What’s the difference between branding, marketing, and sales?

What’s the difference between branding, marketing, and sales?

by | Sep 7, 2024 | Uncategorized

When it comes to building a successful business, many entrepreneurs confuse branding, marketing, and sales. They think they have a “lead problem” when in reality, it’s a deeper issue rooted in these three key areas. Understanding the differences between branding, marketing, and sales can transform the way you attract and convert leads. So, let’s break it down.

Branding: Attract the Right People

Your brand is what draws the right people into your ecosystem—whether that’s your social media, website, ads, or physical business. It’s critical in today’s competitive market, yet many overlook branding because its payoff isn’t always immediate or easily measurable.

But when you invest in branding, something powerful happens:

  • Your ad costs decrease.
  • Your conversions increase.
  • Your sales process speeds up.

Branding can be done through both organic methods (like creating content or guesting on podcasts) and paid traffic (such as ads for impressions or video views). It serves several key purposes:

  • Bringing new people into your world with informational and inspirational content.
  • Building trust and authority for your business.
  • Familiarizing your target market with your ideas and solutions.
  • Positioning you as the solution to their problem.

Think of branding as the free content you share, where there’s no direct call to action. The goal? Visibility, trust, and awareness among your target audience.

Marketing: Convert the Right People

Marketing is where the magic of conversions happens—though it’s not to be confused with sales. Your marketing efforts turn people in your ecosystem into:

  • Email list subscribers
  • Workshop or webinar attendees
  • Sales call bookings

Effective marketing takes place through social media, emails, and conversion-focused ads. But remember, marketing is about moving prospects to the next step, not making the final sale.

If you’re not following up with a structured sales process, your marketing won’t have the full impact it should. When your marketing works, it means you’re attracting the right people to engage further with your business, but it’s the sales process that ultimately closes the deal.

Sales: Close the Deal

This is where most business owners face their biggest challenges. If you’re selling high-ticket products or services and relying solely on social media posts or emails to close deals, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment—especially if your branding hasn’t been dialed in.

The sales process begins when someone:

  • Opts into your offer.
  • Books a call with your team.
  • Responds to a DM conversation and seems like a qualified lead.

To be successful, your sales process must:

  • Nurture the lead once they’ve converted to your list or schedule.
  • Qualify the lead to ensure they’re a good fit.
  • Help the lead understand the offer and how it will help them reach their goals.
  • Continuously follow up until they either decide they’re not interested or move to the next step.

The truth is, most people think they have a lead problem, but the real issue is often a missing or ineffective sales process. Instead of solely focusing on improving your marketing, take a step back and ask yourself:

  • Have I invested enough in branding?
  • Is my sales process clearly defined and effective?

Why You Need All Three: Branding, Marketing, and Sales

Understanding and leveraging the differences between branding, marketing, and sales is essential for business growth. You need all three to work together in harmony:

  • Branding attracts the right people and builds trust.
  • Marketing converts them into leads.
  • Sales closes the deal.

Without an effective branding strategy, your marketing will be less efficient. Without a sales process, your marketing will never reach its full potential. Invest in each of these areas, and you’ll set your business up for success.

By optimizing your approach to branding, marketing, and sales, you can transform your lead generation and conversion efforts. Remember, the key to growth is not just having leads—it’s knowing how to attract, convert, and close them efficiently.

Need help refining your branding, marketing, or sales process? Schedule a consultation today, and let’s determine whether or not you would be a good fit for our agency services! No risk, just a quick chat! Book your call HERE!

10 Hooks to Help You Grow Your LinkedIn Following

10 Hooks to Help You Grow Your LinkedIn Following

by | Sep 7, 2024 | Uncategorized

Building thought leadership on LinkedIn requires more than just posting; it’s about capturing attention with the right message while staying true to your expertise.

If you’re looking to grow your influence without compromising your content’s depth, these hooks will help you stand out while maintaining the integrity of your brand. Give one a try in your next post!

Social Proof Hooks

1. How I helped {type of client} go from {problem or starting point} to {desired outcome} in {length of time}.

This type of post shows potential clients that you get results. Be clear about who you work with, and always share real results. It’s important to attract the right audience, and specificity will help you do that.

