Brandmerry Blog Archives
What's Missing From Your Brand and How to Fix It
WHAT'S MISSING FROM YOUR BRAND AND HOW TO FIX IT
Let's cut right to it shall we?
The #1 thing missing from your brand is emotion!
If you don't make people FEEL something then they are going to peace out. The average time people spend on a website is 15 seconds, so you better be able to do something right off the bat to catch their attention and pull them in to what you have to offer.
Another very important component of branding is building trust. You do this by sharing your story yes, but you also want people to know you understand them 100% and that they can trust you to be vulnerable and understanding of their needs and wants - this comes form building an emotional connection.
In this episode of the Brandmerry Vlog, I'm sharing with you how your can carry the emotions of your brand into the aesthetics and content of your brand.
What's Missing From Your Brand and How to Fix It
Did you watch the video and discover my love of Pinterest when it comes to branding? Want to connect with me so you have a one stop shop for all things branding and business related? Follow me here: http://pinterest.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 >>
The Importance of Your Brand Story in Running a Successful Business
I'm excited about Episode 12 of the Brandmerry Web Series because it is about the topic I've build my business on - your brand story. I've seen first hand the difference between creating a brand and business that looks like what you think it "should" look like and one that is truly, authentically you. Let me tell you the latter is definietely the best!
Today's episode is all about...
The Importance of Your Brand Story
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 >>
How to Choose Fonts for Your Personal Brand
HOW TO CHOOSE FONTS FOR YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
Most people don't realize the importance of carefully selecting aesthetics for your brand that reflect your brand story. What is a brand story you ask, great question!
In short your brand story is your past chapters that have contributed to who you are, what you've learned and your purpose. Your brand story is what your brand and business is built on that allows you to stand out online right from the start. To learn more about your brand story, go here.
Today, I want to talk to you about the aesthetics of your brand - I know GASP! I talk all the time about the importance of your story, your purpose and your message, but now it's time to chat about what happens when you have a clear understanding of those elements.
My personal recommendation in choosing fonts for your brand is to choose a basic font that can be used across all platforms, so on your website, Canva or Photoshop. This is the base of your brand. In addition I recommend two complimentary fonts (often one header font and one script-type font).
Essentially, I like to have a header font that draws attention to something you are sharing and stands out, plus a handwritten font, whether script or something more free flowing is your choice and should compliment your brand story.
CHOOSING FONTS based on emotion
Choosing fonts that compliment the emotions of your brand can be a bit scary and slightly overwhelming. The bottom line is that your brand should make people FEEL something, and yes fonts play a part in making people feel. Here are some examples of the emotions evoked by font selections, to make your decision process a bit easier.
Be sure to reference the image below for some examples AND if you’re ready to learn The Build a Better Brand Method then be sure to sign up for my free masterclass.
Selecting your fonts are only a small part of the branding process and it’s not even where I recommend my clients get started. If you want to learn my 3 Must-Know Secrets to Build a Better Brand be sure to sign up for my free masterclass.
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 >>
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Rebrand
4 Questions to ask yourself when considering a rebrand
BY MICHELLE KNIGHT
Have you caught on that June is totally Branding Month around the Brandmerry HQ? I'm freaking pumped for all the exciting info I have coming your way.
Today's episode is for all my ladies who are considering a rebrand or just looking to spice it up a bit. I've put together a video training on my go to six questions to ask when getting ready to embark on the branding process.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Rebrand
However, just like with anything with your brand it has to start with you! You are your brand and everything else is just an extension of that. If you want to learn how to escape the cookie cutter and create a distinct brand so you can stand out and sell out, then my 5-week program Your Brand New Adventure is perfect! The cart is now open - Learn More >>
- READ THE LATEST POSTS -
Meet Michelle
Hey there, I'm Michelle Knight and I an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I now travel full-time while running my business from the road.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation and more.
I'M MICHELLE KNIGHT
I was just a new mom with an ambitious dream to start my own business. That dream turned into a multiple 6-figure business and the ability to travel full time. Now, I teach women how to brand and market their authentic voice online and take bold action to create a life better than their dreams.
MAIN CATEGORIES
TOOLS I LOVE
KAJABI
Grab a 30-day trial of Kajabi and test out their website, email, landing page and course platform.
HONEYBOOK
Save $200 off this client management tool! Save hours with streamlined workflows and onboarding.
CONVERTKIT
The ultimate email platform for simplicity and deliverability.
SMARTERQUEUE
Save time by scheduling your social media in one place and extend the life of your content with evergreen scheduling.
