HOW TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SPENDING MONEY

How to Market Your Business Without Spending Money

Brittni Schroeder Coaching

HOW TO MARKET
YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT
SPENDING MONEY

HOW TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT SPENDING MONEY

Often as an entrepreneur and a new business owner you may begin with a small budget. Perhaps your amazing idea takes a lot more time and money than you first realized. Investing in your business is one of the best things you can do. If you are willing to invest your time, you can learn how to market your business without spending money.

Money can help your business grow faster. You can reach a larger audience quicker by spending money on ads, promotions, and marketing. However, there is no better way to grow your audience organically than putting yourself out there when building your brand. Learning to be intentional with your time and targeting your ideal clients is something you can do for free. Try to be original and different to set yourself apart from your competition.

GIVEAWAY

The more you give the more you receive. Make it part of your practice (even when you start to make money) to give, give, and give some more. This strategy is one I have used for years and  have seen a huge return. Clients/customers love getting things for free. Offer your clients something free on a regular basis. This can be a service or a free downloadable. You want your ideal clients to keep checking in. You goal is to become memorable. They might not use your service/product today but when they are ready, you want them to think of you.

Think of creative things you can give your audience. A downloadable printable, e-book, free guide, or course. No matter what you give, make sure it is valuable; this will help you build trust.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media can be a great way to communicate with your audience and build a strong brand. It can take a lot of time to manage the various platforms and our efforts to expand our reach are getting more challenging. But it’s free! It doesn’t cost to post and even if your reach isn’t what you want it to be, clients still love interacting with businesses this way.

There are so many social media platforms available. Choose 1-2 platforms that your ideal client uses and consistently show up. When you feel like you have a handle on those, add more platforms to your workflow. It is a numbers game—the more you post, the more likely your audience will see you.

Engage with your audience and start building relationships. Your audience will grow organically and relationships will develop. If you are investing time and don’t see a lot of growth, reevaluate and try a different platform. Social media can be a full-time job so make sure you create time boundaries to ensure you are working on other parts of your business as well. As your business starts to grow, consider outsourcing some of your social media.

BLOG

Starting a blog costs very little upfront and it is one of the best tools you can use for marketing. Creating a blog is a great way to position yourself as an expert, but also serve your clients with useful information. Providing useful information helps strengthen your brand. Your blog has potential for growth and opportunity. It can help create a community for your business.

Your blog can become a hub that your audience will visit and revisit to learn, get inspired, and connect. Your blog is managed by you and you have complete control over that space. When you are consistent about producing valuable content, it can be one of your most valuable marketing tools.

PINTEREST

Pinterest is not only a place to get great ideas, but it is an awesome marketing tool. Next to Google, Pinterest is one of the best visual search engines available. Sharing your work through pins is a great way of marketing.

People use the search bar to find anything and everything. If they find what they are looking for they re-pin it to their own boards, which in turn gives you more exposure. When people discover one of your pins and click on it, it redirects them to your website to find more information.

Remember that Pinterest is a visual platform so use beautiful and appealing imagery and graphics to attract people. Be strategic with your keywords and participate in group boards. Consider using the TailwindApp to improve your reach and gain exposure.

NEWSLETTER LIST

If you don’t have an email or newsletter list, start one today!  Email marketing is a great way to stay connected with people. With the ever-changing algorithms of social media, email has become a more reliable method of connecting with your audience.

Once you have started your newsletter list, be consistent and leverage that resource. You don’t have to send out an email just when you are trying to sell something. Use it to build a relationships and then when the time comes to sell, your audience will be more likely to purchase or invest.

Your newsletter doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Your goal is to create value while building trust. You can also send out your recent blog post, An inspiration quote or a life or business hack. Understand your audience and keep them in mind when you create your newsletters. Remember these people gave you their email. They want to hear from you!

VOLUNTEER

Seek opportunities to volunteer. Get involved in your community and serve with other like-minded individuals. Serving and helping non-profits or other organizations is great way to create relationships within your area. Look for organizations that are in sync with your values. Try to find causes that you are passionate about as to keep you motivated. When you make service and volunteering a part of your brand you will see the benefits.

FB GROUPS

Participate in Facebook Groups where your ideal clients reside. Be active by posting, commenting, and engaging with others. This is a great way to help others and also to talk about what you do. Make sure you are genuine and authentic and don’t come off pushy or salesy. Read the rules of the group before joining to ensure you know and abide by them.

NETWORKING EVENT

Become active in networking groups and events in your area. Some have annual fees to join, but several have no or little cost to participate. Go into networking with the mindset of helping others and building relationships. If you attend networking events with the purpose of finding clients, you may find yourself feeling disappointed. Set goals for yourself to build relationships and help others and referrals and business will surely follow.

CREATE TUTORIALS

A great way to market your brand is by creating tutorials. Teaching others tips, tricks, and secrets is an excellent way to serve your audience and help you get exposure. After creating tutorials, use appropriate keywords in your description. Think of tutorials that your ideal client may search for. Teaching and educating your ideal clients is a very effective way of marketing while building the “know, like, and trust factor.”


