Brandmerry Blog Archives
How to Launch Your Business in 90 Days: A Step-by-Step Guide
Launching a business from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategy, it's entirely possible to build your brand, establish your online presence, and kickstart your marketing efforts within just 90 days.
Inside Episode 92 of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'll walk you through a comprehensive step-by-step process for launching your business successfully. Whether you're a beginner or looking to fill gaps in your existing plan, this guide has got you covered.
In this episode, you'll discover:
A step-by-step breakdown of exactly what to do in the next 30, 60, and 90 days to launch your business or rebrand into the world.
The truth about business strategies that don’t change, and how to pay attention to the ones that do.
Why launching a business is different in 2023, and what to do about it!
Phase 1: Launching Your Business in 90 Days
Build the Brand Foundation (Days 1-30)
In the first 30 days of your business launch, focus on establishing a solid brand foundation. Your brand is the beating heart of everything you do, and it's crucial to get it right.
This phase follows my signature Build a Better Brand framework which involves:
1. Niche Identification: Determine the specific problem your business solves for your ideal customers. Your business's success hinges on addressing a distinct need in the market.
2. Ideal Customer Profile: Define your target audience. Who are you solving the problem for? Tailoring your message to a specific audience is essential for effective marketing.
3. Messaging Framework: Develop a core messaging foundation that resonates with your ideal customers. Effective communication sets the stage for your marketing efforts.
4. Offer Design: Create one primary offer for your business, preferably a one-to-one service. This lowers the barrier to entry and allows you to start generating revenue quickly.
5. Aesthetics of Your Brand: Choose the colors, fonts, and visual elements that represent your brand. Consistent aesthetics create a cohesive brand identity and evoke emotions that contribute to the purchase decision.
This process is happening behind the scenes and should not be rushed. It will play a vital role in everything you create moving forward. Spend your 30 days doing the work and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
Although this is a process to take your time, it shouldn’t last more than 30 days. Branding doesn’t need to take six months, it just needs to be done intentionally.
Phase 2: Launching Your Business in 90 Days
Online Presence and Lead Generation (Days 31-60)
The next 30 days are dedicated to building your online presence and setting up lead-generation elements so you can grow your email list.
This phase includes:
1. Website Creation: Use a simple platform like Squarespace to design a website that aligns with your brand. Key pages to include are your home page, about page, signature offer page (which you established during the branding process), and contact page.
Remember, our goal right now is to get your website launched, so I recommend starting an easy-to-use template and these few pages. You can always go back and refine your pages, adding more as needed, but you don’t want to spend months and months on this element - trust me it’s so easy.
At this stage, I would also set your site-wide SEO. Learn more about SEO here.
2. Lead Magnet Creation: Develop a valuable free resource or lead magnet using tools like Canva. This resource is designed to encourage visitors to join your email list, helping you build relationships and make sales. The goal is to offer them a simple resource, in exchange for their email address, that is going to solve one of the most urgent problems. Learn more about Email List Building here.
3. Email Funnel Start: Create a simple email sequence for new subscribers on the backend of your lead magnet. Introduce yourself, provide value, and mention your one-to-one offering. You can always expand this sequence later, but I recommend starting with 3-4 emails.
Phase 3: Launching Your Business in 90 Days
Marketing and Content Creation (Days 61-90):
The final 30 days of the launch process focus on consistent marketing and content creation. This is part of running a business that is ongoing. It’s not going to stop after your 90 days is complete, but our goal is to kick-start your marketing efforts, give you practice in creating content, and gather data.
This phase involves:
1. Choose Your Medium: Select your preferred content creation medium, whether it's writing, audio, or video. It’s important when marketing to play to your strengths and passion and not try to start with something that doesn’t feel aligned.
2. Choose Your Platform: Based on your medium you’ll be able to choose the right platform for you. Not every business needs to start on social media. If you love audio, maybe podcasting is for you. The goal is to start with one and expand to other platforms via the art of repurposing later.