Example: How I helped my client, who runs a concierge medical practice, go from 1,800 followers on LinkedIn to over 14k in just 6 months.

2. Here’s my proven formula for helping clients {desired outcome}, even when they are {perceived limitation}.

Do you have a signature formula or framework? This hook positions you as an expert and handles objections before they even come up.

Example: Here’s my proven formula for helping clients build massive visibility on LinkedIn, even when they have NO TIME to create content!

Mistakes/Myths Hooks

3. The biggest myth {industry or type of people} believe, and the truth that will {result they want}.

Every industry is filled with myths. Busting those myths positions you as an authority while giving your audience the insight they need.

Example: The biggest myth about weight loss after 40, and the truth that will help you get in the best shape of your life!

4. The {number} most common mistakes {ideal client} make when trying to {desired outcome}, and how you can avoid them.

This is a great way to call out the mistakes your audience is making and offer them solutions. It gives value and sets you up as a trusted advisor.

Example: The 3 most common mistakes medical practitioners make when building their personal brand, and how YOU can avoid them!

Helpful Teaching Hooks

5. How to {achieve desired outcome} without {common perceived challenge}.

This hook tells your audience that they can achieve their goals without the obstacles they think stand in their way.

Example: How to become an industry thought leader WITHOUT spending hours creating content or scrolling social media!

6. Here’s a simple formula to {goal they want to achieve}, in less than {realistic time frame}.

Everyone loves quick wins. Offering a formula with a realistic timeline makes your post actionable and valuable.

Example: Here’s a simple formula to grow your LinkedIn following to 10k in less than 4 months!

Advice/Personal Hooks

7. The one piece of advice that transformed my {ability to meet goals, career, business}.

People love insider tips, and this type of post feels personal and relatable. It’s a scroll-stopper.

Example: The one piece of advice that helped me blow up my personal brand to over 1M followers across platforms.

8. As an {authority statement, certification, position}, here’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone who {desired goal}.

This hook leverages your authority and gives actionable advice, building trust with your audience.

Example: As a board-certified medical weight loss doctor, here’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone considering Ozempic as a weight loss option.

Other Fun Hooks

9. Don’t even think about {something they would do to get the result}, without doing this first!

Use this hook to call attention to a critical action someone should take before diving into their goal.

Example: Don’t even THINK about hiring a ghostwriter without doing this first!

10. The one strategy every {professional or descriptive title} uses, but no one ever talks about.

This is perfect for sharing those behind-the-scenes tips that the pros use but rarely mention.

Example: The one strategy every influencer in the entrepreneurial space uses to grow their Instagram that NO ONE ever talks about.

There you have it!

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The Era of Personal Branding: Why Everyone Should Invest in Their Online and Offline Presence

The Era of Personal Branding: Why Everyone Should Invest in Their Online and Offline Presence

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Uncategorized

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In the past, personal brands were primarily associated with speakers and influencers. However, in today’s landscape, it is important for everyone to start building their personal brand and work on the intricacies of their personal branding. 

Personal branding has become an integral part of our lives, whether we realize it or not 

Personal branding encompasses your online presence and offline reputation. It can thereby shape how others perceive you, and the aspects of yourself that you choose to share with the world.

Creating a personal brand requires understanding the concepts of personal branding and leveraging them to your advantage.

Your brand is not limited to just your area of expertise or career. You can incorporate your thoughts on current events, hobbies, personal stories, and more. By showcasing different aspects of your experience, personality, and unique perspectives, you can create a strong personal brand that resonates with your target audience.

There are several key elements to consider in your personal branding:

Authenticity is crucial

Being genuine and true to yourself is essential for a successful personal brand. Authenticity helps your brand resonate with others and build trust. Storytelling is another powerful tool that can be used to engage and inspire your audience. Sharing personal experiences through compelling narratives makes your brand relatable and applicable to others.

Variety is important when building your personal brand 

While your area of expertise or career may be a central part of your brand, don’t hesitate to share about other aspects of your life. These aspects can include: family, past experiences, hobbies, and thoughts on current events. This allows you to connect with a broader audience and potentially resonate with different individuals.

