Brandmerry Blog Archives
How to Rock Your Facebook Lives for Maximum Exposure
HOW TO ROCK YOUR FACEBOOK LIVES FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE
I swear live video is the best thing to happen to online marketing! I embraced live video early on in my entrepreneur journey and I've seen it convert clients effortlessly every single time.
When I started live streaming I would stress so much about what I was wearing and what my background looked like, it stressed me out so much I often forgot what I was even doing a live video for in the first place.
I quickly embraced my beautiful life of zero makeup, a baby on my back or in my lap and focusing on the main reason live video works in the first place - BUILDING TRUST AND GIVING MASSIVE VALUE.
Today's blog and video is all about How to Rock Your Live Streams Again and Again for Massive Exposure.
I'm be dissecting my own live stream to share with you:
1) The structure to follow for your live streams to leave your audience complete and full of actionable knowledge (aka no overwhelm).
2) How to increase engagement on your live streams to beat the algorithm.
3) How I lowered my ad costs by over 50% by using live video!
Want more live videos like this from me popping up in your newsfeed every week?I go live every Monday for Mondays With Michelle over on my Facebook Business Page.
FOLLOW Brandmerry Coaching HERE ↠ http://facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>
Tapping into Your Desires & Giving Yourself Permission
TAPPING INTO YOUR DESIRES & GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION
In today's blog post, I'm sharing a recent video I did on your desires as a women, mother and business owner.
Last year when starting my business I created a list of desires, that although exciting, seemed a bit out of my reach - but that's the fun part of listing your desires. Over the past 1.5 years I've found myself living the life I desired in January 2016.
- Leaving my 9 to 5
- Spending my days with my son
- Taking multiple trips throughout the year with my family
- Working from anywhere I choose
- Building a community of women with a strong purpose and mission
- Spreading my message
As I've hit this new milestone in my business, I found myself having a hard time thinking about my NEW desires and fear crept in. What would my community think of me? What would my family and friends think of me?
Would me admitting that I wanted to fly first class, because it looks damn comfy, of having an in-home nanny make me seem selfish? In today's video I'm walking you through my own process, PLUS giving you questions to ask yourself in order to connect with and believe your deepest desires.
Key Takeaways From Today's Video:
- It's not about "just enough", when we reach higher for our desires our needs are instantly met. Are you creating desires around "just enough" and holding yourself back from dreaming big?
- You don't have to separate your desires between Need vs. Want - it's about giving yourself permission to experience pleasure every single day.
- Are you holding yourself back because you are afraid of appearing selfish? The reality is it is your RIGHT to life your deepest desires and by doing so you are more capable of spreading good and doing good in the world.
- Stepping into the energy of your pleasures is the first step in achieving your goals. We limit ourselves by saying we don't "need" something, when deep down it is one of our strongest desires.
- YOU ARE WORTHY OF ALL THE THINGS YOU DESIRES!
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>
Grow Your List Using FACEBOOK Lives + YOUR Free Offer
GROW YOUR LIST USING FACEBOOK LIVES + YOUR FREE OFFER
Facebook Lives (well any live video really) have transformed my business and since we are all about visibility here at Brandmerry I want to give you the tools you need to feel confident in sharing your freebie via live videos.
FB lives are two-fold: an excellent way to grow your online visibility and build trust with your audience PLUS grow your list of community.
Today, I'm sharing with you 4 simple ways to start using your Facebook lives to their full advantage to grow your list!
1. CREATE A FREEBIE SPECIFIC VIDEO
An amazing tool to grow your visibility and get the message out about your free offer. Create a FB live where you introduce yourself and then talk up your free offer. Be sure to share the title, some super descriptive bullets or talking about about the benefits of the free offer (exactly what they will learn), why you created and how they can access it.
Once your video is created share it out like crazy, pin the post in your private community and your business page AND if you have a little extra cash you can boost your video so more people see it (be sure to create a custom audience and don't just throw money at it).
2. INTRODUCE YOUR FREE OFFER
You are already going live, and if you aren't you should be, so why not share your free offer with EVERY SINGLE video. I always encourage my clients to pitch with every video, and this doesn't have to be just paid offers it also includes your free workbooks, trainings, challenges and more. There are two places to share your free offer:
Beginning: After your introduction at the beginning of your video share your free offer and how they can get there hands on it (i.e. give them a specific link).
End: Once your video ends remind them of the free offer, talk a little more about the benefits of your offer and how they can get their hands on it.
3. UPDATE THE DESCRIPTION
If you are not doing this you are missing out on a golden opportunity! The #1 thing I recommend ALL my clients do is go back to update the description of their live video to give tons of value and information that entices your audience to watch the video. Remember, your video doesn't matter if no one is watching it.
