Top Branding Tips for entrepreneurs!

1. As an entrepreneur, it is important to know your unique strengths and how that relates to your business.  When you are just starting out, you may not know your strengths right away and it takes time to figure it out.  But by ultimately focusing on the things you are really good at, you start to really enhance and grow your business.  It is the perfect confidence booster too!  Clients will refer you based on these strengths and you will be able to market yourself better and show the experience you provide.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine your strengths.

1. What are some compliments that keep coming up after a client has worked with you?  It is your service, it is the way you made them feel throughout the process, it is your creativity, or maybe you ability to improvise. 

2. Think of all of the tasks in your business, what bring you the most joy?  These tasks are usually the ones we are naturally motivate to do and enjoy.

3. Are there tasks you leave to the end? Why?  What tasks really inspire and excite you?  By answering these questions you can determine your unique abilities and also where you may need to outsource in the future.

I like to use co-working spaces like this one (Dreamworx in Warwick, NY) to for branding sessions. There are a few co-working spaces in the area that fit a certain vibe. The key thing is to find one that fits you and your brand.

2. Always ask your clients questions to get feedback on your client experience, learn insight into what you are doing well and areas that may need improvement.  This information is invaluable and will give you an instant confidence boost!

Put in your workflow to ask your clients for reviews.  Be genuine in your request and ask more than once.  I know if I see an email asking for a review, I may not be able to do it that second but need a reminder in a week or so.

Do you regularly ask for reviews?

P.S. Do not forget to share these reviews on your website, in your Instagram stories, create a graphic in canva with it (this is what I do.).

When thinking about your brand, it is always best to keep things simple. Always try to stay consistent in both your communication with clients but the photographs you use to represent you and your brand. Props bring personality to your session and also creates connection and authenticity.

3. How can you differentiate yourself from others in your field?

As an entrepreneur you have to think about businesses that you like to purchase from ask yourself:

Why did you purchase from that business as opposed to another business in that field?

Was it their customer service, quality of service, price was right, easy to work with, did they offer a special service that you found value in?

So, what strengths do you have and how can you turn that into a unique offering for your clients?

Share below in the comments what are your unique offerings or something you want to add!

Why do your clients need to see behind the scenes photographs? They want to see you at work, get to know you and see you in action. It immediately conveys value, professionalism and a dedication to your craft!! So yea, it is really important.

4. As an entrepreneur, it is so create to constantly keep in mind the know, like, trust factor.  A new client typically will not purchase from you until after you have reached the 7 points of contact, if not more.  What does this mean?  This means you have to keep selling your services, show your expertise, highlight your skills, and share testimonials.  At first, you will feel like it is too much selling.  Most people will purchase after having those 7 points of contact, along with the thought …. “oh I have a good feeling about this person” because I feel connected to them.  Keep sharing your services, what clients have said about your services and here and there share personal stories.  All of this will help connect you to your future clients!! 

I love taking photographs outside. The natural light is universally flattering.

5. It is important to take some time to think about what kind of a brand you want.  I am not talking about your logo or brand colors, but the values you and your business hold.  What kind of a first impression are you giving out when someone lands on your website, social media, through your emails or on a phone consultation? 

How do you want your clients to feel about you?  If you are unsure, just ask any clients you have already worked with.  Was there a common theme in what they all said? Keep all of this in mind as you go about writing captions, blog posts, and interactions with clients.  Reach out with any questions! I am happy to help!

Also, remember your brand has to be authentic!  Please, please be yourself not only for longevity reasons but there is truly only one you, and the way you do business. It is always wise to be consistent in your marketing and how you communicate with clients and future clients.

Which tip resonated the most with you?? I’d love to love!!

-Jessica