VIDEO

Video is proving to be one of the best ways to market your brand today. If you are a business that is putting off video because you hate yourself on video, you will want to work through that. Consumers are drawn to video and implementing it into your marketing cost very little.

COLLABORATE

Build relationships with others in your industry. Take the time to create relationships and support one another. Working on your business doesn’t always mean you have to be sitting behind your computer. Make it a priority to build and nurture relationships. Put others before yourself and always ask how you can help others first. Look for opportunities to collaborate by cross promoting and supporting one another. If you can find the right group of people you will find you have created a sales team for one another.

Despite what you might think, marketing your business doesn’t mean spending a ton of money. If you are willing to put in the time and energy into developing relationships in different channels, your business and brand will grow organically. If you are committed, you can learn how to market your business without spending money.

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TOP 10 BOOKS FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

Top 10 Books for Female Entrepreneurs

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TOP 10 BOOKS FOR
FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

TOP 10 BOOKS FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

I once read an article that claimed some of the most successful people read one non-fiction book a month.  I wanted success, so I determined to do the same thing. Learning the importance of personal development at a young age and has made me always love a good self-help book. I’m not exactly a voracious reader, but I have made it a goal of mine to read or listen to one book a month.  Below are my top 10 books for female entrepreneurs from my 2019 book list.

Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist and Brene Brown

This was an easy read with quite a few takeaways.  I love it when the book is read by the author and Shauna Niequist did an incredible job. This book invites you to take a look at your life and what it might look like to leave behind the pressure to be perfect and instead be present.  She reminds you to embrace and appreciate the chaos and the day to day life. 

TOP BOOKS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Making a Difference by Steve Gilliland

Steve Gilliland offers some great advice on unlocking your potential and making an impact. The book is filled with inspirational stories and thought-provoking ideas.  One of my favorite topics he touches on is failure. One quote in particular (though I can’t remember word for word) says, “If we don’t fail at least times a week in our business, we are not trying hard enough.” This was such a great read and gave me lots of ideas to implement in business and life.


BOOKS FOR GIRL BOSSES

29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Chang Your Life by Cami Walker

This book was life-changing for me. The message was so powerful and impacted me in a big way. At age thirty-five, Cami Walker was burdened by an intensified struggle with multiple sclerosis that left her debilitated and depressed. Then she received an uncommon “prescription” from South African healer Mbali Creazzo: Give away 29 gifts in 29 days. After the 29 gifts and days, she had a physical, mental and emotional transformation. It is a beautiful message about the power of serving.


TOP BUSINESS COACH FOR WOMEN

Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson

This book was an excellent read for marketing. It gives detailed information about narrowing your niche and how to become an expert in your field.  There are a ton of inspirational stories and marketing ideas. Brunson gives great insights on how to create movements and help you position yourself in your industry. This book is a must for anyone with a business.


Top Life Coach for Entrepreneurs

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life by Hal Elrod

I have always been a morning person, but Elrod teaches you how to implement different habits into your routine to help you transform not only your day but your life. He gives tips on how to wake up each day with energy, motivation, and focus.  By creating new habits, he promises to take your life to the next level. If you are not a morning person, this will inspire to become one!


Best Business Coach For Women

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

There is an old saying that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re done with the worst thing you’ll have to do all day. This was a quick read, but a good one. It teaches you to stop procrastinating and get the important things done first.  This is a practice I have been doing for some time, but it validates the importance of planning and executing. If you struggle with procrastination, this book is a must.


Social Media Coach for Entrepreneurs

How to Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This was a re-listen for me. The first time I read it; this time I listened. I wasn’t crazy about the narrator, but the content is fantastic.  This book should be mandatory for everyone. Carnegie discusses in detail how to get others to like you.  He teaches solid communication skills that are essential in becoming successful in your relationships. He also teaches how to win people to your way of thinking and avoiding resentment. 


Business Coach For Entrepreneurs

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

Another quick but great read. The 5-second rule teaches you to just do it. It discusses the science of our habits and also tells stories and facts from some very successful people.  Robbins introduces the “push movement,” which basically encourages you not to wait, but just do. The tools can help with confidence, procrastination, and anxiety. 


SEO Coach for Women Entrepreneurs

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

I loved this book! I finished it with the motivation to do big things and make money doing it. It discusses money mindset and how our thoughts of money hold us back. She touches on using your own personal strengths to grow rich.  She tells a riveting story of her transformation that motivates and inspires.  I highly recommend this book for entrepreneurs who don’t have the confidence to charge what they are worth. 


Money Mindset Coach

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

This is a great reminder of the concept of “work smarter, not harder.” This book gives tips and practices from people who have doubled their income, overcome adversity, and started over. Ferriss gives great ideas on how to automate and cut your workload.  This book helps you rethink and reevaluate your systems.  It is very thought-provoking and makes you ask yourself how you could work less. 


