With the average person spending around seven hours per day on the internet, it's an understatement to say that online consumers are savvy. Inundated with so much information and choice, what's going to make them take notice of you? How are you any different than one of your competitors? The answer is simple - the difference is YOU.
That electronic object in everyone's hand is a major source of connection. When looking for a product or service online or browsing social media, people want to have the sense that they are hearing from a real person. If your content is drab, feels contrived, or lacks genuineness, it will be passed by very quickly. They want to feel a connection to you and your business. Your own unique personality must show through in your marketing.
Being authentic in your marketing means showing your true colors and values. Share your story. Be bold, heck, be brazen, when talking about what you do so well. Reveal what you stand for. When you are real and honest, you build trust with your audience. Authenticity is how you can connect with your (potential) customers. It will feel scary (at first), but it works. Be. Who. You. Are.
The most common objection to this idea of authenticity is thinking that you will turn some people off from your business. You will. But the truth is, you are turning people off already. It could be any number of things that cause someone to bounce from your website, skip over your social media, or never reach out to you. But you're not marketing to everyone. If you try to market to everyone online, your content becomes too mundane. Too safe. Safe is boring! When you represent yourself and your products or services authentically, you will attract people who are a good match.
As business owners, we've all encountered potential customers that just aren't the right fit. Unfortunately, figuring this out can waste a lot of time - yours and the consumer's. A big benefit to being totally authentic online is you find your people faster because they've connected with the real you before you even talk to them.
Figure out who you are, find your unique voice, and be that - all the time! We called ourselves Zebralove Web Solutions in part because founder and owner, Milly Welsh, has a very creative, some might say quirky, personality. While she takes her work very seriously, she almost never takes herself very seriously. She is lighthearted and playful. Hence, the Zebralove website has a relaxed, fun atmosphere. When asked if she ever worries people will be turned off because the website doesn't seem "serious enough", her response is fitting with her brand. "If our website scares some people away, that's okay. We aren't for everyone, and we enjoy the group of very cool, unique businesses that we do work with!"
Zebralove Web Solutions provides uncomplicated digital marketing and web design services. They offer a range of affordable web design, digital marketing and management services to fit your business. Our mission is to be a resource for small businesses and we pride ourselves on helping small businesses compete with bigger businesses at a fraction of the cost.
Our mission is to be a resource for small businesses and we pride ourselves on helping small businesses compete with bigger businesses...
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Noelle has been a marketing professional, and a published author and copywriter for over 20 years. Her work has been featured in both print publications and online media, where she has written on a broad range of topics. She owns Castle Media Co., assisting businesses with their marketing and digital media needs, specializing in website development, content marketing, social media, copywriting, and blogging.
