Trust is the currency of our time. It seems like no one trusts anyone anymore. Marketing, Politics, Religion, and, perhaps, simply being too online have led to divisions and skepticism across the board. To grow a successful business, people need to trust you. In "The Trusted Brand," I guide you through key elements of brand strategy, messaging, and psychology to help you build a brand that inspires trust in your ideal customers, so your business succeeds.
Are You Overthinking Social Media? Am I?
|
Hi, Reader! 👋 I don't know about you, but I tend to overthink the content that I put out into the world. I want the things I post to be extremely valuable, which often leads me to include too much detail. It also sometimes results in posting nothing. Most of us don't have bangers to post every single day, right? Maybe There is a Simpler Way?One account I follow on Instagram constantly reminds me of how simple social media could (should?) be. It's a little coffee shop up in Grand Marais, Minnesota, called "Java Moose." Grand Marais is a small harbor fishing town turned trendy getaway on the north shore of Lake Superior. Java Moose owner, Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg, posts an Instagram Reel nearly every single day from in or near her shop along the shore. She starts every Reel with, "Good morning, my friends!" and then talks about the weather, gives updates on new menu and merch items, and often promotes other local shops while walking out to the shore of Lake Superior. She then flips the camera around to show her followers a view of the lake, usually at sunrise, often with an authentic gasp of, "Isn't it stunning!" Every time you watch her videos, you feel like you've known her for years, like an old friend. Of course, it satisfies that desire to get away with the beautiful views of the lake shore as well. She averages 1200 likes per reel and 15,000 views. Most Reels are a single shot, so she's filming for a few minutes, then likely posting directly to IG and Facebook. I can't imagine it takes her more than 20 minutes most days. Now, most of us don't live on the shore of Lake Superior, and we don't sell tasty coffee, but I think there are still lessons to be learned here. Don't Overthink Your PostsWhat is the simplest and most efficient thing you can do to show up on people's feeds and build a connection? Get on and talk about what's coming up for the day, walk folks around your office, or share something you've been thinking about to start the day. Treat Viewers Like Old FriendsSarah says, "Good morning, my friends!" in every Reel, and you feel like she means it. On top of that, I've sat in her shop with a cup of coffee a few times, and it's the exact same spirit with which she engages with live customers. It's wild some of the things total strangers share with her as she takes their order. Why? Because they feel like they know her (don't you wish your leads showed up in that first call feeling like you were already friends?). Be ConsistentSarah shows up nearly every day. Sometimes, she'll even post from home or out on a hike on her day off. She's probably aware that her Reels are a part of thousands of followers' morning routines. Keep showing up. Be GenerousOne of my favorite things about Sarah and the Java Moose account is her generosity toward her community. From what I've seen, she has the biggest platform. She uses it frequently to promote events in town, and things other small businesses are doing. She's a team player and a Grand Marais superfan. Who in your community or network can you be a cheerleader for? Too often, I overthink what I post on social media for my personal brand and my business. How about you? More at https://moonflowermarketing.com/are-you-overthinking-social-media​ |
​The Trusted Brand Newsletter
Trust is the currency of our time. It seems like no one trusts anyone anymore. Marketing, Politics, Religion, and, perhaps, simply being too online have led to divisions and skepticism across the board. To grow a successful business, people need to trust you. In "The Trusted Brand," I guide you through key elements of brand strategy, messaging, and psychology to help you build a brand that inspires trust in your ideal customers, so your business succeeds.
Hi, Reader! I spent a few days away with friends last week, skiing in northern Michigan. It was a much-needed break from the chaos of January. We all arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Four couples who have all known each other half our lives or more. We always go out to eat the first night, because no one wants to cook after being in the car all day. Sitting at the table that first night, over a local IPA and great pizza, I got to talking with a friend who works in sales for an industrial...
Hi, Reader! đź‘‹ Most small business owners don't realize that confusion is killing their business. Quietly, and sometimes slowly. Ideal customers find your website, land on your homepage, and aren't really sure if what you offer solves their problem. Even people referred by customers who love you, check your website and social media, aren't quite sure what you do, or if you're right for them, and move on. Here's the kicker... You read through your homepage and think, "Sounds good to me!" BUT,...
Hi, Reader! 👋 If your website headline says any version of the following, you’re confusing your customers. “(City)’s Trusted (service provided)” “Your Trusted (city)(service provided)” “Number One (service provided) in (city)” Click through a dozen home services websites and you’ll run into variations of this several times. Attorneys...same thing. Probably a lot of Accountants, too. It's wild how many self-proclaimed "trusted" businesses there are just in your city. You might think it’s clear...