Human Brands: 

Three reasons why creating a personal brand is so important for small business owners today 

Millennials are one of the largest demographics we sell to today.  They are defined by being born between 1979-2000….so 38-17 year olds.  They are currently one- third of America’s workforce and are shaped by technology.  Millennials are more creative and socially aware as a result of their technological upbringing. 

So how does knowing all of this impact how you run your business?  Millennials want to engage with brands on social media.  Actually, research has shown that they become loyal customers when brands they follow and purchase from engage back with them.  They also value authenticity as more important than content.  They have to trust a company first, before ever consuming. 

Think about it….aren’t your favorite Instagram feeds those that show a little behind the scenes of the person or business you are following?  I know I typically scroll on past the ones that are perfectly curated….you know…the ones that are all the same color, have every third post a quote or cute saying…boring!! I love to see REAL LIFE!!  When other people share their hilarious, fun, goofy, lives, it makes my hilarious, fun, goofy life seem more normal. And don’t you get a huge thrill when a company comments on one of your posts that you tagged them in?  Engagement is crucial, not only for the algorithm, but also for the human connection.   

Today I have three tips for building a more human brand. 

Tip #1:   BE YOURSELF!! 

Okay, actually you might want to hide a little of your CrAzY…or at least contain it.  If you are a drama queen who likes to rant on social media or have political debates, your business social media forums are NOT the place for that.  Keep your politics off social media to avoid alienating potential clients. 

However, share your favorite things, share your morning walk, your fave scripture reading from your morning devotional, share your struggles…but how you are overcoming them, share your travels, share the “behind the scenes” of your life. 

Tip #2:  Reflect your brand

Currently, I specialize in Senior Portrait Photography and Small Business Branding Photography.  Much to the dismay of my 3 teenagers, being myself on my social media platforms is soooooo embarrassing…..BUT their friends LOVE IT!!!  In fact, during a recent ice storm I did a little “deer-faced” snap-chatting because I was bored while watching the Twilight Saga for the 2nd day in a row.  Our oldest daughter told me to stop because her friends were blowing up her phone sending her my silly snaps. Part of my brand is me being the fun mom.  Yes, our girls might argue that ….but my crazy antics make me relatable because I say and do things that their moms say and do. 

Tip #3:  Know Your Purpose

What’s your Why?  Why do you feel so passionately about what you do?  Define it and share it. 

For me, I’m passionate about helping other women see their beauty, know their strength, and use their power to go after a dream they have!!   Whether it’s a high school Senior getting ready to head out into the world or a Small Business client trying to jump start their branding with professional images for their social media marketing… I want to empower them for going out there and conquering the world.  When I first started out back in 2008, there were very little online resources.  I needed someone to throw me a life raft…but I literally had to make my own way.  I want to help other ladies who are raising a business in the midst of raising a family. 

What’s your Why?  How will you use your platform to help others, educate clients, or put a product or service in their hands?

Know your purpose.  Reflect your brand. Be yourself.  Harness the social media world to create a Human Brand….one that creates a loyal customer that trusts who you are and what you create. 

Blessings,

Corry