Brandmerry Blog Archives
PART ONE: 6 Marketing Trends For Your Brand in 2019
PART ONE: 6 Marketing Trends For Your Brand in 2019
January 10, 2019
I’m sorry where the heck did 2018 go?! Seriously, can’t believe we are already strong into 2019 with so many exciting things in store for the year ahead. I’m a big nerd and love staying on top of marketing trends and research and thought, what better way to kick of 2019 than with some marketing/ entrepreneur predictions.
I’ve been in business for almost three years now (2.5 of which where I was actually making money) and I’ve got to say I’m so excited for what’s on the horizon in 2019. We’re seeing a massive shift in terms of transparency, relationships and possibilities and it’s one of the coolest times to be an online entrepreneur, educator and course creator.
So to kick off blog #1 of 2019, I’m sharing Part One of 6 Marketing Trends For Your Brand in 2019 with three non-negotiables for brands this year.
#1 StORY
Well, we all know this one is hands down my favorite! Story has always been there, engrained at the core of so many successful brands, but now in 2019, it’s more important than ever. Audiences are looking for deeper audience connection and nothing does that better than personal story. Story builds trust and as Zig Ziglar said, “If people like you they’ll listen and if they trust you they’ll do business with you!”
We’re seeing this increase mostly on platforms like Instagram, where audiences are looking for more storytelling type posts in real time than too much pre-scheduled and generic content.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Start right now in getting clear on what parts of your story will engage your audience. Hint: You’ve really got to know your audience so it doesn’t feel like you’re just writing in your diary. Get clear on what parts of your story resonate most with your audience and start sharing them piece by piece and repeat. You can never share a story too many times, seriously, you should always be on a mission to attract new people and if someone hears it more than once it just drives the message home.
TIP: Include at least one sentence of story in each post, but do your best to work in 2 pieces of a long-form story every single week. An example is while this blog post isn’t focused heavily on story I do mention a few lines in the beginning, then I can use that to expand further on social media to connect with my audience and drive them to this post.
#2 Video
My absolute favorite way to share my message with my audience, hey that’s you, is through video. If you’re not already using video for your business NOW IS THE TIME! Seriously, brands not using video for their business are going to quickly get surpassed by those that are. The shift that we are seeing in 2019 is that it’s not as much about live video, although still super helpful to have in your marketing plan, but more about evergreen options like Youtube, pre-recorded video on Facebook and IGTV.
Audiences are looking for content they can consume on their own time and stuff that doesn’t require an hour to watch!
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Start working video into your content creation strategy with at least one video a month, more if you can. Some of my favorite ways to do it are through Insta Stories, especially if you are just starting out, as a way to invite your audience in and work your way up to a longer video. Utilize Instagram Highlights to keep you important messages there for your audience to rewatch after they expire.
TIP: Shorter videos are performing better, hint why Insta Stories are being watched by over 400 million people and growing. If recording content for Youtube and IGTV videos under 15 minutes tend to perform better.
#3 Consistency
If your goal in 2019 is to create a profitable brand then consistency needs to be your word! Remember that trust quote from above? Well, consistency is needed to stay at the front of mind for your audience and nothing breaks trust like freaking disappearing on your audience.
We’re seeing an increase in themes of the week and consistency in posting so your audience knows when your content will be live. We’ve always released blogs on Thursdays and podcast episodes on Tuesday, but we are taking it a step further in 2019 with Youtube videos, specific days of the week for Facebook content and even themed Insta Stories so my audience knows when to watch (hint it’s Monday and Thursday ;))
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Content calendars are a must in business, but there is no one size fits all approach for everyone. Some of my favorite ways to plan content are through Trello, Google Spreadsheets, and a physical planner. What you want to look for here is a clear schedule of when you will be posting your content (remember consistent days is important) and what you’ll be sharing so you can plan.
TIP: I like to plan my content on paper first and then move it to a digital planner to share with my team. I’m also trying something new this year where I have a specific journal for content ideas, since they're always coming to me, and I can go back and pull from that when needed.
See what I mean an exciting year ahead! Next week I’m sharing Part Two and the final three Marketing Trends For Your Brand in 2019 and trust me you don’t want to miss it. This is what I’m most excited about with the year ahead and can’t wait for you to start doing them too.
Head over to Instagram and let me know if you loved this post and which of the top three you’re most interested in integrating.
