm walking you through my own process, PLUS giving you questions to ask yourself in order to connect with and believe your deepest desires.

Key Takeaways From Today's Video:

It's not about "just enough", when we reach higher for our desires our needs are instantly met. Are you creating desires around "just enough" and holding yourself back from dreaming big?
You don't have to separate your desires between Need vs. Want - it's about giving yourself permission to experience pleasure every single day.
Are you holding yourself back because you are afraid of appearing selfish? The reality is it is your RIGHT to life your deepest desires and by doing so you are more capable of spreading good and doing good in the world.
Stepping into the energy of your pleasures is the first step in achieving your goals. We limit ourselves by saying we don't "need" something, when deep down it is one of our strongest desires.
YOU ARE WORTHY OF ALL THE THINGS YOU DESIRES!

Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>

brandmerry 10/3/17 brandmerry 10/3/17

Grow Your List Using FACEBOOK Lives + YOUR Free Offer

Discover Your Niche Free Workbook and Training

GROW YOUR LIST USING FACEBOOK LIVES + YOUR FREE OFFER

Facebook live can do so much more than grow your visibility online, it can also grow your list! I'm sharing my 4 tips for using Facebook Live to promote your free offers.

Facebook Lives (well any live video really) have transformed my business and since we are all about visibility here at Brandmerry I want to give you the tools you need to feel confident in sharing your freebie via live videos.

FB lives are two-fold: an excellent way to grow your online visibility and build trust with your audience PLUS grow your list of community.

Today, I'm sharing with you 4 simple ways to start using your Facebook lives to their full advantage to grow your list!

1. CREATE A FREEBIE SPECIFIC VIDEO

An amazing tool to grow your visibility and get the message out about your free offer. Create a FB live where you introduce yourself and then talk up your free offer. Be sure to share the title, some super descriptive bullets or talking about about the benefits of the free offer (exactly what they will learn), why you created and how they can access it.

Once your video is created share it out like crazy, pin the post in your private community and your business page AND if you have a little extra cash you can boost your video so more people see it (be sure to create a custom audience and don't just throw money at it).

2. INTRODUCE YOUR FREE OFFER

You are already going live, and if you aren't you should be, so why not share your free offer with EVERY SINGLE video. I always encourage my clients to pitch with every video, and this doesn't have to be just paid offers it also includes your free workbooks, trainings, challenges and more. There are two places to share your free offer:

Beginning: After your introduction at the beginning of your video share your free offer and how they can get there hands on it (i.e. give them a specific link).

End: Once your video ends remind them of the free offer, talk a little more about the benefits of your offer and how they can get their hands on it.

3. UPDATE THE DESCRIPTION

If you are not doing this you are missing out on a golden opportunity! The #1 thing I recommend ALL my clients do is go back to update the description of their live video to give tons of value and information that entices your audience to watch the video. Remember, your video doesn't matter if no one is watching it.

After your video is complete be sure to give the title of your free offer, your descriptive bullets and the link to access it. Accessibility is super important so make it easy for people to click, give their information and go.

4. BONUS TIP: PIN YOUR LINK IN THE COMMENTS

Another great FB live addition is the option to pin a specific comment or link to the top of your video. With most videos, unless changed, you will see the comments in realtime, so when you pin the comment you guarantee that no matter when someone starts or stops watching the replay they will have access to the link.

Want a little more information on creating free offers (aka lead magnets)? Check out my blog on Four Steps to Create Your Next Free Offer here ↠

brandmerry 9/27/17 brandmerry 9/27/17

3 questions to ask if you're feeling OVERLOOKED in the online space

Discover Your Niche Workbook and Training

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK IF YOU'RE FEELING OVERLOOKED IN THE ONLINE SPACE

Let me paint you a little picture.

Client: "No one is responding to my posts or emails and I'm not selling anything, I think my messaging is off."
Me: "Well let's have a look, send me your message."
Client: **sends over a FB social media post**
Me: "This is copy, not your messaging. Fixing this isn't going to fix the problem."

