Brandmerry Blog Archives
How to Know When Your Brand Needs a Refresh (And How to Do It Right)
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.
**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 137 or watch it here.
When Should You Consider a Brand Refresh?
1. Your Customer Has Changed
Your ideal customer isn’t static and neither is your business! As you continue to engage with your audience, you get more clarity on who they are and what they need. Maybe you've expanded your offerings or shifted your focus.
Your customer base might have changed from your initial target audience, and this can directly impact your messaging, products, and services.
For example, maybe you started helping new moms, but now you specialize in supporting entrepreneurs in their second year of business.
This shift means your brand needs to reflect these changes, ensuring your messaging and offerings align with your ideal customer’s needs.
2. Your Visuals Don’t Align with Your Brand Anymore
Branding isn't all about colors, fonts, and photos, but the visuals play a big role in how your audience perceives your business.
If you’ve grown or evolved as a business, it’s likely that your visuals no longer reflect that growth.
This was the case for me when I noticed that my branding still felt a bit "old" and didn't match my personal growth. Sometimes, a visual refresh, like new colors, fonts, and imagery, can help bring your brand in line with where you are today.
3. Your Brand Messaging Feels Inconsistent
If your messaging feels all over the place, it’s a major sign that your brand needs a refresh.
Inconsistent messaging can make it hard to attract and retain your ideal customers. For me, I realized that my messaging wasn’t clear, and it didn’t reflect my evolution as a business owner.
If content creation feels hard and your messaging is unclear, it’s time to revisit your core brand messages and get clear on how you’re communicating your value.
4. You Feel Disconnected from Your Brand
As life changes, so do we. If you’ve gone through significant shifts in your personal or business life, your brand might not be aligned with who you are now.
For me, the changes I made in my personal life (like buying a home and transitioning my family life) prompted me to refresh my brand. When you feel disconnected from your brand, it’s essential to revisit the foundational work and bring your brand back to life in a way that feels authentic to your current self.
Brand Refresh Audit Checklist: What to Focus On
To help you through your brand refresh, I created an audit checklist to guide you.
This is the exact process I went through when refreshing my own brand. You can grab your copy of the checklist here. Here's a breakdown of the categories you’ll need to audit:
1. Brand Clarity and Strategy
Start with the heart of your brand: your mission, values, and your "why." Ask yourself:
Does your brand mission still reflect where you are today?
Are your values aligned with the direction you're heading?
Has your ideal customer changed?
What makes you different? Can you clearly communicate your unique positioning?
2. Brand Messaging and Voice
Messaging is everything. It's how you connect with your audience, and it should consistently reflect who you are. Here are the questions you need to ask:
Does your brand story reflect your evolution and where you currently are?
Is your messaging consistent across all platforms? Are your core brand messages aligned with your current goals?
Do your brand colors, fonts, and imagery reflect where you are today? Do they align with your messaging and customer’s emotional experience?
3. Marketing and Offers
Look at your website, content, and marketing strategy:
Does your website clearly reflect where your brand is today?
Is your marketing strategy still aligned with your brand’s mission? Are you showing up in a way that feels authentic to you and your lifestyle?
Are your offers still relevant to your ideal customer? Are you still excited to sell them or have your desires shifted?
Final Thoughts: Keep It Authentic and Aligned
A brand refresh is a powerful opportunity to get clear on your messaging, values, and goals. By taking the time to go through this process, you ensure that your brand truly reflects who you are today and where you're going.
Don’t be afraid to embrace change. Sometimes, a little tweak can make a huge difference!
If you’re feeling stuck, I’ve made this process easier for you with You! Branded, my signature program that guides you step-by-step through your brand refresh.
This program can help you clarify your mission, update your messaging, and even streamline your website and content. It’s designed to help you get your brand on track in just two weeks!
Ready to refresh your brand?
Let’s make it happen.
👉 Sign up for You! Branded
Or grab the Brand Refresh Checklist to get started right now!
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
AI and Branding: Can AI Help You Build Your Brand and Website?
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.
