<p>It all started with a simple post on Threads. I joined out of curiosity, not expecting too much. But within minutes, the notifications on my phone were blowing up. Thoughtful replies turned into full-blown conversations, and suddenly, I was gaining followers faster than on any other platform. Just 24 hours in, I had gained 60 followers. The engagement felt natural, the discussions were lively, and most importantly, people were genuinely supportive and welcoming. It was unlike anything I had experienced on any other social media platform.</p><h3>What is Threads?</h3><p>Threads is a text-first social media platform designed for real-time conversations and community building. Launched by Meta, it seamlessly integrates with Instagram, allowing users to bring their followers over effortlessly. Unlike other social platforms that rely heavily on visual content, Threads prioritises discussion. This makes it a powerful tool for brands and entrepreneurs who want to establish their voice and connect directly with their audience.</p><p>Since its launch, Threads has amassed over 100 million users, demonstrating its appeal to a wide range of content creators, influencers, and businesses. Its simple interface and focus on text-based discussions have drawn comparisons to Twitter, but they couldn’t be more different! Threads sets itself apart with a far friendlier, more engaging community that prides itself on actively supporting small businesses.</p><h3>Why Your Small Business Should Take Notice</h3><p>It’s an uphill battle for small businesses trying to gain traction on traditional social platforms, where algorithms prioritise paid content and large accounts. However, Threads offers a refreshing alternative where organic engagement is encouraged.</p><p>Here’s how Threads can be beneficial to your small business:</p><ul><li><p><b>Rapid Follower Growth</b> – Unlike other platforms where growth can be slow, building a following on Threads can happen far quicker. Not only can you transfer your existing audience over from Instagram, but simply participating in discussions can gain you hundreds of followers in a matter of weeks.</p></li><li><p><b>Supportive Community</b> – The culture on Threads is like no other. Users are keen to engage with and support small businesses, giving your visibility an instant boost.</p></li><li><p><b>Conversational Marketing</b> – Traditional social media often focuses on curated, polished content. This approach is not as successful on Threads. I’ve seen professional-looking posts receive zero interaction. Instead, your small business can connect with your audience on a personal level through authentic conversations, so be prepared to get personal!</p></li><li><p><b>Less Algorithm Pressure</b> – Unlike Instagram and Facebook, where reach can be unpredictable due to ever-changing algorithms, Threads makes it easier for your business to be seen. Engaging consistently through replies and discussions increases visibility naturally, without the need for excessive ad spend. Threads users often speak of the 80-20 rule, which urges you to engage 80% of the time and post 20%.</p></li></ul><h3>How to Succeed on Threads as a Small Business</h3><p>I have been studying Threads and have identified the best ways to make the most of it. Here are my key strategies:</p><h4>1. Be Active and Engage Through Comments</h4><p>The days I did not engage or post, surprise, surprise, nothing happened. But when I spent just one hour in the evening actively responding to posts, I gained 20 followers. I contributed meaningfully, offering marketing advice when users asked for it and celebrating users&#39; wins with them. The more I participated in conversations, the more visibility I gained.</p><h4>2. Show Your Brand Personality Through Posts</h4><p>When it comes to posting, many users get it wrong. From my experience, corporate-heavy posts with professional head shots don’t receive the engagement you might expect. Threads clearly rewards authenticity.</p><p>I began sharing personal things about myself, including my experiences and opinions. These were received really well. I was asked questions, congratulated, and followed! However, the view count on my posts was still far lower than the view count of my comments. This may be why everyone is so willing to converse on Threads, it’s where the real engagement happens.</p><h4>3. Provide Value</h4><p>I experimented with different types of posts. In one of my posts I talked about how welcomed I felt in the Threads community. That post received 660 views, 56 likes and 31 comments. In another post, I provided digital marketing tips to small businesses. I talked about the marketing industry, and provided a list of ways a business can really stand out. To my surprise, this amounted to 49 views, 2 likes and no comments. </p><p>This was a recurring theme across my posts and so it’s clear what kind of content thrives on Threads. Tips and insights are rarely engaged with unless users post and ask for it. On other platforms, tips and advice posts are a great way for you to gain credibility. But unfortunately, on Threads, it often falls on deaf ears. </p><p>Threads users respond best to what I call ‘human content’, posts that spark emotions and encourage real conversations. So when looking to provide value, it&#39;s important to appeal to users&#39; emotions, show support and congratulate wins. Be a friend, aka &#39;Thriend&#39;.</p><h3>Why You Should Get Involved In Threads Now</h3><p>While Threads is still technically in its early stages, its rapid adoption and engagement levels indicate that it’s here to stay. Unlike other social platforms, where breaking through the noise can be difficult, Threads offers an accessible, community-driven space where businesses can thrive without relying solely on paid marketing. However, it’s important to play by the platform’s rules, use Threads as it is intended, or you will completely miss the mark.</p><p>For small businesses, I believe now is the time to establish a presence on Threads while the platform is still growing. By positioning yourself early, engaging authentically, and providing valuable content, you can build a loyal following and leverage Threads to scale your brand in 2025.</p><p>As soon as you join, don’t forget to follow <b>@lovemarketing_org </b>I promise to provide insights, but only when you ask for them!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@coopery?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Mohamed Nohassi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-block-with-the-number-six-on-it-0SRZudPpzWE?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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It all started with a simple post on Threads. I joined out of curiosity, not expecting too much. But within minutes, the notifications on my phone were blowing up. 

