All Episodes - Authentic Brand Builders Podcast
Looking for simplified strategies to level up your branding and marketing? Tired of the regurgitated templates and one-size-fits all approach to running a business? The Brandmerry Podcast is here to deliver the personal branding and marketing strategies to help you create more income and impact by harnessing the power of your story and authentic voice.Host, Michelle Knight, of Brandmerry is a mother, wife, world traveler and storyteller. She is the founder and CEO of Brandmerry.com where she supports entrepreneurs in branding themselves online, marketing their message and creating more income and impact. Michelle focuses on teaching the power of storytelling to create an authentic brand that allows them to show up as they are, build a loyal community and experience time, financial and location freedom as a result of their work. Michelle left her 9 to 5, retired her husband, built a multiple-6-figure-a-year business and became digital nomads all within 5 years of launching her busine
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142: Mastering Sales Conversations Authentically with Leah Getts
Welcome back, friend, to another episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that often gets overlooked in branding and marketing conversations: sales conversations. While branding, content creation, and marketing are crucial for getting your business seen and building an authentic brand, at some point, you also have to do the one thing many business owners resist…selling. Let’s talk about why authentic sales conversations matter today more than ever, and how you can master them to grow your brand and serve your audience.
142: Hear Their Stories [R2F Doors Open]
In this special episode, you're hearing directly from the voices of my clients, entrepreneurs who’ve gone through Roadmap to Freedom and experienced real transformation in their businesses. From clarity and confidence to consistent income and freedom, these stories are proof that sustainable success is possible. If you’ve been wondering what it’s really like inside R2F, this is the episode for you. Learn more and enroll at brandmerry.com/freedom
141: Frustrated With Marketing? Try This!
Lately, I've been diving deep into the topics of content creation and marketing, releasing videos and podcast episodes about consistency, top-of-the-funnel strategies, and everything you need to market your business effectively. Why? Becaus, marketing your business can be incredibly frustrating. But here's the truth: Marketing is essential. It's how your brand gets seen and ultimately, how your brand gets paid. However, one common issue my clients and I experience is feeling disconnected from our own content. When you're disconnected, your audience feels it too. Today, I’m sharing how you can realign with your content through storytelling to simplify your marketing and enhance audience connection. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Why your struggle with marketing might not be about your skills, but rather about your content alignment. 5 actionable strategies to effortlessly weave personal and micro stories into your marketing for improved connection, engagement, and conversions. How to prioritize content that genuinely excites you boosts creativity, consistency, and ultimately drives stronger audience relationships and results.
140: Marketing Mayhem: Content Strategy with Jodie Brown
Ever feel like you're churning out content day after day, but not seeing the results you want? You're definitely not the only one! It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of social media updates, algorithm changes, and the latest content trends. But the real key to success isn't chasing the trends - it's about building a strong foundation for your brand. As my friend Jodie and I chatted about recently as part of our Marketing Mayhem series, your brand strategy, and your content strategy aren't just connected, they're basically inseparable. Think of them like two peas in a pod! Marketing might get someone's attention, but it's your branding that makes them stay. Jodie always says, "Marketing is like asking someone on a date. Branding is the reason they'll say yes." And it's SO true! Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Why your brand foundation is the key to creating effective content that grows your business consistently, even when algorithms change. The importance of repetition in your content strategy and how it directly builds your authority and visibility. How to simplify and systematize your content creation, leveraging multiple platforms without the overwhelm.
139: 3 Messaging Mistakes That Keep Your Business Stuck
Your content is getting views. Your emails are getting opened. You’re showing up consistently, just like all the marketing experts (including myself) tell you to… but your audience still isn’t converting. If you’ve been wondering why your content isn’t leading to more sales, the problem likely isn’t the platform, the algorithm, or even the offer itself. It’s your messaging. Messaging is the foundation of everything in your brand. It’s how you communicate what you do, who you serve, and why your audience should choose you over someone else. However, many entrepreneurs make mistakes that cause their messaging to fall flat, leading to low engagement, slow audience growth, and missed sales opportunities. In this post, I’m breaking down the three biggest messaging mistakes that might be costing you customers, and how to fix them: Vague messaging that doesn’t clearly communicate what you do or who you serve Lack of storytelling, making it harder to connect with your audience on an emotional level Inconsistent messaging, which confuses potential customers and weakens your brand recognition If your content isn’t converting, one of these three issues is likely the reason.
138: 5 Reasons Entrepreneurs Struggle to Stay Consistent
Let’s talk about something that affects so many entrepreneurs… …staying consistent. You know, that thing we all promise ourselves we’ll do, right before we fall off the map and ghost our audience for two weeks (or let’s be real, two months). Consistency is the backbone of business growth, but let’s be honest, most entrepreneurs struggle with it. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re trying to do it in a way that isn’t sustainable. So, if you’ve ever felt stuck in a start-stop cycle with your content, this post is for you. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Five major reasons entrepreneurs struggle with consistency and how to fix them. How to stay consistent without burning out by creating a sustainable content strategy that fits your business and lifestyle. Why your struggle with consistency isn’t a YOU problem, but rather a strategy problem.
137: Brand Refresh Checklist
As entrepreneurs, we often reach a point where our brand just doesn't feel right anymore. Maybe you look at your website, your content, or your messaging, and it just doesn't reflect who you are today. It happens to the best of us, including me! A few years ago, I found myself in this exact position. My brand no longer felt authentic to where I was in my life and business. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the signs that it might be time for a brand refresh and share the exact steps I took to refresh my own brand. Let's dive into the checklist you can use to ensure your brand stays in alignment with where you are now and where you're headed! Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: How to recognize the signs that it’s time for a brand refresh (Hint: it’s more than just a new logo or color palette). The simple steps to align your messaging and visuals with your evolving business. How to use a brand refresh to reconnect with your audience and reignite your passion for your brand.
136: Can AI Help You Build Your Brand?
As someone who’s been helping entrepreneurs build authentic brands for nearly a decade, the rise of AI has definitely caught my attention. But here’s the big question: Can AI really help you build your brand without sacrificing its authenticity? If you’re wondering how AI fits into the mix of building a brand that truly represents you, your story, and your mission, today’s post is for you. In today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I dive into why branding is the foundation of your business, how AI can complement your efforts (and speed them up), and why authenticity should always come first. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Why branding is the foundation of your business (and why skipping it can hurt you long-term). How AI can speed up your branding process (without sacrificing your authenticity). Why staying true to your brand voice is non-negotiable for long-term success and how it can help AI provide better content down the line.
135: Authentic Metrics with Ally Anderson
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, tracking data can often feel overwhelming. But when done right, it can free you from the uncertainty and guesswork that often accompany business decisions. You need to be tracking your data, but it’s not as complex as you might think based on what other entrepreneurs are doing. We’re all about authenticity here, and understanding your authentic metrics is key. I invited Ally, a data strategist from Akari Digital, to the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, to help you understand which data to use in your business. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Exactly which key metrics entrepreneurs should track (and which ones to ignore) so you can finally make informed decisions about your marketing. Ally’s signature framework for tracking data in a way that feels simple, strategic, and actually helps you grow your business. How to use data to pinpoint what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust without burning your business down.
134: Authentic Copywriting Tips with Elise Hodge
As entrepreneurs, we often face many challenges, and for me, one of the toughest was mastering copywriting. I know it might surprise some of my clients, given how quickly I now whip up blog posts, emails, and other content, but copywriting was something I struggled with in the beginning. I’m sharing this because if you’re a business owner who’s feeling overwhelmed by writing your own copy, you’re not alone. This is exactly why I wanted to bring on Elise Hodge, a funnel strategist and conversion copywriter who has helped countless coaches and course creators make daily sales on autopilot. Elise and I connected through a shared passion for simplifying business processes, and I knew she’d be the perfect guest to help you build confidence with your copywriting. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Tips to build confidence in your writing, and create copy that connects with your audience and drives conversions. How to craft email and sales funnels that automate sales and engage your ideal clients. Practical advice on identifying your unique voice and using it to create authentic, compelling copy that resonates with your audience.
133: Diversifying Your Income 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.
132: Unexpected Habits that Make me a Better 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.
131: Starting a Business? 5 Strategies I Wish I Would Have Prioritized
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.
130: Marketing Mayhem: 2025 Predictions
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. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 130 now.
129: 5 Things to Do if You're Ready to Scale in 2025
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.
128: Authentic Advertising with Kwadwo
In this episode of The Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I sit down with Kwadwo, a skilled Meta ads expert, to explore what it truly takes to create successful, authentic Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns. Together, we take a deep dive into strategies to approach Facebook and Instagram ads with patience and authenticity, even in today’s landscape where people are more skeptical than ever about advertising. We talk about everything from optimizing ad funnels and the timing of your first ad to creating scalable campaigns that build real trust with your audience. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: How ads amplify your brand and when to get started with ad campaigns after your organic strategy has been proven. The importance of testing your ads, from ad copy to visuals, testing each element can help keep costs down while improving performance and targeting. How to focus on genuine, trust-building ads that don’t just sell but also engage and educate your audience during a time when audiences are more cautious.
127: My fear of being visible and three journal prompts that helped me
In the online business and branding world, visibility is crucial. It’s not just about putting yourself out there online; it's about truly showing up as your authentic self, something I’ve found over the years can be incredibly difficult. As someone who has been creating and publicly sharing content over the past eight years, I still struggle with a fear of visibility, and today, I want to talk about a personal journey I’ve taken recently concerning visibility and how I navigate my relationship with social media as an entrepreneur and brand strategist. I’m also giving you the three journal prompts that helped me uncover this fear and start taking action to move forward. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: My recent discovery around visibility and specifically what was holding me back from social media. The importance of asking yourself the hard questions to create an authentic and aligned brand online. Three journal prompts to get you started in discovering what is holding you back from getting your brand seen. Get your free Brand Roadmap at brandmerry.com/brandroadmap
126: Part Two: Perfectionism and Entrepreneurship with Martina Fink
Perfectionism is a topic close to my heart and, as a recovering perfectionist myself, I know it's something many of you are navigating too. This two-part episode is inspired by a conversation with my dear friend Martina Fink—a specialist in self-care and helping perfectionists embrace change. Perfectionism can be a tricky hurdle for many entrepreneurs. I've been open about my battles with it, a struggle familiar to many of my clients. Martina emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from external validation to living from the inside out. This means detaching from others' expectations and instead doing what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Martina and I first connected at a mastermind event in 2017 and have since become the best of friends. I’m thrilled to share insights from our chat, focusing on showing up in the online space as a perfectionist, trusting oneself, and taking bold steps as entrepreneurs and women. Inside this two-episode special of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: How to build a brand when you struggle with comparisonitis and the perfectionism trap on social media. One of the most powerful journal prompts from Martina, to help you discover your true passions. How to take action or make big changes when you’re worried about looking silly or failing publicly. The process of trusting yourself as a business owner and perfectionist.
125: Part One: Perfectionism and Entrepreneurship with Martina Fink
In this episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I'm chatting with Martina Fink on all things perfectionism and running a business. Together, we explore strategies to build a brand as a perfectionist. You'll uncover how to navigate external expectations, trust your intuition, and balance masculine and feminine energies to enhance personal well-being and business performance. With insights from Martina's journey from Apple store manager to certified health coach, we talk all things self-trust, emotional health, creative inspiration, and practical journaling prompts to help identify true desires and brand identity.
124: My Content Strategy Shifts
Many people believe that consistency means showing up every single day without a break, but I don't see that as sustainable. In addition, content strategies must shift not only to the demands of the market but also to personal life demands as well. Over the past eight years of being a business owner, my content strategy has shifted numerous times. I've learned to value intentional breaks, which allow me to recharge and continue delivering valuable content, as well as completely overhauling my strategy when it no longer serves me. If you've noticed a theme in our recent Authentic Brand Builder Podcast episodes, you're not alone. We're all about sharing behind-the-scenes lessons and experiences directly from my journey. As you know, storytelling is a core part of my message, and today, I'm excited to dive into discussing my content strategy and how it’s changed throughout the years, and what drove those changes. I'm pulling back the curtain to share my evolving content strategy over the past eight years as a business owner. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The evolution of my content strategy throughout my eight years as a business owner, from the birth of my son, traveling in an RV, and today. The unrealistic expectation of daily consistency when it comes to content creation and how I’ve shifted my strategy to meet both personal and business demands. The importance of adapting strategies to fit lifestyle changes to maintain effectiveness without burnout. Personally, I think this is the perfect episode to watch or listen to because of the storytelling aspect.
123: Online Challenges: My Tips and Takeaways
I've been hosting live challenges for seven years, and with conversion rates averaging between 5% to 7%, and the average 1% to 3%, it's clear they are impactful. I’ve honed a process that consistently drives results with my live challenge, and with everyone talking about webinars, I want to offer a different perspective. Live challenges allow you to give massive value to your community during a designated time frame, but give you the space to go deeper, something a 60-90 minute webinar can not. Plus, in a short time, your audience can follow your challenge and instantly see results, which builds connection and trust quickly. It's an amazing strategy and tool to not only grow your community, but also nurture and develop your community so they are ready to invest in your offer. So whether you're launching a new program, live launching an existing one, or wanting to fill your 1:1 program, a well-executed challenge can be a game-changer. Today, I am excited to share with you not only why these challenges work so well but also walk you through the step-by-step process for setting up your online challenge. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The exact process you need to get your online challenge ready and deliver insane value to your audience. My top tips for structuring your videos for higher conversions, and how to increase show-up rates. A little insider secret I use to support my challenge participants in feeling great about joining my offer.