3. Content Calendar Creation: Develop a 90-day content calendar with weekly themes. This thematic approach streamlines content creation and engages your audience. Again, if you’re on a platform like blogging, you’ll only need 12 content ideas for 90 days. If you’re starting with social media, then I recommend choosing a weekly theme for your content. So 12 themes, with 7 posts.
4. Test and Analyze: Continuously experiment with your marketing efforts, track data, and analyze results. This phase is about finding what works and refining your approach. The only way to get there is to show up consistently over the 30 days.
5. Invest in Ads (optional): If you've made sales within the first three months, consider reinvesting 10% of your earnings in Pinterest ads to test your lead magnet's effectiveness and improve your funnel. It will give you more opt-ins out of the gate and allow you to have more data at the start.
CONCLUSION
Building and launching a business within 90 days is achievable when you follow a structured plan. Focus on branding, website creation, lead generation, marketing, and content creation. Remember that experimentation is key, and your journey is a learning experience.
Launching your business is just the beginning, and consistent efforts will drive your long-term success.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for a comprehensive roadmap to guide you through launching your business successfully, consider joining my program Roadmap to Freedom. Visit brandmerry.com/freedom to learn more and join the waitlist.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
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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
Reflections and Takeaways from an Entrepreneur's Summer Break
At Brandmerry, our belief in the power of storytelling drives our mission to empower entrepreneurs in owning and monetizing their stories through personal branding and advanced marketing strategies. In this episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we delve into the behind-the-scenes of my recent Summer Break.
The transition from summer to fall is marked by a significant energetic shift, especially for business owners. After a rejuvenating summer break, I’m feeling the energy start to simmer as consumer buying behavior ramps up.
The shift from a more relaxed schedule to a period of increased business activity is exciting, and I find that I’m more eager and ready to take on this season after I’ve taken some time away.
In this episode you’ll discover:
How I've shifted my business over the past two months to support my future business goals better.
A big personal change that happened and the impact it's had on my business.
How I generated over $30k cash without selling on social media or launching!
What I'm looking forward to next in the business as I reflect on the past seven years.
A Strategic Use of Time During the Entrepreneur Summer Break
Instead of the typical need for a content creation hiatus, this summer break was about intentional recalibration.
Prior to the Summer Break, numerous shifts occurred in my personal life, creating a ripple effect in my business approach. Our family dynamics evolved, with my husband deciding to return to working outside the home after four years, changes in homeschooling routines, and adjustments stemming from our new home purchase.
I wanted to take this opportunity to reevaluate Brandmerry's trajectory. These personal changes prompted me to further dive into a more tailored business structure that would align with my evolving life priorities.
Balancing Business and Personal Shifts as a Business Owner
My approach, and everything we teach at Brandmerry, prioritizes putting your personal life front and center.
As a result, I decided to work an average of three to four hours per day, leveraging my business's evergreen systems (think free Google traffic thanks to SEO, YouTube content that perform from years ago, and consistent Pinterest traffic) and consistent email marketing efforts.
These strategies were not only rooted in data but also in my dedication to email communication and authentic connection, which allowed me to continue growing the business without the pressure of creating new content or constantly promoting it on social media.
The Power of Evergreen Content for Marketers
My decision to step away from social media for a period highlights the significance of evergreen content, something I encourage all my clients to focus on as a core pillar of their marketing strategy.
My business continued to generate leads and revenue from my evergreen platforms, such as Pinterest and Google, even in my absence from social media promotion. The focus on long-term content creation and SEO paid off, proving the effectiveness of organic growth strategies.
This was such a great experience because it further allowed me to see that this is where we experience the greatest ROI as a business.
Shifting Program Structure and Client Relations
This summer, I embarked on a new venture: Brandmerry's Summer Shop. While offering pre-existing courses and trainings, this endeavor marked a departure from our traditional model.
The shop provided an opportunity for direct sales to my email subscribers, offering courses that resonated with their needs. While this experiment yielded valuable insights, it also affirmed the importance of live program components in my offerings as something I not only love to offer, but that I also see a need for.