Threads Social Media

How Threads Transformed My Social Media Experience as a Small Business Owner

<p>If you weren&#39;t already aware, I have ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder) It doesn&#39;t mean I&#39;m just chaos and I grew up as the &#39;naughty child&#39;. Couldn&#39;t be further from the truth actually. Instead I&#39;m pretty quiet, but I do have 8 thoughts all at once, I am easily distracted and I absolutely cannot stick to a schedule. If you can relate to this, you might agree that traditional marketing structures don’t quite fit your way of working. Planning can feel overwhelming, deadlines can sneak up on you, and content calendars are just frustrating. But here’s what I&#39;m discovering, ADHD isn’t just a challenge in marketing; it’s also a superpower.</p><h2>Why ADHD Brains Are Made for Marketing</h2><p>I believe people with ADHD are natural marketers. We’re curious, creative, and constantly coming up with new ideas. We have an ability to hyper focus which is perfect for deep dives into innovative campaigns. Our tendency to think outside the box is exactly what’s needed to capture attention in a noisy digital world. So here’s how ADHD has become my marketing superpower;</p><h3>1. I&#39;m Creative</h3><p>Our ADHD brains are wired for innovation. We see connections other people miss, which is why brainstorming comes naturally to us. It&#39;s important to use this to your advantage by keeping a running idea bank, whether it’s a voice note, or a pile of sticky notes. Whenever inspiration strikes, be sure to capture it. Later, you can sift through and refine your ideas into campaigns that actually work.</p><h3>2. I Can Hyper-focus</h3><p>One of ADHD’s biggest gifts is the ability to hyper focus. It&#39;s like an intense tunnel vision when something truly engages us, as if you&#39;re climbing down a rabbit hole and it&#39;s impossible to see anything, other than the end. This is actually great for deep work sessions for the parts of marketing you love, like writing content, designing visuals, or just analysing trends. You have to set timers though, so you don’t lose an entire day tweaking the same post!</p><h3>3. I Love Variety</h3><p>Repetitive tasks can be absolute torture for ADHDers. Which is actually why marketing is such a good vocation for us, it&#39;s full of diverse projects, social platforms, campaigns, branding, strategy. If you ever find yourself getting bored, you can rotate tasks throughout the day or week. Having a mix of creative and analytical work can help keep your brain engaged.</p><h3>4. I Can Use ADHD Friendly Tools</h3><p>I&#39;ve had a tonne of experience with traditional planners and rigid systems, and they don’t always work for ADHD minds. Instead, I prefer to find flexible tools that support my way of working. Try project management apps like Trello, with colourful labels and quick drag-and-drop features. Use calendar reminders (with alarms!) to keep track of deadlines. And most importantly, create a system that works for you, not against you. Even if its pen and paper! No ones judging! </p><h3>5. I Thrive On Setting Small Goals</h3><p>Starting out can be the hardest part. What do you even post and when? To overcome this, it&#39;s a good idea to break tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Need to post something? Then just take the selfie for now. Need to write a blog article? Start with the headline. When you&#39;ve achieved this goal, celebrate it! It will give you all the momentum you need, and suddenly, things don’t seem so overwhelming.</p><h3>6. Impulsivity Is My Advantage</h3><p>ADHD impulsivity is often perceived negatively, but here, it&#39;s marketing gold. Bold campaigns, viral content, and disruptive ideas often come from instinctive, outside-the-box thinking. So, instead of stifling your spontaneous ideas, lean into them, just make sure to run them by a trusted colleague or friend before launching them into the world!</p><h3>7. I Can Celebrate Small Wins</h3><p>Marketing is about long-term efforts, but instead we thrive on instant gratification. To stay motivated, celebrate the smaller victories, whether that’s hitting ‘publish’ on a blog, gaining 100 new followers, or successfully sticking to a content plan for a week. These little wins keep you engaged and moving forward, so post about them!</p><h3>Turning ADHD Challenges Into Marketing Strengths</h3><p>Instead of seeing ADHD as a hurdle in marketing, re-frame it as your unique advantage. Your creativity, adaptability, and ability to think differently are exactly what make great marketers stand out. The key is learning how to channel your strengths and work with your brain, not against it.</p><p>So the next time you struggle with focus or feel frustrated by your to-do list, just remember, ADHD isn’t a weakness. In the marketing world, it might just be your strongest asset.</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@eliomendes?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Elio Santos</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/person-reading-book-M38gjx6hifY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Instead of seeing ADHD as a hurdle in marketing, you can re-frame it as your unique advantage.

