Branding Is A Money Maker (feat. A Mini-Lesson On Storytelling)

Hey there! Today, I want to chat about branding – you’ve heard me talk about why branding matters in a previous episode (Episode 7, “Why Branding Matters”). But now, I want to dive deeper into how branding is much more than just a look; it’s a money maker for your business!

Sometimes, people tend to see branding as merely a visual aspect, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re passionate about your brand’s appearance, consider investing in a fantastic brand – it’ll have an incredible impact!

To refresh your memory, my definition of branding is the overall experience a business offers its customers. It includes visual identity, marketing, positioning, voice, content, and more – all the good stuff! So, let’s use branding as a powerful tool for storytelling and connecting with our audience. Utilize visuals, language, and colors that resonate with your target audience – this is what will set your brand apart and make it truly successful.

Now, I’m not one to believe that a business should exist solely to make money. Impact and purpose matter too! It’s about solving problems and positively changing lives. That’s what makes a business stand out and thrive in the long run.

However, let’s not forget that your business needs to be profitable. That’s where leveraging branding comes in! It’s a system that helps you reach your target audience, attract clients, and secure bookings. Think of branding as a powerful storytelling tool that drives success.

The Power of Storytelling

So, I absolutely love documentaries! There’s something about sitting down and learning new things that just gets me excited. Recently, I discovered this amazing docu-series on Netflix called “Explained: The Mind.” It’s a fascinating exploration of the human brain, covering topics like psychedelics, mindfulness, memory, and focus. And guess what? Understanding how people’s brains work is a game-changer for marketing, especially if you’re in business!

So, in this docu-series, they conducted a study that blew my mind. They gave half of a group random words to remember, and only 13% of them could recall the words. But here’s the incredible part – the other half of the group was given the same words, but woven into a captivating storyline, and a whopping 93% of them remembered the words! Talk about the power of storytelling!

Storytelling is a massive part of branding, my friend. When you approach brand strategy and design without considering the overall narrative, you’re missing out big time. Our brains function through association, creating pathways that help us process information quickly and efficiently. That’s why clarity is crucial for your brand – make it crystal clear, so people don’t burn excess mental calories trying to figure things out!

Donald Miller, the genius behind the story brand framework, nails it when he talks about our brain’s desire for clarity. Confusing information? Nah, our brains don’t have time for that! We crave straightforward, easy-to-understand messaging that lays out the benefits of a product or service clearly. And that’s where the power of design comes in.

How Design Matters

Let me share an example of how design matters: I worked with a health coach who initially wanted to appeal to a younger crowd, but we discovered that her actual audience was older. So, we fine-tuned her branding to resonate better with her midlife audience – the power of design in action!

Colors, fonts, patterns, and textures all come together to create a cohesive story that speaks directly to your ideal audience. It’s about communicating a message, not just presenting a random look. That’s why DIY brands often fall short; they lack that deeper storytelling aspect.

Returning to the documentary I mentioned earlier, I learned about a girl who memorized 500 digits by creating a story for each number. Talk about the power of storytelling! People are more likely to remember brands that use narratives, emotions, and stories in their branding. And when you stay memorable, you’re top of mind when your audience is ready to buy – that’s how branding makes you money!

Branding is an Investment!

Let’s get one thing straight: branding is not a cost, it’s an investment. When you invest in branding, you should see a return in the form of clarity for your business – a well-defined purpose, values, target audience, and solutions to problems. And it doesn’t stop there; a visually appealing identity that supports your brand’s message is essential for promoting and standing out in the crowd!

Which leads me to my next point. Let’s tackle a common struggle – putting ourselves out there and promoting our businesses. I get it, it can feel icky sometimes, but here’s some tough love and encouragement for you: Do you believe in what you offer? Do you genuinely think your products or services can change lives and make an impact? If the answer is yes (which it should be!), then it’s time to show up powerfully and confidently!

Imposter syndrome and doubts may creep in, but remember, you are the one who has the power to market yourself and sustain your business. Branding is the key to connecting with your audience and making those crucial buying decisions. 

By investing in solid brand strategy and design, you’ll gain the ingredients to market yourself effectively. Your branding will differentiate you, create trust with your audience, and establish you as a recognizable and trustworthy entity. And here’s the thing – you don’t need to worry about your competition. Focus on being authentic and unique, lean into your personal brand, and you’ll stand out effortlessly!

Remember, personal brands are powerful. So, ditch the robotic professionalism and show the world your true self! It’s all about connecting with your audience, understanding their needs, and delivering value. When you do that, your people will come to you, and they’ll remember you when they need help.

More than Aesthetics

Investing in branding is a long-term benefit for your business. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how your brand functions and how profitable it becomes. It’s time to be crystal clear on the value you offer and how you can solve your audience’s problems. People are willing to spend money, but you need to confidently show the value you bring.

Don’t let Imposter syndrome hold you back; see it as a sign that you have something amazing to offer! You are enough, and your business is amazing. So, go out there, show up, and share your unique gifts with the world. Believe in yourself, because someone out there needs exactly what you have to offer!

I hope you found this inspiring and encouraging. Remember, I’m here to cheer you on. Let’s keep rocking our businesses and making a positive impact! 🌟💪