**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 136 now or watch it here.
Branding: The Foundation You Can’t Skip
Before we even talk about AI, let me remind you about the importance of branding.
If you don’t lay a solid foundation for your brand, you're setting yourself up for headaches down the road. Think about it like building a house. Without a solid base, things are bound to crumble eventually.
As a Brand Coach and Strategist, I’ve seen this play out time and time again: Entrepreneurs who rush into branding (or skip key steps) often end up feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their business.
I’ve been there, too, which is why I’m so passionate about helping you get your brand right from the start.
If you know right off the bat that you need help with your branding, I encourage you to watch my free training here.
Debunking AI Myths: What AI Can and Can’t Do
Now, let’s talk about AI, and maybe even more relevant the use of ChatGPT. There’s a lot of buzz around it, and there are some misconceptions that I want to clear up:
Myth #1: AI Will Replace the Entire Branding Process
Absolutely not! While AI can speed up certain tasks and streamline your efforts, it cannot replace the deep, personal work required to build your brand. Branding is about YOU and your story. AI is a tool to support that, not replace it.
Myth #2: AI Can Create Your Brand Voice
This is a tricky one. AI can help you refine your brand voice by pulling from patterns and data, but it can’t create it from scratch. Your brand voice comes from deep self-reflection and knowing who you are. Only you can infuse that authenticity into your brand’s voice.
Myth #3: AI Will Give You Instant Perfection
If you’re expecting instant perfection from AI, prepare to be disappointed. Think of AI like a co-pilot. You have to do the work and provide input for it to be effective. The results are all about collaboration, not magic.
I go much deeper into these myths inside today’s episode, so I encourage you to watch it here.
But Can it Help? How AI Can Support Your Branding Process
AI can be a powerful ally in your branding journey, but only once you’ve done the crucial foundational work. Here’s how AI can supercharge the process by helping you refine and execute the hard work you’ve already done:
1. Storytelling + Niche Identification
Brand storytelling and niche go hand-in-hand. Before diving into any AI tools, you first need to do the deep work of understanding who you are, what your brand stands for, and how you serve your ideal customers.
This is where the storytelling phase becomes essential. It’s about pulling out the moments that define your brand and connecting them to the problem you solve for your ideal customer.
AI won’t tell you what your niche is, but once you’ve identified it, AI can be incredibly helpful in fleshing out that niche into a full profile. You can use AI to refine your messaging around that niche and generate content ideas that resonate with your audience.
For example, you could input your brand story and niche information into AI to help you create blog posts, social media content, and emails that align perfectly with your mission and voice.
2. Ideal Customer Work
When it comes to ideal customer work, AI is like your secret weapon for speeding up market research. AI tools can help you organize and analyze customer data, uncover trends, and even pinpoint the language your ideal customers are using.
This is especially helpful when you feel overwhelmed by all the customer insights you’ve gathered or if you’re unsure how to use that information effectively.
Once you've done the hard work of identifying your ideal customer, you can input that data into AI tools to create a more refined customer profile, including a detailed buyer journey. AI can even help you decide which content and offers will resonate best with customers at different stages of their buying process.
It’s like having a marketing assistant who gets your audience and speaks their language.
3. Messaging + Website Copy
The messaging phase is where many entrepreneurs get stuck. You’ve done the deep work on your story, niche, and ideal customer, but when it’s time to write your website copy, your marketing materials, or your sales page, the blank page can be daunting.
Here’s where AI comes in to support your creativity.
Once you've identified your core brand messages, AI can help you brainstorm variations, refine your messaging, and ensure consistency across your website and content.
For example, after working through the niche and customer work, you can give AI prompts to help you craft copy for your homepage, About Me page, product descriptions, and sales pages. It’s a great way to quickly generate ideas, see how your messaging resonates, and refine it until it feels authentic and on-brand. This is one of the many awesome additions we made to You! Branded.
Even more exciting is that AI can help you generate full website copy in a fraction of the time. By feeding in your brand story, ideal customer insights, and messaging guidelines, you can use AI to help you write a draft of your homepage, sales pages, and other essential website sections.
