#12 - Secrets to Building an Online Brand
💭 Quote of the Week:
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
- Sam Levenson
Building an online brand is like going into the forest with the expectation that you will build a civilization with no modern tools.
It is an incredibly difficult endeavor without prior knowledge of the forest or how to make tools from nothing.
Most online branding gurus share THEIR process, not THE process.
No one knows for sure what works and what doesn’t.
Everyone is just taking their best guess and sharing what they’ve learned.
If you are struggling with fear or doubt, the only thing separating you and your favorite creator is their ability to execute despite having those same feelings.
Someone is waiting for your content so they can have that same experience.
Your ability to execute is the only thing separating you from your favorite creator.
You have something to share, whether it’s lessons you’ve learned, your interests and hobbies, or things that improved your life.
As AI-generated content gets more mainstream, it’s more important that you remain authentic.
Sharing your experience can help someone else realize their dreams are possible and inspire them to take the first step.
Think about where you were 6 months ago.
What did you struggle with?
What problems did you have?
Create content that would help that person get to where you are now in half the time.
Then do this for each stage of your personal growth.
People buy from people.
Tell a story of the person behind the brand.
Do you think Apple would have become today's tech giant if people didn’t know Steve Jobs?
Practice helping your audience through FREE content, and clients will find YOU.
You are the brand.
Consistently show up and create content.
The best way to build a brand is to apply the tactics of those in your field, see what works, and keep iterating until you develop your own efficient process.
Always do what works for you.
Use the breadcrumbs from success to refine your process and improve faster.
But never lose sight of your vision, purpose, and desire to learn.
Consistency plays a bigger role than you realize at first.
Focus on showing up consistently as if you were an employee at another job.
What kind of employee would you be if someone hired you to do your dream job?
What level of effort would you give?
How much work would you get done in 8-10 hours?
Focus on what needs to get done and consistently execute at the highest level.
🌱 Growth Tip of the Week:
This week, listen to a podcast or audiobook or do a free online course instead of watching Netflix.
According to recent data, the average user has watched 46 days or 1,103 hours of content since opening their account.
46 DAYS!
You only need 20 hours of commitment to learning a new skill to be proficient.
Imagine how much more fulfilled you could be if you spent your time:
learning new skills
refining your offer
perfecting your craft
sharing your work
networking online and in-person
I have compiled this list of activities that are better than wasting your time watching Netflix.
Next time you feel tempted to sit on the couch watching Netflix, select something from the list.
If you’re unsure where to start, I have compiled this list of monetizable skills you can learn.
Remember, the only thing holding you back is the excuses you tell yourself about why you can’t do something.
Stop making excuses, and start doing!
📲 Digital Content for Business:
Here are seven ways to create content that attracts your target customer:
Share behind-the-scenes content: Humanize your brand by showcasing your office, workspace, or team members at work.
ex. "Get an exclusive look at how our products are made and meet the passionate team behind them!"
User-generated content: Encourage customers to share their experiences and feature the best posts for social proof.
ex. "Discover how our customers use and love our products! Share your own experiences for a chance to be featured!"
Contests and giveaways: Run engaging contests with relevant prizes to encourage audience participation and create excitement.
ex. "Win big with our exciting giveaway! Enter now for a chance to score our amazing prize bundle!"
Educational content: Offer informative content, like blog posts, infographics, or how-to videos, to help your audience learn or solve problems.
ex. "Unlock the secrets to success with our expert tips and strategies – designed to help you reach your goals faster!"
Showcase customer testimonials: Build trust and credibility by sharing positive reviews, testimonials, or case studies in various formats.
ex. "Hear from real customers who've transformed their lives using our products – and find out how you can too!"
Collaborate with influencers: Partner with industry influencers who align with your brand values and target audience to reach more people.
ex. "Join us as we team up with industry-leading influencers to bring you unique insights and exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!"
Respond to comments and messages: Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, fostering a sense of community around your brand.
ex. "We love hearing from you! Share your thoughts, and let's start a conversation – your feedback could inspire our next big idea!"