Find me on Instagram at @brandmerrycoaching.
Episode 14 | The Hard Stuff with Michelle Knight
The Hard Stuff with Michelle Knight
Free to Be Podcast | Episode 14
In today’s episode, I’m sharing The Hard Stuff from 2018. As we prepare for the year ahead it’s important to me that I’m fully transparent with you in the hopes it will help you in feeling seen, heard and understood.
2018 was a very difficult year, but it’s taught me some of the most important lessons that I will carry with me in the year ahead. It is my personal hope that 2019 brings more transparency in branding through the power of storytelling, and I’m starting right here with this episode.
Things I talk about in this episode:
↠ How my year started and the role it played in my business.
↠ Dealing with grief as an entrepreneur, mother, wife and woman.
↠ How my perfectionism challenged me in 2018 with the hiring of team and expanding my brand.
↠ One of the biggest mistakes I made in my business.
↠ My top tips for consistently growing in life and business.
↠ Removing the shame and guilt we feel as women.
↠ The single biggest lesson that keeps smacking me in the face.
↠ My goal for this brand in 2019!
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
Featured Review of the Week
Authentic. Warm. Real - Review by momofapis
”Everything that Michelle does is truly authentic. She has a warm heart and is passionate about helping you to succeed at gaining a life of freedom. Subscribe to this channel now! Find Michelle everywhere she is and follow her! You will cherish the time spent listening to her nuggets of wisdom. {ps. Thank you for being such a committed creator Michelle, you are amazing!}”
Listen to More
Episode 13 | Whole Mother Level with Tiffany Alblinger
Whole Mother Level with Tiffany Alblinger
Free to Be Podcast | Episode 13
I’m so excited about today’s topic with today’s guest. My amazing Doula, cousin and friend, Tiffany Alblinger and I are having an intimate conversation about the freedom to design your own birth, to question “what’s always been done” and erasing the stigma around motherhood.
I’m also sharing my own birth story from Cal’s home birth three years ago and the difficulties I faced postpartum. I believe MORE women should talk about these topics so we can all start to remove the shame often experienced by mothers everywhere.
Tiffany’s gifting Free to Be listeners a 10% discount off the Whole Mother Level apparel. Just use FREETOBE at checkout: WholeMotherCo.com
Things we talk about in this episode:
The freedom to chose your own birth experience.
How Tiffany supports mothers from birth to postpartum all the way into motherhood.
The stigma around mother’s having to “do it all” and “have it ALL together.”
Tiffany’s top questions to ask before choosing a birth location.
How to get support when you want to go against the norm in regards to your birth experience and your role as a mother.
Removing the pressures and shame around motherhood and asking for support.
Our hope for mothers everywhere!
Tiffany Alblinger
Tiffany Alblinger is a homeschool mom to daughters, homebirth midwife in San Diego and Co-founder of a give-back online mom shop called Whole Mother Co. She is creating community around women-centered topics and normalizing the struggles of motherhood while providing practical support for the journey.
Whole Mother Co is a fun give-back mom shop that connects everyday motherhood to causes that directly support the empowerment of moms. The Whole Mother Level shirt donates $3 to Improving Birth, an organization that works to improve birth outcomes for moms and their babies.
Connect with Tiffany
Instagram: instagram.com/tiffanymidwifery
Instagram: instagram.com/wholemotherco
Important links mentioned in this episode:
Whole Mother Co (Code: FREETOBE to save 10%)
Lip and Tongue Tie Breastfeeding Resource
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
Featured Review of the Week
Michelle is the Real Deal - Review by Katie Phillips Creative
“Michelle always has such amazing insights to share and she's walked this road before us. I love her heart for women entrepreneurs and willingness to authentically share her life and journey.”
Listen to More
Episode 12 | Planning Tips for 2019
Planning Tips for 2019
Free to Be Podcast | Episode 12
Today’s episode is a little impromptu because I think it’s needed! I’ve been watching so many entrepreneurs over the past year fly by the seat of their pants, and while I see incredible value in leading with inspiration, I also see too many entrepreneurs taking action from a place of desperation. My secret to avoiding this has always been planning.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can plan for 2019 starting today and set yourself up for major success in the new year.