ADHD and Marketing

What My ADHD Taught Me About Marketing (And Why It's My Superpower!)

<p>Building a community that genuinely loves your content is the dream, definitely for me it is. But what if your content feels a little all over the place? Maybe one day you’re sharing a deep insight, the next you’re posting a meme, and before you know it, you’re off on a tangent about your favourite biscuit. (It’s the chocolate digestive, by the way.)</p><p>If you’re anything like me, you don’t always stick to a perfectly curated theme. Your brain jumps from one idea to another, and your content follows suit. And yet, people still engage. They stick around, comment, share, and actually <i>enjoy</i> the chaos. So how do you create a community that loves your content, even when it’s a little scatty? Here’s what I&#39;ve discovered;</p><h3>1. Be Authentically You</h3><p>Something people love even more than polished, perfectly planned content, is real people. Ever since I started talking about my ADHD and stopped fighting it, I began to receive real heartfelt comments. Because the truth is that we&#39;re drawn to authenticity, to the quirks and the personality behind the posts. If your content is a bit messy, a bit unpredictable, that’s actually fine! It’s <i>you.</i> And your community will connect with that far more than something that feels forced.</p><p>Rather than trying to mould your content into a neat little box, it&#39;s important to embrace your natural style. If you have random bursts of creativity, lean into them. If you love mixing deep thoughts with light-hearted fun, do it. Your people, the ones who truly <i>get</i> you, will love it too.</p><h3>2. Set a Loose Theme (But Don’t Overthink It)</h3><p>You don’t need a rigid niche, but having a general theme helps people know what to expect. Think of it like your favourite pub, sometimes you pop in for a chat, sometimes for a pint, sometimes just for the vibe. But no matter what, you know what kind of experience you’re getting.</p><p>If your content is a mix of industry insights, personal musings, and the occasional “here’s what I had for lunch” post, that’s absolutely fine. Just make sure there’s a common thread, whether it’s your tone, perspective, or values, that will tie it all together.</p><h3>3. Engage Like a Human (Not a Brand)</h3><p>A strong community isn’t built on broadcasting alone. It’s about conversations, inside jokes, shared experiences. The best way to encourage engagement? Be the one to engage first. Reply to comments, ask questions, join discussions, and make people feel like part of something. And you don&#39;t need to be picky about whose accounts you engage with, it doesn&#39;t matter how many followers they have, engage!</p><p>Also, when someone comments on your post, don’t just like it, respond with genuine interest. If someone shares your content, acknowledge it. Treat your audience like friends, not followers.</p><h3>4. Let Imperfection Be Part of Your Charm</h3><p>Some of the best-performing content is the stuff that isn’t overthought. It could be typo-ridden posts, a simple moan, or random observations that somehow resonate. Don’t let perfectionism stop you from posting.</p><p>If your content is a little scattered, just go with it! Make it part of your brand. People appreciate honesty, and a well-placed “I have lost my trail of thought....” can be just as engaging as a carefully crafted call-to-action.</p><h3>5. Create Content That Feels Like a Two-Way Street</h3><p>The best communities aren’t just about you, they’re about them too. So make your audience feel involved. Ask for their opinions, share their content, and create a space where they feel valued.</p><p>Here are some simple ways to do this:</p><ul><li><p>Polls and questions: Let everyone contribute to your content.</p></li><li><p>User-generated content: Feature your audience’s work or comments.</p></li><li><p>Inside jokes: If your community has a running joke, lean into it!</p></li></ul><h3>6. Be Consistently Present (Even If Your Content Isn’t)</h3><p>Now this is something I certainly struggle with, being consistently present. But just because I can&#39;t necessarily stick to a schedule, doesn&#39;t mean I can&#39;t talk to my community! Even when life gets in the way, and posting every day just isn’t feasible, showing up to engage with followers needs to be prioritised. And it&#39;s not really a chore, it&#39;s actually enjoyable! </p><h3>7. Find Your People, Not Just Followers</h3><p>Building a community is never about numbers, it’s about that real connection. It’s so much better to have 500 engaged, excited people than 50,000 who just don’t care. Focus on creating content that speaks to <i>your</i> people. The ones who laugh at your jokes, appreciate your insights, and don’t mind when you go off on a tangent. Even if it feels like you&#39;re shouting into a void for a while, keep going, they will hear you!</p><p>So, if your content is a bit all over the place, just know, that’s not a flaw. It’s a style. Your community will love you for <i>you</i>, not just for perfectly polished posts. Show up, be real, engage like a human, and let your personality shine right through. The right people will find you, and they’ll stay, not because your content is perfect, but because it feels like home.</p><p>Now, remove the armour and become your authentic self. </p><p>You&#39;re going to Love Marketing!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@voneciacarswell?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Vonecia Carswell</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/four-person-holding-each-others-waist-at-daytime-0aMMMUjiiEQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Here's what I've discovered about communities and what makes people join one! 

Community Building

How to Build A Community That Loves Your Content (Even When It’s Scatty)

