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Most businesses don’t understand marketing.
They set an ad budget, spread the word, and then repeat…
They then hustle too much just to maintain presence. And they end up overspending, just to keep a client base…
That’s not how marketing should be.
The Long-Term Game.
Marketing is “branding first” and “spreading the word second.”
Your brand is the long-term focus. It’s how you keep clients wanting your services after luring them in…
It’s a cheaper approach. It’s the key to dominating your niche.
Because over time, you build a base of long-term clients. Those “followers” will seek your services, without you spending money!
Speaking of Followers…
This leads us to an important question.
How do you develop a powerful brand? What kind of brand is necessary to “keep a base of return clients”?
The answer is simple. Just personalize.
“Personal Branding” – Highly Effective, But Underused.
Most businesses don’t like “putting faces” in their marketing.
They do so for a few reasons. First, they think it’s unprofessional, and focusing on the service details is vital…
And second – they do so out of insecurity. They assume their personal identities will repel traffic.
But both are misconceptions. In fact, personal branding has the complete opposite effect.
How So?
There’s nothing more professional than “well taken” profile pictures.
Take LinkedIn as an example. Isn’t it a website that businesses and professional use for branding?
Yet, you need a picture there to succeed. It’s a verification of your identity. And it makes you more trusted to others.
Personal Branding – “Maximizes Authenticity.”
And that’s what makes it a smashing success.
You see, there are many approaches to branding.
Some business focus on “trendiness.” Others focus on “immaculate looks.” And a third uses “strong marketing language.”
Those are necessary. But the ultimate priority goes to “authenticity.”
Because if everyone trusts your business, you sell fast. You essentially attract traffic without even trying!
Example – Muhammad Hayat.
You can model your web presence after his.
First thing you’ll notice is a profile picture. He has a real photo of himself posted. And immediately, it signals that a “real service” is behind the site.
That’s the first part of gaining trust.
And it doesn’t stop there. Even more “real identities” are used, but this time it’s for testimonials.
So you have a real identity behind the business. And you can see real customers, providing real feedback.
This is bound to create much more trust than say “a catchy sales copy.”
Another Factor – Accountability.
It’s another reason why “personal branding” works.
If you’re putting your identity out there, you put yourself in a seat of judgment. And customers like that…
If the service isn’t up to par, they have someone to contact. And this makes customers trust your business more.
Example.
What’s your likelihood of getting scammed online – and by a service that has real identities?
Probably close to none. You rarely hear of that happening. The person in question gets caught fast. And, their long-term credibility gets harmed!
Putting Personal Branding to Use.
Obviously, there’s much more to it than a “profile picture” and “video testimonials.”
There are subtle tactics you must apply. For example, you need to create content that’s informative to others…
You can do so by video. That way, you’re a service provider (and) you become a public authority too!
This takes your business up a notch. And it does so with your identity.
Then there’s blogging, and free guides. Because to be trusted, you must show that you can help.
Seems Like Tough Work…
Of course! Personal branding isn’t easy!
But it is highly effective (especially online). It distinguishes you from competition. And it helps you dominate your niche!
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