Things we talk about in this episode:
↠ How to start taking your shit seriously
↠ What made the biggest difference when I started my business
↠ How to avoid the entrepreneur end of the year trap
↠ The exact four-phase process I use to plan for the year ahead
↠ The exact questions I ask myself when planning for the year ahead
Speaking of planning, don’t forget the doors are now open to my signature program Roadmap to Freedom, but are closing soon! Roadmap to Freedom is my 6-month LIVE group program for the new female entrepreneur who is ready to launch an online business that allows her to make money on her own terms.
It's for the woman who is tired of just guessing at creating her profitable business and wants to seriously start making sh*t happen!
This program was designed to give you the COMPLETE roadmap, to remove the feeling of overwhelm and give you the support and accountability from someone who has been exactly where you are now so you can dig deeper than you could ever do on your own.
Learn more here: brandmerry.com/freedom
Questions from today’s episode:
Reflection:
What worked for you in 2018?
What didn’t light you up or excited you?
What did you accomplish or celebrate in 2018?
Based on 2018, what’s on top of mind for 2019?
What will you create or release in 2019?
Dreaming:
Visualize what you are doing in 10 years.
Why do you want it?
What action can you take in 2019, that will get you closer to your goal?
Planning:
Where do you want to be by the end of 2019?
How does that make you feel?
How does this contribute to your 10-year vision?
Now break down your main steps to get there into quarterly plans.
First 90 Days:
What is your #1 focus for the year ahead?
Decide on your Big 3 for the first 90 days.
Create actionable and measurable steps to get you closer to those goals in the first 90 days (get specific with each month).
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
Featured Review of the Week
Review by Awecoolio
A True Expert - “Michelle knows what she is talking about and openly shares all that she has learned. With a heart for women entrepreneurs, she is your ally in building a platform that will put you in touch with the people who need what you offer! Tune in, get inspired and get ready to change the world!”
Listen to More
List building 101: What you need to start building a community
List building 101: What you need to start building a community
11/29/18
List building is the #1 thing I see entrepreneurs missing out on. So today, I want to share with you exactly what you need to start building your lists and some of the mistakes I see entrepreneurs make when it comes to list building.
I’ve found that it doesn't really matter what stage you’re in, list building is key. I teach it in my membership site, my signature program Roadmap to Freedom and even my high-level mastermind.
If you are relying on a social media platform to build your community, you could be in trouble. You don’t own your social media platforms, but you do own your list.
Even if you’re product based, or you mostly do in person, you still need a list. It doesn’t matter what type of business you have, you need to have a list. What I’m talking about today is an evergreen webinar strategy. A strategy that keeps growing your list even when you’re not actively promoting.
What is Needed to Start Building Your List
1. You have to know your audience
You can’t create anything if you do not know your audience but it’s extra important when it comes to list building because you are tying to attract people that will ultimately buy from you.
2. A free offer
You need to create a free offer that will pull in your ideal audience. You need to have some sort of gift to get people on your list. They’re not going to sign up for no reason at all. This could be an e-book, a video series, a discount code, a checklist, etc.
3. A landing page
This is the place where they opt-in for your free offer. This is where you get the actual email address for your list. There are so many options for landing pages right now. I use Leadpages in my own business, but another option is built-in landing pages on your email marketing platform or custom landing pages on your own website. There are paid and free options, which mean there’s no excuse!
Related post: 4 Must-Haves for a High-Converting Landing Page
4. Email platform
You need an email marketing platform to actually send emails to your list. My favorite is ConvertKit. A free option is MailChimp, which again, there’s no excuse for not doing this!
5. Automation
This is the sequence, funnel or email series that will go out to your new leads. A really simple funnel to start with is:
The Welcome Email - Introduce your business and give them the free gift they opted in to
24 hours later - Introduce yourself
Share your super power - give them value, share tips about what you know
This funnel is warming up your leads, starting the relationship with them.
6. Promotion
Talk about your freebie all the time! Put the link everywhere you can. You don’t have to put ad money behind it, and I actually encourage you to test it organically for at least 2 weeks before even considering ads. I recommend promoting your freebie at least 3 times per week. Actively put it out into the world. You absolutely do not need ads, but you can if you want after you’ve tested your offer.
The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make is assuming that everyone is just going to give them their email address. We need to treat the promotions of our free offers the same as the promotions for our paid offers.
Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/268720923993543/
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!