Success and Confidence Coach

One of the great things about reading several books is it helps you form your own philosophies for success.  I recommend these top 10 books for female entrepreneurs to help you grow. You are able to learn from those who are ahead of you and progress in ways you didn’t realize were possible.  And because I’m already making a reading list for 2020, I’d love to hear from you—what were some of the books you read this year that inspired you as an entrepreneur?

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THE ART OF IN-PERSON NETWORKING

THE ART OF IN-PERSON NETWORKING

 

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The Art of
In-Person Networking

THE ART OF IN-PERSON NETWORKING

Networking comes naturally to me. I love people and my inquisitive nature is a catalyst for creating lasting relationships. I was in shock when my extroverted persona felt like a fish out of water when I recently started attending networking events in an effort to build my business. The good news is I showed up, the bad news—I was completely unprepared. I didn’t yet understand the true art of in-person networking.

I went to my first few networking events with one purpose: to find clients. Spoiler alert: it was a misguided intention. After attending several events, I questioned their effectiveness. But I was determined to keep attending. Somewhere along the line, I started forming unexpected friendships with like-minded entrepreneurs. We had so much in common and I felt a connection to them. My mindset shifted. Now I no longer just cared about getting business; my focus changed to connecting with and helping others.

I soon began learning the foundation of our success in business and life centers around relationships. When we create and strengthen relationships with genuine and authentic intent, success will follow. Realizing this completely shifted my mindset. I focus on getting to know others. Intently listening to what they say and look for opportunities to serve them, not caring if they became my clients. I forged authentic relationships and my business began to grow organically.

I am constantly reminding myself of the power of personal connection and that human interaction accelerates relationship building. You can learn more about a person in 10 minutes than you can in months online. You have the ability to not only hear words but to see and feel emotion. Because we have the ability to only show what we want online, sometimes relationships there can be filtered and misguiding. But in person you are more likely to see vulnerability; that is when the real connection begins.

Our ultimate goal is to become memorable. When you build relationships, people know who you are and what you do. They might not have a referral that day, that week, or that month, but eventually, they will, and that is why it is important to continue to authentically nurture your relationships and become unforgettable.

I have grown so much in business and in my personal life through networking. Inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment is constantly present. I have made new relationships that I otherwise would have missed. I have learned the power and art of in-person networking.

KEYWORDS FOR SEO

KEYWORDS FOR SEO

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UNDERSTANDING KEYWORDS
FOR SEO

UNDERSTANDING KEYWORDS FOR SEO


Have you ever Googled your business? If you come up on the first page, you should be doing the happy dance. If not, it’s time to get to work. Ranking on the first page of Google takes effort, but using the right keywords can help you get there. When you take the time to research, select, and implement the best keywords for SEO, it boosts your visibility and helps your business grow. When you start understanding keywords for SEO you will see the results. 

KEYWORDS

Keywords are topics or ideas that give an overview of  your content.  When it comes to SEO, keywords or key phrases are what searchers use when they are looking for more information for a specific topic.

When you market your business online, you want to make sure your content is beneficial and intentional to your ideal client. Doing this will attract your ideal client and increase the possibility of converting them to customers. 

One of the first steps in your SEO strategy should be to research and create a list of keywords that would attract your ideal clients. Putting in the effort up front will minimize your work and lay the foundation for all other SEO efforts. With this being said, make sure your keywords are highly effective and relevant. 


LONG-TAIL KEYWORDS

Long-tail keyword refers a combination of multiple & specific words relevant to a topic. It is best to optimize your pages and posts with a long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords have lower search volumes, but attract more relevant traffic. Long-tail keywords are less competitive but can be geared towards your specific niche.

For example:

Realtor

Residential Realtor

Houston Residential Realtor

Houston Designer and Residential Realtor

The more specific your keywords are, the less competitive they become. If someone searches “realtor,” you will be competing with billions of other results. Using highly specific, long-tail keywords gives you a better chance of being noticed by the very people looking for you. 


IMPORTANCE OF KEYWORDS

Without keywords, your content will be extremely difficult to find through a search engine. 95% of U.S. internet users use search engines every single month. Without keywords, you are limiting your exposure. If you’re going to take the time to blog, do your due diligence and make sure to maximize your efforts. 


WEBSITE KEYWORDS

Keywords are not just reserved for your blog; your website should utilize keywords as well. Your keywords should be related to your businesses and the services you offer. Describe your work, the products you sell, the benefits you offer, etc. If you were looking for your specific service, what would you keywords would you search?  Use those keywords throughout the pages of your website.  Don’t spam your site with keywords; use them organically. 



PICKING THE RIGHT KEYWORDS

First, create a way to organize your keywords. This can be an Excel file, Word doc, etc.  With any marketing strategy you want to think like your ideal client. Although we know our businesses so intimately, try to think about what your ideal client wants. Just because you know the answers and information in your field, don’t assume your ideal client does too.  Remember to include adjectives or different variations with your keywords.  

If you are having trouble coming up with keywords use the Google search bar or Pinterest. Type in a keyword and the search bar will autofill with commonly searched keywords and/or phrases. There are several other resources for keywords available. 

SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it down and work on it a task at a time. Learning how keywords work is the first step to improving your rank. Traffic generation takes time and can be a process. When you gain an understanding of keywords for SEO, you can utilize different sorts of traffic options and will start to see results. 

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HOW TO SAY NO TO CLIENTS AND SET BOUNDARIES IN YOUR BUSINESS

How to Say No to Clients and Set Boundaries in Your Business

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SETTING BOUNDARIES IN YOUR BUSINESS

SETTING BOUNDARIES IN YOUR BUSINESS

If you have clients who text you at 10 pm or continually show up late (or not at all), then it’s time to establish some boundaries in your business. Being an entrepreneur has is benefits, but often times it’s hard to separate our personal and work lives. Work hours trickle into the night as we check one last email or send one more text. Clients may have unrealistic expectations. As an entrepreneur you have to learn how to say no to clients and learn the importance of setting boundaries in your business.

 

Sometimes it is necessary to put in long hours and be understanding of others’ circumstances, but it is also necessary to create a work-life balance. Setting boundaries for yourself and others will help you avoid burnout. Boundaries help you to serve your clients to the best of your abilities while also avoiding resentment.

 

Often we don’t realize the need for a boundary until our time, talent, or generosity has been violated. Learning to set boundaries promotes self-responsibility, empowerment, and closer relationships with your clients. Before you set boundaries, you need to be clear with yourself about what they are. Here are few suggestions to get your started.

Establish “Office” Hours

Regardless of whether you work in an office space or on your couch, set designated work hours. It is your responsibility to educate your clients before you begin working with them. Be very clear as to when you work and what they can expect.

Depending on the service you are providing, set later hours a couple days a week to accommodate different time zones or clients with conflicting schedules.

Schedule Email Times 

Responding to a client email after office hours sends mixed messages. and can cause your clients to believe they are able to make and receive requests whenever they want. If you are putting in extra time in the evenings or on the weekends, consider saving your email as a draft or scheduling it to go out during your set work hours.

Set Email/Correspondence Expectations

Sometimes you have the ability to respond to your clients within an hour and other times it might take 24-48 hours. Clearly define what your response time will be from the beginning so they will know what to expect. Let your clients know how long it typically takes you to respond and that you will do so within your business hours.

You should also clarify the best form of communication, whether that is text, email, or phone. With the many platforms and modes of communication available, you want to streamline your communication to one place to avoid confusion.

Client Results

Clients typically hire us because they have a problem. We work with them to provide a solution and create amazing results together. However, if your client doesn’t uphold her end of the agreement/contract, the results may be less than satisfactory. Impress upon your clients their responsibility in the process—whether that means showing up on time to get the full experience, doing homework, following through, or simply being present. In order to do your job, they have to do theirs. Set clear boundaries with your clients so they understand their responsibility in receiving the sought-after results.

Client Expectations

Be very clear about what your client will be getting when they work with you. A client requesting additional work can turn into regular requests that go beyond your original contract or ag

BUSINESS COACH FOR ENTREPRENEURS

IGTV FOR BEGINNERS

IGTV FOR BEGINNERS

If you are not using video in your business it’s time to start. Instagram launched IGTV this past year and it could be just what you need to attract your ideal clients. The Instagram community recently hit one billion users. IGTV is accessible on Instagram, but it also its own app. This is a great addition to your social media networking. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! I have created an IGTV-for-beginners guide.

If you are checking your Insights on Instagram you may notice that more people are watching video than looking at your posts. In addition to your stories, IGTV is a great way to extend your reach and connect with your audience. It also helps you go beyond your Instagram reach, because although IGTV is incorporated into Instagram, it is hosted on a separate platform.

The Details

Videos on IGTV need to be vertical, which can translate to a little bit more work if you choose to repurpose videos to and from YouTube. IGTV is also a stand-alone app. However, a majority of users just access it through the Instagram App.

Videos that you post to your Instagram feed or Story can be either vertical or horizontal in orientation. However, IGTV videos have an aspect ratio of 9:16 and are meant to be watched vertically. Instagram Stories can be up to 15 seconds and videos posted to your feed can be up to 1 minute. With IGTV you can upload videos up to 10 minutes, although some large accounts and verified accounts can upload videos up to 60 minutes in length.

Getting Started

Download the IGTV App from the App store. Click on the wheel in the upper right-hand corner and create your own channel. Instagram will automatically pull your information from your Instagram profile.

Upload Videos

You can post from the IGTV App or to your Instagram. To add a video click on the + icon found in the upper right-hand corner to post from there. Select a video that is longer than 15 seconds and then click next. The video must to be ready to post because you cannot edit after you have uploaded it.  You will then have the option to add a cover image if you choose.  The cover image should be 420 x 654 pixel resolution or a 1:155 ratio.  After it is uploaded, fill in the title and description sections. Be sure to use keywords and a call to action in the description section. This can be a link to your website, a newsletter sign-up, or a freebie download. You will have the option to post a preview on your Instagram feed. If you select this option, be sure to click on the “edit profile cover” to view how your profile cover will look on your feed. You also have the option here to post on your Facebook Page.