Providing value is a key principle of personal branding 

Your brand should be focused on how your ideas, experiences, and knowledge can benefit others. By sharing insights, educating, inspiring, and motivating your audience, you can make a lasting impact and build strong connections.

To build your personal brand, you can leverage various platforms and strategies. 

Establish a consistent personal brand across your social media accounts 

Choose one platform to master initially and consistently create and share valuable content. As you build a following, you can expand to other social media platforms to reach a broader audience. 

Live events are still very relevant for personal branding

in-person events and networking opportunities are essential for building your brand in real life. Attend industry events, join local networking groups, and make meaningful connections with others.

Every interaction you have, whether over coffee, at an event, or during a business meeting, offers a chance to provide value and make an impact. Consider joining local networking groups, attending industry events, and connecting with as many people as possible in real life. Be of service during conversations, dress appropriately, and exhibit graciousness. Your in-person interactions significantly influence your personal brand.

Podcasting is another effective platform for personal branding development 

Starting your own podcast allows you to connect with and engage with an audience interested in your expertise. It establishes your authority and helps build relationships with listeners. Participating in podcast tours can further expand your reach and connect you with new audiences.

 

The Benefits Of Personal Branding:

The benefits of building a strong personal brand are numerous. It can contribute to the growth of your company, enhance your career prospects, attract PR opportunities, help you attract top talent, and provide strategic networking advantages.

Company Growth

Founders who invest in their personal brands often witness the growth of their companies. While difficult to measure directly, the compound effect of a robust personal brand can have a profound impact on company sales.

Career Growth

If you aspire to secure promotions or attract new opportunities, building a personal brand can help you catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. By creating compelling and likable content, you can increase your visibility and enhance your professional prospects.

PR Opportunities

Developing a personal brand puts you on the radar for speaking engagements, featured articles, and guest contributions to local news platforms. By building a strong personal brand, you increase your chances of being recognized and offered various public relations opportunities.

Talent Attraction 

If you are seeking top talent for your organization, a well-established personal brand will attract like-minded individuals to apply for your positions. Never underestimate the power of those who observe and follow your personal brand.

Strategic Networking 

Building a personal brand can grant you access to influential circles and invite you into the right rooms. A strong personal brand ensures that you remain visible and connected to opportunities that align with your goals.

 

In conclusion, creating a personal brand is an important aspect of today’s world. It requires authenticity, storytelling, variety, and providing value to others. By leveraging social media platforms, in-person events, and podcasting, you can build a strong personal brand that opens up numerous opportunities. Start building your personal brand today and unlock the possibilities that await you.

There’s a lot of noise out there in the online world when it comes to marketing your company. If you are looking for high-impact, actionable content your team can implement quickly and effectively, sign up for our 5-minute marketing newsletter. This newsletter is completely free and packed with tons of actionable content. We send it out every Saturday. Get on the list here!

If you’re Founder or CEO whose company does over $10 million in annual revenue and has a service or product that TRULY helps people… we’d love to work with you. We help build profitable personal brands for founders based on strategic, high-value content that drives both company and personal goals. We do social media, PR, and podcast production and growth for business leaders with a track record of success. If you are a founder who wants to build a profitable personal brand, book your call here to chat! 

 

3 Essential Strategies For Mid-Size Companies To Prosper Without Cutting Their Marketing Costs

3 Essential Strategies For Mid-Size Companies To Prosper Without Cutting Their Marketing Costs

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Uncategorized

In today’s challenging economic climate, mid-sized companies face a unique set of obstacles. 

The looming recession threatens to tighten the purse strings even further, forcing many companies to reevaluate their profit and loss statements in order to maximize profits and cut expenses, including marketing costs.

It is critical, however, to understand that now is not the time to retreat on marketing. In fact, mid-sized companies have countless opportunities to thrive and increase brand awareness, even amidst economic uncertainty.

Let’s explore three crucial strategies that can empower your business to weather the storm of the recession and come out on top, while effectively managing your marketing costs.

 

Deep Dive Market Research: Uncover The Real Source Of Your Leads And Sales For Your Marketing Costs

In order to optimize your marketing costs and make informed decisions, it is important to conduct comprehensive market research. 

