Brandmerry Blog Archives
Building a Team for Your Business: How to Hire and My Biggest Lessons
If you think that you have to have a big team to run a successful online business, I’m glad you’ve found this post.
I used to think the exact same thing, but my experience has taught me otherwise.
When I first started my business, like so many of you, I was a solopreneur. I didn't have the extra money to pay someone when I was trying to simply pay myself.
So, I dedicated most of my time to the business, creatively thinking about it and providing for my family. This approach worked well for a while.
As I started taking on more marketing responsibilities, I began considering hiring a team.
Industry advice pointed me towards hiring for admin work: scheduling clients, sending contracts, etc.
These tasks never quite justified the need for hiring someone in my mind. I instead thought about the areas where hiring help would directly contribute to generating revenue.
My first hire was a Virtual Assistant (VA) for contracted work, specifically for marketing-related tasks.
I remember feeling nervous about the financial commitment, but it quickly paid off.
This small hire allowed me to reclaim valuable time, which I used to focus on revenue-generating activities like hosting live events and webinars.
From there, I began to think hiring a big team was needed - boy was I wrong.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
One of my most expensive lessons with hiring a team and what it taught me.
The first few steps to take and things to consider when hiring team members.
The type of first hire I recommend every solopreneur consider for the highest ROI.
**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 122 now.
Hiring My Big Team: Mistakes and Regrets
By 2019, I received a lot of messages suggesting that expanding past the six-figure mark was only possible with a bigger team.
I hired multiple team members: a marketing manager, an operations manager, someone for community handling, an ads team, and more.
On paper, it looked great, and I felt like a CEO. But reality soon set in.
I found myself constantly on calls and managing people, which drained my creative energy.
While I worked with some amazing individuals, the constant meetings and decision-making were exhausting and not aligned with how I wanted to spend my day.
In addition, the ROI was not what I expected, and the work ethic and values of some team members didn’t match my business vision.
At the beginning of 2022, I decided to restructure my business focusing first and foremost on my team.
I scaled back to having just one team member, Delana, my operations manager, and my husband, who was handling video and podcast editing.
This shift allowed me to regain my creativity and passion for my business. My business felt exciting again, and I felt supported in the areas of my business where I needed the most support.
Four Tips for Building Your Team
Here are some recommendations for when and how to hire, based on my experience and supporting my clients in building their support system
1. Assesses Your Tasks
Start by logging your daily tasks for a week or two. List everything down. Then highlight the tasks you don't enjoy doing. Remember, we’re starting with you and what works for you!
2. Track Your Time
The next step is to track your time. I’m time-blind and something that feels like it took 30 minutes, takes me 2 hours, so having a tracker has been a true blessing.
Use a tool like ToggleTrack to see where you’re spending most of your time. Then you want to compare the data. What areas are you spending a lot of time, and don’t enjoy the process - this is where to start.
This is crucial because something like creating designs for my business takes me a lot of time, but I creatively enjoy it.
3. Find Your Tools First
Before hiring, see if there are tools available that can save you time. Administrative tools can be lifesavers when it comes to saving time. Consider something like Honeybook to automate your onboarding or Acuity Scheduling to automate reminder emails.
If you’re creating video or podcast content, then Descript is my absolute favorite tool for this. AI tools are helpful in outsourcing tasks and personally, my favorite use of AI.
4. Start With Small Projects
One of my best tips is to begin with project-based hires. This allows you to assess the work and fit without long-term commitments. For instance, hiring for a single landing page, an email migration, and setting up an evergreen email funnel, can all be great places to start.
Consider if the person has additional skillsets if you’re thinking about hiring for more projects or long-term work!
What to Hire First in Business
I always suggest starting with marketing hires. Why? Because marketing has an incredible ROI. If you’re hiring for the first time, it can be helpful to see that this particular person helped make money for the business. A good marketing hire can bring in leads and sales, providing a clear return on investment.
Ideas include hiring someone to upload and optimize your YouTube content, upload your podcast, schedule your blogs, help with social media, schedule your Pinterest, etc…
Then, as your business grows, having someone dedicated to customer relations becomes crucial. Personalization and customer care are key to retaining clients and building a loyal community.