Let's all look at copy as the surface level and your messaging the core. Your copy matters obviously, I mean I did an entire challenge on this, but if you are REALLY struggling most likely it isn't what you are saying, it's WHY you are saying it.

Your messaging, just like your brand, is the core of your business. When we rush into writing newsletters, social postings, FB ads, etc... without having a clear idea of our core brand messages, we end up flailing around just hoping someone will engage with us.
Sound familiar?

I'm not pointing fingers, I've done it too - in fact that is basically ALL I did this time last year. Sure I was visible and I was "marketing", but nothing was happening. I spent three months going live, hosting trainings, showing up in multiple groups, etc.. and not one single potential client was paying me ANY attention. Why? Because I wasn't clear on EXACTLY what it is my brand and business was built around.

Think of a mind map. Your core message is in a circle in the center and from there you have countless stems that point to your programs, social media posts, live streams, courses, etc...

When you create a brand around these messages everything flows seamlessly to them and you avoid confusing the shit out of your potential clients.

If you are struggling with your messaging, ask yourself these questions:
⇉ What do I teach/ give my clients?
⇉ Why do I offer these services?
⇉ How do they grow from them?

When you have these fundamental pieces in place your copy becomes more clear, your intention becomes more clear, you attract the people who you want to work with and so much more.

Messaging is a HUGE piece of the puzzle when it comes to launching and running a successful business, again you gotta trust me on this because I've lived it. When I took the time to really focus on my messaging I started consistently signing clients into my 1:1 program, growing my community, selling my courses via funnels, etc. I'm living proof that your messaging DOES matter, especially in the online world.

So, if your social media posts aren't performing how you would like them too, get to the root of the issue, before dealing with the surface level shit!

P.S. That's why in Roadmap to Freedom we spend a lot of time on building the core brand messages for your business before we dive into writing any copy, creating a brand, creating programs and more.

In fact here is a little piece of what we focus on in Roadmap to Freedom:

FIND YOUR MESSAGING MAGIC & START BUILDING YOUR RECOGNIZABLE VOICE ONLINE

🔶 Create messaging that speaks directly to your audience, showcases your personal story (you know that thing that makes you different) so your dream clients are instantly magnetized to your brand and business.

🔶 Create your core brand messages, by tapping into your story and purpose, that allow you to seamlessly carry your personal brand into every single aspect of your business, making selling about connection and not being pushy,

🔶 Learn more about the main social media platforms, so you can decide which areas to focus on first, so your message becomes consistent and has a larger impact and influence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROADMAP TO FREEDOM >>

brandmerry 9/21/17 brandmerry 9/21/17

Top Tools For Bootstrapping Your Business

TOP TOOLS FOR BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR BUSINESS

This past week I did a live stream on my Facebook Business Page on My Top Tools For Bootstrapping Your Biz, I shared a ton of tools I used and still use to run my business. To support you 100% in creating a business that doesn't leave you with more cash going out then coming in, I'm sharing all the links with you today.

It's really easy to get shiny-object syndrome when starting an online business, and end up spending more money than you are making on tools to run your business. I'm sharing the top tools I used for the first 6 months of my business at a time when I…

Before I dive into my top tools I want to make something super clear. One of the reasons I chose to bootstrap for the first six months of my online coaching biz, is because I recognized the benefits of investing at a high level in personal support. Since day one I have invested in my own coach, either in the form of a group program or 1:1 support, in fact I haven't gone a single day without the guidance, accountability and support of someone who has accomplished what I am setting out to do.

So, when I started my biz and made this decision (which is one of the best ones I've made in my biz to date) I knew I'd have to use free or basically-free resources to ensure I had money in my account. The following resources are what I used to avoid hiring a VA and to automate my business so I could spend more time making sales, creating content and spending time with my son.

**Please note because I've used these tools myself I have become an affiliate for some of these programs. Affiliate links are marked with (**) and I may receive a small compensation if you choose to sign up.

