A potential client last week wanted to talk about marketing. So naturally, I was excited. What was interesting about this chat is that she was hyper-focused on social media. And while social media matters, it's one layer of a much bigger marketing picture.
The way I think about it is this: social media is the validation that you exist and that you're credible. When someone hears about your brand, they head to your social accounts to check if what they're seeing matches what they've heard.
Is your messaging consistent?
Do the visuals feel like something they'd happily share with a friend?
Underneath that quick test is something much bigger.
Trust. Consistency. Storytelling.
I am a firm believer that storytelling is the real foundation of all marketing.
When your story is aligned, it's easier to be consistent.
When you're consistent, you build trust. When you build trust, well, the world is your oyster (sales, cult following, you name it)!
And without a strong story or point of view to anchor everything, there's nothing for your social media (or your website, or your emails) to even point back to.
Here's a real-life example of this in action. My brother-in-law has been a subscriber to The Vine since I started it. He's not the target audience for Savvy Sloth, but he reads every issue and finds value in it. So much value that he's able to articulate what I do back to other people.
At our family BBQ this past weekend, he was the one encouraging the whole family to subscribe. He said the newsletter is what really unpacks what I do at Savvy Sloth and why it matters.
Not only is that free marketing I didn't have to pay for. That's storytelling doing its job.
When your story is clear and consistent, the right people hear it and pass it along to others.
Even those who aren't your ideal clients become advocates because they understand the point of view behind the work.
So, this whole issue is about marketing, the way I see it: storytelling, consistency, and trust-building.
Happy reading.
XOXO, Renee
What’s New
“Under the Canopy”
In the spirit of getting your story in front of the right people! I dedicated this week's blog to my favorite marketing tool, Flodesk. If you've been weighing whether to switch your email platform (or start one for the first time), this is the no-fluff review you'll want to read before you decide.
LIFE AT SAVVY SLOTH
We've been scouted! Savvy Sloth is featured in Volume 7 of The Scout Guide DC, and I am still pinching myself.
Thanks to this community and the 50+ clients I've supported so far, I was noticed and qualified for nomination. From there, I met with the editor, told her the Savvy Sloth story, and it resonated with the vision she had for this year's guide.
The Scout Guide is a nationally recognized community of exceptional local businesses in over 100 cities across America. The guide features 100 of the best businesses in the city, so being included means Savvy Sloth gets in front of a whole new group of people who care about systems and mental clarity.
Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on, referred a friend, replied to these emails, or trusted me with your business, brand, or space. None of this happens without you.
A few ways you can keep the momentum going:
Reply to this email if you'd love a physical copy of the Scout Guide, and I'll happily send you one.
I also put together a mini guide for how to talk about Savvy Sloth with friends or family who could benefit from my services. If you've ever wanted to refer someone but weren't sure how to explain what I do, this will make it simple.
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
Since this issue is all about marketing, here's a quick look at how I support clients depending on where they are in the journey.
Get direction with a clarity call ( $195). If you're not sure what you need yet, we start here. One conversation, real clarity, and a direction to head in. You'll leave with a recommendations brief and confidence to move forward.
Define your story with a messaging refresh ($1,795). This is where we get to the heart of your brand. Who you serve, what you stand for, and how to talk about it in a way that actually sounds like you.
Get consistent and build trust with a strategy ($3,500). We map out where to show up, what to say, and how often. So you're not guessing every Monday morning.
Get support bringing it all to life with ongoing marketing support (Starting at $1,947). When you're ready to stop carrying it alone, my retainer packages give you a partner to execute, refine, and keep things moving every month.
If any of these stages sound like where you are right now, book a time to chat, and we'll figure out the right next step together.
