The moment your customer opens a social media app or glances at their email inbox, so much is fighting for their attention. As a small business owner, building a strong and consistent brand is crucial for fighting through the noise to attract and retain customers. Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline; it represents the essence of your business and what sets you apart from the competition. Basically, your brand’s voice and messaging is what creates the relationship that your audience needs to feel trust and connection with your business. 

This month, we’re exploring four key questions to ask yourself that can help keep your content on brand and create a lasting impression on your target audience. 

#1 What sets your soul on fire?

We all know that feeling when something truly ignites our passion. It’s that moment when our eyes light up, we can feel butterflies in our belly and there’s a true sense of purpose when we take a step forward. This question is one of the most important for you and your customer. It helps you stay true to your vision knowing what you set out to work on and why. Whether it’s creating exquisite handmade jewelry, curating a fashionable clothing line, or starting a social media agency, there’s something magical about pursuing what sets our souls on fire. It becomes the compass that guides your brand and highlights what you’re really all about so there’s no question.

#2 How do you differ from the competition?

In a world where businesses seem to pop up overnight, standing out can feel like an impossible effort some days. The key to embracing what feels like an oversaturated market is to take time to identify what makes your business different. Highlight your secret sauce, the exceptional service, the personalized touch, the moving mission or the quirky charm that only you can bring. Remember, standing out is the statement your business needs to thrive! It’s not about your pricing, location or brand visuals but really expressing why someone should choose you. Your brand’s job is to let people know why you’re different and what they can expect from you vs. your competitors. 

#3 What do you want to be known for?

The first answer that may come into your brain is “success” but what does that truly mean to you? Outside of revenue potential, what would you and your business be proud to be known for? Even if you are a multitalented, multi-passionate business that offers multiple products or services there is something at the core that you want to shine brighter than anything else. Do you want to be known for your impeccable attention to detail, your ability to juggle multiple tasks flawlessly, or your knack for making customers feel like the queens they are? Maybe you know you have creme de la creme of baked goods that are healthy and beautiful or a team so well versed on legal matters that the contracts you create are flawless. Define what you want to be known for, and then channel that energy into your content. Are you screaming it from a mountain? Can your customers and potential customers easily spot what this thing is within a few minutes of consuming your content? 

#4 Why would someone work with you?

Now, let’s have a moment of real talk. We know we’re amazing, but sometimes we need to remind others of that, too! When it comes to answering the question of why someone should work with you, embrace your confidence and showcase your strengths. If you aren’t confident in what you do, how can you expect others to be?  Highlight things like your expertise, your exceptional problem-solving skills, your work ethic or quality of work, the way previous customers have expressed how you make them feel and more.  Remember, you’re not just offering a service or product; you’re offering an experience that is uniquely you.

The most memorable brands are those who dare to be different.

As you embark on your journey of keeping your content on brand, remember that it’s your uniqueness that’s going to shine through and make an impact! None of us are going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s a good thing. Embrace the challenges with a smile, knowing the people who want and need your business most will connect to your brand and find that they love your business almost as much as you do. 

Hustle & Heart Challenge

This month, assess a few different types of content categories that you offer, reviewing them to see what stands out to you as off brand vs. on brand. Where is there opportunity to bring in your brand’s voice and values more? How can you take your brand content to the next level by infusing what makes your business unique?