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Does marketing your business feel overwhelming? You know you need to be marketing, but between social media, email lists, SEO, and everything else, it’s hard to know where to start. Maybe you’ve tried different strategies, but nothing feels consistent—or worse, you’re spinning your wheels with little to show for it. I’ve been there. When I […]

Brand Marketing Strategy: How to Grow Your Small Business

Brand Marketing Strategy: How to Grow Your Small Business

11

Feb

Does marketing your business feel overwhelming?

You know you need to be marketing, but between social media, email lists, SEO, and everything else, it’s hard to know where to start. Maybe you’ve tried different strategies, but nothing feels consistent—or worse, you’re spinning your wheels with little to show for it.

I’ve been there.

When I first started marketing my business, I thought success was all about finding that one perfect strategy—the golden ticket that would finally bring in clients effortlessly.

Boy was I wrong! And after a few expensive lessons, I learned the real secret: success isn’t about one strategy; it’s about building a system where all your efforts work together.

This year, I’m focusing on filling my marketing buckets—making sure every part of my brand marketing strategy is aligned, intentional, and designed to attract my dream clients. And the best part? Many of these strategies are free and easy to implement—even if you’re short on time.


Strategy 1: Pinterest – A Long-Term Traffic Driver

If you’ve been thinking Pinterest is just for recipes and home decor ideas, think again. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, Pinterest is a search engine, which means your content can drive traffic to your business for months—or even years—after you post.

Here’s how I’m using Pinterest this year as part of my brand marketing strategy for small business growth:
Driving traffic to my website, blog, and lead magnets
Using SEO-rich keywords in my Pin descriptions so my content is discoverable
Scheduling Pins in advance using Tailwind, so it runs on autopilot

If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for one more platform,” here’s my tip: delegate or create a system. In the past, I worked with a VA who handled this for me. If that’s not in your budget, Tailwind can help you batch and schedule content efficiently.

screenshot of shawon davis pinterest board


Strategy 2: Lead Magnets – Turning Visitors into Subscribers

Think of a lead magnet as the welcome mat that invites clients into your world. The key? It must solve a real problem your audience faces.

One of my most successful lead magnets is a guide on avoiding branding mistakes—because I know that’s a challenge many business owners struggle with.

But a lead magnet isn’t just about the initial opt-in. It’s about building a relationship. When someone joins your email list, it’s not just a number—it’s a person looking for guidance. That’s why I focus on delivering consistent value through emails, tips, and insights.

This year, my goal is to create one new lead magnet each quarter to continue growing my list and serving my audience.

So, what’s one small problem you could help your audience solve today? Start there.

graphic ad for a free marketing download


Strategy 3: Blogging – The SEO Goldmine

If you’ve been wondering how to get more eyes on your content and build stronger connections with your audience, blogging might be the answer.

A blog can:
✨ Boost your SEO so more people find your business
✨ Provide a space for in-depth, valuable content
✨ Help you repurpose and extend your social media and video content

This year, I’m committed to bringing my blog back to life! One of my favorite strategies? Repurposing content—turning my YouTube videos into blog posts that offer even more value. It saves time and gives my audience multiple ways to engage.

Blogging is an essential piece of any brand marketing strategy for small business owners looking to boost visibility and establish expertise.


Strategy 4: Instagram – Connection & Visibility

Instagram remains my go-to platform for building relationships. Here’s how I’m showing up this year:

📌 Reels – Behind-the-scenes peeks and branding tips
📌 Stories – Easy, everyday moments that spark engagement
📌 Carousels – Value-packed tips and storytelling posts

 

And a quick reminder: don’t get discouraged by vanity metrics. Just because people aren’t liking or commenting doesn’t mean they’re not paying attention. Many of my clients have reached out after silently following for months!


Strategy 5: Facebook – Expanding My Reach

For me, Facebook is in this year. Between organic content and paid ads, it’s a powerful tool for connecting with my audience.

💡 Organic content – Continuing to share from my brand pillars
💡 Facebook ads – Even a small budget can be effective when paired with strong organic marketing

If you’re running ads, remember: ads work best when they’re part of a larger strategy, not a quick fix.


Strategy 6: YouTube – Content That Works 24/7

Imagine creating content that builds visibility, strengthens your brand, and connects with your audience—while you’re off doing what you love.

That’s the power of YouTube.

Unlike social media posts that fade in hours or days, video content has longevity. A single video can continue reaching new people, building trust, and positioning you as a thought leader in your industry for years.

That’s why I’m getting back to bi-weekly uploads this year, bringing you more branding and business content designed to help you show up with confidence and grow with clarity.

On my channel, I share branding and business insights for service-based entrepreneurs, covering everything from goal setting to essential tools that help you step into visibility with ease.

YouTube has been part of my journey for the past three years, and it’s been one of the best ways to build trust with my audience.

Video creates an immediate connection—your people see your face, hear your voice, and experience your energy. And that matters. Because when it comes to attracting your dream clients, trust isn’t built overnight, but the right content can accelerate it.

Have a topic you’d love to see? Drop it in the comments! I’d love to create content that meets you where you are.


Strategy 7: Networking – The Power of Real Connections

Last year, I unintentionally stepped away from networking—and I missed it. So this year, I’m making it a priority again.

For me, networking isn’t just about meeting people. It’s about building relationships. It’s about showing up in rooms filled with brilliant, magnetic women who are doing incredible things.

I’m also looking forward to hosting networking events and workshops at my studio, creating spaces for meaningful connections.

If networking is on your radar this year, here’s a simple challenge:
Write down one local event or workshop to attend
Commit to following up with three people you meet

You never know where one conversation can lead.


Final Thoughts: A Sustainable Brand Marketing Strategy for Small Business Owners

Marketing isn’t about finding one perfect strategy. It’s about creating a mix of strategies that work together to support your business.

A successful brand marketing strategy for small business growth isn’t built overnight—but with small, consistent steps, you’ll see progress.

If you’re looking for even more ways to market your business effectively, grab my free guide with 20 budget-friendly marketing ideas—perfect for solopreneurs like you.

Let’s make this year the one where your marketing finally feels aligned, strategic, and sustainable.

“Prefer to watch instead? Check out the video version of this blog below.

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