Honoring these personal changes led to crucial decisions in reshaping my business. I chose to modify the enrollment process for Brandmerry Academy, making it exclusive to clients who had previously engaged with our services.
This decision was made to better cultivate a community of aligned entrepreneurs who could benefit from my expertise and personalized support throughout the year. Additionally, I made the decision to shift my focus from taking on more one-on-one clients to launching my signature group program Roadmap to Freedom, allowing me to provide comprehensive support to a wider audience.
Reaffirming the Mission and Upcoming Endeavors of the Business
My summer of reflection solidified my commitment to my mission as an entrepreneur and business owner: ensuring my business complements my life and priorities.
I’m excited about the upcoming launch of Roadmap to Freedom, a group program that embodies Brandmerry's values. Furthermore, I revealed my plans for writing a book on authentic branding and a new course to support entrepreneurs in their journeys.
The summer break at Brandmerry offered a space for reflection, experimentation, and growth.
My intentional decisions to realign my business with my evolving personal life, leverage evergreen content, and evolve my offerings highlight the importance of strategic business choices.
My goal is to help more entrepreneurs create this freedom and space within their businesses and truly craft a business that complements their lives. I know that it is not only possible but essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
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
5 Secret Hacks to Increase Brand Engagement: Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
Do you struggle to get people to engage with your brand?
There is a lot of noise online, and although someone might be interested in what you have to say, are they engaged?
As an entrepreneur, you know that building a strong brand is crucial to the success of your business. I don't need to tell you that.
However, simply having a brand is not enough. You need to ensure that people are engaging with your brand to build a loyal customer base and drive revenue in your business.
On Episode 81 of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing five secret hacks to increase brand engagement.
This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs who struggle to get people to engage and take action on their content.
You're showing up, but how do we get your audience to take the next step? This episode will share exactly how to do it.
These hacks will help you position your brand, utilize brand storytelling (my favorite), and simply ask for engagement in an organic and authentic way. By implementing these hacks, you can increase engagement with your audience, ultimately leading to more success for your business.
Tune in now to hear:
How to use a particular type of video to drive more brand engagement
Why brand engagement comes down to the type of brand you're showcasing online and why personal branding is key when people are shopping around
One of the oldest tricks I've used in my business to drive engagement (plus, I'm giving you the exact scripts I use)!
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.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
A Simple Process to Come Up With Content Writing Topics to Market Your Online Business
Coming up with content ideas for your brand is an essential piece of a great marketing strategy.
When you can easily generate content ideas, it makes it a heck of a lot easier to show up consistently online. Which you've probably realized is essential in sharing your brand with the world.
But, coming up with content ideas can feel daunting, not to mention it can be hard to determine what is going to work best for your brand and draw in your ideal customers.
Over the past seven years I've created hundreds of blog posts, posted YouTube videos, and podcasts, and shown up on social media regularly because coming up with content ideas feels like a breeze.
That's because I approach generating content ideas in one of two ways: inspiration or data. The latter is the most beneficial because it involves creating content that your ideal customer is searching for.
In today's podcast episode, I'm breaking down these two approaches to coming up with content ideas and sharing my top strategies and tools for doing so.
I feel confident that after today's episode, you'll see clearly that coming up with 90 days of content ideas doesn't have to be overly complicated, and these strategies will help you streamline the process and start showing up consistently online!
Tune in now to hear:
The two key approaches most entrepreneurs take to come up with content ideas for their marketing strategy.
How to simplify planning your content for the next 90 days, by focusing on the data available at your fingertips (hint: I'm sharing how to gather that data as well).
My favorite strategy and tools for coming up with 90 days' worth of content even when you're not feeling inspired or motivated.
LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
Take the free Marketing Quiz: brandmerry.com/market
Tubebuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/brandmerry
Pinterest Trends: https://trends.pinterest.com/
Keywords Everywhere: https://keywordseverywhere.com/
Ubersuggest: https://ubersuggest.com/
Answer the Public: https://answerthepublic.com/
Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/trends/
Learn more about Brandmerry Academy: brandmerry.com/academy
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.