Brandmerry Blog Archives
Reflections and Takeaways from an Entrepreneur's Summer Break
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.
A Strategic Use of Time During the Entrepreneur Summer Break
Instead of the typical need for a content creation hiatus, this summer break was about intentional recalibration.
Prior to the Summer Break, numerous shifts occurred in my personal life, creating a ripple effect in my business approach. Our family dynamics evolved, with my husband deciding to return to working outside the home after four years, changes in homeschooling routines, and adjustments stemming from our new home purchase.
I wanted to take this opportunity to reevaluate Brandmerry's trajectory. These personal changes prompted me to further dive into a more tailored business structure that would align with my evolving life priorities.
Balancing Business and Personal Shifts as a Business Owner
My approach, and everything we teach at Brandmerry, prioritizes putting your personal life front and center.
As a result, I decided to work an average of three to four hours per day, leveraging my business's evergreen systems (think free Google traffic thanks to SEO, YouTube content that perform from years ago, and consistent Pinterest traffic) and consistent email marketing efforts.
These strategies were not only rooted in data but also in my dedication to email communication and authentic connection, which allowed me to continue growing the business without the pressure of creating new content or constantly promoting it on social media.
The Power of Evergreen Content for Marketers
My decision to step away from social media for a period highlights the significance of evergreen content, something I encourage all my clients to focus on as a core pillar of their marketing strategy.
My business continued to generate leads and revenue from my evergreen platforms, such as Pinterest and Google, even in my absence from social media promotion. The focus on long-term content creation and SEO paid off, proving the effectiveness of organic growth strategies.
This was such a great experience because it further allowed me to see that this is where we experience the greatest ROI as a business.
Shifting Program Structure and Client Relations
This summer, I embarked on a new venture: Brandmerry's Summer Shop. While offering pre-existing courses and trainings, this endeavor marked a departure from our traditional model.
The shop provided an opportunity for direct sales to my email subscribers, offering courses that resonated with their needs. While this experiment yielded valuable insights, it also affirmed the importance of live program components in my offerings as something I not only love to offer, but that I also see a need for.
Honoring these personal changes led to crucial decisions in reshaping my business. I chose to modify the enrollment process for Brandmerry Academy, making it exclusive to clients who had previously engaged with our services.
This decision was made to better cultivate a community of aligned entrepreneurs who could benefit from my expertise and personalized support throughout the year. Additionally, I made the decision to shift my focus from taking on more one-on-one clients to launching my signature group program Roadmap to Freedom, allowing me to provide comprehensive support to a wider audience.
Reaffirming the Mission and Upcoming Endeavors of the Business
My summer of reflection solidified my commitment to my mission as an entrepreneur and business owner: ensuring my business complements my life and priorities.
I’m excited about the upcoming launch of Roadmap to Freedom, a group program that embodies Brandmerry's values. Furthermore, I revealed my plans for writing a book on authentic branding and a new course to support entrepreneurs in their journeys.
The summer break at Brandmerry offered a space for reflection, experimentation, and growth.
My intentional decisions to realign my business with my evolving personal life, leverage evergreen content, and evolve my offerings highlight the importance of strategic business choices.
My goal is to help more entrepreneurs create this freedom and space within their businesses and truly craft a business that complements their lives. I know that it is not only possible but essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
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FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m 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 travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Summer Content Hacks Every Entrepreneur Needs
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.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m 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 travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Video Marketing Guide for Entrepreneurs, and Small Business Owners: Enhance Your Brand Strategy
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.
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.
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.
I’ve been marketing online for over eight years, and video marketing has gone through quite a transformation. But, video marketing still stands as an incredibly effective brand-building tool.
Video helps create a powerful connection with your audience, making your brand more relatable and engaging. When consumers see and hear you, they get a feel for who you are, which builds trust faster than other mediums.
I started my video marketing journey just months after launching my business, using the platform Periscope. Shortly after that Facebook Live was released and I never looked back.
Being a baby brand at the time, I can attest to the amazing results and power of video marketing. It not only made content creation quicker but also significantly boosted audience engagement.
Over the years, I’ve used live videos, pre-recorded videos on YouTube, and short-form videos on social media. So, let's explore why video marketing is essential and how you can leverage different types of video content to elevate your business.
Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:
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.
**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 89 now. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the video on YouTube to hear the full episode and all the tips.
Types of Video Content to Create
1. Live Video
Live video involves going live on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even YouTube to engage your audience in real time. Although it's the scariest form of video marketing for a lot of people because of its unpredictability, it's also the most time-efficient.
There’s no complex editing—just hit "Go Live," share your insights, and you're done. This format works great for ongoing series, similar to the weekly live series I did from 2018-2021 called "Mondays with Michelle."