<p>Writing Instagram captions can feel like a daunting task, especially if you tend to overthink every word. You want something engaging, clever, and authentic, but before you know it, you&#39;ve spent 20 minutes crafting a single sentence. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too.</p><p>As someone with ADHD, my brain constantly jumps between a million different ideas, making it nearly impossible to settle on just one caption. I’ll write something, delete it, rewrite it, and then convince myself it’s not good enough, only to start the cycle all over again. It used to take me longer to write a caption than to take the actual photo! So, I set out to find a better way to approach caption writing. I&#39;ve learnt a lot, trialled a lot, and here is what is working for me!</p><h3>Lesson 1: Start with a Glorious Hook</h3><p>Doom scrollers are scrolling through hundreds of posts while making coffee in the morning. In order to stop them in their scroll, the first few words of your caption must grab their attention. Instagram only shows the first couple of lines before users have to tap &#39;more,&#39; so make those few words count! </p><p>Here are some things I have tried;</p><ul><li><p>&quot;This changed my life...&quot; A bold statement that promises instant transformation. I&#39;m stopping the scroll!</p></li><li><p>&quot;Do you struggle with this too?&quot; A question I am desperate to find the answer to!</p></li><li><p>&quot;Did you know 80% of people read captions but don’t comment?&quot; A fun fact I want to ask fellow marketers if they know! </p></li></ul><h3>Lesson 2: You Have To Make It Personal</h3><p>This lesson is non-negotiable and one that took me a while to learn. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions. Instead of overthinking the perfect caption, share something brutally honest. Perhaps something you&#39;d only say to your mum. For example:</p><ul><li><p>Instead of &quot;Great day at the beach!&quot; → &quot;I almost didn’t go to the beach today because I felt overwhelmed, but wow, I needed this.&quot;</p></li><li><p>Instead of &quot;New product out now!&quot; → &quot;We spent months perfecting this, and we can’t wait for you to try it. Here’s why we love it…&quot;</p></li></ul><p>I used to think every caption had to be polished and perfect (like my head shot!) but I’ve learned that people appreciate authenticity more than perfection. Sometimes, the captions I spend the least time on perform the best because they feel real and unfiltered.</p><h3>Lesson 3: Add Real Value</h3><p>Captions that educate, entertain, or inspire do tend to perform pretty well. However, as the platforms become more crowded, you can&#39;t just offer the same tips everyone else is, or share the same hilarious story. Find something unique to offer. Start by asking yourself: What do I want to offer my audience? Here are some ideas, which can be adapted to your niche:</p><ul><li><p>Do you want to share the secret to a great post?</p></li><li><p>Do you want to reveal a lesson you had to learn the hard way?</p></li><li><p>Do you want to share a personal story which has made you who you are today?</p></li></ul><p>Simple, unique value that your audience can take something away from. </p><h3>Lesson 4: Use a Call-to-Action</h3><p>The valuable &#39;call-to-action!&#39; We are only human and therefore we do need direction, so, after we have read your post, what shall we do next? Yep, the power is in your hands. You need to encourage engagement by inviting people to comment, share, or visit your profile. Examples:</p><ul><li><p>&quot;Tag a friend who needs to hear this!&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;Drop your favourite emoji if you can relate.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;What’s your go-to way to de-stress? Let me know below!&quot;</p></li></ul><p>Or if you&#39;re running a campaign and you want email sign ups or product sales, these can become your CTA&#39;s.</p><h3>Lesson 5: Keep It Readable</h3><p>We don&#39;t have time to read the whole post often so we like to skim through it. In which case,  it&#39;s best to avoid large blocks of text by using short sentences and line breaks. Emojis can also make your caption more visually appealing and add personality.</p><h3>Lesson 6: Test and Learn</h3><p>Not every caption will be a hit, and that’s okay. Pay attention to what works best for your audience by testing different tones, lengths, and styles. You can perfect your captions over time!</p><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>If you’re an overthinker like me, remember this: your caption doesn’t have to be perfect. Done is better than perfect. The more you practice, the easier it gets. So next time you’re staring at that blinking cursor, take a deep breath, remember these lessons, and just start writing!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@getswello?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Swello</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-cell-phone-on-a-table-yN5DVnKunmo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Hey fellow overthinkers! If like me, you write, rewrite and delete captions, this article is for you! 

Instagram Captions

How To Write The Perfect Instagram Caption (Even If You Overthink Everything)