This speeds up the process, so you don’t have to get bogged down in the details of copywriting. You can focus on editing, refining, and ensuring that it truly reflects your voice and values.
AI + Branding: A Perfect Match
When you combine your authentic branding process taught inside of You! Branded, with AI, magic happens.
AI can help you take the work you’ve done on your story, niche, and ideal customer and put it into action more quickly and efficiently. I’ve seen firsthand how this integration can speed up the process without sacrificing authenticity.
For example, once you’ve worked through the foundational steps of branding, you can use AI tools to generate copy for your website, create engaging social media posts, or even refine your email marketing funnels, all with your unique brand voice intact.
In my updated You! Branded program, I’ve taken these AI strategies to the next level. With actionable AI prompts, you can create a complete brand strategy in just two weeks.
From your brand story to your messaging, website copy, and more, this program helps you build a brand that’s authentic, efficient, and ready for growth.
CONCLUSION
Here’s the bottom line: AI is a game-changer when it comes to efficiency, but it can’t replace the foundational work required to build your brand.
By doing the deep work first, understanding your story, identifying your niche, and connecting with your ideal customer, you can use AI to enhance your branding process and make it more effective.
So, if you’re ready to leverage both AI and authentic branding to build a business that reflects who you are, I invite you to check out my You! Branded program. It’s the perfect way to speed up your branding process while staying true to your authentic voice.
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
How to Get Started With Tracking Metrics in Your Business with Ally from Akari Digital
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.
**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 135 now or watch the episode here.
Introduction to Data Tracking for Entrepreneurs
As entrepreneurs, we're constantly told to track our data. Yet, when we dive into what it means for our business, it often feels daunting.
Understanding your metrics is crucial because marketing is all about informed decisions rather than emotional guesses. When you know what you're looking at, you can determine what to scale, tweak, or stop altogether.
Whether you're just starting your business or have been in the game for a while, tracking the right metrics can guide you toward success.
It's about knowing your business better and making informed decisions based on what's working and what's not.
The Framework for Effective Data Tracking
Ally recommends focusing on four key marketing systems: Reach, Nurture, Convert, and Retain. Each system should have two or three vital metrics:
1. Reach: How do new potential customers find you? Common metrics include website visits and initial engagements.
2. Nurture: How do you build a relationship with your audience? This could be email signups or social media engagement.
3. Convert: What guides a potential customer to become a paying one? Metrics here might involve sales page views or cart additions.
4. Retain: How do you keep your customers engaged and coming back? Consider repeat purchases or renewal rates.
Building an Authentic Marketing Strategy
Marketing organically involves understanding which platforms or methods work best for you. Just because other businesses focus on social media posts doesn't mean it's the right tactic for your brand.
Ally emphasizes that every marketing strategy needs to be personalized to fit you and your business objectives.
She advises starting with eight to ten metrics tailored to your business’s strengths and areas for growth. Tracking fewer, more meaningful metrics can provide clearer insights than spreading your attention thinly across countless data points.
Then it comes down to comparing that data with your personal numbers. While there are “standard” metrics for the industry, it’s really about your growth and your ROI.
This is why logging your data is essential because then you’ll have something to compare it to and make adjustments as needed.
With this data you can determine what's working and what’s not, what needs to be adjusted, and what needs to be let go! This is how we build authentic marketing strategies.
Practical Steps to Begin Data Tracking
1. Google Analytics: Set this up to start collecting data on your website traffic. It’s a free and powerful tool.
2. UTM Tags: Use unique tags in your URLs to track where your traffic originates. Although technical, it's invaluable for pinpointing effective sources.
3. Monthly Reviews: Track and analyze your metrics monthly. This approach keeps you informed and lets you adjust strategies as needed.
CONCLUSION: FEEL EMPOWERED BY DATA
By regularly tracking data, you can avoid the constant entrepreneurial rollercoaster of emotions, such as believing nothing's working.
