A business that thrived in 2020 shifted operations online and leaned into its own story with its branding. We will show you how to use storytelling to build your brand identity, bolster your reputation, and compete with giants in the vast digital marketplace.
This is a quick 20-minute presentation, where we’ll provide tips and plenty of real-world examples.
Want more info? Looking for help with digital marketing or just have questions? Reach out today and check out our website! https://www.ezymarketing.com
About today’s workshop:
Today we’re excited to talk about building your brand, the importance of storytelling, and how it can give you a competitive edge. In 2020, small businesses & organizations were forced to move their marketing and operations online – joining a vast digital marketplace. With that shift came opportunities like the expansion of the customer base & new ways to sell goods and services … but it also came with hefty competition. These trends have continued in 2021 and customers, donors & stakeholders have virtually infinite options. So how does a small business compete with retail giants like Amazon and Walmart?
You can capitalize on people’s desire to shop and spend locally by leaning into your own story — in your branding. When we talk about “brand,” we simply mean your reputation & identity — the impression that your business gives others through online communication, as well as in-person interactions.
The first step in using your brand’s story to build your business is Defining It. Your brand is who you are… the people behind your business & their values, the purpose of your business or the problem you’re trying to solve for customers, and your relationship to your customers and how you interact with them.
And of course, the heart of branding is sharing your unique story, which means Making it Personal. If you only showcase your products and services, you might as well be Amazon, and most small businesses cannot compete on that level.
People want to hear your story. Share with them why you founded a business, or consider posting an update about how it’s going or how friends and family are pitching in to help. These stories help motivate people to become customers. For existing customers, these stories might motivate a repeat purchase or even better — they might share your content with their networks, exposing you to a whole new batch of potential customers.
So to summarize, your brand is your identity and you need it to be clear, identifiable, and personal. Set aside time this month to define your brand identity and to document it. And then commit to using it as a reference when crafting all of your marketing and communications. I encourage you to take stock our your current situation. Make sure your digital marketing reflects your brand identity. Think about if you need to update your website or create a new logo.
Finally, make sure your brand lives not only in your marketing but in your customer experience. If you portray your business as knowledgeable and friendly, then that’s exactly how the customer experience should be. Otherwise, you risk appearing inauthentic or unreliable, which could hurt your brand reputation (and your sales). Remember — it’s important to emphasize your identity as a small business in all of your branding. Don’t be afraid to pull back the curtain and show the real people behind your business.
