creating An Authentic brand

Joy, of Joysong Photography, has been in business for about 10 years.  But the photography always played second fiddle to her full-time job.  And just like most photographers, in the beginning of her career she was casting a wide net - looking for just any type of client that might want her services.

But once she decided to leave that 9-5, and finally put photography in the driver's seat... she asked me to help her re-brand her business; so that she would attract clients that were attracted to the way she wanted to do business. 

She picked her target, aimed, and... I gave her a game plan to finding authentic ways to speak to her ideal clients.

I've been friends with her for the full 10 years of her business, we were newbie photographers together; so I know the "real" Joy... the girl behind the camera.  But even if I didn't know her... she knows who she is.  And anyone who steps inside of her home, will also know who she is - she is a genuine nerd. 

She does accents, and makes up voices. And she can rattle off movie quotes, facts, and references like no one I've ever met (well, except for maybe her husband = perfect match). Together they have collections of books, movies, video games, board games, and collectible toys (Star Wars, Legos, Jim Henson, Nightmare Before Christmas, Dr. Who, Marvel Universe, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Pixar, Disney, and so much more)!!! They LOVE the holidays; and they are diligently raising the next generation of nerds (2 daughters).

So when we were talking about what kind of clients she wanted to attract... going after the nerd culture was an easy decision.  It is who she is to her core.  Which means it's how she authentically shows up in the world. She doesn't have to pretend to be someone that she is not.  Her online presence is going to match who she is in person.

Yes, it's a very niche market, but that doesn't mean she's going to get less clients... it means she's going to get more of the kinds of clients that she's aiming for. 

By the way, it doesn't mean that she (nor you) won't take other clients that come to you... it just means when they come to you, it's a bonus.

When designing her logo, we decided to stick to a visual that would attract the curious-minded.

Here's the thing though... for small service based businesses, logos don't matter as much as YOU do. You are the face of your business, not your logo.  Your clients will learn to associate your face with your brand, and your business name.

However, when they do see your logo (usually on a printed material, or a website), it aligns with who you are... it makes sense to the brand that you are presenting to the world.

As part of Joy's visual branding package: we did 1) a logo, 2) a photo shoot, 3) a content calendar for her social media, and 4) designed graphics "Highlight" covers for her Instagram. 

So is this what 'authenticity' means within a business?? Just look exactly like your clients??

No... Authenticity means that you are selling from a place of sincere service.  The more niche your market is, the more you are able to tap into who they are, and how you can be relatable - because you are getting to know them.  It's a different vibe/energy than when a business is coming from a place of personal needs (ie money).

And that's what I do... I help you figure out exactly who your ideal clients are, and what how you want to communicate your messages to them.  We look at your personality and talk about what form of communicating resonates best with you... then I help you lay out a plan to attack those goals.  

I give you tools, and help you create strategies that feels authentic to you.... and we do it all in 3 months.

Does this sound like something you need help with? Let's chat:

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