How to Find Team Members
I suggest getting recommendations from your network to start. You can also consider platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, especially if you’re hiring for a specific project. Remember, it’s essential to find someone who understands and aligns with your business values so don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.
When hiring it’s also helpful to understand different roles and how they might fit into your long-term team-building plan.
Consider the different levels of support you might need:
VAs for general tasks and the ability to do a lot of different things for your business
Specialists who focus on one area like podcast managers or video editors
Online Business Managers for higher-level management and support
Often these can cross over, or you might find that your podcast manager also loves graphic design and is taking on clients. I discovered so many of my team members' hidden talents by asking and sharing the areas I needed support in.
CONCLUSION
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a team. For instance, while others might prefer outsourcing customer service, I keep it in-house for a more personalized touch. You truly have to discover what aligns with your business goals and values.
Every business is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always think about how you want to spend your day. Consider if you enjoy meetings and calls, or if you prefer hands-on work. Honoring your authentic self and style is crucial when building your team
If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to reach out. Building a team is a journey, and I hope my story helps inform yours.
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
How to Choose the Right Marketing Strategy for Your Business
I get it, all the marketing strategies available online can be overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs.
But, let me be honest with you for a second - THEY ALL WORK!
The idea that there is one magical approach that fits all is a myth. What works for you determines who you are as a person, your schedule, and what aligns with your brand.
Every business, every brand, and every entrepreneur is unique, so the approach that works wonders for one might completely miss the mark for another.
Today’s episode is all about how to identify the best marketing strategy for you and why authenticity in your marketing strategy is key to your brand’s success.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
Why your marketing strategy is a direct reflection of your authentic brand and might even play the largest role in your brand’s success.
The 3 levels of marketing that every strategy NEEDS to hit consistently to have leads and sales.
The top questions to ask yourself to determine which marketing strategy will work for YOUR brand.
**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 121 now.
The Three Main Marketing Buckets to Explore
Marketing strategies can generally be categorized into three primary buckets: Organic Social Media, Paid Advertising, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Let’s break each one down to see which might be your best fit.
1. Organic Social Media
We all know that this is posting content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to build brand awareness organically. Social media posting works, we all know this. It’s a great way to build brand connection, there is the potential for viral reach, and it allows you to diversify your content.
However, it also comes with quite a few cons like the requirement for high-frequency content, which means it’s time-consuming, and platform-dependent. If the platforms go so does your strategy.
In my experience, while I’ve had success with organic social media, it has its challenges. The constant demand for fresh, engaging content can be exhausting, and I don’t genuinely enjoy being on social media platforms all the time.
2. Paid Advertising
Paid advertising is investing in ads on platforms like Facebook, Google, or Pinterest to reach a targeted audience. I’ve used ads in my business and they are great because of the quick results, essentially more hands-off than other strategies, and scalable based on budget.
However, some of the cons are that it requires money up front and a consistent budget to maintain and scale results, and the quality of leads coming into your business may vary.
I’ve used paid advertising successfully but found it wasn’t always sustainable. I struggled with some of the copywriting strategies that were working to “hook” people with my ad and they never really felt true to my brand even if they might increase clicks. I also found that even if I got great clicks on my ads, the type of client I was attracting wasn’t contributing to my bigger brand goals like client relationships, and retention.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO, my personal favorite, is all about using keywords, and higher-quality content to show up on search engines based on what your audience is looking for.
SEO is amazing for content longevity, meaning it keeps working long after you’ve published it. It attracts high-quality, targeted traffic to your website, and results in leads and sales on a higher scale. And, personally, I love that it builds trust and authority quickly with my audience because it’s what they are genuinely looking for.
As with all strategies, there can be some cons. It does take a bit more time to see results, requires content (which honestly is required for all except ads), and can be a bit technical and complex when getting started.
SEO has become my marketing bread and butter. It perfectly aligns with my lifestyle, allowing me to create meaningful, evergreen content that brings quality leads consistently. Unlike social media or paid ads, SEO’s has been providing long-term benefits for my brand for years.
Finding the Marketing Strategy that Works for You
Consider Your Day-to-Day Life
Choosing a marketing strategy begins with reflecting on your daily life and business needs.