<p>If there’s one thing small businesses often underestimate, it’s the power of a good story. Brand storytelling isn’t just about sharing how your business started, it’s about creating that emotional connection with your audience, building trust, and making your brand unforgettable.</p><p>Think about the power of a good story. They draw us in, keep us engaged, and make us feel something. When done right, storytelling in marketing can turn casual followers into loyal customers. Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can start using storytelling to grow your business.</p><h2>What Is Brand Storytelling?</h2><p>Brand storytelling is a creative and memorable way of communicating your brand’s mission, values, and purpose in a way that resonates with your audience. It’s not just listing things you like or writing your brands history, it’s crafting a compelling message that makes people feel connected to your brand.</p><p>A great brand story answers these key questions:</p><ul><li><p>Why does your business exist beyond making money?</p></li><li><p>Who do you help, and how do you improve their lives?</p></li><li><p>What inspired you to start your business?</p></li><li><p>What values drive everything you do?</p></li></ul><h2>Why Does Brand Storytelling Matter?</h2><p>Small businesses often feel they need big budgets to compete, but storytelling is your secret weapon. Here’s why it works:</p><ol><li><p><b>It builds trust.</b></p><p> People don’t just buy products; they buy from brands they connect with and believe in.</p></li><li><p><b>It makes your brand memorable.</b></p><p> Facts are forgotten, but stories stick.</p></li><li><p><b>It creates emotional connections.</b></p><p> Customers are more likely to support a business that aligns with their values and experiences.</p></li><li><p><b>It differentiates you from competitors.</b></p><p> No one else has your exact story—that’s what makes you unique.</p></li></ol><h2>How to Use Storytelling in Your Small Business Marketing</h2><p>You don’t need to be an expert writer to tell a great story. You just need to be authentic and strategic. Here’s how:</p><h3>1. <b>Start With Your ‘Why’</b></h3><p>Your ‘why’ is the heart of your brand story. It’s not just about what you sell, but <i>why</i> your business exists in the first place.</p><ul><li><p>Did you start your business to solve a problem you faced?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a personal experience that led you to create your product or service?</p></li><li><p>What impact do you want to make in your industry or community?</p></li></ul><p><i>Example:</i> If you run a handmade candle business, your story isn’t just “I sell candles.” It’s, “I struggled with stress and anxiety, so I started making natural, soothing candles to help others find moments of calm.”</p><h3>2. <b>Make Your Customer the Hero</b></h3><p>Your story isn’t just about you, it’s about how you help your customers. Position them as the main character, with your business as the guide that helps them solve a problem.</p><ul><li><p>What challenge are they facing?</p></li><li><p>How does your product or service make their life easier?</p></li><li><p>What transformation can they expect?</p></li></ul><p><i>Example:</i> A fitness coach could frame their story as: “I help busy mums reclaim their energy and confidence through simple, sustainable workouts.”</p><h3>3. <b>Be Relatable and Authentic</b></h3><p>People relate to real experiences, not corporate jargon. Share challenges you’ve faced, lessons you’ve learned, and the values that drive you.