Stop Hoarding & Start Spreading Your Brand
Stop Hoarding & Start Spreading Your Brand
By Mac Link of Our Digital Marketing Shop.
Mac Link is a SEO expert, project manager, equine enthusiast and the owner of Our Digital Marketing Shop, including the branches NOLA, STL & CHI. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and local service businesses grow profits through search engines. When she's not helping businesses find their dream clients, you may catch her with a cold glass of prosecco at Bacchanal, cheering for the New Orleans Saints or baking eating something delicious at Clementine’s.
A few years ago, one of my clients, ChappyWrap, gifted me the most beautiful blanket from their collections and I was immediately worried about overuse and ruining it. After receiving the item, I immediately put it in the closet for safe keeping.
And I didn’t use it.
You see, it was gentle wash only (hello, hand woven gorgeousness!), and I hate washing clothing and blankets with a passion. So everyday, I chose an old blanket that I could throw in the washer without a second through when I inevitability spilled coffee on it.
And then the unthinkable happened. A few months ago, I used it, was completely delighted, with my new beautiful and cozy blanket.
That got me thinking. We don’t need to squirrel away our favorite things in closets and cupboards because we’re afraid to ruin them. I know I will eventually wear down this blanket by putting it in the washing machine but that’s ok – I’ll just buy a new one when it happens, having enjoyed this one to the fullest.
Cool story, Mac, but what does that mean for my brand + business?
When you’ve invested in a powerful brand + website you love, don’t be afraid to use it and get messy. If you get tired of it, you can always shift directions. If you break something, you can always call your web designer to fix it right back up. If it looks ugly, you can always change it back.
Here are four practical ways to maximize use out of your businesses brand:
You know that business stationary that you spent a fortune on? Don’t save them for only a special occasion - dust them off and write a quick note to a client in business every week. You can always order more and you’ll always under estimate the effect a personal note will have in business.
When you get a gallery of images from an event you’ve attended or hosted, use them to freshen up your website or social media! Don’t squirrel away your favorite images. Blog them, use them on your homepage, post them on Facebook. Even better, have your favorite work printed up in a lookbook – and then share it widely with potential clients and vendors.
Hire an artist on Etsy or Upwork to make a custom vinyl decal with your logo. Stick it on shirts. Put them in the washer. Repeat as necessary.
Send out newsletters to past and present clients with updates of what you’ve accomplished - your current content and experiences is a great way to engage so many people.
Have extra business cards? Carry them with you at all times and make sure to pass them out frequently! Or better yet - next time have them printed with a discount code and people will make sure not to throw them away!
Let’s make a commitment to start using our favorite things that we feel are special – in life, and in business!