122: My Biggest Lesson When Growing a Team
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. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 122 now.
121: How to Find the Right Strategy for You
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.
120: Summer Break Recap and Lessons Learned
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.
119: Summer Habits for Entrepreneurs
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.
118: Authentic Sales
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.
117: Authentic Social Media Tips
As a firm believer in the power of authentic brand building, I've always been on the lookout for new perspectives and strategies to enhance my approach to social media. Although it's not my go-to marketing strategy, and I’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship with it over the years, I recognize its potential in building your brand attraction and connection. Today on the podcast, I’m excited to share a recent conversation I had with Blair Mlotek, the co-founder of Clio Social, where we talked more about her love of social media and how she supports her clients. This was such a fascinating conversation and I felt like Blair was speaking my language on topics of authenticity, repurposing, and building connections. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The 2024 social media trends that Blair and I are most excited about and how you can use them to your benefit as an online marketer. Blair’s top tips for planning your social media content efficiently and effectively. The importance of building community on social media and how Blair suggests getting started.
116: Website Tips that Convert
After last week’s episode, I had to expand a bit more on all things website optimization. I’m a big advocate, as you’ll see in today’s post, of having a Home Base for your brand (aka your website). Your website is a powerful tool that allows you to control your narrative, support your audience as they move through the consumer buying journey, and drive conversions. It’s a crucial component in sustaining a business in the long run. Every month, I’m getting anywhere from 5,000 to 10,0000 visitors to my website. This tool allows me to create consistency in my marketing funnel, and make sure that those that land on my website are supported. In this post, we'll dive into some top tips for optimizing your website and increasing conversions to help you make the most out of your online presence. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: How to create a clear website roadmap for your ideal customer that helps them move through the consumer buying journey with ease. The importance of reiterating or repeating yourself across your website copy, and the three main elements to repeat! A simple hack that can increase your conversions almost instantly!
115: 4 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
As an entrepreneur deeply passionate about branding and marketing, I believe that getting your brand seen is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. However, it always seems to be the hardest part for most entrepreneurs. Over the years, and working with hundreds of clients, I've come across four common mistakes that entrepreneurs often make with their marketing strategies, which impact their brand awareness. Today, on the podcast, I’m sharing the four marketing mistakes you might be making, and how to ensure you’re getting your brand seen consistently online. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: A trend I’m seeing all over social media that is steering entrepreneurs in the wrong direction. A controversial topic among mentors and marketers, and why I think your website is crucial to marketing success. A simple tweak you can make to your marketing strategy that will help you feel more confident in your marketing moves.
114: Marketing Plan for Solopreneurs
As a Brand Strategist, I know that how you approach your marketing and content strategy is everything. Ultimately, you can have the most amazing brand, but if no one sees it then it’s not doing you any good. Most strategists are teaching social media marketing as the core of marketing, but I want to share a different approach. An approach that has been serving my 6-figure business for years. An approach that motivated me to create Brandmerry Academy which teaches entrepreneurs how to effectively market their business without social media. So, today I’m breaking down the exact marketing strategy to follow if you don’t have a marketing budget, and don’t have a team to help you create and distribute your content. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Why most entrepreneurs get overwhelmed with marketing (Hint: it’s not you, it’s what you’re being taught). A strategy that works no matter if you prefer writing, speaking, or creating videos. The importance of creating an omnichannel approach to your marketing efforts if you’re craving simplicity and sustainability.
113: Improve Your Content Repurposing
As an entrepreneur and content creator, I have always believed in the power of repurposing content to reach a wider audience and strengthen my brand presence online. Recently, I found myself knee-deep in an Instagram Thread that discussed repurposing and after reading so many responses and opinions, I knew I needed to share my thoughts on this topic. I’ve been repurposing content for eight years. In the beginning, it was because I was working a 9 to 5, months into my postpartum journey, and building a business from scratch. Then, my goal with repurposing shifted when I took my business “full time” and wanted to expand my reach to other platforms. I consider myself an expert in this topic so today I’m sharing my thoughts on the art of repurposing and its impact on building an authentic brand online. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The controversy around repurposing and what most entrepreneurs and content creators are getting wrong. The #1 thing you need to understand around repurposing to be successful and make sure you’re not annoying your audience. How I repurpose my content, and ways to improve your repurposing strategy!
112: My Biz Fav Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Are you looking to work smarter, not harder, in your business? For me, it’s a HECK YES! As a full-time business owner and home-school momma, I’m always looking for ways to speed up and streamline the work I need to do in my business. If there’s a tool that can save me time, I’m here for it. As an Authentic Brand Builder, I know it’s important to you to show up authentically both online and in your daily life. One key way to achieve this is by being a fierce protector of your time. Recently, I streamlined a lot of systems, software, and tools in my business and it’s saved me so much time. The results have been great, so I want to share them with you today. In this week’s podcast episode, I'll share some insights into how you can streamline your workflow and boost your productivity using a few key systems and software tools. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The one business tool I can’t live without and how it supports me in every aspect of my business. The two main tools I use to streamline my content creation process and make sure I’m able to show up on multiple platforms without wasting time. The six tools I’m loving right now, and how I’m using them in the day-to-day aspects of my business.
111: Brand Story vs. Digital Storytelling
Marketing is always changing. And right now, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to keep up with all the changes. I get it, it’s a lot! I’ve been marketing online for over seven years, and I’ve discovered that the only constant is storytelling. My guess is you’ve heard about brand storytelling, but what about digital storytelling? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recent live video I did about the difference between the two and how entrepreneurs can elevate their content, and build deeper relationships online, leading to higher conversions by embarrassing digital storytelling. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: Why most entrepreneurs get stuck in the Brand Story phase and how it's hurting your marketing What Digital Storytelling is and how you can incorporate it into your content to stand out online One aspect of Digital Storytelling that most entrepreneurs forget about, but has the most buzz right now For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 111 now.
110: Storytelling Benefits for Business Owners
I’ve been obsessed with storytelling for almost 8 years. And, no matter if you’re just beginning your journey with brand and digital storytelling, or you’re more of a veteran, I promise today’s episode (and blog post) is going to light a fire in you to share more stories online! I stand by my belief, that digital storytelling is one of the fastest ways to create community, build trust, increase conversions, and drive sales, and today, we’re going to explore how it can revolutionize your brand and business. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The incredible benefits of digital storytelling including why consumers are craving it and its effectiveness in building brand trust and loyalty. The surprising, and not often talked about, reason storytelling can help you build a more authentic and aligned business. Why it matters less about the specific story you share and more about how you share it. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 110 now.
109: Fall Back in Love With Content Creation
Today, on the Authentic Brand Builders podcast I want to talk to you about a topic that's near and dear to my heart: content creation. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, creating content is not just important, it's essential. It's how we show up, tell people about our brand and our business, and connect with our audience. I’ve been creating content online for almost eight years, consistently I might add, in the form of videos, podcasts, blogs, social media posts, and utilizing various platforms. So, I get that it’s important, but I also know firsthand that content creation can feel like a chore. That's why I want to share with you five ways that have helped me fall back in love with the process over the years, and I hope they'll make it easier and more enjoyable for you too. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The importance of staying inspired as a content creator and how I’ve been able to do it for eight years. The best piece of advice I ever received about how I consume information online and how it’s impacted me as a content creator. The #1 thing I do when I’m not feeling lit up by my content and how it always reignites my creativity to show up. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 109 now.
108: Authentic AI with Kinsey from Feel Good Social
Like you, I’ve had my reservations about using AI in my marketing. At first, I ignored it, but as interest spread, I was determined to find ways to utilize AI tools to streamline my process. For the past year, I’ve been using AI to help me repurpose my content (this blog was created by taking a podcast transcription and condescending it using my favorite tool Descript), brainstorming, and condensing my ideas. But, I’ve continued to be mindful of the conversation around AI and content. How do we utilize these tools while still being authentic to our brand? That’s why, I am super excited to share my conversation about AI with Kinsey from Feel Good Social and the Authentic AI Podcast. Kinsey and I are both passionate about authenticity, and we had an incredible chat exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used genuinely to engage and connect with your target audience while keeping your brand's uniqueness intact. As a former client of Brandmerry, I knew Kinsey was just the person to bring on the podcast to talk about AI and ChatGPT since they are both all the craze. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: How to train ChatGPT and other AI tools, to create authentic copy and results for your brand. How to use AI tools outside of just writing copy, and how they can save you hours every week with your marketing. Some of Kinsey and I’s favorite tools to use that serve as an assistant to our brand and business goals.
107: Behind-the-Scenes: Brand Refresh
This week, I'd like to take you behind the scenes of my recent brand refresh, which resulted in a brand new website and an updated podcast. This episode is a continuation from last week where I talked about knowing when it's time for a brand refresh and signs that might indicate it’s time you refreshed yours as well. Now, I’m sharing my process (the same process I use with clients) and some of my top tips! Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The simplified process, I use and guide my clients through to make updating their existing brand so much easier. The crucial role brand messaging plays in the success of your website. The importance of having a trusted person in your corner for feedback, and why I don’t recommend asking just anyone! For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 107 now.
106: 4 Signs it's Time for a Brand Refresh
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, staying relevant and maintaining a strong brand presence is essential. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves questioning if it's time for a brand refresh. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing my own journey of refreshing my brand while providing some of the top reasons I was ready to update my brand. If you’re a business owner considering a rebrand or refresh, these four signs will help you determine if it's time for your own update. Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into: The mishap I made in 2022, when I thought I was ready for a brand refresh, but wasn’t. The process I went though to determine it was time to update my existing brand, and how I knew! The four things to consider when going through your own brand refresh so you don’t rush into anything. **I’ve included the main points below, but since this is a vulnerable episode listening gives you the full experience, and I highly recommend it. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 106 now.
105: My year didn't go as planned
Episode 105, celebrates the final episode of 2023, and I want to share with you that my year did not go according to plan. I know it might not feel like a shocker to you, that not everyone’s life goes exactly as planned, but I find it just isn’t talked about a lot in the entrepreneur and small business world. It's been a year of growth, redefining success, and finding joy in the unexpected. Join me as I reflect on the past year and share the valuable lessons I've learned to support you on your journey. While it's not always easy to be vulnerable and transparent, like I am in this episode, sharing our real experiences can inspire and connect us on a deeper level, and I’m here for that! Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: How my plans shifted in Q2, how I reframed my belief around my goals, and how it impacted the rest of my year. My area where I grew the most (hint: it’s outside of business, but plays such a vital role). How previous content I had created supported me in rediscovering what time management and scheduling looked like for me. **I’ve included the main points below, but since this is a vulnerable episode listening gives you the full experience, and I highly recommend it. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 105 now.
104: 2024 Marketing Predictions
I love this annual tradition that we have here on the podcast where I share my marketing and business predictions for the next year. So today I want to share with you my 2024 marketing predictions so you can be ready as we approach another year in business. You’re specifically getting 5 key trends to watch or adapt to your current marketing strategy, with an emphasis on customer connection. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: My top five 2024 marketing predictions for entrepreneurs and small business owners. How video marketing is changing once again, and why you’re going to love this shift! How you can meet customer demand and connect with your customers utilizing the power of brand storytelling. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 102 now.
103: Plan Your Next Year in Business
In a recent podcast episode, I shared insights into a brand-new planning course designed exclusively for entrepreneurs. Today, I want to give you a glimpse into my signature planning process, by walking you through the steps I use to plan each year in business. Not only will I provide you with a sneak peek into some essential questions, but I'll also guide you on how to implement this framework as you prepare for the year ahead. Pro tip: If you're eager to take your planning game to the next level, consider checking out my course, Brand New Plan, at brandmerry.com/newplan. This program was created to help entrepreneurs create authentic goals and align their planning strategies with ease. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: The 6-step process I use to plan my business each year that ensures I remain consistent at a 6-figure minimum. The important pre-planning phase that most entrepreneurs skip, but will make your process so much easier The exact questions to ask yourself at each stage of the planning process, and what data is essential to have. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 102 now.
102: Adjusting Your Plans During the Year
I've always been a planner, perhaps too much so. The rigidity of my plans used to make it challenging for me to adapt and change course when needed. As a recovering perfectionist, the idea of deviating from my perfectly crafted plans felt like a failure. However, over the years I’ve discovered a more adaptable approach to planning which includes checking in with myself multiple times over the year. In this episode, I'll share how I transitioned from rigid planning to a more flexible approach, introducing the concept of planning fluidity and my four-step strategy for successful pivoting. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: How pivoting is a strategic practice for seasoned entrepreneurs building an aligned business. The 4-step process for checking in and pivoting every 90 days as a business owner. The exact questions to ask yourself to better understand what’s required of you as a business owner in the next quarter so you end the year strong. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 102 now.