</p><ul><li><p>Show behind-the-scenes moments of your business journey.</p></li><li><p>Share your wins and your struggles, it makes you human.</p></li><li><p>Use your natural voice, as if talking to a friend.</p></li></ul><h3>4. <b>Tell Your Story Across Different Platforms</b></h3><p>Your brand story should be weaved into every aspect of your marketing. Here’s how:</p><ul><li><p><b>Website:</b></p><p> Your About page should tell your story in a compelling way.</p></li><li><p><b>Social Media:</b></p><p> Use captions, Instagram Stories, and videos to share snippets of your journey.</p></li><li><p><b>Email Marketing:</b></p><p> Welcome emails are a great place to introduce your story and values.</p></li><li><p><b>Product Descriptions:</b></p><p> Make your products more meaningful by connecting them to your story.</p></li><li><p><b>Blogs &amp; Podcasts:</b></p><p> Expand on your journey and showcase your expertise.</p></li></ul><h3>5. <b>Use Visual Storytelling</b></h3><p>A picture is worth a thousand words, and videos are even better!</p><ul><li><p>Show your process: How do you make your product or deliver your service?</p></li><li><p>Highlight real customers and their experiences.</p></li><li><p>Use storytelling in your branding, colours, fonts, and imagery should reflect your brand personality.</p></li></ul><h3>6. <b>Encourage Your Customers to Share Their Stories</b></h3><p>User-generated content is a powerful form of storytelling. Encourage customers to share how your product or service has impacted them.</p><ul><li><p>Ask for testimonials and reviews.</p></li><li><p>Create a hashtag where customers can tag their experiences.</p></li><li><p>Share their stories on your platforms (with permission, of course!).</p></li></ul><h2>The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid</h2><p>Even with the best intentions, some storytelling mistakes can make your brand feel disconnected or inauthentic. Here are a few to avoid:</p><p><b>Being too vague</b> – A generic “We’re passionate about quality” will not connect with anyone. You have to be specific about <i>why</i> your business matters. </p><p><b>Making it all about you</b> – Focus on how you help your customers, not just your own journey. </p><p><b>Being inconsistent</b> – Your story should align with everything from your branding to your social media voice.</p><p><b>Forgetting emotion</b> – A list of facts won’t engage people. Make them <i>feel</i> something.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Your brand story is more than just words, it’s the foundation of your marketing, the reason people connect with you, and ultimately, what makes your business stand out.</p><p>So, take the time to define your story, share it boldly, and most importantly, make it <i>real</i>. Your audience doesn’t need perfection; they need authenticity. So start today by sharing a small part of your business journey on social media and see how your audience reacts. You might be surprised at how much connection a simple story can create! </p><p></p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brett_jordan?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Brett Jordan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-wooden-blocks-on-white-surface-Z2bJeJQRbW0?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Small businesses often feel they need big budgets to compete, but storytelling is your secret weapon.