Instead, you can pinpoint specific areas for improvement and celebrate what’s truly helping your business thrive. Ally encourages entrepreneurs to start tracking now—don’t wait.
Even if you're not yet ready to dive into complex analysis, collect the data so you have it when you're ready to use it.
Ally offers a free KPI tracker to help you get started on your data journey. Let's take the mystery and emotion out of your business decisions. By understanding your data, you lead your business with confidence and clarity. DOWNLOAD THE TRACKER HERE.
CONNECT WITH ALLY
Ally is a data-backed marketing strategist who helps small business owners put their time, energy, and money in the right places when it comes to their marketing. After a decade in digital marketing, she's watched countless business owners throw marketing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks— simply because they don't know how to track their results. She shows them how to make sense of their marketing data in simple, practical ways, so they can invest in what works and stop wasting resources on what doesn't.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akaridigital/
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
How to Improve Your Copywriting and Build Confidence 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.
**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 134 now or watch it on YouTube here.
Elise’s Journey to Becoming a Conversion Copywriter
Elise’s story is an inspiring one. She started her journey in the online space back in 2016, diving into blogging and growing an Instagram community.
She eventually sold her first course about Instagram growth, a far cry from the funnel strategy and sales page copy she writes today. Elise’s background in PR and journalism laid the foundation for her copywriting career, which she started experimenting with in 2017.
Over time, Elise transitioned into writing web copy, sales copy, and eventually sales funnel copy, all while refining her business to fit her lifestyle.
One thing that stood out to me in our conversation was how Elise has continually pivoted her business to align with her lifestyle, especially after having kids. Like me, Elise values the importance of balancing business with family, and she’s built a sustainable business model that supports both her professional and personal life.
Mastering Copywriting for Business Success
So, what’s the key to mastering copywriting as a business owner?
Elise and I both agree that it’s not about getting it perfect the first time. It’s about getting something out there and refining it through repetition.
Copywriting isn’t easy, especially when you’re just starting, but as Elise shared, the more you do it, the better you’ll get.
For those just starting to create content or writing their own copy for their business, Elise recommends two things: understanding your brand voice and listening to your audience.
Writing with authenticity is essential.
If you’re not sure how to find your voice, Elise recommends creating a simple “brand voice guide” to help you stay on track as you write. This can include things like what words you say, what you don’t say, and what feels true to your style.
Another huge tip from Elise is paying attention to your audience and really listening to what they say. Running surveys or looking at comments on your social media and content is a great way to gather insights about their pain points.
The more you know your audience, the easier it is to create copy that speaks directly to them.
How to Get Started with Funnel Copywriting
When it comes to funnel copy, Elise shared a ton of practical advice. One of her key insights was the importance of adding personal touchpoints in automated email sequences.
For example, rather than sending generic, impersonal emails, consider using more engaging formats like Loom videos or personalized responses. A little bit of extra effort can go a long way in creating a deeper connection with your audience.
Elise also talked about the power of email marketing funnels and how they can increase conversions when done right. The goal is to create a funnel that feels seamless, personal, and aligned with your audience’s needs.
Elise’s tip: When building funnels, make sure that your copy speaks to your ideal customer’s emotions and needs, while positioning your products or services as the solution.
Your Copywriting Success Starts with Confidence
We all struggle with copywriting in the beginning, but at the end of the day, confidence in copywriting comes from practice.
The more you write, the more you refine your message.
As Elise said, even though she’s now an expert in copywriting and funnels, she still faces moments where she questions her work. But the key is to keep going, keep refining, and keep showing up for your audience.
Like most things in business, finding your rhythm with writing your copy comes from practice, and yes, I’m sorry that it’s the same for a lot of things in business!
The Power of Authentic Copy
The world of copywriting can feel overwhelming, but when you get it right, it’s incredibly rewarding.
As Elise and I discussed, copywriting is about connecting with your audience in a way that feels personal and genuine. It’s about telling your story, solving problems, and guiding your audience to the solutions you provide.
So if you’re struggling with your copy, take a deep breath.
You don’t have to be perfect from the start.