Do you want something hands-on, or do you need a more passive strategy? For instance, social media may require daily engagement, while SEO can run on autopilot once set up.
Identify Your Strengths
Whether you’re an impeccable writer, love being on camera, or thrive in choosing aesthetics, your strengths should be what guide you toward the right strategy. Loving what you do makes it easier to stay consistent and authentic, which is really the key to any successful marketing strategy.
Marketing Fundamentals
Another key part of choosing the right strategy for you is making sure you can remain consistent in hitting all three core pillars of marketing:
1. Brand Awareness
This is where people discover your brand and is one of the most crucial pieces. You don’t need giant numbers, but you do need a steady flow of new people discovering your brand. The strategy you choose will impact this greatly.
2. Brand Attraction
Once someone discovers your brand, we want to build trust to move them through the customer journey. This is what happens at this stage.
3. Brand Connection
Finally, at the brand connection phase you’ve built trust and they become a buying customer and hopefully repeat!
Each platform you choose can fulfill these pillars differently but always aim to hit all three.
So you have to ask yourself which strategy is going to allow you to do that.
SEO: The Approach for Most Entrepreneurs
SEO is unique because it sustains brand awareness without constant input. While I still use social media and paid ads occasionally, SEO remains my primary focus due to its longevity and consistency.
If SEO intrigues you, I’m hosting a free class to break it all down.
Discover why SEO works, how to get started, and determine if it’s right for you. Join me on September 18th by signing up at brandmerry.com/getclients.
Remember, choosing the right marketing strategy involves evaluating your lifestyle, values, skills, and resources. Every strategy can work, but it needs to align with you and your brand.
This is how we become authentic brand builders!
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
2024 Summer Break Recap: Embracing Change and Experimentation for Sustainable Business Growth as an Entrepreneur
Summer may not be officially over, but it sure feels like fall with all things pumpkin pie and spice. And with the transition to fall, comes a new season of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast.
If you’re new here or unfamiliar with my approach to building and running a business, I’m all about sustainability. For the past few years, I’ve prioritized taking a summer break to dive deep into my business and spend quality time with my family.
This past summer was no exception.
In an episode aired before my break, I explained that this wasn't a full sabbatical where I stepped away completely, but rather a period of minimized output. This allowed me to relax and recharge, which is crucial for every business owner.
Taking a break from creating new content freed up a lot of my time, enabling me to explore aspects of my business I usually don’t have time for.
As we jump into new episodes, I am excited to share a recap of my summer and some of the exciting discoveries and changes that happened behind the scenes at Brandmerry.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
Why I always prioritize taking an intentional break from content creation and how it doesn’t affect my ability to get leads or make sales in my business.
The #1 experiment I’m so thankful I did back in 2016, and how this summer proved it only gets better with time.
A reminder that sometimes what you want isn’t meant to be in that moment, but with patience and experimentation it will be better than imagined.
**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 120 now.
Entrepreneur Lesson: Always Measure Your Output
During the break, I opted out of creating new content and focused instead on evaluating my marketing strategy.
My approach to marketing heavily relies on long-form content like podcasts, YouTube videos, and blog posts. This video explains it in depth. Taking this intentional step back from creating new content gave me the space to dive deeper into my marketing strategy.
This summer reaffirmed that video content is incredibly powerful for my brand. It's effective for both brand awareness and moving potential clients through the sales funnel. As a result, I’m making it a priority to create more video content.
To do this sustainably I had to make a significant change to my recording setup.
I've moved from the living room to my office, where I'm now recording using a high-tech webcam. This has simplified the process and eliminated many of the previous challenges, like coordinating schedules and dealing with household noises.
Previously, my husband handled much of the recording and editing. However, as he returned to the workforce and with the rise of AI tools, I realized I could take over these tasks myself and give myself more flexibility to create content based on my schedule.
The transition to recording directly into Descript has been a game-changer. It allows me to use their incredible AI tools to edit and produce content quickly—saving time and increasing efficiency. Descript has made editing much easier for me, even though I’m not traditionally an editor.
I’m also stoked about experimenting with these new tools because they help me understand how to better support my clients who might not have a large team or a ton of time to spend on creating, producing, and distributing content.