EXPLORE THE BLOG
4 Things to Have in Place Before Your Brand Photoshoot
4 THINGS TO HAVE IN PLACE BEFORE YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
BY MICHELLE KNIGHT
I can't speak highly enough about what a well-branded photoshoot can do for your business and brand. In fact, a few months ago I wrote a blog post on the 7 Tips For a Well-Branded Photoshoot, you can read more about that by clicking here >>
This blog will serve as an extension of that post, for the female entrepreneur looking to make a major impact with her brand photos and to carry her personal story and style into her photos.
Before we dive in I want to mention the importance of having a clear image of your brand! A photoshoot can amplify your brand to new levels, but if you aren't clear on the foundational message behind your brand, including the aesthetics, then you are basically throwing money down the drain. You can always learn more about developing your brand on my YouTube channel >>
Alright, let's talk about the top five things to consider when preparing for a brand photoshoot.
Brand Photoshoot tip #1:
the EMOTIONS OF YOUR BRAND
One of the foundational pieces I teach when it comes to branding is knowing how you want people to feel when they see or hear your brand, so you can only imagine how powerful this is when preparing for professional photos. Before you even start creating your Pinterest Inspiration Board you want to know what emotions, preferably your top five, that you want to communicate with your photos.
This will also support you in the overall branding process so if you want a deeper dive into why this is important and how to identify your brand emotions read this post here.
It doesn't do anything to have a nice-looking brand, you have to make people feel something if you want to grab their attention. So start with identifying your brand emotions, then use those emotions to find images on Pinterest to share with your photographer. Bonus points if you also tell your photographer the emotions you are going for - they love that information!
Brand Photoshoot Tip #2:
a photographer to match your brand style
This might be one of the second most important things you do for your brand photoshoot. Seriously, your brand photos have the ability to have you standing out online in no time (I know I keep saying that, but it is true) and because of that, you want to find a photographer that can capture the true essence of your brand style.
Remember the emotions I talked about beforehand? Well, I highly recommend researching photographers by looking at their past work and pay attention to how you feel.
Do you feel anything, or are the photos falling flat?
Do your brand emotions come through when looking at their work?
Do you feel their current work reflects what you’re going for with your brand photos?
Photographers tend to have a style they stick to regardless of what they are photographing, making sure their style matches what you envision for your brand!
brand photoshoot tip #3:
Take into consideration your brand colors
You have your brand colors right? Well, your brand colors are rooted in your brand emotions (see this full circle happening). If you don’t have your brand colors sorted out then check out this post here.
Knowing your colors is an important step in the photography department because you are going to be using these photos to show up online via social media, Pinterest, your website and more. These photos are going to become your quote templates, your cover photos, your Instagram feed and so much more.
Understand what colors compliment your brand from the beginning so you can pick out clothing, locations and lighting that fall in line with those colors.
Now, I'm not saying you can only wear black and white if your colors are black and white, what I'm saying is if your colors are deep orange and green (cough cough**) then you might not be rocking hot pink and eating cotton candy, catch my drift?
brand photoshoot tip #4:
Create an authentic style to match
I hope you can see how each of these tips is building on the next - it only seems natural that once you've considered your emotions and your colors that you make sure your authentic style is in alignment with all of the above.
This is an easy one to get lost in because so often we think we have to dress a certain way or look a certain way to be taken “serious” as a business owner. Well, I'm here to tell you F that, no seriously F it.
Your photoshoot should be an extension of you, I mean that's what your personal brand essentially is. So if you don't wear dresses, like ever, don't go buy a fancy dress cause someone else did. Stick to what makes you feel confident and shows your true personality, just elevate it up a bit.
Spend a few extra dollars on some new items, new jewelry, some new makeup and possibly a stylist who gets you - all of these elements will help you carry your personality into your photos and to your ideal client.
Here’s a peak at some of my brand photos and how my personality comes through!
After having my first photoshoot in August 2016, I watched my brand really start to take shape! I started standing out more online, my brand had a consistent feel across social media platforms, my audience began to grow and my message became clearer to those I wanted to reach - all from a photoshoot.
Not to mention photos are a great way to build Brand Affinity with your audience. Don’t know what that is? Check out this blog post here.
However, just like with anything with your brand it has to start with you! You are your brand and everything else is just an extension of that. If you haven’t started working on your personal brand, here’s a free guide to support you with your next steps.
- READ THE LATEST POSTS -
MEET MICHELLE
Hey there, I'm Michelle Knight and I an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I now travel full-time while running my business from the road.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation and more.