2. Pre-recorded Video
For pre-recorded content, you record your video, edit it as needed, and then upload it to various platforms like YouTube.
While editing can be time-consuming, it allows you to ensure the content is easy to consume, and digest, and has more of a structure. You can keep it light on the editing if you don’t have a large budget, but you will be spending more time on pre-recorded content than on live video. Editing of course is an option if your budget or resources allow it.
3. Short-form Video
The hottest content type right now—short-form videos includes reels, TikToks, YouTube Short, and even videos for Pinterest. These are quick, engaging snippets designed to hold the viewer's attention.
While they may not always result in viral success, short-form videos effectively keep your audience engaged and are excellent for repurposing existing content to multiple platforms.
How to Use Various Video Content Strategies in Your Marketing
Every brand can benefit from incorporating one or more forms of video content into their marketing strategy. And, as we previously discussed video works on most marketing platforms, so you don’t have to feel trapped by social media.
The key is to find what works best for you, given your comfort level, resources, and marketing priorities.
Here are some tried-and-true strategies to get you started:
Text Overlay and B-roll
If being on camera isn't your thing, consider using text overlay with B-roll footage. Capture lifestyle shots or use pre-recorded videos from resources like Canva, then add text to convey your message. Pair this with trending audio to get better reach!
These can be excellent for every phase of the consumer buying process. They can showcase educational content, share a point of view for brand building, tell a story, and more.
Quote or Tweet Videos
You can easily turn your insightful quotes or tweets into video content. These are easy to create using tools like Canva and work well on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Add a video background, overlay your quote, and you're good to go.
I like to pair these with a “Read the caption” text on the video and then expand more in the caption to provide your audience with more insight or tips.
Trends in Video Content
Every platform loves trending content. Even my tired and true marketing platform Pinterest, is built on trending and seasonal content. Participating in trending challenges, or finding trending audio and making it your own is a great way to hop on a trend, while still showcasing your authenticity.
As with all trends, it’s essential that you make sure they are aligned with your brand identity and values to attract the right viewers. Remember, one of the downfalls of trends is they can go viral, and this is often paired with attracting people outside your ideal customer scope which can skew your data.
Talking Head Videos
By far my favorite type of video content to encourage my clients to create are talking head videos. This is where you deliver valuable content face-to-face with the camera.
While these might not go viral, they are highly effective in building a deeper connection with your audience. You can record a simple video, much like an Instagram Story, or you can repurpose longer videos into smaller clips using tools like Descript and Opus Clip Pro to reach a wider audience on various platforms.
How to Implement a Video Marketing Strategy
Start by determining how video fits into your content strategy. You can either create fresh content centered on video or repurpose existing content into video formats.
Here’s a framework you can follow:
Decide Your Format: Choose whether to go live, pre-record, create short-form videos or a mix of all three.
Plan Your Content: Lay out a strategy that aligns with your overall marketing goals and which platforms you want to focus on. Remember, different platforms have different criteria for video content so understanding your resources and availability is huge!
This diversity in resources is why inside Brandmerry Academy we teach video marketing for live, pre-recorded, and short-form videos for multiple platforms including social media, Pinterest, and YouTube.Create and Edit: Use tools like Descript for editing, Opus Clip Pro for creating smaller clips, and Canva for creating engaging visuals.
Publish and Promote: Share your videos on relevant platforms. Remember, with all things marketing it’s important that you don’t try to be everywhere out of the gate. Choose one platform to focus on for 30 days, then add to your workflow from there.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating video into your marketing strategy isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary tool for brand building.
Each format—live, pre-recorded, or short-form—offers unique benefits that can help your brand stand out. Start small, experiment with different types of video content, and watch as your brand starts to attract and engage more viewers.
As with all things marketing, consistency is key!
If you’re ready to dive deeper into embracing a more sustainable, and simplified marketing strategy, then the Academy might be the right next step for you.
Learn more about Brandmerry Academy at brandmerry.com/academy.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m 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 travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Time Management Entrepreneur Marketing Hacks to Maximize Efficiency and Save You Time
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!
Tune in now to hear:
My tried and true approach to creating and sharing my content to increase brand awareness and sales without losing my precious time.
How I schedule my day to make sure I'm not burnout out and working in the most efficient way possible.
One skill I learned and adapted in my first year of business that still serves me today!
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m 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 travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Strategic Social Media Marketing for Your In-Person Services with Jodie Brown
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)
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
And be sure to check out Jodie's Instagram and Website below.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsjodiebrown
Website: https://www.jodiebrown.ca/
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m 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 travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.