Brand Storytelling

How To Make Your Business Unforgettable With Brand Storytelling

<p>If you’ve ever felt hesitant about showing your face in your marketing, you’re not alone. I get it.</p><p>I have epilepsy, and five years ago, I had a seizure in the shower. I hit my face on the taps and woke up to a swollen eye and badly bruised jaw. While I was lucky to be left completely scar free, I’ve been told my eye has looked smaller ever since, and my jaw slightly misaligned. This took a huge knock on my confidence, and for a long time, I avoided putting myself out there.</p><p>When it came to being the face of Love Marketing, I really struggled. It felt uncomfortable, and I was worried about how people would perceive me. But the more I worked with small business owners, the more I realised I wasn’t alone in this. So many of the amazing people I work with have the same fears. As soon as I suggested posting a photo of themselves as business owners, they&#39;d tell me they’re too old, not the right weight yet, not confident enough, or they just don’t like seeing themselves on camera.</p><p>But the truth is, you&#39;re not &#39;too anything&#39; you&#39;re you. People connect with people. Your audience doesn’t care about perfect hair, flawless skin, or a picture-perfect setup. They care about you. And if you hide away, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful ways to grow your brand.</p><h2>The Benefits Of Showing Up in Your Brand</h2><p>Marketing has changed a great deal since the rise of digital marketing. People no longer just buy from brands; they buy from people they know, like, and trust. When you put yourself out there, you can build that trust. </p><h3><b>1. Authenticity Builds Connection</b></h3><p>When I see the person behind the brand, the voice, the journey they&#39;ve been on, I form an emotional connection with the brand. Stories in particular resonate well with people as they appreciate the honesty and usually can relate to their experiences and their struggles. </p><p>When it comes to social media, these platforms are becoming more and more crowded. But standing out isn’t about shouting the loudest, it’s about being authentic. Sharing your highs, your lows, and what drives you is what stops people in their scroll. This authenticity helps potential customers relate to you on a deeper level, making them more likely to engage, support, and recommend your business.</p><h3><b>2. You Become More Memorable</b></h3><p>A logo is great, but a face is unforgettable. When people scroll through social media, they’re bombarded with thousands of posts; tips, tricks, cat memes, ads etc. But a friendly face, your face, stops the scroll.</p><p>Think of well-known business owners:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sara Blakely (Spanx)</b></p><p> – She regularly shares personal stories and behind-the-scenes moments.</p></li><li><p><b>Steven Bartlett (Diary of a CEO)</b></p><p> – His personal branding is a huge reason for his success.</p></li></ul><p>You don’t have to be a global entrepreneur to use this strategy. You just have to be you, your authentic self.</p><h3><b>3. People Buy from People, Not Just Businesses</b></h3><p>If I had the choice between two businesses selling the same product, one that regularly shows up, shares their journey, and interacts with their audience, and another that stays faceless behind a logo, which would I choose?I would pick the first. Why? Because I trust people. Seeing the real person behind a business makes it feel more relatable and approachable. Your audience is more likely to buy from you when they feel they know you. Customers also feel like they&#39;re less likely to be scammed by a business owner, whose face they&#39;ve seen time and time again and whose story they know.  </p><h3><b>4. It Sets You Apart from the Competition</b></h3><p>No one else has your story, your experiences, or your personality. That’s what makes your brand unique. Competitors can copy your products or services, but they can’t replicate you. By showing up as the face of your business, you instantly create something no one else can: a brand that is truly one of a kind.