Get your ideas on the page, and refine them as you go. You’ve got this!
Want to learn more from Elise? Be sure to grab her free welcome email template download for a great launch point to get started on your copywriting journey.
CONNECT WITH ELISE
Elise Hodge is a funnel strategist and conversion copywriter who helps coaches and course creators make daily sales on autopilot by building simple, high-converting funnels. As a mum of two toddlers running her business in part-time hours, she’s passionate about helping others create flexible, profitable businesses that fit their lives.
https://instagram.com/connectioncopyco
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
Diversifying Your Income as a Small Business Owner 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.
**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 133 or watch it on YouTube here.
Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing
Whitney's journey into entrepreneurship began with her desire to be at home with her children.
She explored how to make money from home and stumbled upon the idea of creating a blog that shared successful moms' stories and how they accomplished their goals.
Whitney discovered that affiliate marketing provided an opportunity to earn commission by referring products or services via a unique referral link. This method allowed her to earn her first income online through her blog before she developed her own products.
Whitney emphasizes that you don't have to have your own product to get started. You can promote something that helps other people and earn a commission from it.
This strategy not only worked for her but led to a significant boost in her income over time. This strategy, while including links to online products she uses, also prioritizes sharing courses and programs with a higher affiliate payout.
The Importance of Diversifying Your Income
One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of diversifying your income streams.
Whitney experienced firsthand the impact of algorithm changes on platforms like Pinterest, which was initially a significant driver of traffic to her blog. When that traffic diminished, Whitney had to pivot and adapt, ultimately leading her to prioritize diverse income streams.
Creating sustainable businesses is crucial. This is why affiliate marketing, memberships, YouTube payouts, selling courses, etc… is key to building sustainability.
We can’t control the fluctuations in the market, or changes to our marketing platforms which is why this diversification is key.
Prioritizing YouTube as a Marketing Strategy
Whitney and I also discussed our expansion into YouTube, a platform that has significantly contributed to her income and mine.
She shared how important it is to identify what is working for others in your niche and find ways to do it better through your content. This hack falls in line with utilizing what’s already on the internet, similar to my SEO content tips here.
Whitney shares that with YouTube, the key is focusing on your title and thumbnail first, and then ensuring your content delivers.
YouTube stands as an amazing platform for marketing in 2025 and beyond thanks to its powerful search engine, consumers need to move away from short-form content and desire to look for more in-depth solutions.
I recently shared my entire recording and editing process in this YouTube training video.
Building a Reliable Email List
Another crucial income driver that Whitney and I both advocate for is building an engaged email list.
Whitney credits her remarkable open rate thanks to effective strategy and consistency. She prioritizes working smarter, by reusing the same subject line format. Building trust with your audience is where email lists come in. By giving them a way to hear from you consistently and invite them into your authentic journey, you build trust.
This trust can pay off when you’re utilizing affiliate marketing or looking for sponsorships as additional income streams.
Remember, you're on rented land on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but you own your email list, and it’s a vital fallback for any entrepreneur says Whitney.
Mindset and Long-Term Success
Whitney emphasizes the direct correlation between value and income. She shared that more value equals more income and emphasized both learning and sharing experiences, even from mistakes, as a way to provide value to others.
Sometimes, it can feel like we don’t have anything to share, especially when we’re just getting started, but these simple lessons or mistakes can prove to be rather valuable content.
Just think of all the things you’ve learned in the last six months and how valuable that information could be for someone else.
Whitney provided a new free resource for listeners, The Wealth Blueprint, where she shares the Secret to Building Wealth. Get your free download here.
CONNECT WITH WHITNEY
Whitney Bonds is a YouTuber with over 140K subscribers who is known for empowering her audience to build sustainable online businesses from home. Bonds shares step-by-step guides, tips, and resources to help her audience succeed in affiliate marketing, build online businesses, and achieve financial freedom.
https://www.youtube.com/@WhitneyBonds
https://www.instagram.com/whitneybonds101
https://www.facebook.com/triedandtruemomjobs
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.