Content

Be original and creative in your content.  Create something of value for your followers. Be real and authentic and try to show your true self.  This is where you will really connect with your audience. Although you have up to 10 minutes, keep in mind that a majority of viewers lose their attention after about 2 minutes.  With that being said, you may choose to lead with your call to action before starting in on your topic.

Call to Action

One of the great features about IGTV is you can place a link in the description and your viewers can click on that link and be redirected.  This is a similar feature to the swipe up and you don’t have to be verified or have a verified account.

You always want to include a call to action. This can be a link to your website, newsletter signup, your store, a freebie, schedule a call, etc. Direct your followers to the next step.

There you have it!  This IGTV for beginner’s guide will get you started.  Happy posting!

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HOW TO PLAN CONTENT GUIDE

HOW TO GET YOUR CONTENT SEEN

HOW TO GET CONTENT SEEN

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HOW TO GET YOUR CONTENT SEEN

HOW TO GET YOUR CONTENT SEEN

One of the best ways to get your business noticed is through content marketing. Your goal is to get noticed by your potential client and generate leads. Did you know that 1.79 billion people shopped online last year? The majority of people looking for services or products begin their search online. Content marketing is one of the most effective ways to direct these searches toward you and your business. That is why it is important to learn how to get your content seen. 

Content creation can take a lot of effort and time. I often hear small business owners complain about the time it takes and so, in turn, have “given up” on their efforts. Like anything in our business, it’s not about the time, but more so about the priority, we give things. Online marketing is quickly becoming the trend and in order to achieve the success you desire, content creation needs to become a priority.

Once you commit to content marketing, you’ll want to maximize your efforts. Don’t just write a blog post, share it, and then move on. In order to justify the time you spent creating, you must extend your reach. Your goal is to understand how to get your content seen and there is a better system that will help you produce results. 

Create value with your content

Take the time to really know your audience.  Who are they?  What are their needs? What are their struggles? Create content ideas that will serve them and help them achieve success. Determine where they are in their business and help them develop. Do your market research. Reach out to your ideal clients and inquire about what they need help with right now. You want to become the expert and the way to do that is by helping your clients achieve their desired results. Remember, you might be a chapter ahead of your ideal clients, so try to put yourself in their shoes.  

Share, share, share

Get the most out of your created content. There are a plethora of social media platforms—use them all. As long as your content is relevant, keep sharing it over and over. Make a list of all the social media platforms your ideal clients use and repost on all of those sites. You can pull little snippets or quotes to create graphics or smaller posts on different platforms to maximize the reach. 

Link older content in your new content

A great SEO tip is to link your older relevant content to your new posts. When you are writing the new content, look for keywords or phrases that relate to some of your past content. This will boost your SEO and also help position you as an expert in several different areas.

Most of us experience overwhelm. It’s a part of life. We have a million things to do and not enough time to do them. We wear several different hats and often have unrealistic expectations of ourselves in each of our many roles. We try to do everything for everyone. The thought that there is too much to do and not enough time is a thought that most often leads us to overwhelm. In order to progress we need to learn how to deal with overwhelm.

 

 

We believe that all the things we have on our to-do list lead us to overwhelm, which can cause or contribute to our anxiety.  However, that is not true.  It’s not the external things that cause us to have those feelings, it’s our thoughts. When our thoughts make us feel inadequate, whether that pertains to time or capability, our brains start to feel anxiety.  Anxiety is excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry.  When we are in that mindset we do not think clearly; therefore, we lose focus and can’t get things done.

 

 

We can learn to have better control over the overwhelm.  That’s not to say you will never get overwhelmed again but learning to manage it will be so beneficial.  There are tools that you can use that can help you overcome excessive overwhelm.

 

 

IDENTIFY THE THOUGHT. The first things you need to do is figure out what your thought is that is causing overwhelm. Is it time?  Do you have the thought “I don’t have enough time”?  Having this thought can cause anxiety and the result is we shut down, which adds to overwhelm. When you feel overwhelm try to recognize your thoughts as to why.

 

 

REPLACE THE THOUGHT.  Find a new thought to replace your negative thought.  This thought has to believable.  If you try to have the thought “I have plenty of time” but you don’t believe it then nothing will change.  You could try the thought “I always get my work done” or “I will get it done when I get it done”. Try out different thoughts until you find one that works for you. 

 

 

MAKE A PLAN.  Don’t get stuck in overwhelm.  We want to avoid inaction at all cost.  When nothing gets done, anxiety and overwhelm only increase.  Plan how you are going to get your tasks completed.  Break it down into small tasks or increments of time. Creating a plan gives you direction and focus and takes you one step closer to achievement.

 

 

EXECUTE.  Follow through with the plan. Do what you said you were going to do.  We build confidence as we learn to trust ourselves that we will do what we say we are going to do.  As we complete tasks and finish things, we will notice that overwhelm begins to subside.  