</p><h2><b>How to Show Up in Your Marketing (Even If It Feels Mega Uncomfortable)</b></h2><p>If the thought of putting yourself out there feels daunting, start small. (This is my strategy!) You don’t have to jump straight into live videos or professional photo shoots. I certainly don&#39;t! Try these instead:</p><h3><b>1. Use Casual Photos</b></h3><p>You don’t need a polished head shot to introduce yourself. A simple photo of you working, holding your product, or even sipping your morning coffee can make a big impact. Natural, everyday moments build trust because they feel real. So go ahead and post a casual photo and introduce yourself in the caption. Why not share a fun fact about your business or why you started. </p><h3><b>2. Share Your Story</b></h3><p>People love a good story, and yours is worth telling. Share why you started your business, the challenges you’ve faced, or what motivates you. If you don&#39;t feel you have a story worth telling, think again! <a href="https://www.lovemarketing.org/blog/brand-story">Visit this article to discover how to tell your brand story. </a>You can create a social media post or an “About Me” section on your website and talk about your journey.</p><h3><b>3. Start with Stories</b></h3><p>If like me, Instagram or Facebook &#39;Lives&#39; feel too much, try posting a quick Story first. Stories disappear after 24 hours anyway, so there’s much less pressure. Film a short clip saying, “Hi! I just wanted to pop on and introduce myself.” Keep it simple and relaxed. I always ask myself, &#39;What&#39;s the worst that can happen?&#39;</p><h3><b>4. Record, Don’t Go Live</b></h3><p>Going live can be hugely intimidating and perhaps you&#39;ve ruled it out straight away. But a short recording of yourself might surprise you, when you watch it back, you might actually like what you see! Keep practising and post when you’re happy (on your watch!). It is simply enough to record a short video introducing yourself and what your business is about. Don’t overthink it, just speak like you’re talking to a friend.</p><h3><b>5. Use Behind-the-Scenes Content</b></h3><p>Showing your workspace, packaging orders, or even what your day looks like adds a personal touch. Your audience loves seeing the real side of your business. So go ahead and share a behind-the-scenes clip of your process and explain what you’re working on. It&#39;s interesting content!</p><h2><b>The Shift in Confidence</b></h2><p>For a long time, I believed my face wasn’t &#39;right&#39; for my brand. But the reality is, my business is me. And the same goes for you. Your business exists because of your passion, your skills, and your unique experiences. That’s what people want to connect with.</p><p>When I finally started showing up in my marketing, something shifted. I stopped worrying about how I looked and focused on how I could help my audience. And guess what? I actually felt more myself in my business.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Showing your face and telling your story certainly has its benefits; people buy from people, your story and your face is what sets you apart and there&#39;s no greater way for your brand to be authentic! But do not worry unduly about this. Of course you can succeed without doing this. It is, however, worth considering if you want to build that real connection with your customers. You are enough. </p><hr/><h2>Here&#39;s A Quick Challenge For You!</h2><p>If you’ve been hiding behind your logo, avoiding photos, but want to give it a go, here&#39;s the challenge! </p><p><b>Your tasks:</b></p><ul><li><p>Post a photo of yourself and introduce who you are and what you do.</p></li><li><p>Share one personal story related to your business journey.</p></li><li><p>Record a short video (even if you don’t post it yet) just to get comfortable.</p></li></ul><p>Your audience is waiting to connect with you. Show up, be yourself, and watch your business grow in ways you never expected.</p><p><i></i></p><p></p>

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Here are the benefits of showing up in your brand, but only if you want too. 

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