Entrepreneur Lesson: SEO is the Advantage
One of the biggest reminders this summer was the power of SEO. I’ve been passionate about SEO for years, and this summer served as another reminder of its importance.
SEO not only allows my content to perform and drive traffic even when I’m not actively creating new material, but this sustainable strategy has generated amazing results for me, including signing four new one-on-one clients who found me via Google.
Even when I took a break from new content creation, my existing SEO-optimized website and content continued to attract leads and generate sales.
This summer reiterated why I teach all my clients the importance of incorporating SEO into their strategies.
Want to learn How to Attract Your Dream Clients with SEO? Join my upcoming free class on September 18 by signing up here.
Entrepreneur Lesson: Things Happen When They Are Supposed To!
This summer wasn't just about taking breaks and enjoying the benefits of SEO. It was also a time for innovation and restructuring.
After years of offering multiple programs, I decided to simplify and combine them into a single, comprehensive program: The Authentic Brand Builders Academy.
This new year-long program merges my signature courses, group program, and membership You Branded, Roadmap to Freedom, and Brandmerry Academy into one robust offering.
The creation of this program was nothing short of magical; everything just clicked into place. With the help of Delana on my team, we rebranded and rebuilt our offerings seamlessly in just a couple of weeks.
This is something I’ve considered doing before and even implemented on a different level, but it never felt this aligned. I’m thankful that I didn’t push it to work and instead honored the process, kept experimenting, and inventing within my business.
It wasn’t until my brand refresh earlier this year and the rebrand of the podcast that it all made sense. And boy, did it feel good when it all clicked into place.
Our new members and existing members are loving the recent changes and added materials inside the program.
Entrepreneur Lesson: Embrace Experimentation and Sustainability
The biggest lesson from this summer? The importance of a sustainable business and the willingness to experiment. Not everything works on the first try, and that's okay. It's crucial to audit, make small adjustments, and sometimes step back to reevaluate.
There are going to be times when you don't feel creative.
There are going to be times when you don't feel inspired.
There are going to be times when like, life is demanding so much of you, how you approach your business and how you set up your business for the long game is important because then it will allow you to continue with a sustainable business that provides for your family while still tending to these areas of your life that need to be tended to.
And the wave will come and the creativity will come and the inspiration will come and you will feel it in your body. Even if it's only going to be for a little bit of time, you go all in on that season of life.
Those are the waves of being a business owner, and the summer was just another fricking reminder of the importance of a sustainable business.
I hope my journey offers you insights and inspires you to prioritize sustainability and experimentation in your own business.
JOIN THE FREE SEO CLASS
If you're intrigued by the power of SEO and wish to attract your dream clients, don’t miss my upcoming class on September 18, 2024.
Sign up at brandmerry.com/getclients to join us live or receive the limited-time replay.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more incredible content, and make sure to subscribe to the podcast and YouTube for all the latest updates.
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 Break Strategies for Entrepreneurs: 4 Habits That Allow You to Work Less While Still Growing Your Business
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I frequently preach the benefits of taking time off. I truly believe that taking not only a week off every quarter, but also an extended period of time where you’re working less can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Over the past three years, I’ve prioritized taking the summer off of creating new content and have implemented four key habits that have helped me ground myself and prepare for the busy season of fall and winter. I’m able to due this because I focus on sharing my content on evergreen, search engine platforms which means my content is still working even when I’m not!
If you’re considering taking some time off this summer or restructuring your schedule to allow more time for other things, this post will give you some summer habits I swear by.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
Why analysis is so important as a business owner, and my top platforms and tools I use to take a deeper dive.
What I do with my time when I’m not over here creating new content, and how these habits help me sustain revenue and prepare for the busy season.
The type of content I prioritze throughout the year to make this break possible and take some time to work less, and truly ground myself.
**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 119 now.
Summer Habit #1: Analyzing Your Business Performance
One of the key habits I have created during my summer breaks is the practice of a deeper analysis of my business data and metrics.
Since I’m not creating new content, I have the capacity to dive deeper into tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and email marketing analytics. While I typically glance at these every 30 days, the summer offers an opportunity to truly analyze and see what the data is telling me on a bigger scale and for a longer period of time.
