Your brand just isn’t working for you
A few years ago, on a whim, I created a WordPress site called Adventures with Beth. I didn’t really have a purpose for my site other than wanting to claim my name as my URL before someone else snatched it up. My main concern was that if someone googled my name, I wanted the search results to represent ME, and not someone else with a similar name. So I registered bethbackes.com, a boring static site that was basically a glorified resume, and called it Adventures With Beth, because I’m outdoorsy and it sounded cool. Seems like a good plan, right?
Wrong. The times have changed. An online presence and personal brand is so much more important now. Every time you apply for a job, the first thing the hiring committee, or human resources, does is Google you. A static site won’t cut it anymore. Plus, I’ve grown crave a site that represents who I am. So, it was time to re-evaluate my focus and my personal brand.
Eek! But where to start?!?
How to Build a Brand the Right Way
First of all, what is the definition of rebranding? Well, it’s process of figuring out your new image. Imagine, if you will, packing up all your out-of-season clothes and bringing out the shiny fun clothes that have been hiding in boxes for the past year that will really life your mood and show the world who you are. Rebranding is being more transparent in the work that you do, what you believe in, and the type of image you want to portray to the public. Keep in mind, it’s very common to rebrand as time goes on. Facebook rebranded to Meta. Weight Watchers rebranded to WW. Dunkin’ Donuts is just Dunkin’ now, just to name a few.
Over the past 6 months, I read blogs about blogging, and books about blogging, and social media posts about blogging… gosh, there’s a lot out there. They all advised that once you have a focus and purpose in mind, you should just start writing. Write for YOU, not for the follows, and it will come together. But you must have a plan.
Well, I didn’t have a focus, a purpose, or a plan. I wrote a couple of posts on varying topics, but I was too scared to hit the publish button. I felt like I had no idea what I was talking about and was reaching for topics, so the posts just sat in my draft folder.
Until now.
Through self-reflection and a branding process, which was by no means a quick overnight decision, I found my niche. You know, the “thing” that I’m proud to describe when I’m introducing myself to someone. The “thing” that I get super animated about when I’m talking to people. The “thing” that I enjoy learning more about each and every day and what I would consider my dream job.
That thing for me is market research, SEO, and personal branding…all while focusing on the aspect of mindfulness. And I love everything about market research and personal branding, not just the cool stuff. I go CRAZY for data visualization, analytics, and business strategizing. I’m like a kid in a candy shop when I hear someone talking Google Analytics, response rate, SEO, and engagement percentage (*nerd alert*).
So, I set a goal for the new year, did what I was advised, and just started writing. And with that, I created something I’m quite proud of and am happy to have as my brand elevator pitch: Mindful Actions – a place for women small business owners, entrepreneurs, and writers to become more confident and visible online.
Rebranding Success Story
As cheesy as it sounds, the other bloggers were right. The writing comes so much easier now that I have a focus, a purpose, and love the topics I’m writing about. It’s like other important things in life: you know when it feels right. Trust your instincts, and don’t just jump into something too quickly before you know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m proud of myself for taking the time to hold off on publishing my posts instead of jumping right in the first time I said: “I want to start a blog”. I could have created a monstrosity on the internet that would be a lot harder to rein in now, and instead, I’m starting from a clean slate with a focus, a purpose, and a plan.
Sometimes, you just have to rebrand in order to build your brand.
If you feel stuck in your blog or brand, I’ve got you covered! Check out my Mindful Actions Career Studio to view the packages and services that I offer to help you rebrand and refresh your online presence, website, and social media platforms.
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