 

 

We have a lot of things we need to do, letting ourselves feel overwhelmed is not one of them.  As you continually learn to work on your thoughts, you will find that you will experience less and less overwhelming. You will take control and learn how to deal with overwhelm.

Update or amp up old content

Take some time to go over analytics to see which of your content performed the best. Which topics did your audience find most valuable? Search the content for a topic or section you could elaborate on and dive deeper on. This supports your expertise and educates your audience on a topic they may find interesting to learn about. This will expand your reach and hopefully bring new visitors to your site. 

 

Create new resources from old content

Figure out which of your blog posts performed well. Turn that content into a guide, checklist, or cheat sheet. Create a video and post it on IGTV, FB, or YouTube. Sharing different content on different channels is a great way to reach new audiences and expand your brand. 

Featuring your work

Reach out to others in your industry to collaborate. Offer to be a guest blogger. You can place your work in front of new audiences. Occasionally, publishers will want your fresh content to show up on their blog first, but after time you can post that same content on your own site. Other times they won’t care. 

There are plenty of ways to extend your content. Don’t feel like everyone is seeing your content over and over.  Once you learn how to get your content seen, you will see an increase in traffic to your site and exposure to your brand. Your time is valuable. Make sure it counts!



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HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

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How To Have a Successful
Branding Photoshoot

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

Before you hire a photographer, you need to have a clear branding strategy. You want to have a plan. Understanding the look, feel, and content that supports your brand will ensure you get what you need in your photo session. The more details and specifics you have prepared, the more likely you will be happy with your photographs.

People are not loyal to logos. They are loyal to people.  Entrepreneurs trying to sell to clients must create a feeling of trust and loyalty. Essentially, you are selling yourself.  Entrepreneurs often struggle posting pictures of themselves, but this is essential so you can connect with your potential clients. If you want to build a solid brand, you need to show up. Branding photos are key.  I am going to tell you what to expect and how to have a successful branding photoshoot.

 

FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Find an experienced photographer whose aesthetic is cohesive with your brand.  If your ideal client is a straightforward executive and you want your brand to reflect that, you might look for a photographer who specializes in portrait photography. If your ideal client is a creative who is also a stay-at-home mom with a more carefree lifestyle, you would want to look for more of a lifestyle photographer who  specializes in candid or behind-the-scenes style of photography.  

 

Search for photographers who have a similar aesthetic to your brand. Look at their reviews on Facebook and Google.  Most photographers put their best images on their website, but look through their blog to get an idea of what a full session might look like. 

 

Try to meet with your photographer in person or via FaceTime before your session so you can start to build a relationship and feel comfortable around each other.  You can learn a lot about your photographer through communication. Make note of their turnover time and level of professionalism. You want to make sure you find a photographer that you can connect with, but also depend on to deliver exactly what you want. 

 

INSPIRATION BOARD

Create an Inspiration Board.  I like to do this on Pinterest. Pin outfits, locations, poses, accessories, props and anything else that is related to your brand. Share your board with your photographer to ensure you are on the same page.

 

STYLING YOUR SHOOT

Your outfits don’t need to match all your branding colors, but you want them to be cohesive with them.  For example, if your colors are all natural tones, don’t come to the shoot in a neon pink blazer. Be mindful of how the images will look on your website or social media with your branding colors. 

Pick outfits that fit with your location. If you are shooting outdoors in a grassy field, you won’t want to wear high heels.  Decide what types of clothing will look best with your location. 

 

Choose outfits that are flattering to your body type. Remember, just because you look good in something doesn’t mean it will necessarily photograph well. If you are self-conscious of certain parts of your body, try to cover them or make them less obvious. Avoid clothing that is too tight or ill fitting. 

 

Prepare several different looks to maximize the time you have with your photographer. Take a picture in each outfit beforehand and send it to your photographer for feedback. She might suggest adding an accessory or altering the look in some way. Consider the different seasons. If you are shooting at an indoor location you are able to wear a variety of clothing for different seasons. You don’t have the same flexibility with outdoor shoots. 

 

USING PROPS

Bring props that are relevant to your brand. Keep in mind different shots you will need for the type of content you release. If you are a writer, you might think of bringing your laptop, a notebook/journal or glasses.  Other props might be iPhone, coffee cup, magazines, food, etc.  Ask your photographer to help you create some flatlay options to add to your image library. 

LOCATIONS

Decide what type of location fits your look or vice versa.  Make sure to dress appropriately for your location.  If you want to shoot at a public location, let your photographer know ahead of time so she can research to see if photographers are allowed to shoot there or permits are required. If you are shooting outdoors, have a backup location in mind for inclement weather. 

 

Your photographer might have some suggestions for locations as well.  If you want more than one location, discuss with your photographer so she/he can plan accordingly. Your photographer will want to get optimal lighting at every location so let them know the locations ahead of time. Communicate with your photographer as much as possible on all the details. 

 

SHOT LISTS

Have a shot list prepared. Your photographer might have a different vision than you so you will want to make sure you’re on the same page.  Take the time to screenshot poses and shots that you like.  Have a list of shots in your phone or written down. Give this to your photographer.  Your photographer will appreciate this because she will know exactly what you are looking for. 