After your video is complete be sure to give the title of your free offer, your descriptive bullets and the link to access it. Accessibility is super important so make it easy for people to click, give their information and go.
4. BONUS TIP: PIN YOUR LINK IN THE COMMENTS
Another great FB live addition is the option to pin a specific comment or link to the top of your video. With most videos, unless changed, you will see the comments in realtime, so when you pin the comment you guarantee that no matter when someone starts or stops watching the replay they will have access to the link.
Want a little more information on creating free offers (aka lead magnets)? Check out my blog on Four Steps to Create Your Next Free Offer here ↠
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>
3 questions to ask if you're feeling OVERLOOKED in the online space
3 QUESTIONS TO ASK IF YOU'RE FEELING OVERLOOKED IN THE ONLINE SPACE
Let me paint you a little picture.
Client: "No one is responding to my posts or emails and I'm not selling anything, I think my messaging is off."
Me: "Well let's have a look, send me your message."
Client: **sends over a FB social media post**
Me: "This is copy, not your messaging. Fixing this isn't going to fix the problem."
Let's all look at copy as the surface level and your messaging the core. Your copy matters obviously, I mean I did an entire challenge on this, but if you are REALLY struggling most likely it isn't what you are saying, it's WHY you are saying it.
Your messaging, just like your brand, is the core of your business. When we rush into writing newsletters, social postings, FB ads, etc... without having a clear idea of our core brand messages, we end up flailing around just hoping someone will engage with us.
Sound familiar?
I'm not pointing fingers, I've done it too - in fact that is basically ALL I did this time last year. Sure I was visible and I was "marketing", but nothing was happening. I spent three months going live, hosting trainings, showing up in multiple groups, etc.. and not one single potential client was paying me ANY attention. Why? Because I wasn't clear on EXACTLY what it is my brand and business was built around.
Think of a mind map. Your core message is in a circle in the center and from there you have countless stems that point to your programs, social media posts, live streams, courses, etc...
When you create a brand around these messages everything flows seamlessly to them and you avoid confusing the shit out of your potential clients.
If you are struggling with your messaging, ask yourself these questions:
⇉ What do I teach/ give my clients?
⇉ Why do I offer these services?
⇉ How do they grow from them?
When you have these fundamental pieces in place your copy becomes more clear, your intention becomes more clear, you attract the people who you want to work with and so much more.
Messaging is a HUGE piece of the puzzle when it comes to launching and running a successful business, again you gotta trust me on this because I've lived it. When I took the time to really focus on my messaging I started consistently signing clients into my 1:1 program, growing my community, selling my courses via funnels, etc. I'm living proof that your messaging DOES matter, especially in the online world.
So, if your social media posts aren't performing how you would like them too, get to the root of the issue, before dealing with the surface level shit!
P.S. That's why in Roadmap to Freedom we spend a lot of time on building the core brand messages for your business before we dive into writing any copy, creating a brand, creating programs and more.
In fact here is a little piece of what we focus on in Roadmap to Freedom:
FIND YOUR MESSAGING MAGIC & START BUILDING YOUR RECOGNIZABLE VOICE ONLINE
🔶 Create messaging that speaks directly to your audience, showcases your personal story (you know that thing that makes you different) so your dream clients are instantly magnetized to your brand and business.
🔶 Create your core brand messages, by tapping into your story and purpose, that allow you to seamlessly carry your personal brand into every single aspect of your business, making selling about connection and not being pushy,
🔶 Learn more about the main social media platforms, so you can decide which areas to focus on first, so your message becomes consistent and has a larger impact and influence.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROADMAP TO FREEDOM >>
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>
Top Tools For Bootstrapping Your Business
TOP TOOLS FOR BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR BUSINESS
This past week I did a live stream on my Facebook Business Page on My Top Tools For Bootstrapping Your Biz, I shared a ton of tools I used and still use to run my business. To support you 100% in creating a business that doesn't leave you with more cash going out then coming in, I'm sharing all the links with you today.
Before I dive into my top tools I want to make something super clear. One of the reasons I chose to bootstrap for the first six months of my online coaching biz, is because I recognized the benefits of investing at a high level in personal support. Since day one I have invested in my own coach, either in the form of a group program or 1:1 support, in fact I haven't gone a single day without the guidance, accountability and support of someone who has accomplished what I am setting out to do.
So, when I started my biz and made this decision (which is one of the best ones I've made in my biz to date) I knew I'd have to use free or basically-free resources to ensure I had money in my account. The following resources are what I used to avoid hiring a VA and to automate my business so I could spend more time making sales, creating content and spending time with my son.
**Please note because I've used these tools myself I have become an affiliate for some of these programs. Affiliate links are marked with (**) and I may receive a small compensation if you choose to sign up.