101: 3 Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Are you already thinking about your business goals for the year ahead? If so, you're not alone. Planning is crucial for success, but it's equally important to avoid common mistakes that can affect your progress. In this week’s podcast episode, I’ll share three key mistakes to avoid when planning for the new year. By steering clear of the same mistakes I’ve made in the past, you can create a more aligned and successful path for your business in the year ahead. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: Why planning on one day isn’t setting you up for success. The missing link with vision boards and what to do instead. Why I don’t recommend planning the full 12 months in business.
100: My 5 Biggest Biz Lessons
In the world of business, we're all on a wild ride, and sometimes, it's the unexpected twists and turns that teach us the most. It’s been two years since I launched the Brandmerry Podcast, and to celebrate the 100th episode, I’m diving into five crucial lessons I’ve learned over the past two years that can make your entrepreneurial journey smoother. These lessons are the kind that can truly help us in our business adventures, learning from others is one of my favorite ways to grow as an entrepreneur. Let’s uncover some valuable insights that can make your entrepreneurial journey a bit less bumpy Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into: The dangers of growing too fast and what the realizations I had when my business doubled in revenue. The importance of alignment and how to embrace planning fluidity in the face of life’s uncertainties. The art of working smarter and not harder to reach your goals For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 100 now.
99: Brand Photoshoot Guide
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of getting a brand photoshoot done, and every single time I have a session, it sparks a burst of inspiration that I absolutely love. Brand photoshoots have been a consistent investment in my business for years, and the very first one changed the game for me. Back in the early days of my business, I used whatever photos I had on hand and put them on my website. But I yearned to capture the essence of my brand, to showcase the deep dive I'd taken into my ideal customer, messaging, and the emotional aspects I wanted to convey to my ideal customer. Photography is one of the most powerful ways to share your brand with the world. After that first transformative experience, I swore by brand photoshoots as one of the best investments for online branding. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover: My top tips to prepare for a brand photoshoot, and what to do BEFORE you even start snapping pics. Tips for performing a DIY photo session for your website or content My top tips for finding a photographer that matches your brand!
98: 5 Daily Habits I'm Obsessed With
As an entrepreneur, building effective daily habits is crucial to achieve success and maintain a balanced life. After just returning from 12 days in Europe, I’m getting back into my own routine, and excited to share five daily habits I’ve refined over the past year. In this episode, we'll delve into five daily habits that can significantly enhance your productivity, mindset, and overall well-being. These habits are inspired by the principles of mindfulness, productivity, and self-care. Let's explore how these habits can make a difference in your entrepreneurial journey. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover: How a morning routine can be adjusted to fit your life and schedule (hint: the 5 am wake up doesn’t work for everyone). My top tip for increasing productivity that is counterintuitive to what you might have been taught. The #1 change I’ve made to my routine that has not only impacted my business, but also my health.
97: How to find your signature business offer
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur wondering how to package your expertise and offer it online? In this podcast episode, we'll delve into various options to help you create your signature offering. Whether you're just starting out, looking to revamp your existing services, or aiming for consistent 3k months, this episode has got you covered. Crafting an offering that aligns with your skills, solves a specific problem, and suits your target market is vital for your business's success. Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover: The option I recommend most entrepreneurs get started with is a low-cost, low-barrier to entry so they can reinvest into their business quickly. The 5-step process for discovering your signature offering that is authentic and aligned to you and the vision you have for your business. The different types of offerings you can create and the pros and cons of each. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 97 now.
96: Not making 6-figures in business? Here's why
Are you an entrepreneur feeling stuck, like your efforts aren't yielding the desired results? Today, on the podcast, we'll explore key areas to reassess in order to pivot your way to a six-figure business. Whether you're aiming for consistent 3K months or striving for a six-figure year, understanding where to focus your time and energy is crucial for growth. In this episode, we address the concerns of entrepreneurs who have laid the foundation for their businesses, created content, and marketed their offers, yet struggle to gain traction. In today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast you’ll discover: The three key areas to focus on daily in your business for success. The foundational steps you might have missed and how to adjust them quickly to start seeing results. The fastest change you can make to your marketing efforts to start getting your brand seen and paid consistently. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 96 now. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS LISTEN ON YOUTUBE
95: Being Seen Online
In today’s online world, authenticity has become a buzzword, especially as it relates to branding and online marketing. Last week, on the podcast, we dove deep into the importance of showing up authentically online, and today, we’re continuing the conversation by shifting our focus to another crucial aspect: "Being Seen Online." Showing up online brings up the topic of vulnerability – a word that, rightfully so, can strike fear into the hearts of many when it comes to their online presence. It's a challenge that even the most seasoned entrepreneurs face. But it's a challenge that, when embraced, can lead to building trust with your audience. For those of you who resonate with this struggle, you're not alone. If you’re looking for resources, Brené Brown's work on vulnerability has been a guiding light for me on my journey. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why showing up online, and embracing your vulnerability no matter how uncomfortable it can be can be life-changing for you and your audience. What vulnerability and being seen really entails - hint it’s not about sharing everything online. My top tips for sharing your story online via your content, and how this practice alone can lead to a more consistent presence for your business online.
94: Finding Your Authenticity
In a world dominated by trends and AI, the concept of authenticity seems to be fading away. Entrepreneurs are constantly telling me they want to build authentic brands, yet they seek quick fixes and copy-and-paste templates that undermine the essence of true authenticity. This podcast will dive into the importance of authenticity in the online landscape and provide practical tips to help you discover and showcase your authentic self to your audience. I know at the end of the day that building an authentic brand is important to you, but at the same time can feel incredibly hard and daunting. My hope is that by being here you’ll finally feel confident and clear on how to show up online in a way that honors your values and personality, while also creating revenue. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why authenticity is important in standing out online in a world where business owners and content creators are seeking shortcuts and consumers are desiring connection and honesty. Four simple steps to start discovering what makes you truly authentic and how to incorporate that into your branding and marketing. Three of my favorite methods for showcasing my authenticity online via my marketing efforts. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
93: Productivity Hack: Cycle Syncing
As entrepreneurs and content creators, we often find ourselves juggling a lot of roles and responsibilities, both in our professional lives and personal lives. The demands can be overwhelming, making it challenging to maintain consistent energy and productivity. In 2021, I discovered that my menstrual cycle was the key to unlocking a more harmonious and balanced approach to life and work. Since embracing a practice of not only monitoring my cycle but also syncing my schedule to my cycle, my approach to productivity and business has improved drastically. Inside Episode 93 of The Brandmerry Podcast, I invited Kelly and Tiffany, from Beautiful One Midwifery, to explain the concept of cycle syncing and how understanding your body's natural rhythms can empower your overall well-being and productivity. In this episode, you’ll discover: What cycle syncing is and why it matters when planning out your schedule, launches, content creation, and more. The phases of your cycle, and what is needed at each to create more harmony within your body, personal and professional lives. Where to get started, and small actionable steps you can take today to not only improve your cycle but also your overall productivity in a more aligned way. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
92: Launch a Business in 90 Days
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! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram.com/michelleknightco
91: Summer Break Updates and Key Takeaways
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.
90: Content Hacks for Summer
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. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
89: Types of Videos to Share Online
What if I told you there's a single tool that can skyrocket your online business, create a devoted community of fans, and boost your sales? It's not magic, but it's pretty close. My friend, it is the incredible possibility of video content. Video marketing has transformed the online space over the past few years and it's not slowing down. With short-form video content, live videos, and of course, my good friend SEO pre-recorded content (think Google), there are so many possibilities for you to incorporate videos into your content strategy. And in this recent podcast episode, I reveal the different types of videos you can make in order to gain brand awareness, brand attraction, and brand connection. Because it's not enough to just focus on viral or trendy content, we have to keep in mind how our videos lead our ideal customer to the sale. You know you have something amazing to offer, but how do you capture the attention of your target audience and stand out from the crowd? That's where video marketing comes in. And, you know we love video marketing for its amazing brand storytelling possibilities. Video marketing is not just a trend, it's a necessity for online entrepreneurs and this episode will help you approach video marketing in a strategic and sustainable way. Tune in now to hear: How videos can captivate your audience, tell your brand's story, and help you build an engaged community that expands your online business. The four types of video every business owner should be using online to lead their ideal customer through the buying journey with ease. My favorite tool for repurposing video content to multiple platforms, ultimately expanding your reach with one single video. LET'S CONNECT Brandmerry.com Instagram.com/michelleknightco
88: Time Management Marketing Hacks
Are you struggling to juggle the demands of marketing your business while trying to wear multiple hats as an entrepreneur? I understand the challenges and frustrations that come with marketing your business and the amount of time your currently dedicating to all the things. Do any of these sound familiar? Feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to effectively promote your brand and connect with your target audience? Overwhelmed by the ever-growing list of marketing tasks, leaving you stretched thin and lacking focus? Longing for practical strategies to boost your productivity, so you can focus on what truly matters for your business? In today's episode, on the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing my top time management and efficiency hacks for your marketing efforts. My goal is to help you streamline your marketing efforts because as a business owner, it's necessary. These five tips have the possibility to transform the way you approach your marketing efforts and empower you with effective time management strategies that will not only save you time but also increase your overall efficiency. Let's dive in! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram.com/michelleknightco
87: Using Social Media for In-Person Services
Are you a local business owner struggling to attract new customers to your brick-and-mortar establishment? You're local, and your clients come to you locally, but how do you use social media to get people in the door? Do you feel like your social media efforts are going unnoticed? Maybe you're a hairstylist, acupuncturist, or photographer and want to see more results from your online efforts. Inside Episode 82 of the Brandmerry Podcast we are talking all things social media marketing with our guest Jodie Brown. Jodie Brown is a mom of one wild little boy, La Croix addict, and her favorite way to relax (if she can't be on a plane) is reading historical fiction or watching Game Of Thrones. She is obsessed with helping hairstylists create freedom + opportunity in the industry because while this is the best industry in the world, it can be really hard if you don't have the right tools and guidance. She is here to help you use your social media and online presence to connect with your dream clients and build a career and life you are obsessed with. I'm so excited to interview Jodie as she shares how you can use social media marketing to drive more leads and sales to your in-person business. In this episode, we delve into the importance of having an intentional social media strategy that not only attracts potential customers but also encourages them to visit you locally. With more and more people on social media, it's easy for businesses to get lost in the noise. And, very little information talks about how to find people who live near your business. We understand that as a business owner, your time is valuable, which is why we make sure that this episode is packed with actionable tips that you can implement right away. Listen in to today's episode, and be sure to follow Jodie on Instagram for all of her tips and tricks. Tune in now to hear: How to optimize your social media profile and content for local searches. Jodie's favorite ways to create a more intentional social media strategy for your business. How to give your audience quick wins and how that fits into your social media strategy as a whole (aka get people off the platform. And be sure to check out Jodie's Instagram and Website below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsjodiebrown Website: https://www.jodiebrown.ca/ LET'S CONNECT: Brandmerry.com Instagram
86: How to Rank Higher on Google
As an online entrepreneur, you know that having a website is crucial for reaching your target audience. However, what good is a website if no one can find it? It's a big struggle for so many entrepreneurs who put so much time, energy, and money into building the "perfect" website only to discover that people can't find it. If you're tired of the lack of organic traffic to your website, then today's episode is exactly what you need! The answer you've been searching for is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and it's a lot easier to set up than people realize. Today's episode covers everything you need to know about improving your website's search engine optimization (SEO) and ranking higher on Google. In this episode, we discuss the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when optimizing their websites for SEO, the key elements of a successful SEO strategy, and the tools you need to help you get there. By optimizing your website for SEO, you can increase your chances of ranking higher on Google, which translates into more leads, customers, and revenue. This is especially important if you're not interested in spending all of your hard-earned money on advertising. Tune into episode 86 of the Brandmerry Podcast now. LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Keywords Everywhere: https://keywordseverywhere.com/ SEO Bootcamp: https://brandmerry.thrivecart.com/seo-bootcamp/ LET'S CONNECTBrandmerry.com Instagram
85: Why you need SEO