 

TURNOVER

Be sure to ask ahead of time how long it will take to get your photos back. Be respectful of your photographer. If her turnover time states on her website 2-3 weeks, don’t tell her you have a deadline and demand them in one week.  Editing images can take anywhere from 3-6 hours and more than likely you are not her only client.   


PHOTO RELEASE

Ask for a photo release. Depending on the contract, the photographer  typically owns the rights to the images, but can provide clients with a photo release—giving them permission to make copies. If you decide to print the images, certain labs require a photo release. 

It is important to have great professional pictures of yourself to solidify your brand. Showing up on your social media is how you build relationships with your audience. You want them to feel connected to you and showing your face is the best way to do that. Now you know how to have a successful branding photoshoot. I hope this was helpful for you as you plan your own branded photoshoot! 

Feel free to reach out to me anytime for support or to help you walk through planning for your own photoshoot!

 

BUSINESS COACH FOR ENTREPRENEURS

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IMPROVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

IMPROVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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IMPROVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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Instagram is not about how many followers you have; it’s about engagement. You know the importance of getting engagement on your own feed, but it’s equally important to engage with your followers. Designate an amount time you want to spend on Instagram each day.  The more time you put into it, the more benefit you will get out of it. You will grow your brand as you improve your engagement on social media.

COMMENTS

Allocate time after you post to engage with your audience. Any time you comment—whether on your own post or others’—try to leave more than four words. Put some thought into your comments and encourage conversations.  

Spend 10-15 minutes daily scrolling through your home feed and commenting on and liking any relevant pictures.  You also want to spend a few minutes going through the Explore page, which allows you to explore other accounts that are similar to yours and find new people to engage with.  If you are more of a numbers person, commit to commenting on 50 different accounts a day. 

HASHTAGS

We use hashtags to get our work featured and found. You can use up to 30 hashtags per post. Start interacting with the hashtags you use. For example, after posting something to Instagram, click on each hashtag you’ve used and like and comment accordingly on around 30 photos. Not necessarily the most recent ones, but any photos that look like they belong to accounts similar to yours, as well as the nine top posts for each hashtag. This not only allows you to find and engage with people in your target audience and vice versa, it also means many people may see your activity and either follow you or check out your page. This can lead to more page views and perhaps subscribers, and will also return likes and comments.

CONNECT WITH YOUR IDEAL CLIENT

Change your mindset to ask: How can I help and serve my ideal client? Then follow your ideal clients and engage with them. You will start to build relationships that will convert to friendships and clients. For example,  I might follow someone who I perceive as my ideal client and then direct message or send a video to them to get to know them. I ask them about themselves. I offer to help them in areas where they might be struggling. Relationships of trust and dependability are created organically and sincerely. 

ENCOURAGMENT

We all know what it feels like when we start something new. We are self-conscious and unsure. Work time into your workflow to send comments, likes, and direct messages to others in your industry. Do this without any intention of reciprocation. This is the law of attraction: when we give for the sake of helping others, it will return to us in our own businesses.

 

FEATURES

Feature or highlight other people’s work. Pick one day a week and post on your story accounts in your industry that inspire you. Tag them in the post so they can repost if they choose to. This is a great way to show support while lifting up others. 

Instagram is like any marketing tool you use in your business—you get out what you put in.  If you follow the steps you will learn how to improve your engagement on social media. It takes time, but if you do it correctly you will get a significant return on investment. 

 

BUSINESS COACH FOR ENTREPRENEURS

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HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

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HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

 

Pricing can be a tricky topic. As entrepreneurs, we tend to both highly value and undervalue our work simultaneously.  We know the time and financial sacrifice it took to hone our craft and establish a business, yet we struggle with recognizing our value and having the confidence to follow through with pricing that reflects that value.  You need to learn how to price yourself as a photographer.

The first step in a successful pricing strategy is to set a financial goal.  How much do you want or need to make annually? The rest is simple math. Once you determine your annual income goal, decide how often you want to work.
 

Example 1: I want to work with one client a week and take off seven weeks a year. That would mean working with 45 clients a year.  If my annual income goal is $45,000, I need to charge $1000 per client.

$45,000/45 = $1000


Example 2: I want to work with four clients a week and take seven weeks off a year. That would mean working with 180 clients a year (or 45 a month).  If my annual income goal is $150,000, I need to charge around $835 per client.

$150,000/180 = $835


As you play around with the formula, you may realize you want to charge more and work less. Once you have finalized your number and come up with the amount you need to charge each client to reach your goal, you have just determined the price of your minimum package. 

WEBSITE PRICING

There are conflicting opinions on whether to display your pricing on your website. Your industry may help you determine which route is best. When I was primarily a photographer, my website clearly stated that my packages started at $750. This transparency attracted ideal clients and repelled those turned off by the price.  Once a client inquired about booking a session, I sent them my magazine. I talked about my work, what to wear, what to expect, etc. I then revealed my full pricing close to the end.  I wanted them to be sold on my process and understand my value before they looked at the detailed prices.  

