This month’s #ContentWritingChat was actually inspired by a tweet.
Properly, a twine of tweets . Almost all written by a previous visitor on our chat, Liz Willits.
In 2020, Liz made the decision to depart her job and develop her own marketing business. She wound up sharing 20 takeaways she learned since consuming that leap and supplied some amazing nuggets of wisdom in the process.
And we thought it would associated with perfect Twitter chat upon building a successful online brand, something many people are trying to do today. So , let’s dive into the recap!
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Marketing and advertising Yourself to Build a Successful On-line Brand with Liz Willits
Hi, everyone! Welcome to another #ContentWritingChat .
This month, @lizwillits is guest hosting to share her tips on marketing yourself and building an online brand.
Liz is a marketer for SaaS online companies, a conversion copywriter, and an Instructor at UVM.
pic. twitter. com/G6ocwsDGzL
— Communicate Writers | Your Content Creating Partner (@ExpWriters) September 7, 2021
As mentioned, our guest host for this month’s chat was Liz Willits . She’s a marketer for SaaS online companies, conversion copywriter, and plus instructor at UVM.
Q1: Marketing your self can be tricky, especially when your niche is saturated. How will you ensure you’re standing out from the rest?
A1: Really niche down.
Become the expert for 1 market or for 1 marketing service.
For example: I create conversion copy + content pertaining to SaaS companies.
Getting super particular makes it easier to:
1 . Master what you do.
2 . Stand out.
3. Get referrals. #ContentWritingChat
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
Liz’s advice is to become the professional for the industry you’re within or the service you provide. When you’re a master at what you do, it helps you to definitely stand out and attract all of the right people to your brand name. People want to know you know you itens and showing up, adding value, and stepping into the function of an expert will help do that.
A2: If you are in a saturated specific niche market, look at how you can add value that is different/better than the relaxation. Identify your value brace, whether it' s price-based, service flexibility, or unique expertise. And use your channels to communicate this information. #ContentWritingChat
— Kushlani De Silva #fitmarketing (@kushlani_ds) September seven, 2021
As Kushlani pointed out, it’s vital that you add value. If you aren’t adding value, why would anyone bother following you or engaging with you? Know what you have to offer your audience and deliver it consistently through your chosen channels (blog, podcast, social media, etc . ).
A1. Two things can help you standout from the rest:
– Your tone of voice. It makes you come across as unforgettable if you nail it.
– The value a person offer. People love understanding + the free value you offer is a screen into the paid value a person offer. #ContentWritingChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) September seven, 2021
To stand out, you have to use your tone of voice. Be willing to speak up and share your thoughts and opinions. Teach people things they’re interested in learning. You can’t create a brand if you aren’t putting yourself out there and delivering value.
A1: Stand out from the rest having a very clear brand message and possess up consistently everywhere continuously. Don' t be afraid to become a little different, a little creative, and especially a little human. #ContentWritingChat
— Sarah Clarke – Media Strategist (she/her) (@sclarkeOville) September 7, 2021
Having a clear brand information will allow you to attract the right people to your corner of the internet. Make it obvious what you do plus who you serve so people who are looking for what you have to give you will find you and connect with a person.
Q2: Social networking is a great way to market yourself and build a brand. Whenever you’re just getting started, how can you choose which platforms to use? Should you focus on only one in the beginning before expanding to other people?
A2: Start by focusing on 1 platform that fits your biz.
Here are 4 things I actually look for in a platform:
1 . Is my audience there?
second . Can I reach my goals?
3. Can I switch my followers into e-mail subscribers?
4. Will the platform stand the test of time? #ContentWritingChat
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
Liz suggests focusing on just one platform when you’re just starting out. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to do a lot of at once. That means you want to be smart about which platform a person invest your time and energy into. She suggests 1st determining where your target audience is before going any further.
A2. Select a social media platform where your audience hangs out + you enjoy using.
Marketing demands uniformity, showing up daily. So you much better pick a platform that you like to spend time on. #ContentWritingChat
— Masooma | Articles Writer (@inkandcopy) September 7, 2021
Masooma feels the same way. The social media systems you want to be on are the types where your audience is frequently hanging out. If you’re on the incorrect platforms, they won’t stand a chance at finding a person.