Website - Squarespace

Early on I chose to host my site through Squarespace. Yes, I know there are free version out there, but I wanted something that could grow with me as my business did and allow me to sell products, create a membership site and more. Additional platforms that offer a free option are Weebly and Wix.

Membership Site - Sentry Login

Looking for a cost effective way to host a membership site? Sentry Login allows you to password protect your Squarespace pages (and more) so your customers can have their own individual logins.

Social Media Scheduling - Buffer

Buffer was my go to for the first year of my business, allowing me to post on my personal page, in my group Authentic Brand Builders, on my business page and more. For just $10 a month it saved me the cost of hiring a VA to handle my social media. Buffer does offer a free option as well.

Instagram Scheduling - Later

I've always loved the simplicity of Later for scheduling Instagram posts. Although you can't post directly to Instagram (with any app at the moment) it allows you to schedule posts from your desktop, search hashtags to repost and more.

Email Marketing & Landing Pages - Convertkit**

Yes, I know Mailchimp is free and I did use it for the first three months of my business, but as I started offering more live trainings, challenges and free offers I needed a way to collect those leads without paying additional for a service like Leadpages (which I totally use now). That's why I love Convertkit, it allows me to not only email my list, complete with tagging and automation, but allowed me to build landing pages right in my CRM system. Convertkit has been worth every penny for my biz!

Scheduling - Acuity Scheduling**

Before I knew about the power of Acuity I used Calendly (free & $10 option as well), but when I wanted an easier way to reschedule, bulk schedule and accept payments for my intensives I made the switch to Acuity. The Emerging Entrepreneur plan, which I highly recommend, is only $10 a month, BUT if you are using Squarespace it is FREE!

Graphic Design/ Branding - Canva for Work

I've been using Canva since day one through their free version. As my brand started to take off and I wanted an easy way to use my brand colors, personal fonts, logos, and templates I upgraded to Canva for Work. At just $12.95 it makes it super easy for me to create branded images for my blog, Pinterest, webinar slides, course workbooks and more, allowing me to save money on a graphic designer.

Tripwire/ Course Sales - Payhip

This was one of my favorite discoveries because it allowed me to sell my Tripwires (you know those low priced offers on the thank you page of a freebie you just opted into) without having to pay upfront. With Payhip you pay a small percentage per order placed, and they take care of the sales page and delivery of your product to your new customer without the need for a 3rd party tool like Zapier.

Management System - 17hats or Dubsado

THIS IS essential if you want to run your business, basically on automate, without hiring outside help. I've used 17hats for my business since day one! It allows me to create lead capture forms to embed on my website, weekly questionnaires for my clients, invoices, contracts and more. The best part is I can save them as templates so it's as easy as pressing a single button when I need to send it. I've heard great things about Dubsado as well, although I love the automatic bookkeeping that comes with 17hats.

Email - GSuite (Gmail for Work)**

We aren't talking about the CRM here, just you business email. It's important to have a branded email for your business that is part of your domain. Zoho Mail does offer a free option, but I live using Gmail for Work as a way to also keep my client folders organized with Drive. Gmail for work is free with certain Squarespace packages for the first year and then just $5 after that. Grab a 14 day free trial and save 20% off your first year by clicking here: https://goo.gl/8yQ65H and using code GAN96DXFKWM76FL

**NOTE: most CRM systems will require a domain specific email**

Payment Systems - Paypal and Stripe

Using Paypal and Stripe to collect payments is really quite easy and I've used both to sell high-ticket packages, set up recurring payment plans, sell courses, etc.. Using Paypal buttons you can create individual price points for your different offers and simply link them to the buttons on your website (the trick with recurring payments is to choose the Subscription Button to avoid added fees). Stripe works well to integrate with systems to accept payment like 17hats, Moonclerk, Payhip and so much more.

Business Banking Accounts - Capital One Spark Business

There are many options to choose from for business banking, but I love the simple and free offer from Capital One.