 

In my coaching business I don’t list my pricing or packages online. I do a consult with each client. I explore their needs and underscore the value of what I am offering.  At the end of the call, I tell them what it costs to work with me. 

 

The goal is to sell your clients on your service or product first. You want them to decide that they want to use you long before they see your prices. Then they will figure out a way to pay what you are worth because they value what you offer. These are your ideal clients.

 

CREATING PACKAGES

Clients prefer packages over hourly pricing.  Entrepreneurship requires flexibility. One hour may turn into five hours and you don’t want to chase down money from your clients or leave clients annoyed because they have to pay more than anticipated. Package pricing implies expertise—that you are not just about the money but about providing top notch service regardless of time spent.  Sometimes it is necessary to charge an hourly rate for events, but try to pair your hourly rate with products and services to ensure your client feels like they are getting a great value.
 

When creating package pricing, you want to start by listing out everything your ideal client needs. 

Consider the following:

 

Does your client need help trying to figure out what to wear?

 

How long will it take to do a session?

 

How much time will it take to edit their session?

 

How long will it take for their ordering session, packaging orders, and delivery?

 

What is the cost of products?

 

Look at everything your ideal client could possibly need or ask for during a project and bundle it together (within reason) into a complete package. Don’t nickel and dime your clients. Remember to always under-promise and over-deliver.  A good rule of thumb is if it is going to take less than 30 minutes of your time, do it. If it is going to cost you less than $20, do it. 

 

What to Include in Your Packages?

Have you heard of paralysis by analysis? When we are given too many choices we become paralyzed and don’t know what to choose and so end up choosing nothing. Give your clients 3-4 different package options.  Pick 2-3 high end products that you want to sell and put them in your packages.  Remember that you can always include an à la carte option in your pricing.

Pinpoint your bestselling products and put those in your top and middle-priced packages. My two highest selling products were digital images and albums. Those two products are not in my lowest package.

To simplify, price all your prints at the same price. For example, 8×10 or smaller is considered a gift print. Include 5 gift prints in your all your packages.  They will pay the same for an 8×10 as they do a 4×6. This will also help push them towards purchasing the digitals so they can print their own images. 

Price your highest package at a ridiculous amount. This does two things. It makes for a really awesome day when someone ends up purchasing that collection, but it also pushes clients toward your middle package. 

 

Security Deposit/Sitting Fee

A security deposit is just that—security. It secures that spot for your client, and also gives you a guaranteed amount made before you even begin. Having a larger security deposit serves a few purposes.  First, it will help you attract your ideal client. Asking for a larger amount upfront ensures that your client can afford to pay for your services and also when it comes time to order they have idea what to expect. Secondly, if part of the security deposit goes towards their order they will be willing to spend more money because they won’t have to come up with as much at their ordering session.  Lastly, if on occasion if you have someone who doesn’t show up or doesn’t place an order, you are not out the time you spent working with them. Years ago I raised my security deposit. I worried I would lose business, but I didn’t and it has been one of the best things I have done. 

 

How to Price Products

When pricing high-end products ($100 or more), I suggest charging at least three times what you pay out of pocket. The reason? On occasion a client might not double check the file name or there may be a picture that needs a touch-up edit and you will have to reorder. I am not saying IF this happens, I am saying WHEN it happens, because it will. You do not want to go into the negative when you have to replace a product. Charging three times the base product cost ensures you will still make a profit even if you have to reprint. 

DIGITALS

If you sell digitals—and you can assume most photographers do—refrain from selling individual files. Sell all the digitals or none. Selling individual files or even 5, 10, or 20 will bring your sells down drastically. Most clients will want the digitals. If you give them options, clients will narrow down their five favorites and convince themselves they don’t need the rest of the images. Remember: once you give the digitals, clients can print on demand and won’t buy prints or products because they know they can them cheaper elsewhere, regardless of the quality. Your digitals should be your highest product listed. Price them extremely high to push them towards buying a package that includes more products.

 

VERBIAGE

Use phrases such as “most popular” or “biggest savings” to entice your clients to buy your higher collections. You want your clients to know that you are saving them money. Figure out what the package would cost if they bought everything à la carte and let them know what they will save. Let your clients know what others are purchasing and why. Clients like to be told what to do or what is popular. This is one less choice they have to make. We often reason that if so many others are doing it, it must be the best decision.

 

À La Carte

Assign high prices to everything in your à la carte. This will push your clients towards your packages and get them to spend more. Your clients will realize they get more for their money when they purchase a package and in turn that will increase your sales. 

Pricing can often be one of our biggest points of confusion.  We know we are worth more, but don’t have the confidence to charge that amount. Do the math first and then work on your mindset. Once you have learned those tools you will know how to price yourself as a photographer. Learn to understand and embrace your value, because if you don’t value your time and work, your clients won’t either. 

 

BUSINESS COACH FOR ENTREPRENEURS

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