A2: Don' t try to be exactly where your prospects aren' t. Just because @TikTok is the sparkly new toy. If your potential customers aren' t there to pick up tips you' re tossing down, you' re rolling dog videos like the associated with us. #ContentWritingChat pic. twitter. com/K2dWfeeHuJ
— SPW
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(@ShawnPaulWood) September 7, 2021
As Shawn said, \ to jump on a new system just because it’s what everybody else is doing. If your audience isn’t on TikTok, it will not be worthwhile for you to invest power into creating content generally there. Focus on being where your own audience spends the most time.
A2: Claim your name on new social media (so nobody else can) but work your way into expanding. #ContentWritingChat
Until you are consistent on one, don' big t add a second https://t.co/Crce3DRxXw
— Kathryn Lang – hopesmith and dream ignitor (@Kathrynclang) September 7, 2021
Kathryn offered a great suggestion to implement whenever new social media platforms come along. Even if you aren’t sure it’s a platform you’ll use right away, it’s still worthwhile to generate an account and secure your own username. This way, it’ll become there for you should you choose to sign up for and use the platform.
Q3: Could it be worthwhile to land speaking opportunities on podcasts with conferences? If so, how can you presentation yourself as a credible guest speaker?
A3: Yes, it’s worth it.
Yet be selective. Not every chance is a good one.
To pitch yourself, look for a common problem for people inside your industry. Design a unique procedure to fix this problem. This is YOUR unique process.
Now, you' re a believed leader. #ContentWritingChat
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
Liz thinks talking opportunities are definitely worth it. Nevertheless , if you’re serious about building a profitable online brand, you want to be sensible about which opportunities a person say yes to.
A3: This is an awesome strategy! It helps you establish yourself as an expert in your field and you can multipurpose the content to your website and social media. Build an " In The Media" page on your web site. #ContentWritingChat
— Sarah Clarke – Media Strategist (she/her) (@sclarkeOville) September 7, 2021
As Sarah mentioned, talking on podcasts or for the big stage at meetings will help you establish yourself being an expert in your field. Then, you can list those achievements on your website to boost reliability.
A3:
Absolutely, appearing on podcasts or like a speaker can be very beneficial for your image.
Whilst pitching yourself be apparent & eliminate the fluff.
Be credible trying to share something new & distinctive. People love to know about brand new stuff that' s helpful #ContentWritingChat
— SEO Charge
(@seocharge_) September seven, 2021
Should you be going to pitch yourself for an opportunities of this nature, find a unique perspective to focus on. It will help you stand out from the other pitches.
A3. Yes as grows your own exposure and opportunities. Heads-up: make sure the podcast' s audience are your target audience.
To frequency yourself: start with connecting with the host on social media. Create your relationship purely on the value you offer then message. #ContentWritingChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) September seven, 2021
It is a great piece of advice from Masooma. When pitching, make certain you’re focused on reaching out to platforms that will help you reach more people within your target audience. Then, make it a point to connect with the host upon social media and establish a romantic relationship.
A3: YES! Please make sure that these types of podcasts are relevant to your own audience. It is easier to convert a warm audience than the usual cold one. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/YH98QysdQH
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) September 7, 2021
Carla agrees that you want these talking opportunities to be relevant to your target audience. Your content will appeal to them and it’ll end up being easier to generate conversions when that’s your end goal.
A3: YES, absolutely. Linking to previous talks, content pieces and showing your work portfolio is a good method to pitch yourself as a visitor speaker. It also helps to have a conversation rather than communicate upon email only. (this can happen! ) #ContentWritingChat
— Kushlani De Silva #fitmarketing (@kushlani_ds) Sept 7, 2021
Just make sure you keep track of all these speaking engagements so you can use them as a portfolio later on. They’ll come in handy when harrassing yourself for future possibilities.
Q4: When you build your brand, is it preferable to have a bunch of offerings or perhaps a few key services/products which you provide to your audience? Why?
A4: Start with a few services.
Here’s why:
For every program you offer, you need a process + mastery of that company. It becomes A LOT to handle rapidly.
You can always branch out and add solutions later on.
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
Liz’s recommendations is to keep it simple. It is easier to handle when you just have a few key services that provide a solution your target audience is looking for.
A4: It' s staying in your lane. Yes, it' t tempting to see someone impressive gold in a " related" area to what you do with content, but if that' ersus not your jam… get off the bread.