Are you an entrepreneur looking to boost your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website? Have you ever wondered why some websites show up on the first page of Google, while others are buried deep in the search results? Well, the answer lies in SEO or Search Engine Optimization. In this episode, of the Brandmerry Podcast, we'll dive into what SEO is, why it's essential, and why entrepreneurs should be taking the extra, simple steps to optimize their brand. And, if you're currently feeling the pressure to show up on social media this episode is going to be extra important to you! Social media can be a great tool for marketing and building brand awareness, but here's the thing: social media platforms own your audience, and their algorithms can change at any time, impacting your reach. I'm sure you've felt it which is why relying solely on social media to build your business may not be the best strategy. This is why I love SEO. By optimizing your website and content for search engines like Google, you can generate free organic traffic that you own. And, bonus points that this traffic is bringing prospects to your website where they can get everything they need from your website! If you're an entrepreneur looking to take your online presence to the next level, or just looking for ways to stop relying on social media then this episode is for you. Tune in now to hear: How SEO works and why it's an essential tool for entrepreneurs in every industry. 3 ways to improve your SEO and where I recommend all my clients start. How to improve your SEO in just a few hours and set your business up for qualified leads for years to come (hint: it doesn't involve blogging). Let's Connect brandmerry.com Instagram
84: Why Customers Buy
Are you looking to better understand how your branding and marketing efforts work together to support new subscribers and leads? When you're creating content do you often wonder how each piece fits together to support your dream clients in purchasing from your brand? Do you want to learn more about the customer buying journey and how to effectively market to your audience at each stage? In today's episode, we're diving into the customer buying journey - from the moment someone discovers your brand to the point where they invest and what's happening for them every step of the way At Brandmerry, we believe that supporting your audience every step of the way is essential for building a successful brand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your current marketing efforts, this episode will give you valuable insights and actionable tips to help you build a strong and loyal customer base. Tune in now to hear: Why customers buy, and how having this information can shorter the amount of time someone goes from just discovering your online to new client. How you can create content that resonates with your audience at each stage of their journey. How to make sure your content is working for you and specifically answers the questions your audience has at each stage of their journey. LET'S CONNECT Brandmerry.com Instagram
83: Email Funnel Tips for Improved Conversions
Are you struggling to get your email marketing funnel to convert? Do you feel like you're sending out emails into the void and not getting any engagement in return? Don't worry - you're not alone. Aside from a clear strategy for your funnel which stems from the action you want them to take, there are some bonus tips that just make for good marketing. Sometimes these little adjustments can make all the difference. Because while building an effective email marketing funnel can be a challenge, it's not impossible. In today's episode, we're going to be discussing some of the most common email marketing funnel mistakes and how to fix them. I'm breaking down four specific ways to improve your email marketing funnel in an authentic way! TUNE IN NOW TO HEAR: How to design your email funnel like a handshake and the key elements to include to make sure you give the best first impression of your brand. 4 key areas to improve your email funnel that are simple tweaks and not complete overhauls of what you might already have in place. Why having an offer is key and how it plays a role in the consumer buying journey. LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Ep 60: Email Marketing Step-By-Step Ep 38: Copywriting Tips for Email Marketing Ep 82: Why Email Lists Fail Convertkit: My favorite email platform Deadline Funnel: Authentic email timers LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
82: Why Email Lists Fail
Are you struggling to get your email list to produce an ROI? Are your subscribers not engaging with your emails like you would like? Are you not seeing the conversions you were hoping for? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this week's podcast episode is for you. Building an email list is a crucial part of building your online community and attracting potential buyers, which we know is a key staple in building an online brand, but it can be a daunting task. Many entrepreneurs struggle when it comes to email marketing, and I want to make sure you have exactly what you need for this marketing practice to be successful. I've seen tremendous results from my email marketing efforts over the years when I focused on what we're going to be talking about in today's podcast. My goal is for you to start building a more intentional and profitable email community for your brand and in today's episode, I'll explore three reasons email lists fail and of course, provide tips on how to overcome them. If you want to improve your email marketing strategy and take your online community to the next level, be sure to tune in. Tune in now to hear: The first step you must take in building an intentional email list - get this wrong and you might end up with low conversions! How consistency plays a role in deliverability and might be hurting how often people receive and view your emails. With the rise of AI you might be tempted to rely on it for copywriting, when it comes to email marketing this is a bad move - here's why! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
81: 5 Hacks to Increase Brand Engagement
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)! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
80: How to Be More Intentional With Your Content Strategy
As an entrepreneur, you know how crucial content is to your marketing strategy. You may be posting regularly on social media and following all the trends, but are you seeing the results you want? Are you struggling to attract leads and make sales despite your efforts? If this sounds like you, then you're in the right place. In the latest episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, I share a more intentional way to go about content creation and understanding why consumers buy. By implementing these strategies, you can make sure you don't miss out on leads and sales in your business. Because there is more to content creation than just posting what you feel like posting or hopping on a trend. Your content strategy needs to make sense and what you post and where you post it all play a role. Creating intentional content that's tailored to your audience, aligned with your brand messaging, and optimized to hit on all the stages of the client buying journey will help any entrepreneur attract leads and make sales. Tune in to Episode 80, on the Brandmerry Podcast to get all my insider tips and even prompts to get started with your intentional content strategy today. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com instagram.com/michelleknightco
79: How to Avoid Marketing Burnout
Burnout is a very real problem in entrepreneurship. It's something that in the past wasn't as wildly talked about, but thanks to recent needs many entrepreneurs are speaking out about the pressures that come from building a business and marketing a brand. As of 2023, we're seeing an increase in entrepreneurs closing their businesses or taking time away. This brings up a very valid concern for many entrepreneurs, or those thinking about starting a business, "How do we avoid burnout as an entrepreneur?" Today, I want to share my insights on a specific part of this question - avoiding burnout in marketing. Since marketing is something every entrepreneur must do to grow their business, it's the #1 place I see entrepreneurs burning out. As a marketing expert, I teach entrepreneurs how to create sustainable marketing practices, the goal has always been to support entrepreneurs in avoiding burnout. In today's episode, I'm sharing how entrepreneurs at every level can implement simple changes to their marketing strategy to create a more sustainable business and avoid burnout in their marketing. Tune in now to hear: The 3 key areas that contribute to most entrepreneurs burning out with their marketing strategy. The #1 piece that is essential when creating a sustainable marketing strategy that consistently attracts leads and paying clients even if you don't feel like showing up. How to think of your marketing in phases and improve overall reach and distribution without burning yourself out. Let's Connect brandmerry.com Instagram
78: Simple Process to Come Up With 90 Days of Content Ideas
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
77: $38k Launch Recap
Most entrepreneurs will launch their signature product or service at least once a year. Even if you've set your business up with an evergreen sales model (i.e. selling on the backend of an email funnel, webinar, or making it available 24/7 on your website) having a live launch can always drive sales. I typically launch 3-4 times a year, showcasing my various programs and giving community members the opportunity to join. Recently, I wrapped up a January launch of my signature live group program Roadmap to Freedom. Since this program is a live program that takes place at specific times each year and is not available to join at any time, the launches are a BIG deal here at Brandmerry. This recent launch was no different. When I'm launching I focus on a few key areas: Refine what's worked in the past, experiment and change what hasn't, and create as personalized outreach as possible. One of my favorite strategies I use often when launching is to send personalized videos to answer questions or reach out to people I think would be a great fit for the program. The ROI from this strategy is always exceptional. It's these tips and strategies I want to share with you today in my Launch Recap episode. If you're gearing up for an upcoming launch, you don't want to miss today's episode where I'm taking you behind the scenes of my recent $38k launch. Tune in now to hear: A complete breakdown of the revenue and expenses from the launch, including a breakdown of which projects brought in the most revenue. The 4 phases I implemented to launch Roadmap to Freedom over a two-month period (and how one of them is something I'll definitely be repeating in the future). The top lessons and takeaways from this recent launch as it pertains to marketing my program prior to the launch and during the live sales period.
76: How a VA Can Support You in Growing Your Business
As a solopreneur hiring team can be an exciting and scary time. You've probably already heard the message that hiring a team member, specifically a Virtual Assistant (VA) is good for business. But, if you're anything like me you're probably feeling a little lost with what to outsource that is going to create the biggest ROI for your business, especially if you're not currently paying yourself a full salary! My first hire was for $45 to update a landing page for my upcoming launch. That was in 2017. That one moment freed up over an hour of my time, and a few choice curse words on the computer screen, and I instantly saw the benefit. I slowly increased the support I was receiving to grow my business, often from contractors who would support me with projects, until in 2019 I brought on a team member. Delana serves as Operations Manager of Brandmerry and today she's joining me on the podcast so we can share more ways a VA can support you in growing your online business. So even if you only have a few hours a week where you need support, or you're gearing up for a big project, you can feel confident in bringing on someone to support you. Tune in now to Episode 76 to learn how to outsource parts of your business to a VA. Tune in now to hear: What I consider to be the area most entrepreneurs will experience the largest ROI for their investment in team. The 3 core areas a VA can support you with the day-to-day activities of your business (hint: most are money-making activities). How to get started working with a VA if you're a bit of a perfectionist, like things a certain way, feel disorganized or are on a tight budget. Resources mentioned in today's episode: Apply to work with Delana Rev - Transcript service ClickUp - Our preferred task management software Descript - A great tool for repurposing content Kajabi - Where our courses, membership, and products are housed. This all-in-one platform is amazing. Try it for 30 days here. Honeybook - Client management software Convertkit - Email marketing platform LET'S CONNECT Instagram brandmerry.com
75: Should You Be Using ChatGPT and AI in Your Business?
You can't really scroll social media without someone talking about ChatGPT! ChatGPT, especially in the entrepreneur space, has been getting a lot of publicity as of late. Pair that with Microsoft's new release for their AI tool, and the Google BART release that was less than ideal, and it's clear AI is here to stay. But, how exactly is AI being used by entrepreneurs? What are the benefits of using this tool, especially Chat GPT? When should you avoid using AI in your business? These are all questions I see popping up online as people debate the implication of AI in business. From a branding and content creation perspective, I see a lot of pros, but also some major cons. Inside Episode 75, I'm breaking down what these tools are, how you can use them in your business to save time, and when you should absolutely avoid them! Tune in now to hear: How AI tools, like Chat GPT, are affecting how content creators, brands, and entrepreneurs show up online. How you can use these AI tools to save you time and energy and get the juices flowing when your creativity might be at a low. My top recommendations for using these AI tools to write code, come up with content ideas, and create templates. LET'S CONNECT https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
74: Sharing Your Story Online
Hop on any social media platform today and within seconds you'll see someone sharing a story. It's even greater on TikTok, which has become a hub for content creators, personal brands, and business owners (whether or not they publically talk about making money, trust me they are probably compensating somehow). As we entered into the new year, more and more conversations were popping up on, "How to use storytelling to beat the algorithm!" "TikTok wants you to share stories!" "People love the behind-the-scenes, get-ready-wth-me content!" I know you've noticed the increase. Well, this is just one reason why your personal brand and the power of storytelling are on the rise. A) The demand from consumers is there! B) With the increase of content online, the only thing that differentiates us is our story. Tune in to Episode 74, where I'm sharing a video from 2019 (yep, been talking about brand storytelling for even longer than that) where I break down How to Share Personal Stories Online. Tune in now to hear: The power of sharing your personal story online in 2023 and beyond (hint: the demand is even greater). How to share vulnerable stories or the messy middle, and when you should consider waiting. My top tips for sharing personal stories online as a way to grow your business. LET'S CONNECT https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
73: Roadmap to Freedom Case Study
One of the things that I love the most about Roadmap to Freedom is the amazing community of entrepreneurs it brings together. It's such a pleasure to see them cheering each other on, passing along incredible tips, and helping to brainstorm the next steps in real time. It’s this type of support that makes Roadmap to Freedom an unforgettable experience. Sprinkle in the best support around (seriously, I’ve been told to charge much more for how hands-on I am in the group) and you’ve got yourself the best business program for entrepreneurs working toward a 6-figure business! I could sit here all day and tell you about how wonderful, life-changing, and transformational Roadmap to Freedom is, but instead, I’ll just let you hear it from those that have gone through the experience. Today, on the Brandmerry Podcast I’m sharing a special episode of client testimonials and reviews of R2F. Inside of the Roadmap to Freedom community, you’ll not only find support from your peers, but you’ll also receive answers to your questions and support from the Brandmerry Team. No question goes unanswered and we know that with this amazing community, you’ll finally have the confidence and know-how to build your sustainable business. There truly is nothing like it available online for this investment. What are you waiting on to join them: brandmerry.com/freedom
72: 7 Things to Focus on in the First Year of Business
In 2015, after the birth of my son, I decided I wanted to become an entrepreneur. That next year of coming up with a business idea, building the pieces needed for launching, putting my brand out into the world, getting the confidence to market, and ultimately making my first sale was a whirlwind. If you're reading this now my guess is you're experiencing something similar. With all the confusion during that first year, I managed to create $15k in revenue. The following year, I made more than 6 figures! If I had known the pieces that ultimately got me to 6 figures during that first year of launching, I feel confident I could have generated more revenue and built a bigger community (and therefore impact) much faster. It's one of the reasons that one of my goals has always been to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs implement a simplified framework for their first few years of business. It's the same framework we teach inside of my signature program Roadmap to Freedom. Today, on the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing 7 main pieces to focus on during your first year of business as an online entrepreneur to yield results! Tune in now to hear: Where every single entrepreneur should start when launching their business, no matter the business or business model. The importance of your first-year timeline, and where the majority of your energy and attention must go. Something I wish I would have started sooner as a way to better audit and read the data of my business. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com instagram.com/michelleknightco