Gain an in-depth understanding of where your leads and sales truly come from. By analyzing data from the Bureau of Economic Research, National Bureau of Economic, and other relevant sources, you can identify the most impactful marketing channels and strategies.

Utilize this market research to allocate your marketing budget wisely, focusing on methods that generate the highest return on investment. By identifying the key drivers of consumer spending and monitoring changes in interest rates, unemployment rate, and oil prices, you can adapt your marketing plan to effectively target your audience and drive economic growth.

 

Leveraging Social Media and Digital Marketing: Enhance Brand Awareness

With the rise of social media, it has become essential for mid-sized companies to harness the power of these platforms. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes leveraging social media channels to increase brand awareness, engage with your target audience, and drive consumer spending.

Allocate a portion of your marketing budget towards targeted social media advertising campaigns that take advantage of the wide reach and precise targeting options available. By closely monitoring consumer trends, market conditions, and central bank policies, you can adjust your social media strategies accordingly to maximize impact and optimize your marketing expenses.

 

Building A Strong Online Presence: Capitalize on Economic Growth Opportunities And Keep Your Marketing Costs Low

Having a strong online presence in the digital ages is crucial for mid-sized companies to thrive. Invest in market research and employ strategies to enhance your website’s visibility in search engine results, improving your brand’s online discoverability.

Create high-quality organic content that resonates with your target audience, incorporating keywords and relevant topics related to economic growth, central bank policies, and interest rates. This will help improve your website’s search engine rankings, drive organic traffic, and enhance brand awareness.

Additionally, consider partnering with influencers or industry experts who can amplify your brand’s reach and credibility. Collaborate with them to create engaging content that educates your target audience about economic trends and provides valuable insights.

By implementing these strategies and staying proactive, mid-sized companies can effectively navigate the challenges posed by the recession, optimize their marketing budget, and position themselves for long-term success.

There’s a lot of noise out there in the online world when it comes to marketing your company. If you are looking for high-impact, actionable content your team can implement quickly and effectively, sign up for our 5-minute marketing newsletter. This newsletter is completely free and packed with tons of actionable content. We send it out every Saturday. Get on the list here!

If your company does over $10 million in annual revenue, has a team of at least 10, and a service or product that TRULY helps people… we’d love to work with you. We offer a free marketing consultation for companies who meet the criteria above. Book a call to go over your company’s current areas of strength and weakness, and let our team build out a marketing plan you can execute on your own, or have our team execute for you. Book your call here. 

 

Learn More about Conviction Marketing Agency HERE

Three Tips to Build Your Thought Leadership

Three Tips to Build Your Thought Leadership

by | Nov 1, 2022 | Uncategorized

Lots of entrepreneurs and business leaders like to consider themselves thought leaders.

However, few are actually willing to step out in front of the crowd, disrupt the status quo, and actually bring new ideas to the table.

Most of what we see online is a bunch of people hopping on trends, and regurgitating what others are teaching.

So… before we dive into some practical ways to build your thought leadership, let’s get clear on ONE thing…

YOU NEED TO HAVE ORIGINAL THOUGHTS TO BE A THOUGHT LEADER.

Once you’ve got some unique perspectives and innovative ways at looking at your industry, it’s time to get the word out.

Here are three simple ways to share your thought leadership with the world!

  • Start a podcast and commit to podcast guesting. There is no better way to build your thought leadership than to regularly share your thoughts with the world. Whether you leverage your own show or guest on other people’s shows, consistently sharing thought-provoking viewpoints will help you stand out as an industry leader.

 

  • Get some leveraged PR
    PR in the right places showcases your authority and puts you on the radar of people who would normally never be in your ecosystem. Having a clear PR strategy and leveraging other people’s audiences is critical to building your thought leadership.

 

  • Get social
    Social media isn’t a fading trend. It’s where business is done these days. If you aren’t leveraging your online presence to showcase your thought leadership, then you are missing countless opportunities to lead the pack. Instead of chasing trends and algorithms, commit to creating real value that sets you apart

At the end of the day, if you’ve got some unique things to say, consistency with getting your ideas out into the world is going to be critical to establishing yourself as a trailblazer.