Be an expert at some things instead of an " interesting hire" at a lot of things. #ContentWritingChat pic. tweets. com/DxIsCZmjVW
— SPW
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(@ShawnPaulWood) September 7, 2021
It’s at all times better to be an expert at a few things, rather than “just okay” at a bunch of matters. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by what everyone else does.
A4
Start with 1 key service.
Get great and develop.
You might want to build a team. (I have only the workshop for you – brand new class at @content_hackers : https://t.co/azVtYFbUuw )
You may want to stay single.
Go slow. The turtle
won the competition – not the hare. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Content Hacker
(@JuliaEMcCoy) September 7, 2021
Julia suggests creating and growing one particular service first. Stay focused and put in the work to grow and build your community. She actually shared a helpful workshop that you may find beneficial if you’re wanting to build a team to assist. Check it out in the link above.
A4:
Starting with several is ideal, here' s exactly why:
1⃣ This allows to experiment & test the product in the real-world
2⃣ It is simple to adapt, make some changes
3⃣ You can proceed faster than your competition
You can continue to add more services as you develop #ContentWritingChat
— SEO Charge
(@seocharge_) September 7, 2021
Simply by sticking with just a few services, you can experiment and see what works best for you and your audience. Then, it’ll be easier to make modifications along the way. Should you want to add a lot more products or services later on, you can do that will.
A4. I recommend keeping best services/products as the core of your company. It’s too easy to obtain distracted by side endeavors. But this isn’t to say that will, in response to audience needs, your core products/services couldn’t broaden. #ContentWritingChat
— Dana Lemaster (@DanaLemaster) September 7, 2021
You can always expand your offerings down the line based on exactly what your audience needs. Dana knows it’s important to pay attention to what’s resonating with your clients, so don’t be afraid to adapt if necessary.
Q5: Should new brands invest in email marketing? What benefits does it provide?
A5: Heck, indeed!
You own your email list. You control it.
It could be difficult to sell products/services on organic social media.
Not so with email. It is the BEST place to sell. You have an engaged fanbase ready to listen to from you. #ContentWritingChat
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
As Liz mentioned, the great thing about an email list is that you control it. Those who have subscribed to your list have decided to be there, are awaiting content from you, and are frequently ready to engage with what you have to say.
A5: I think so! It helps to educate and nurture people who show interest in what you do. It' s i9000 also a good way to stay best of mind. It does have a lot of effort but it could be with it! #ContentWritingChat
— Kushlani De Silva #fitmarketing (@kushlani_ds) Sept 7, 2021
Kushlani said that email is a great way to educate and foster your audience over time. You just need to to make sure you stick with it and keep your list “warm” simply by sending out new content regularly.
A5: You own your #emaillist . You don' t own #socialmedia . Also whenever social media goes down, you can nevertheless communicate with your list. Finally, more targeted sales approach because they' re thinking about you. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/YePZUX2q9r
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) September 7, 2021
Carla brings up a great point about how all of us don’t own the social media systems we invest so much time and effort into. However , you do personal your email list. It is important to focus your efforts upon something you own and are in control of.
A5. Yess. The major benefit is that it isn' t run simply by algorithms that can, at times, not work in your favor. There' s also the fact that subscribers are more semi-warm leads than fully cold as they' ve trusted you using their email and *want* to hear from you. #ContentWritingChat
— Masooma | Content Article writer (@inkandcopy) Sept 7, 2021
And as Masooma said, \ to worry about algorithms with your e-mail list. Instead of being at the particular mercy of ever-changing social networking algorithms that control just how your content is ranked, you can just write and email and hit send, knowing it’ll lend in subscribers’ email.
A5
The SOONER you begin email marketing, the better.
Email has HUGE ROI.
*HUGE. *
Build your checklist. Offer freebies. (Here' ersus a new freebie we just launched today: https://t.co/lvlwm9UIFO )
Send great emails. Offers, 1 every a few emails.
End up being consistent. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Content Hacker
(@JuliaEMcCoy) September 7, 2021
Offering freebies is a great way to start building your list. Then, it’s up to you to send great emails that will keep your list engaged. Check out Julia’s freebie (linked above) for tips.
A5: Here' ersus the deal – you earned those subscribers. Don' to spam them. Only supply content they want to read, not a weekly check-in because it' s what " they" do.