71: 3 Tips for Signing 1:1 Clients
I know 1:1 services can get a bad rap online. There's this belief that it will take all of your time, it will be hard to sell, and it's not scalable. And, while some of that might be true for some people it's not something I've experienced in my entrepreneurial journey. In fact, I've found that offering 1:1 services is a great way to create a steady stream of income and requires very little money to scale. I've used 1:1 services (offering various packages and prices) to reach my first $100k as a business owner, and consistently generate around $80k year after year in my business. Today, on the podcast I'm sharing how you too can sign consistent 1:1 clients in your business as either your main program offering or a supplement to something else. Tune in now to hear: Why 1:1 might be the perfect place for you to start your offerings or scale your business despite what you might have heard online from other professionals. 4 of my universal tips for entrepreneurs to sign consistent 1:1 clients in their business. My top strategy for new entrepreneurs and seasoned entrepreneurs wanting to grow their 1:1 services and generate more revenue. LET'S CONNECThttps://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
70.5: Minisode 1: You're Invited
Join the Specify Your Niche Challenge here: brandmerry.com/niche LET'S CONNECT: https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
70: How to Stay Consistent in 2023
As we head into the new year there is one thing I wish for you...consistency. Whatever that consistency looks like for you in terms of your revenue, marketing, habits, etc... I just hope that you've got the motivation to show up for your goals throughout the year. Because the thing about growing a business boils down to consistently following through on your intentions. If you want to build your audience, you need to consistently be marketing online. If you want to make sales in your business, you need to consistently talk about your offers. If you want to close more sales conversations, you need to consistently practice how to do that. The misconception people have is that someone just got lucky, no they were consistent! What are you striving to remain consistent in for the next 90 days? What about the next 6 months? How about over the next year? And more importantly, how are you going to set yourself up for success in this department? In Episode 70, I share my top tips for staying consistent this year. Tune in now to hear: The belief people have about consistency, we're busting once and for all, so you can no longer allow this "excuse" to hold you back. How a successful strategy comes down to two core pieces most entrepreneurs skip (hint: one is mindset and one is strategy). How to use the "snowball effect" to gain momentum and not burn out trying to do all the things. Resources Mentioned in This Video: Repurposing Content Training Video Marketing Strategy Training Video Try ClickUp for Free (our favorite task management software) Read Atomic Habits by James Clear LET'S CONNECT https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
69: Tips for Getting Started in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship changed my life and the life of my family. Not just financially, but also on a deep emotional level. It shifted who I am as a person, and the amount of growth experienced since starting my business has been phenomenal. Why is this? Because it's a lot of work! Not always hard. Not always easy. Just work. But it's through this work that you will experience incredible growth as well. I wish someone would have told me that the journey was going to be so challenging. I wish I would have seen more accessible language about what those first few years were going to be like for new entrepreneurs. So, here we are. This journey is going to challenge you in ways that you've never imagined before. And if we were sitting in a room together, there are things about this journey I would absolutely want you to know about. So I recorded a podcast just for you. If you’re in the early stages of starting your business, or those first few years...this is for you! This episode is a deep, intimate dive into crafting the idea of your business, how to put the pieces in place, the process of launching it into the world, scaling that dream to consistent revenue, and so much more. Tune in now to hear: The truth about mindset as a new entrepreneur and how it impacts your business growth, especially in those early months and years. The importance of getting in touch with your desires, not just business goals for the next year, but where you envision yourself 3, 5, or even 10 years from now. How to handle overwhelm as a new business owner, and become more resilient through the process of discovering your brand, offer, marketing, and more. Let's Connect: brandmerry.com instagram.com/michelleknightco
68: Mompreneur Tips
I've been a mother and entrepreneur for the same amount of time. It was the birth of my son that triggered a desire to launch my business into the world. I've always been building a business and caring for my son, so mompreneur has been a title I've carried for the last 7 years. I've learned a lot during this time and discovered ways to show up for my son and family while building a successful online business that generates a minimum of 6 figures every year. It hasn't always been easy, which is probably why you're here reading this blog in the first place. Are you looking for tips to juggle it all? Do you struggle with mom guilt around taking time to build your business? Does the thought of getting 2 hours every morning for a morning routine make you laugh? Do you see these other moms building businesses and wonder what they are doing? Welp, how about I pull back the curtain and share 5 tips for mompreneurs doing it all? Tune in now to hear: How to schedule dedicated time to work on your business and why it's essential to not just squeeze it in during nap time. Why reframing the way you view boundaries might help you with the mom guilt we all experience from time to time. A realistic approach to self-care and making time for yourself! Want to dive into more of the resources mentioned in this episode? Listen to my birth story here and my postpartum experience here.
67: 2023 Marketing Predictions - Part Two
Marketing is the one element in business that is always changing. After we establish our brand foundation, our energy and attention goes toward brand awareness, lead generation, and signing client/ making the sale. These three tasks rely on a strong marketing strategy. But, every single year it feels like there is a new focus on what we should be prioritizing within our marketing if we want to succeed. Sometimes we are subject to the platforms themselves, or new consumer buying habits. And, as marketers, it's important that we pay attention to these changes. With a lot of conversations centered around the changing financial landscape, it's only natural that entrepreneurs are thinking about how to get ahead in 2023. As someone who studies this work on a regular basis, looking for trends, changes, and ways to excel, I can tell you it's a lot of work! So, I've done the work in the hopes it will save you time and energy when preparing your marketing for the year ahead. As we enter another year of marketing, which is sure to be full of challenges, experimenting, and awesome discoveries along the way, I'm sharing my top predictions for the year ahead. Tune in now to hear: Part One: The 4 marketing predictions for 2023 centered around brand loyalty, and marketing platforms! Part Two: An additional 3 marketing predictions for 2023 that focus on the type of marketing to incorporate and what to prioritize in the new year. The non-negotiables required of every brand wanting to be successful in 2023! LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Get the Brandmerry Planner Take the Brand Roadmap Quiz
66: 2023 Marketing Predictions - Part One
Marketing is the one element in business that is always changing. After we establish our brand foundation, our energy and attention goes toward brand awareness, lead generation, and signing client/ making the sale. These three tasks rely on a strong marketing strategy. But, every single year it feels like there is a new focus on what we should be prioritizing within our marketing if we want to succeed. Sometimes we are subject to the platforms themselves, or new consumer buying habits. And, as marketers, it's important that we pay attention to these changes. With a lot of conversations centered around the changing financial landscape, it's only natural that entrepreneurs are thinking about how to get ahead in 2023. As someone who studies this work on a regular basis, looking for trends, changes, and ways to excel, I can tell you it's a lot of work! So, I've done the work in the hopes it will save you time and energy when preparing your marketing for the year ahead. As we enter another year of marketing, which is sure to be full of challenges, experimenting, and awesome discoveries along the way, I'm sharing my top predictions for the year ahead. Tune in now to hear: Part One: The 4 marketing predictions for 2023 centered around brand loyalty, and marketing platforms! Part Two: An additional 3 marketing predictions for 2023 that focus on the type of marketing to incorporate and what to prioritize in the new year. The non-negotiables required of every brand wanting to be successful in 2023! LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Get the Brandmerry Planner Take the Brand Roadmap Quiz
65: How to Do a Simple Website Refresh
Every year, around November or December, I give my website a little refresh. Not a complete brand overhaul, or a new website, but just a little update. I find performing this website audit and making these updates before the beginning of the year gives me nice momentum heading into the new year. Knowing that my website is a reflection of my current brand status, offers, messaging, and more always makes for an aligned feeling. If you've got a website that is gathering a little bit of dust (i.e. hasn't been updated in a minute), I'm sharing some of my top tips for performing a simple website refresh in this episode of The Brandmerry Podcast. Tune in now to hear: The 4 main areas to focus on while doing your website refresh How to audit your existing website so you're not completely redoing everything Tips for doing the refresh quickly and not taking precious time away from your marketing efforts LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: (PLEASE LINK THE TEXT) Home Page Framework Video Emotional Branding Mega Episode How to Write Your About Me Page Get the New Brandmerry Quarterly Planner Learn More About Roadmap to Freedom
64: 6-Month Planning Guide
Planning 6 months in advance in your business might feel a little intimidating. It feels so far away! There's so much to do before then! Does it really matter if you're that far ahead? From my experience, it makes a big difference in my productivity and business growth. When you have a game plan for the next 6 months it removes a lot of overwhelm, eliminates wasted time trying to think of what to do, and can actually make your limited time working on your business more efficient. However, there are a few things you're going to want to consider when planning a full 6 months in business. It can't be as broad as your yearly goals, or as rigid as your 30-day goals. In Episode 64, I'm sharing my 6-Month Planning Guide for Entrepreneurs so you can harness the power of planning and feel more intentional with your daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Tune in now to hear: How to plan the next 6 months in a simple and streamlined way (no fancy software required). Why having your 6 months planned, will also help you determine your weekly workflow and why it's essential to have this system in place as an entrepreneur. My bonus tips for effectively sticking to your 6-month plan (even if you haven't been great at it before).
63: 2023 Planning Tips
Do you struggle to stick with your new year goals? Do you start the year with big ambitions, but lose momentum around February or March because you don't have an actionable plan in place? Is the process of defining what to do and when overwhelming so you just say F it? In the past, my planning journey has always teetered between two extreme levels. From writing my goals every single year on notecards only to lose them days later. Or, being so rigid with the goals that I lose interest, don't have space for new ideas, and ultimately lose interest. Over the past two years, I've found a nice balance between the two. It involves 6 steps I follow when planning out my new year intentions and goals. I've found planning can actually be a fun process (who knew?) and lead to more inspiration and momentum throughout the year. This approach to planning has had a major impact on the success of my business and my personal life. Today, in Episode 63, I'm sharing my Top 6 Planning Tips for the New Year. Tune in now to hear: How to track your progress toward your goals even when they don't seem measurable. My #1 planning tip for entrepreneurs no matter what you sell, or how your business is structured (hint: it has to do with content). Why quarterly planning is more important than your end-of-the-year goals! SHOW NOTES: Join the Brandmerry newsletter at brandmerry.com/subscribe Sign up for the 90-Day Planner Waitlist at brandmerry.com/planner Check out my favorite book on habits - atomichabits.com
62: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do
Lately I've noticed a trend. Entrepreneurs speaking out more and more about not having a plan for the new year. Business owners not sure of their next step. And, I'm one of them. When looking from the outside in, it can always feel like people have it all together. That somehow, because they're making progress, that they know exactly what to do and when. I've found this is not the case. There is comfort in knowing that others are experiencing the same uncertainty, or lack of clarity that we might be as well. At least ,that has always been the case for my journey. As we prepare to create life and business plans (intentions) for 2023, it's important to look at what it means to "have it all together" and to create the "perfect" business plan. What would happen if we started the planning process by looking inward? What would happen if we led with an intention of feeling something specific, and not hitting a specific number? How would this impact our results, momentum, and alignment as entrepreneurs? I'm exploring these questions and more inside episode 62 of The Brandmerry Podcast. Tune in now to this transparent, and somewhat vulnerable episode on planning. Tune in now to hear: My biggest takeaways and lessons learned when planning for the new year, that are impacting how I set intentions in 2023. The misconception of what you "should" be doing as a business owner every single year. The biggest ah-ha moment I experienced in 2022, and how it changed my life.
61: My End-of-the-Year Trick
Every year, around this time, I want to hibernate. No joke, my desire to go inward, celebrate the Holidays slowly with family, and take a break from creating new content, or creating anything new at all takes hold. However, as a business owner I know it's important to not stop showing up, especially during a time when more and more people are online and spending their money during the Holiday season. So, in 2017 I developed a strategy that I've repeated every year for 6 years and I don't plan on stopping in the future. It involves a mass repurposing overload. Refreshing old content that has the potential to do well among the relevant topics, reposting or resharing content that's done well in the past, and saving me a ton of time. It's a win-win. I grow my business and take a much-needed break. Today, on Episode 61 of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing how I find the right content, and reshare it in a way that doesn't burn out my audience. Tune in now to hear: Why repurposing your content is something I recommend every single entrepreneur do at least once a year in their business (and why Google loves it)! How to analyze the data and determine which content to focus on. My favorite way to reshare content to my email list, AND generate a new blog for the website (this is a good one)!
60: Email List Building 101
You've probably heard about building an email list before, but have you ever wondered what makes one successful? Building an email list full of ideal customers is one of the best things you can do to scale your business. But, how do you build an email list from scratch? There can feel like a lot of moving parts, so it's easy to ignore the process and just tell yourself that you'll grow your social media, or continue to pick your brand colors, but the sooner you have the pieces in place to grow your email list the better. My challenge to you...start building your email list in the next two weeks! And, to help you with this process, I'm sharing exactly what you need to create your email list, automate your funnel, and promote it. Whether you're just starting your email list or looking for ways to improve it, this episode is for you! If you prefer to watch a full video I did on this process, you can tune in here. Tune in now to hear: The very first step in building your email list that doesn't have to do with your email platform, pages or any automation! The 6 pieces needed to create an email list-building machine that works behind the scenes while you enjoy your life. How I recommend promoting your email list so you can create consistent leads and sales in your business. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Kajabi: An all-in-one platform for email marketing, payment processors, website, sales pages, membership platform, and more. Get a free 30-day trial! Convertkit: Email marketing we love at Brandmerry. Try it for free! Flodesk: A visually pleasing email platform that's great for beginners. Get a discount here!