With this information, I’m better able to identify trends, spot opportunities for improvement, and make informed strategic decisions based on the data.
My favorite data points to explore are:
Google Search Console - Gives me amazing data on the keywords I’m ranking for, and how people are finding my site and content.
Google Analytics - Google Analytics (GA4) is not my favorite place to hang out, I much prefer to view my analytics through Squarespace for a simplified view. However, I will use this time to see which pages are getting the most traffic, and where it’s coming from to get a deeper understanding of my website traffic.
YouTube Analytics - One of the reasons I love YouTube is because the content just keeps performing for years. Because of this I love to look at my data to see if an older video is showing up in search, what keywords might be driving that, and use this information to optimize past content or plan for newer content.
Pinterest Analytics - Similar to YouTube, I love to see how my evergreen content is doing. I’m pretty deep in my Pinterest analytics throughout the year because I follow trends to get my content seen, but I use this time to deeper understand my boards, keywords, and pin design to make necessary changes.
Email Marketing (Convertkit) Analytics - This not only includes the types of emails and scheduled times my emails get the most engagement but also includes analyzing various steps of my email funnels as well.
Summer Habit #2: Updating and Organizing Content
During my summer content hiatus, I focus on updating and organizing my existing content to better optimize it and increase its relevancy. This habit is highly reliant on what I discovered in my previous analysis.
If I notice a Pinterest pin is trending upward and traffic has increased, I’ll go in an update the blog content.
If a blog post is gaining visibility on Google, I’ll go in and update the content to make it more
By revisiting older blog posts, videos, and podcasts, I can optimize them for SEO, update information, and enhance their value to my audience. This practice not only improves the quality of my content but also helps in elevating my content for search engines.
Summer Habit #3: Creating Limited-Time Offers and Special Series
Introducing limited-time offers and special series can add excitement and engagement to your business during the summer break. I love testing out new things that I might have been considering during this time.
By launching exclusive promotions or unique content series, you can create a sense of urgency and value for your audience. Last summer I launched the “Summer Shop” which included some of my top courses, typically only available in Brandmerry Academy, for individual purchase. It was a great opportunity for my audience and brought in additional revenue.
I also experimented with "Summer Sunday Letters" in 2022, which were focused on sharing more personal stories and anecdotes with my audience as I navigated my summer. I loved this so much because it reconnected me to my roots in storytelling, but also provided a more personal way for my audience to get to know me. I’ve continued this every year sense.
Summer Habit #4: Prioritizing My Well-Being and Self-Care
Perhaps the most important aspect of my summer break routine, and the purpose of it all, is the primary focus on self-care and well-being.
As entrepreneurs, we often overlook our own needs in the pursuit of business success, and that’s never been an option for me. However, taking this time to open my schedule, work less, and prioritize self-care, whether it's spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or simply resting and rejuvenating, is essential for my long-term sustainability and creativity.
By honoring my physical, emotional, and mental well-being, I am able to return to work recharged and inspired, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.
Want to dive into some additional resources I have on taking scheduled breaks?
Here’s some content just for you:
CONCLUSION
I hope this post encourages you to priortize yourself this summer and make adjustments to your schedule, content, workflow, client load, etc… for a little self-care and well-being focus.
If you’re not quite in a place where you can step away from content creation, and are building your content and marketing efforts on social media, then this summer might be an excellent time to build more evergreen content.
Taking this break truly is possible because my content performs for me even when I’m not posting something new. To learn more about this strategy sign up for my free marketing class at brandmerry.com/marketing.
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
How to Authentically Sell Online: Tips and Strategies from a Brand Strategist and Coach
As an entrepreneur for over eight years, I have come to understand first-hand the challenges and also amazing successes that come with selling authentically online.
When I first started my business, I remember feeling so ICK with myself when I would try to sell online. Something about it felt robotic, inauthentic, and insensitive. It wasn’t out of intention it was simply because I hadn’t made the connection to what selling my services truly was.
Turns out selling is a BIG part of running any business so I quickly began to adjust the way I sold and marketed online because I knew it was necessary and if it didn’t feel good to me, I knew I wouldn’t do it. Now, I get to support my clients and community members in finding their authentic voice when it comes to selling their services.