Website - Squarespace
Early on I chose to host my site through Squarespace. Yes, I know there are free version out there, but I wanted something that could grow with me as my business did and allow me to sell products, create a membership site and more. Additional platforms that offer a free option are Weebly and Wix.
Membership Site - Sentry Login
Looking for a cost effective way to host a membership site? Sentry Login allows you to password protect your Squarespace pages (and more) so your customers can have their own individual logins.
Social Media Scheduling - Buffer
Buffer was my go to for the first year of my business, allowing me to post on my personal page, in my group Authentic Brand Builders, on my business page and more. For just $10 a month it saved me the cost of hiring a VA to handle my social media. Buffer does offer a free option as well.
Instagram Scheduling - Later
I've always loved the simplicity of Later for scheduling Instagram posts. Although you can't post directly to Instagram (with any app at the moment) it allows you to schedule posts from your desktop, search hashtags to repost and more.
Email Marketing & Landing Pages - Convertkit**
Yes, I know Mailchimp is free and I did use it for the first three months of my business, but as I started offering more live trainings, challenges and free offers I needed a way to collect those leads without paying additional for a service like Leadpages (which I totally use now). That's why I love Convertkit, it allows me to not only email my list, complete with tagging and automation, but allowed me to build landing pages right in my CRM system. Convertkit has been worth every penny for my biz!
Scheduling - Acuity Scheduling**
Before I knew about the power of Acuity I used Calendly (free & $10 option as well), but when I wanted an easier way to reschedule, bulk schedule and accept payments for my intensives I made the switch to Acuity. The Emerging Entrepreneur plan, which I highly recommend, is only $10 a month, BUT if you are using Squarespace it is FREE!
Graphic Design/ Branding - Canva for Work
I've been using Canva since day one through their free version. As my brand started to take off and I wanted an easy way to use my brand colors, personal fonts, logos, and templates I upgraded to Canva for Work. At just $12.95 it makes it super easy for me to create branded images for my blog, Pinterest, webinar slides, course workbooks and more, allowing me to save money on a graphic designer.
Tripwire/ Course Sales - Payhip
This was one of my favorite discoveries because it allowed me to sell my Tripwires (you know those low priced offers on the thank you page of a freebie you just opted into) without having to pay upfront. With Payhip you pay a small percentage per order placed, and they take care of the sales page and delivery of your product to your new customer without the need for a 3rd party tool like Zapier.
Management System - 17hats** or Dubsado**
THIS IS essential if you want to run your business, basically on automate, without hiring outside help. I've used 17hats for my business since day one! It allows me to create lead capture forms to embed on my website, weekly questionnaires for my clients, invoices, contracts and more. The best part is I can save them as templates so it's as easy as pressing a single button when I need to send it. I've heard great things about Dubsado as well, although I love the automatic bookkeeping that comes with 17hats.
Email - GSuite (Gmail for Work)**
We aren't talking about the CRM here, just you business email. It's important to have a branded email for your business that is part of your domain. Zoho Mail does offer a free option, but I live using Gmail for Work as a way to also keep my client folders organized with Drive. Gmail for work is free with certain Squarespace packages for the first year and then just $5 after that. Grab a 14 day free trial and save 20% off your first year by clicking here: https://goo.gl/8yQ65H and using code GAN96DXFKWM76FL
**NOTE: most CRM systems will require a domain specific email**
Payment Systems - Paypal and Stripe
Using Paypal and Stripe to collect payments is really quite easy and I've used both to sell high-ticket packages, set up recurring payment plans, sell courses, etc.. Using Paypal buttons you can create individual price points for your different offers and simply link them to the buttons on your website (the trick with recurring payments is to choose the Subscription Button to avoid added fees). Stripe works well to integrate with systems to accept payment like 17hats, Moonclerk, Payhip and so much more.
Business Banking Accounts - Capital One Spark Business
There are many options to choose from for business banking, but I love the simple and free offer from Capital One.
Calls & WEBINARS - ZOOM**
I love using Zoom to hold my client calls (really easy to record these) and webinars. Zoom does have a few paid options, including a Webinar option, but for the first 6 months of my business I just used the standard free Zoom option to host my live trainings. Keep in mind you are limited to recording 45 minutes on the free version.
Email Countdown Timer - MotionMailApp
Urgency when launching a program or selling a course is important! Those little countdown timers do make a difference. Motion Mail is a great free option to use to easily add countdown timers to your emails during a launch.
I understand that when choosing to invest in a coach or program for your biz, you often have to bootstrap in other areas. That's why in my group program Roadmap to Freedom I work with my clients to decide on services and programs that meet their needs. I get it - trust me! You are 100% supported here. Learn more about Roadmap to Freedom (cart closes on October 13) ↠ ↠
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>