59: Improve Consistency in Your Content Marketing
The key to effective marketing is consistency. Whether you're trying to sell products online, offline, or through social media, you need to consistently promote yourself and your business. If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur with no team, then hearing that consistency is king (ahem Queen) probably makes you want to throw your laptop. I get it, I'm not the first person to remind you of this critical element of showing up, sharing your brand, and getting clients. You've heard it before. You need to create consistent content if you want to grow your business. Maybe this year you've felt all the excitement about implementing a new content marketing strategy only to fall off the wagon and create inconsistent results… Maybe the results were slower than you would have liked... Maybe life got in the way, again! It can be frustrating, to say the least. But, the reality is that consistency doesn't just happen, by chance, it is made. It is developed over time, and yes there are systems, processes, and mindset shifts that need to happen in order for it to stick. Content marketing is a great way to market your business. But it takes time and effort to produce quality content on a regular basis. So how do you make sure you don't lose momentum when you start producing content? Lucky for you, I'm sharing 5 of my favorite ways to improve consistency in your marketing! Tune in now to episode 59. Tune in now to hear: Why deciding you are ready to be consistent, and proclaiming it to your biz bestie just isn't enough to stick with creating consistent content. The #1 thing I suggest entrepreneurs do once they've determined how, when, and where they will show up. How the "all or nothing mentality" is actually keeping you from making progress, measuring results, and what to do instead.
58: How to Switch On and Off When Working From Home
On a recent live video, a member of my community asked me, "How do you switch on and off from work?" My response: put on my pajamas, hair in a bun, and pour a glass of wine. I even recorded this funny reel to show it in action. All jokedsaside though, there is a process I follow every morning and every evening to switch on and off from work. This process has helped me not only become more focused on my projects while working, but more present with my family and friends when I'm not. These simple strategies have a made a big difference in how I view my work time, personal time, and of course, vacation time. When you work from home it's not always easy to separate the two, but with these tips, inside Episode 58, I hope you'll have a better structure for doing so with ease. Tune in now to hear: What I religiously do every single day when ending work so I'm pretty prepared and focused for the day ahead. How my morning routine supports me as a mother, wife, and CEO, and the different elements I repeat daily to make sure I'm set up for success. How setting boundaries with my clients, and myself, changed my relationship with my family!
57: How to Choose Your Focus as a Business Owner
Life has a funny way of showing up when you're not ready for it. As a business owner, this has the possibility of derailing your plans. What if I told you that this doesn't always have to be a bad thing? I believe that if we reframe the way we look at "life getting in the way," and instead use it as an opportunity to focus on core parts of our business, we will find more harmony as entrepreneurs. We can't stop life, and certain seasons will demand more from us. The secret is being open to adjusting as needed. Rather than fighting what's being asked of us, we can make more aligned choices in where, when, and how we show up - especially as it relates to marketing. In Episode 57, I'm sharing a case study of how I recently used this practice in my life and business, and how you can steal my 3-part process when you need it. Tune in now to hear: Why sometimes you must adjust your business focus during a busy season in life when you may not have the time or energy to work fully in your business. The 3-step process I follow to determine what and where I should focus my energy, so I continue to grow my business! The difference between making small adjustments and taking a full break, and how to know when to do both.
56: 5 Things I'd Do Differently If Starting My Business Today
This year marks 6 years since I left my 9 to 5 (full-time) job for the entrepreneurial dream. Has it been easy? Absolutely not! Has it been worth it? You better believe it! Every year, around the anniversary of my departure, I record an episode sharing my top lessons, and things I wish I would have known 6 years ago. Every year the tips are different (minus one), and I'm always amazed at what I've learned from the previous year. The journey of entrepreneurship is not linear. You do not learn something, fix it, and everything just magically works. The benefit of entrepreneurship is growing, and if you're not open to the growing process you'll struggle. Episode 56, gets personal as I share the top 5 things I'd do differently if starting my business today. Listen in and learn from my experiences, or don't, that's up to you! Tune in now to hear: The #1 thing I wish I would have known, that has remained the same year after year, as I grow my business (it's so important)! What I would have done to speed up my timeline to paying clients, and what wasted most of my time when I was just starting it. The lesson I'm still working on today, and why it's always been a struggle.
55: Branding: What They Don't Tell You
Is there anything that feels more complex than branding? Based on my experience as a Brand Coach, I can tell you this is where most entrepreneurs feel lost! Questions like: Is your brand your content? Is your brand your aesthetic and design? Is your brand your website? Is your brand your message? How consistent does your brand REALLY need to be? I've heard them all and more. Turns out it's all of those things! Your brand is the overall experience and those elements make up your brand, but I get it - that is so not helpful!! That's why we focus on sharing the signature 6-Part Brand Framework for branding. Story Niche Ideal Customer Messaging Offer Visuals These 6 elements make up a strong AF brand! From there you can step into consistent marketing with ease, scale your revenue consistently, and build the business of your dreams. But does branding stop there? Absolutely not. Once the foundation is set (see the 6 steps above for reference) it's about the trust-building process. This is the step established brands forget. Today on the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing "What They Don't Tell You About Branding!" Tune in now to hear: The importance of not just building trust with your growing audience, but also maintaining it with your paying clients and customers. Why consistency in branding is not about the visuals, but focused on the overall experience and feeling your brand evokes. The #1 lie entrepreneurs have been told when it comes to branding!
54: Top Branding Mistakes to Avoid
I've been a Brand Coach, and branding expert for six years now. I've worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs to help them build and launch their brands into the world. I've supported hundreds of entrepreneurs who are seeking a more aligned brand, but don't know where to start or what to change with their existing brand. And, during that time, I've identified a few key branding mistakes that most entrepreneurs are making. These very mistakes keep them stuck behind the scenes of their business for far too long. New entrepreneurs wait months, if not years, to start marketing, and established entrepreneurs feels lost in how to move forward with their new aligned brand. And since we're in the business of making the branding process easier for entrepreneurs, I wanted to share the Top Branding Mistakes to Avoid. No matter where you're at in the branding process, it's essential you avoid these mistakes. Tune into Episode 54 of The Brandmerry Podcast to learn more. Tune in now to hear: The top 5 branding mistakes to avoid as an entrepreneur. Where I see most entrepreneurs go wrong when starting the branding process, and what to do instead. The critical role branding plays in the success of your marketing efforts and why "skimming" the surface just isn't enough.
53: Brand Storytelling Mega Episode
Brand storytelling changed my life. Sounds like a bold claim doesn't it, but it's the truth. When I started my business in 2016, I had zero idea of what I was doing. Although I felt confident in using online tools, like social media, I didn't know how to stand out, build a community, or get sales. As you can imagine, this is not a recipe for success. For months, I tried to build my brand without any luck. Honestly, it felt like wasted time as I didn't make any money in the process despite my best efforts. Then I discovered brand storytelling. Six years later, a brand that feels so good, marketing efforts that have generated over 1 million dollars, and multiple features...I am so thankful for the effect of brand storytelling on my business and life. Brand storytelling is my specialty and on episode 53 of The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing, "How to Grow Your Business with Brand Storytelling!" Today's episode is a deep dive into brand storytelling. After listening, if you would like to consume additional resources on the topic, be sure to check out my Brand Storytelling Guide here, and my YouTube channel with additional videos. Tune in now to hear: What makes brand storytelling so powerful when marketing your business online and the effect it has on the consumer buying process. How to craft great stories for business purposes, so you not only build a connection but also showcase authority and lead to higher purchase conversions. My top stories to get started with and examples for each, so you can feel confident incorporating brand storytelling into your marketing.
52: Daily + Weekly Tasks in Business
As a fellow entrepreneur and small business owner, I'm always looking for opportunities to manage my time wisely. For me, it's about sustainable time management techniques. This means ways to simplify my workflow and focus, so I can do less more efficiently. In my mind, productivity isn't about doing as much as possible, it's about focusing on what is going to make the biggest impact on the growth of my business. Sounds great, right?! As I've grown my business from $0 to multiple 6-figures cash a year, I've determined that there are 3 daily tasks and 3 weekly tasks that help move the needle forward. Even when life might demand more of me outside of my business, I can focus on these elements and know that I'm producing results. If you do nothing else, focusing on these pieces will move your business forward. Tune in now, to episode 52 of the Brandmerry Podcast, to learn 3 Tasks to Prioritize Daily AND Weekly in Your Business as an Entrepreneur. Tune in now to hear: The three things I focus on daily and weekly in my business that have made the biggest difference in the amount of work I'm able to get done in a little bit of time. How my 3 daily goals make sure I'm hitting all my marketing goals as an entrepreneur, and contributing to my brand being seen and paid consistently. What a CEO day is in my business, and how you can create a similar day to clean up the back office of your business.
51: Short-Form Video, Trolls and ROI
SFV, or short-form video, is all the rage right now in marketing. Consumers want it, and platforms are rushing to meet that demand. Think videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Pinterest Idea Pins, YouTube Shorts, and more. And as this type of content becomes more and more in demand, entrepreneurs and small business owners are trying to discover how they navigate creating this type of content and staying authentic and on-brand. As a Brand Coach, this was my top priority when starting to experiment with short-form video content for my business. It's also something we desire for our clients, which is why we recently created a new training inside of Brandmerry Academy dedicated to this type of content. The reality is, despite how you feel about short-form video content, it is here to stay. In fact, we're seeing how this type of content is shaping the future of social media platforms by encouraging more SEO (search engine optimization) and SEO content. For us at Brandmerry, this is an amazing thing, because we specialize in evergreen search engine optimized content. In today's episode, of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing more about Short-Form Video Content: What you need to know! Tune in now to hear: What short-form video content is and what it is not, and how to set your brand up for the best ROI and success by choosing your topics. Why aiming for a viral video should not be your goal as an entrepreneur and a real-life experience I had when one of my IG Reels hit 80k views. How to handle the trolls and continue to show up and share your voice and expertise with those that need it most.
50: Brand Alignment: Life Update
Today's episode on the Brandmerry Podcast is a vulnerable one. As a Brand Strategist, I've spent the last six years growing my business online. As a result, I've shared many parts of my story and my life with my community. Not to mention brand storytelling and personal branding are kind of my thing, so it's only natural to show up and share parts of my life, intertwined with my business. It's something I've gotten really good at. Storytelling is such an art. The art of sharing real-life experiences and authenticity in a feel-good way. In other words, keeping certain things sacred and close to you, while also sharing your personality and truth with the world. It's not always easy, and this Summer, I navigated a very sacred time. A time, that for the first time in my business, required me to step back fully. To not share openly online and just reflect. What this period of life showed me was that the brand I've built is sustainable. That as life happens, as it always will, I've built a brand that allows me to step back and show up for the people and things that are most important in my life. This is the type of sustainable business I want for you. Today, as I find myself on the other side of this experience, I'm turning on my microphone, sitting down with my smoothie, and sharing the details. In Episode 50, of The Brandmerry Podcast, which feels monumental in its own right, you'll discover why branding is so essential to living an aligned life as an entrepreneur, plus where I've been and what I've been up to. Tune in now to hear: Why I'm so incredibly thankful I took the time to build my solid brand foundation six years ago and how it has continued to pay off as I aim to build an aligned, authentic and sustainable business. What I wish more entrepreneurs, just getting started, knew about hitting their goals, balancing their time and energy, and what having a successful business truly means. How I make tough decisions in my business, often times pivoting from the original plan, in a simple and aligned way. I love hearing from you, so if this episode spoke to you in any way, please send me a DM on Instagram.
49: Sustainable Launching with Alex Beadon
When it comes to building an online business there is no avoiding the term "launch!" You've probably heard it at least 10 times today, am I right? And when we think about launching, we typically associate it with working overtime, exhaustion and feeling burnt out. Well, I can tell you from experience it doesn't have to be this way. There is a sustainable way to launch! Today, I'm joined by Alex Beadon of Together We Launch. I was fortunate to work with Alex inside of her program in 2021 and can tell you she is the real deal. What Alex teaches goes beyond just launching, but also into running a sustainable business. How do we navigate real-life events while showing up publicly for our business? What does building a brand mean when you're multi-passionate? How does launching fit into a sustainable business model? These questions and more are answered in today's podcast! Plus, she put together a Launch Checklist just for our listeners. Grab your free copy at https://launchwithalex.com/brandmerry Tune in now to hear: How Alex has shifted her business throughout the years and how always being open to pivoting has led her to her dream business today. Alex and I talk intimately about navigating difficult personal decisions, like loss, while remaining public and transparent with our audiences. Alex's top sustainable practices when it comes to launching your next service. The importance of branding (we nerd out on this one together) and how it plays a role in the success of your business.