Calls & WEBINARS - ZOOM**

I love using Zoom to hold my client calls (really easy to record these) and webinars. Zoom does have a few paid options, including a Webinar option, but for the first 6 months of my business I just used the standard free Zoom option to host my live trainings. Keep in mind you are limited to recording 45 minutes on the free version.

Email Countdown Timer - MotionMailApp

Urgency when launching a program or selling a course is important! Those little countdown timers do make a difference. Motion Mail is a great free option to use to easily add countdown timers to your emails during a launch.

I understand that when choosing to invest in a coach or program for your biz, you often have to bootstrap in other areas. That's why in my group program Roadmap to Freedom I work with my clients to decide on services and programs that meet their needs. I get it - trust me! You are 100% supported here. Learn more about Roadmap to Freedom (cart closes on October 13) ↠ ↠

Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>

brandmerry 8/27/17 brandmerry 8/27/17

4 Steps to Improve Your Brand Consistency Online

Free training and video to discover your niche

4 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR BRAND CONSISTENCY ONLINE

Brand consistency is super important - why? Because it is all about brand recognition and brand recognition my friends is crucial in the online world because it builds trust with your audience and ideal client.

When you are not consistent you are breaking trust with your community and when you are breaking trust your bank account with feel it - just sayin!

So what can you do about brand consistency. The first thing to do is check and see where your personal brand is showing up online. It's important to be aware of what social media accounts you've already created a do a little audit on how on brand they truly are. The second thing to do is to choose two platforms to focus your attention on. Don't try to stretch yourself too thin, instead build your brand and community quickly and then move to another platform.

Alrighty, now on to the 4 Simple Steps to Improve Your Brand Consistency Online

1) Your Images & Colors

Whether you are just starting out or not, it is important to have a database of branded photos to choose from. If you are in a place to hire a photographer then amazing, but if you are like me, when I was starting my biz, and the thought of getting photos taken makes your skin crawl then use my little trick. Go through old photos and collect images that have a similar look and feel. For example in the beginning of my business I went through old travel photos and put together a collection that had a similar look and feel and used them when posting online.

Tie your brand colors into your images for a super consistent flow. Color is important because it is what people see and ultimately what first grabs their attention (especially mid scroll on FB). Choosing colors that not only resonate with you, but also make your audience feel something is going to help you standout and build a following online.

Stock photos are another amazing resource and I've put together a fun blog of my favorite sites here: https://www.brandmerry.com/theblog1/my-top-free-stock-photo-resources-to-match-your-brand

2) Your Hook

Ah your hook is the single best way to tell people what it is you do and who you work with in a simple two sentence intro. Your hook is also a super easy way to make sure your title, etc.. is clear on all platforms. For instance, I share my hook before every live video, at the bottom of my blog posts, on my profiles, etc... And because I REALLY like you, here are the 6 questions needed to create your hook:

What is your name?

What is your title?

Who do you work with?

Where are they in their business/ what are they struggling with?

What is the #1 thing you do or are known for?

What is your ideal clients desire?

*See my hook below for a clear example*

3) Your Engagement

The reality is your audience needs guidance when it comes to engagement. You have to constantly ask your audience questions, give them a call to action or prompt them in some way to consistently engage with your brand. This is the first step, but the second piece of YOUR brand consistency is how you engage back with them. Showing up on a regular basis and commenting on your social media posts, blog posts, answering questions in a live stream, etc... is going to help build consistency and trust with your brand.

4) Your Topics

One thing I get asked a lot is how do I write something different for my email, social media, blog, live streams, etc... and the answer is "You don't!" There is absolutely no reason you need to come up with new content for every platform, every single day (you will burn out fast if you do). In fact, it will improve your brand and your overall voice if you are sharing the same topics and information on multiple platforms. Consistency in your messaging and copy allows you to become an expert in one area, rather than "ok" in a bunch!

Interested in learning more about brand messages, brand colors, fonts and more? The cart is officially open for Your Brand New Adventure, but only until Saturday, September 2.