Today, I’m excited to share some of my top discoveries and tips with you because I know this is a main concern and struggle for a lot of authentic brand builders.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
Two selling trends that need to disappear because of their push strategy.
Two of my favorite selling strategies that focus on pulling your audience in and making them feel seen, heard, and understood.
The simple mindset shift I made that resulted in more consistent, feel-good sales as an online 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 118 now.
OUT: Stop Cold DMing as a Sales Strategy
My friend, the days of cold DMing and aggressive sales tactics are out, but apparently, not everyone has gotten the memo. It is doing zero service to you and your business to spend your time sending a complete stranger on the internet a sales pitch, or a message with the intent to sell quickly.
Instead, the focus should be on building genuine relationships with your audience by offering value through stellar content and engaging storytelling. When you create a relationship, then and only then do I feel it’s acceptable to send someone a DM with the intent to sell.
Let them get to know you first! All the time you spent sending out cold DM’s you could have been creating a valuable piece of content on YouTube or pitched yourself as a guest on a podcast - both of which will pay off more in the end.
IN: Benefit-Driven Selling Strategies
People want to know why they should invest in something, and how that directly applies to them. One of the best ways to authentically sell online is to truly understand your audience and then communicate that you hear them, see them, and understand them through your messaging.
This is why I’m such a big fan of market research and actively engaging with your audience - it just makes you a better marketer.
By not only painting a picture of what’s possible for your audience but also showing them through client stories and social proof you’ll build a deeper level of trust which is key to selling online.
If you’re gearing up to promote your products or services, focus your content on showcasing the amazing benefits of your offer and let the “sale” naturally flow as the next step.
OUT: Fear-Based Marketing Strategies
Fear-based marketing is now, thank goodness, losing its effectiveness when it comes to selling online.
Shifting the focus from instilling fear in consumers to highlighting the benefits and desired outcomes of your products can lead to more authentic and sustainable sales. This idea of scaring someone into taking action often attracts a less-than-desirable client. Because they are acting out of a place of fear and not inspiration, I’ve found that they are less likely to do the work, make the payments, and get the results.
Instead when we lead with empathy, compassion, and a focus on solutions, you can create a positive buying experience for your customers which of course leads to a larger customer lifetime value for the business.
In the episode, I also dive into the outdated strategy of pushing for the sale on calls and via conversations. Tune in to the full episode for all the details.
IN: The Power of Storytelling in Selling
My secret weapon for selling authentically online? Utilizing the power of storytelling in the selling process.
By weaving storytelling into my marketing strategy, I have found that storytelling engages the audience and creates a deeper connection with potential customers. Sharing personal experiences, client testimonials, and hypothetical stories has been instrumental in authentically selling my products and services.
I also think it makes the pitch of your product or service 100x easier to make. When you lead with a story, you’re pulling your audience in naturally. They are captivated by what you’re saying and more likely to stick with you until the actual pitch which naturally flows as the story concludes.
In my course, Storytelling Made Simple, I teach an entire lesson on using storytelling to authentically sell online.
The Ultimate Selling Hack: Prioritizing Marketing Strategy
One of the main discoveries in my entrepreneurial journey has been the realization that effective selling is not just about that one pivotal moment of pitching your product or service. It's about the entire marketing strategy leading up to that moment.
By prioritizing value, nurturing relationships, and providing solutions through your marketing efforts, you are selling your products and services.
Realizing this takes the pressure off of making the “official” ask or pitch. Knowing that every piece of content is part of the selling process helps you more authentically and strategically show up online.
CONCLUSION
By embracing authenticity, storytelling, and empathy in your selling approach, you will be able to connect with your audience on a deeper level and drive revenue in your business.
Selling online doesn’t have to be complicated, and in fact, true authentic selling comes down to mastering your marketing strategy as a whole. When you master your marketing, sending that email about your products or services, a sale, or a limited-time offer doesn’t feel so stressful.
Remember, selling authentically is not just about making a sale; it's about building long-lasting relationships and creating a positive impact through your business.
If you’re ready to take the next step and master one of my favorite ways to authentically sell online, then check out Storytelling Made Simple 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.