48: Sustainable Finances with Empowered Profit
If there's one thing you can't avoid as you grow your business it's your finances. I know, as a new entrepreneur back in 2016, I had a hard time wrapping my head around where the money went, how I paid myself, how to separate accounts and more! It felt like a lot while also trying to make money in my business. Luckily, shortly after my first year in business and a major tax bill, I found Empowered Profit. I've been working with Amy's team at Empowered Profit ever since and recently got to sit down with her for a bonus workshop inside my program Brandmerry Academy. As a full-service accounting agency for female entrepreneurs and their kick-ass businesses, they offer money management solutions that empower their clients to get their financials on-lock. The ultimate goal is to help entrepreneurs have the freedom to create a business that matters. If there's one thing we know about creating a sustainable business, it's generating sustainable revenue. How you manage that revenue is everything! Tune in now to hear: Amy's top strategy for setting money aside for important things like taxes. Why Amy believes every single entrepreneur, no matter the revenue level, should be paying themselves. How to have a 'Money Date' with yourself every single week and start showing your money some love.
47: Sustainable Habits Pt. 2
In Part One, of our interview with Ash Wylder, Habits Mentor inside of Brandmerry Academy, we dove into a juicy conversation on designing your life for you! Rather than reaching for things in life and business that feel expected of you, or what you "should" be doing, we can create sustainable businesses by acting out of alignment. In Episode 46, we talked about the importance of having hobbies as a business owner, how to feel into what you truly want, and how small, actionable steps will play a vital role in your overall success. Today, in Part Two of our interview we'll get super actionable with the steps! Tune in now, to Episode 47, to hear: How to color-code your calendar for energy expenditure, so you can make sure you're creating more harmony in life and business and don't burnout. The truth about your time management, and how you're robbing yourself of progress by not taking time for breaks and vacation (hint: it's actually good for business). The reality that your success as a business owner, the revenue and impact you desire to make, depends greatly on the choices you make outside of your work.
46: Sustainable Habits Pt. 1
The idea of daily habits is not a new concept. Yet, for me, it wasn't until I read James Clear, Atomic Habits, that it finally clicked on just how important it was. When I stumbled across this book, I was already three years into running my online business. I immediately started to look at the habits I had as an entrepreneur that was impacting how I ran my business. I made a lot of changes out of the gate with my systems, workflows, and day-to-day activities. However, during this process, I also started to see a need for habit building outside my business efforts. As I began to implement daily habits in my morning routine, my mindset routine, my relationships and more something amazing happened...my business felt better! I had always known what happens outside of my business impacts how I show up, but I never realized just how much I could control it. As my habits became more consistent with my morning routine, I noticed more focus and creativity throughout the day. As I began to create better habits in logging off and stepping away from work (boundaries, anyone?) I noticed how my relationship with my clients and how I showed up when I was working improved. Needless to say, habits changed my life and business. So when we were continuing to expand Brandmerry Academy in 2021, after first launching in 2020, I knew I wanted to support our clients with a critical element of building a sustainable business. That's when I brought in Ash Wylder, a certified High-Performance Habits Specialist, to support our members and in Episode 46 I'm lucky to have Ash join me for an amazing conversation on habits. Ash is the founder of storybreath.org where she helps trailblazers communicate clearly, get paid their worth, and claim their seat at the table. Ash is not only a former client but also a phenomenal asset to Brandmerry Academy, where she supports members in transforming how they show up in their personal lives and their business. Ash leads monthly High-Performance Habt calls for our members and supports them inside of our community. Tune in to Part One of this conversation to hear: How having hobbies will actually make you a better business owner and not take away from it. The importance of feeling in to alignment with the type of person you want to be in order to shift your identity into who you want to be and design a business to match. Why taking small, actionable steps will transform the way you show up in your business and the success you achieve (without burnout)!
45: Creating a Sustainable Marketing Plan
When we think about sustainable marketing, we often think about how our business efforts can support a more sustainable culture primarily centered around environmental efforts. And while I'm 100% for that way of marketing, I propose a different definition when it comes to sustainable marketing for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This type of sustainable marketing is centered around a marketing plan that is sustainable to the business owner. Taking into consideration recurring revenue, time management and alignment, as mentioned in Episode 42 on The Brandmerry Podcast. Rather than creating a marketing plan that requires you to post daily, or constantly come up with new ideas which often leave the entrepreneur exhausted and working overtime, sustainable marketing focuses on something, well more...sustainable. Inside, Episode 45 of The Brandmerry Podcast I break down these practices so entrepreneurs can start shifting their marketing strategy (a key component of running a successful online business) to something that not only creates abundance in their business, but also in their life. Tune in now to hear: Why the old way of looking at marketing is outdated and causing most entrepreneurs to throw in the towel out of lack of time and energy. How to better optimize your marketing strategy as an entrepreneur so that you're not only gaining consistent leads in business, but also doing it in an efficient way. The little known fact about evergreen content and how it plays a role in a brand longevity and consistent ability to create brand awareness, attraction and connection.
44. Prioritizing Business Ideas and To-Do Lists
One of the top questions I receive from my members inside of Brandmerry Academy is, "How to Prioritize Business Tasks, Ideas and To-Do's as an Entrepreneur?" As an entrepreneur we're constantly coming up with new ideas, usually in the most unexpected places, that could support our business. Maybe it's a new offering. Maybe it's a new way of marketing. Maybe it's a new addition to our brand. Maybe it's a rebrand. And, the list continues. As entrepreneurs we never seem to be at a loss of ideas, but how do we take those ideas and determine what should be prioritized to move the business forward? How do we organize our business tasks and to-do's in a way that leads to a sustainable business? I'm answering those questions in today's episode of The Brandmerry Podcast! Because at the end of the day, your schedule and where you focus your energy is everything when building a successful and sustainable business. Tune in now to hear: A 4-part framework to prioritize your ideas, tasks and to-do's so you don't get distracted and overwhelmed with all the things! The 3 pillars every business owner should be focused on daily and how this plays a role in how you prioritize tasks and ideas in your business. My #1 tip for entrepreneurs when deciding what needs your urgency in business.
43: Sustainable Growth Mindset with Tani Morgan
As a Brand Strategist, I can tell you all day the nuts and bolts of how to build a business. More specifically, I can give you the strategies and how-to's to do it sustainably. But, understanding the how of building a business is only part of the challenge. The other part is your mindset. Over the years, and hundreds of clients later, I've recognized that building a truly sustainable business comes down to sustainable revenue, time management, and alignment/ joy. It's something I shared inside part one of the Sustainable Business Series here on The Brandmerry Podcast. And today's episode is all about that last piece - alignment/joy. In order to build a sustainable business, you've got to have the mindset to back it up. In order to implement the strategies, you've got to have the confidence to do so. In order to master your visibility plan, you've got to have the courage to show up. In order to continue to grow and expand as a business owner, you've got to know how to check in and challenge your way of thinking. In order to take the steps to reach that next income level, you've got to have the belief that you can! So much of our success in building a sustainable business comes down to our growth mindset as entrepreneurs. In Episode 43, of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm interviewing Brandmery Academy Mindset Mentor Tani Morgan. Tani is the founder of tanimorgan.com where she helps new entrepreneurs struggling to achieve their biz goals to confidently sell their offers, raise their prices and exceed their income goals. Tani is not only my very first client and dear friend, but also who I trust to support clients inside of Brandmerry Academy. Tani leads monthly mindset calls for our members and supports them inside of our community. Tune in now to hear: Why mindset is so important as an entrepreneur and crucial when building a sustainable 6-figure business. The major signs that an entrepreneur is avoiding the mindset work and ultimately stalling their over business growth and revenue generation. The top actionable steps Tani recommends entrepreneurs take to improve their growth mindset and excel at visibility, sales and serving their clients.
42: Sustainable Business
In 2019, my family and I made a big life decision and decided to sell our home and move into an RV. The goal was to travel the United States for a few years, something we'd been putting on the back burner for quite some time but felt the need to take action on after a year of tremendous loss and grief. And because of that decision in 2019, my entire outlook on building a business changed. I had always been a hustler! And truth be told, it 100% got me to 6-figures in revenue during my first full year in business. But, the way in which I was hustling was nonstop and the way in which I was marketing my business just wasn't sustainable. As we began to travel the US we not only experienced much more freedom as a family, but also limited access to WIFI. The combination of these two pieces had me rethink just how I was showing up in my business, marketing my business and more importantly spending my time. I didn't know it at the time, but my business went from a 6-figure business to a sustainable 6-figure business. Suddenly, I was not only focused on generating revenue, but doing it in the most sustainable way. This focus on building a sustainable business model is the reason I created my program Brandmerry Academy in 2020. But, over the years, I've found that the idea of what sustainability really means can be confusing to some. Today, on the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm kicking off the "Sustainable Business Series." A series where we will dive into sustainable business practices, habit building, finance, systems, mindset and so much more. At Brandmerry we believe that every entrepreneur deserves a business that gives them the time and space to truly live and it starts here! Tune in now to hear: What sustainability means to us at Brandmerry and why it's such an important aspiration for so many entrepreneurs. The 3 pillars of a sustainable business and how each pillar is equally important - miss one and you'll miss the mark. The biggest misconception about building a sustainable business!
41: Habits
In December of 2019, I read a book that ultimately changed my life. The book was Atomic Habits by James Clear. While I was very familiar with the importance of daily habits, I’d always struggled. I was goal-oriented and had been setting goals for myself since I was seven years old, but I often would miss my intended goal or even forget about it. I hadn’t yet mastered how to take daily action, or improve by 1% as mentioned in the book, to get to my end goal without feeling rushed or out of alignment. This book, and life lesson, came to me at just the right time, as I had been struggling to find my footing after selling our home and choosing to travel full-time. Over the past three years, I've applied the lessons and information in the book to not only improve my day-to-day life but also my mindset, health, relationships, and business. Through this work, I've developed a deeper understanding of the person I want to be – yes it’s that good! But, it hasn't been easy and it has been a journey. Today, on the podcast I’m sharing a repurposed recording from 2020, shortly after reading the book, to shed some light on what the beginning was like. It can be really easy to see someone's chapter 10 and compare it to your chapter 3, but we all start somewhere. I hope today's episode gives you a starting place to implement your personal aligned habits and the inspiration to start exactly where you are with what you have. In episode 41 of the podcast you'll learn: Just how important small daily actions are for greater change in your relationships, mindset, health, and career, not just this year but forever. The specific habits I needed to create in order to see shifts and changes in my life, as well as sustainable growth (especially in business). Why daily habits are necessary not just to achieve our goals and make revenue in our business, but to shift our identity and honor our commitments to ourselves. Don’t forget to grab your copy of Atomic Habits by James Clear!
40: Quarterly Biz Audit
At Brandmerry, we are big fans of planning. Planning for the year. Planning for 6 months. Planning for each quarter. But, we also know that planning is only half of the battle. Having plans and never checking in on their progress can easily lead to a lack of progress. Things can shift so quickly in online business that if you’re not consistently checking in on your progress, what’s working, and what’s not, you might get caught off guard a little too late. And that’s just in reference to your data. Now let’s talk about your personal life - how often are you checking in on how your business goals are fitting into your personal lifestyle? This is something I do regularly as a business owner and every quarter (i.e. 90 days) I’m checking in on my goals, the data behind them, and most importantly, how I feel about the work I’m doing. For me, this is key to building a sustainable business and something I encourage my clients to do as well. Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my top questions and tips to Conduct a Quarterly Small Business Audit. Listen in to the episode for the full rundown of each question below and additional tips for evaluation and then come back and copy these questions for your personal audit. I recommend completing this audit at the end of every quarter. Then take the information you have in front of you and make adjustments to your goals. This is a fantastic way to stay on track and make sure you’re making aligned decisions in life and business.
39: Finding Clients Online
When I was starting my business, I often thought about how I could find clients online. It was a topic of conversation in most of my programs, everyone was constantly thinking about where they could show up to get in front of their ideal customer and even educators were focused on helping YOU find clients. As I grew my business and started distancing myself from social media marketing, I began to question the traditional ways of online marketing. I was introduced to a new world of online marketing that didn’t require me to post daily on social media to get leads and sales. That's right, social media marketing is not the best marketing strategy if you're looking for a consistent flow of leads and sales. Instead, I started to focus more on evergreen marketing strategies and the power of search engine platforms. And suddenly my focus went from, “How do I find my clients online,” to “How do my clients find and pay me?” In today’s episode, on the Brandmerry Podcast, I’m sharing my evolution with online marketing and introducing an important online marketing reframe. Tune in, to episode 39, to learn: How I changed my marketing focus from constantly chasing down my clients to setting my business up so that my clients could find and pay me on a regular basis. An alternative to paid advertising, when first starting your marketing, that will save you time and money and increase your marketing ROI. The top marketing strategies I recommend every entrepreneur have in place so their ideal customer can find their brand, no matter what stage of the buying process they may be at.
38: Email Copywriting Tips
Email marketing is one of the greatest digital marketing tools for online entrepreneurs. Recently, I shared an episode on My Top Email Marketing Tips for 2022, which included the steps needed to build an email list of ideal customers. Truth be told if you don’t have an email marketing strategy as an online entrepreneur you’re losing leads every single day. If you’re getting website traffic, posting on social media, or even have a Youtube channel with views, but aren’t collecting your engaged audience’s information then how do you expect to convert them into paying clients? It’s going to be really hard! However, with an email marketing strategy, you’re able to take that website traffic and turn it into revenue for your business through your email marketing efforts. That’s why in today’s episode, I want to help you improve your email marketing efforts, by talking about your email copywriting. In episode 38, you’ll learn: The importance of keeping a healthy email list and why aiming for a high number of subscribers should not be your only goal. 4 core elements to focus on when building your email campaign and my top tips to improve each one. How I really feel about the “pretty” photo-filled emails we often get in our inbox, or shall I say Promotions folder.