Re-earn that trust along with every piece of content! That' s how to build brand advocacy. #ContentWritingChat pic. twitter. com/cVIASUXOWW
— SPW
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(@ShawnPaulWood) September seven, 2021
After you have built that list, get Shawn’s advice. Don’t junk e-mail your subscribers.
A5: Email marketing assists with creating real connections between customer and the brand.
The sooner you start, the larger and better will be your customer base. #ContentWritingChat
— Agnee Ghosh (@agnee__) September 7, 2021
And let’s face it, the sooner you get started, the better. Do not wait to begin building that will list!
Q6: What’s the best advice you might have for someone looking to begin their own brand?
A6: Don’t let fear stop you.
Starting your personal biz will always be scary.
I was terrified. I kept coming up with “why not” reasons.
But I understood something:
I will always be afraid of this decision. But fear solely isn' t a good reason not to do it.
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September 7, 2021
If you want to start your own personal brand, never let fear stand in your way. There are always going to be something scary that pops up, but you can’t let it stop a person. If you do, you’ll always feel dissapointed that you didn’t go for it.
A6
Make sure the brand you' re starting is around something you actually ENJOY doing.
The late evenings, hard work, brainstorm sesh' ersus will be all the more enjoyable plus worth it.
#ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy | Content Hacker
(@JuliaEMcCoy) September 7, 2021
Julia’s tips is to build a brand about something you’ll actually take pleasure in doing. It’s going to end up being hard work and if you don’t love it, you’ll get discouraged quickly.
A6: It' s about this quote for me. In case you are " building" your brand, keep the verb in energetic mode. There is no passive or even " I' m done" stage. #ContentWritingChat pic. twitter. com/xVUOCRW2VJ
— SPW
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(@ShawnPaulWood) Sept 7, 2021
This is an amazing quote that will Shawn shared. Remember this.
A6: Be clear about what a person offer and your audience, own your domain and Web addresses, have uniform social media holders and start an email list. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/6D3mp4s3fC
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) Sept 7, 2021
Carla offered some helpful tips, such as getting clear on the offer and who your own audience is, building a message list, etc . There’s a lot to do, but really you simply need to get started.
a6
priority: invest on your own brand visuals and on your website. #contentwritingchat
—
joana rita sousa
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(@JoanaRSSousa) Sept 7, 2021
The right investments can go quite a distance in growing your brand. Joana suggests investing in website visuals because that can help a person stand out and will leave a great first impression.
A6:
Here you go:
1⃣ Figure out what you' re good at
2⃣ Try to help & focus on adding value
3⃣ Keep adapting, never quit experimenting
4⃣ Establish your brand voice, personalize it
5⃣ Be real, every single time
6⃣ It' s fine to visit slow but be constant #ContentWritingChat
— SEO Charge
(@seocharge_) September seven, 2021
A lot of great tidbits in this twitter update! Focus on adding value, experiment with new things, and be consistent. Definitely take this advice to heart.
Q7: How can you know when it’s the perfect time to leave your day work and go full-time with your own brand?
A7. This is different for everybody.
Here’s how I knew:
1 ) I’d built a large LinkedIn following where I could promote my biz.
second . I had 7+ months of financial safety net.
3 or more. There was high demand for the things i do — even at the height of covid.
— Liz Willits (@lizwillits) September seven, 2021
Meant for Liz, she knew it was right to go full-time as soon as she had built a considerable LinkedIn following, had 7+ months of a financial safety net, and she knew there was a demand for the work the girl was doing. Consider the things when making this choice for yourself.
A7: When you are making enough money for both. Occurs current job as cash flow for your #dream (aka your own brand). #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/V4NsDfT4VY
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) September 7, 2021
Carla suggests using your current job to finance your dream. Once your brand can sustain you economically, you may want to consider stepping down from the day job.
A7: You just perform! At least for me, that' t how it happened. A good way to know is if you find yourself spending more time researching/creating content designed for what YOU are passionate about also it doesn' t seem like the chore
#ContentWritingChat
— Kushlani De Silva #fitmarketing (@kushlani_ds) September 7, 2021
Plus sometimes there’s just this particular inner knowing that it’s the suitable time to focus on your brand name full-time.
Want to join us for the next #ContentWritingChat? It occurs on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Follow @ExpWriters and @writingchat to stay updated.
The blog post #ContentWritingChat Summarize: Marketing Yourself to Build a Effective Online Brand with Liz Willits appeared first on Express Writers .