37: How I Elevated my Marketing and Revenue
From 2019 to 2020, I grew my revenue by $100k, finally pulling me over that $200k cash revenue mark. I had been trying for a while, after first hitting $100k in 2017 (my first full year in business), but came to realize that my current marketing strategies (i.e. social media and Facebook Groups) weren't going to cut it. Add in the fact that I started traveling in an RV with my family and the internet was limited. Turns out it was just the push I needed to make the necessary changes to elevate my marketing strategy and I'm so thankful for it. Not only has business improved, but I've also created more time in my schedule! If you're feeling like your current strategy is OK, bringing in leads and sales, but not quite where you want it to be... ...then episode 37 on The Brandmerry Podcast is for you. Tune in now to hear: What I did to first set my business up for more website traffic and how it still brings in thousands of dollars every month without ads. How the changes in my marketing, i.e. taking the pressure off of daily posting on social media, resulting in more email subscribers and sales in my business. How closely marketing and revenue are related and why investing time and energy in your marketing produces the best ROI for your business.
36: Pinterest, a Love Affair
I've been using Pinterest as a business owner since 2017. At a time when Pinterest felt like an untapped market for small business owners, selling a service or product, I dove in head first (more on that start in the episode). Since then, I've used Pinterest to create consistent website traffic, consistent email subscribers, and sales in my business. Why is Pinterest for business a must for entrepreneurs? Because it is a search engine platform, not a social media platform. In fact, there are over 2 billion searches each month on Pinterest making it a great place for businesses. 77% of weekly Pinners have discovered a new brand of product on Pinterest and 90% make purchase decisions on Pinterest. See how amazing it is?! Well, although amazing, it's not super easy, so today on the podcast I'm sharing my top Pinterest tips and tricks. Tune in now to hear: My top 6 Pinterest marketing tips for business owners who are wanting to start harnessing the power of Pinterest SEO. The evolution of marketing on Pinterest and why the strategies used in 2021 won't work in 2022. What every entrepreneur must remember about consistent marketing on Pinterest and my tips for sustaining it.
35: Entrepreneur Week of Rest
I'm on a mission to help more entrepreneurs think about not only building a revenue-generating business, but also a sustainable one. A business that gives them the freedom to enjoy the money they are making. A business that creates consistent income without taking all of their time. A business that you can take a break from! Yes, taking a vacation or break is difficult when your business requires you to be present, especially before you have a team, BUT it's important. The more you prioritize your personal self-care and breaks the better your business will be. Yes, in today's episode I'm sharing my #1 tip when building a sustainable business... ...my quarterly week of rest!
34: Landing Page Conversion Tips
Your landing page (aka opt-in-page) is one of the greatest tools for entrepreneurs to grow their email list and ultimately their business. It's not secret that growing an email list is an amazing asset, but where does your landing page come into play. Should you just have a pop-up on your website? What about an opt-in box to your newsletter on the blog? Why do you need a landing page? Well, I'm answering that and so much more on the Brandmerry Podcast! Too many entrepreneurs are throwing away their ability to grow their email list because they don't have a landing page, and if they do, they don't think about the best ways to optimize it. Not any more. You'll learn 6 specific ways to increase conversions on your landing page in today's episode! Tune in now to hear: The importance of your lead magnet landing page and where to share it to grow your email list of ideal customers. 6 of my top landing page conversion tips to increase the percentage of people who join your email list! The simple change you can make, which takes less than 2 minutes, to increase conversions on your landing page. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com instagram.com/michelleknightco
33: Email List Building Tips
I'm going to make a bold statement, that you may or may not like! Email Marketing and having an email list is a MUST. And of course, I'm sharing exactly why that is in today's podcast, but here's my general rule of thumb. As a business owner, you absolutely need a database (something you can take anywhere) of your prospective clients. That my friend is an email list. Relying on social media to build a community is just asking for disaster! So, not only are you getting the full rundown of why an email list is important, but I'm also sharing how to grow one and my top tips for email marketing in 2022. It's all happening in Episode 32 of The Brandmerry Podcast, where you'll learn: The truth about marketing and how building a community via your email list is just good for business, and profits. The step-by-step process that's needed to build your email list (yes, even if you're starting from ZERO just like we all did). 4 of my top email marketing tips for 2022 and what to look for when choosing a platform so you can make your email marketing practice more effortless and streamlined. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram.com/michelleknightco
32: Time Saving Content Creation Tips
As a content creator, you've probably recognized that it can take a lot of time to plan, organize, create and schedule your content for social media. The good news is you're not alone! I recently surveyed my audience and the #1 struggle they stated when it comes to content creation is time. Whether you have a limited amount of time to sit down and create or find the process incredibly overwhelming and time-consuming, you're in the right spot! Over the past 6 years, I've consistently created content online, posting new content at least once a week on my blog, youtube, podcast, email, and/or social media. When I started, I was not only doing it all myself but also working a 9 to 5 and raising a newborn. I had to learn pretty quickly how to create content efficiently, so I wasn't spending all my time behind the scenes of my business. These tips have helped my clients go from spending 4-6 hours a week on content creation to just 2 and now I'm sharing my top 7 tips with you. In episode 32 of The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing, "7 Content Creator Time-Saving Tips," so you can start to more effectively create and share content, show up consistently and build your profitable online business. Tune in now to hear: The single practice I've been doing for 6 years now, that has helped me show up weekly online with "fresh" content. Why it's taking you forever to create your content and exactly what to switch in your strategy to make sure you're not wasting hours on content creation for social media, video marketing, and more. How I never run out of ideas for content creation and what might be missing from your current content creation marketing strategy. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
31: 2022 Marketing Predictions
Marketing is always changing! Every single year it feels like there is a new focus on what we should be focused on to succeed. As someone who studies this work on a regular basis, looking for trends, changes, and ways to excel, I can tell you it's exhausting! The way platforms change suddenly, right after it feels like you've gotten the hang of it, to new "must-know" platforms popping up regularly can be a real pain. But, a few years ago I started to look at marketing differently. What if we didn't just focus on the fads and trends and what was working right at this moment, but more on longevity. The tried and true practices that had been working for years?! My entire approach to marketing changed at that moment and so did my business. Over the past two years, I've experienced incredible growth in my business sales and leads, without sacrificing my time or spending an insane amount on a marketing budget. So, as we enter another year of marketing, which is sure to be full of fun changes, I'm sharing my top predictions from the year ahead. What to see how my 2021 predictions played out? Check those out here. In Episode 31, of the Brandmerry Podcast, tune in now to hear: The biggest lesson we learned from 2021 when it comes to marketing our businesses and what every single entrepreneur will need to succeed in 2022. How I really feel about video marketing in the new year and if every entrepreneur really needs it. The tried and true approach to marketing that just hasn't changed and why it's more important than ever! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
30: 2021 Business Recap
In Episode 30, of the Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing a 2021 Business Recap. Tune in now to hear: How 2021 started off with a freaking bang, with my biggest launch to date, despite a major tech mishap. How my plans for 2021 did NOT go as I had thought and I spent months trying to correct the course! My #1 mistake and lesson learned in 2021 when it came to scaling my business too quickly. LET'S CONNECT https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
29: 5 Must-Haves for a Successful Year
In today's episode of The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing, "5 Must-Haves for a Successful Year!" Tune in now to hear: How important your habits are in achieving your end-of-the-year goals. The key factors, often overlooked by entrepreneurs, that play a vital role in their business success. An important reminder about how you're spending your time OUTSIDE of your business - don't feel like you have time outside of your business? This is definitely something you need to listen to! Let's Connect https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
28: Setting Intentions for the New Year
As we prepare for the new year, organize our calendars, grab a planner and think about where we want to be at the end of 2022, there's one thing I want you to know. Your intentions are everything. I often find that changing the way I speak about certain things impacts how I approach them. So a few years ago I moved away from setting goals and started setting intentions. This practice has helped me completely transform my life and every year, since starting my business in 2016, make more revenue. It might seem simple, but the impact is massive and in episode 28 of The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing this process with you. Today's episode is a repurposed episode from the beginning of 2021, but the information is just as relevant now as it was then. I know you're going to get so much from this episode and no better time than now as we plan for the year ahead, something I hope you've carved out time for over the next week. LET'S CONNECT: https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
27: Telling Better Brand Stories
Storytelling, as a business owner, is one of the most powerful tools we have. It allows us to connect with our audience on a deeper level. It makes our content more memorable - by 22x to be specific. Not to mention, it has lasting affects on our audience's brain more effortlessly leading them to not only making a purchase, but sticking around as a brand fan. And this is all really important when it comes to enhancing the branding experience. However, HOW you should incorporate storytelling into your branding still comes as an obstacle to many business owners. Lucky for you, I'm not one of those 😉 I've made brand storytelling my specialty and on episode 27 of The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm sharing, "How to Tell Better Brand Stories!" Tune in now to hear: The importance of storytelling and branding as a business owner! How to effectively write your brand story and identify your brand emotions as a way to connect initially with your audience. My top ways to enhance your messaging and marketing with brand storytelling. Let's Connect https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
26: Should running a business be easy?
Has it ever felt like everyone around you is having such an easy time building their business and you can't seem to find the exit off the struggle bus? You keep seeing all of these coaches and mentors talking about how easy it is to hit $10k months, and how clients miraculously find them and you're sitting there questing why that doesn't seem to be happening to you? Well, you're definitely not alone in these feelings, BUT the good news is...a lot of that messaging online is a load of crap and it's becoming quite toxic to online business owners and entrepreneurs especially those just starting out. So it brings up the question, "Should running an online business be easy?" and I'm answering that question today on The Brandmerry Podcast in episode 26. Tune in now to hear: The truth about running an online business and if it should be easy, hard, or somewhere in between. How to break through the b.s. online and finally feel confident in the actions you're taking, even if right now they're not yielding crazy results. If hustling as an entrepreneur is really as bad as they say or if it's kind of necessary. Let's Connect https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
25: 3 Myths About Consistency
Consistency is the cornerstone of a strong marketing plan for every online business owner. It's with consistency that you're able to test your content topics, gauge what's working and what's not, and of course build trust with your audience. Consistency is essential as a business owner, but so many entrepreneurs are carrying around old definitions or beliefs around consistency. I know it feels like consistently showing up online is a struggle. I know the concept of consistency feels so fluffy and hard to understand, what does it actually mean? I know the idea of posting content daily is overwhelming. That's why, today on The Brandmerry Podcast, I'm busting three myths around consistency! Tune in now to learn: The three myths most entrepreneurs believe about consistency and how they are keeping them from showing up. How to remove the overwhelm of posting daily on social media and what to do instead. How to redefine consistency in 2022, so you can show up, build community and make sales...consistently! LET'S CONNECT https://brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco
24: 3 Ways to Become a Better Marketer
Since marketing is one of the most important parts of running your online business, I thought I'd share three of my must-have tips so you can become a better marketer! In today's episode, of The Brandmerry Podcast, you'll learn: Why consistency is so dang important and not just a buzz word! How and why you should incorporate the power of storytelling into your marketing strategy to improve client attraction and connection. Why after your customer buys is a continuation of your marketing work and how to take better care of your clients. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com Instagram
23: Stop Relying on Social Media
Time and time again I see entrepreneurs believe that in order to market their business they MUST use social media. Now don't get me wrong, I love spending my time on Instagram and with the addition of Instagram Reels I'm loving it. But, the reality is most entrepreneurs don't have countless hours to spend on social media, not to mention enough brain power to create new content every single day. Social media just isn't sustainable and so many entrepreneurs find themselves burnt out and no further along trying to keep up with the hustle of social media. That's why today's episode is so important and if you're an entrepreneur, which I guess you are, you are going to want to tune in. In today's episode you'll learn: Why relying on social media at the top of your funnel, and ultimately how you create brand awareness, is not the best strategy. The other platforms I recommend to not only evergreen your content (more in the episode) but to also bring in consistent leads to your business. How to streamline your content, using other platforms, and still show up on social media for FUN! Yep, Instagram can be fun, I promise. Tune in now on Spotify (link) or Apple Podcasts (link) to hear the full episode and all the tips. LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com https://instagram.com/michelleknightco https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching
22: Your Roadmap to Freedom
Roadmap to Freedom is a live 90-day group program for the new and aspiring female entrepreneur ready to make money on her terms. In this week's episode, tune in to hear what alumni have to say about the program! Then sign up before doors close on October 20, 2021, at brandmerry.com/freedom
21: free vs. paid content
You're sharing content every day as a way to make people aware of your brand, and your ideal customer ecstatic about how you can support them! But, what's the difference between what you share for free and what you share behind your paid offers. Today on the blog I'm breaking it down! LET'S CONNECT brandmerry.com