Until recently, the only way for your brand to be picked up in a Google search knowledge panel was to have a page on Wikipedia. But that’s no longer true. Google has expanded its sources for “trusted” information. Your brand can appear in a knowledge box, but it’s going to take some leg work.

Also be sure to register your site with Google Search Console and of course with Google My Business. One thing to always remember, Google loves Google.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Having a Google Knowledge Panel is just one of hundreds of ways to build brand authority. To get there, you need a plan. Let’s talk about building you a marketing and PR plan to up level your business. Find me at RobinSamora.com. Talk tomorrow!

The post Get Your Brand Listed in a Google Knowledge Panel appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Marketing your business is an ever-changing process. That’s because your brand continually changes to meet your customer’s needs. To stay current, you should periodically check in and reevaluate whether your brand accurately reflects where you are in your business now, and where you want to go.

How do you do that? The first step is to conduct a small business brand audit because both you and your brand can change through the years

Here’s how to audit your small business brand

I’m Robin Samora with Fast Marketing Minute. Plan for success in everything that you do. And that includes your marketing. Have a question on how to make your marketing plan more effective? Reach out. I’m at [email protected] Talk tomorrow!

The post How to Audit Your Small Business Brand appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Recently, I talked about how more and more brands are taking a stance on social and political issues.  But what about when employees are becoming activists from within a company to fight against the company’s business dealings? That can be a problem.

Some companies are changing the way they do business based on employee opinions. Google recently backed out of a military drone deal because employees were unsettled by the company bidding on government contracts, but will employee opinions determine your future?

Employees are your strongest brand advocates, so you need to listen to their opinions. But is not recycling going to get you a bad rep? Where do you draw the line?

It’s important to have a policy in place about how your employees can speak about your company publicly, on social media and otherwise. Are you prepared to include repercussions for if they speak about you negatively? Of course, you need to be tolerant of differing opinions and being transparent about your company’s stance on issues to create trust within your company and with consumers.

If a disgruntled employee speaks out publicly against your brand and its beliefs, having a policy in place protects your brand.  And if you part ways with that employee, you’ll just be following company policy because they didn’t follow established rules.

Amazon put it best. “If it isn’t happening quickly enough for employees, they should feel empowered to work somewhere else.”

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Employees are brand advocates for your company but they’re not the CEO. Build a strong relationship and show that you care. Listen to the episode, 3 Reasons You Need a Strong Company Culture  and let me know your thoughts. Talk tomorrow!

The post How Employee Activism is Creating Issues for Brands appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

If you’re in business, you need to protect your brand’s reputation and your company from financial and legal risks.

Here are 5 Key Ways to Protect Your Brand and Reputation 

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Reach out to me if you’d like to work 1-2-1 to build your business and credibility. You’ve worked hard for it — and there’s so much more you can do. Go to RobinSamora.com/contact and let’s set up a Zoom call. Talk tomorrow!

The post 5 Key Ways to Protect Your Brand and Reputation appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Do you know the definition of brandstanding?  It’s an “activist capitalist” trend where brands are taking a stance on a current social, environmental or political issue. Usually it’s on a topic that’s deeply rooted in the brand’s identity and core values.

For example, last October, Always made national headlines when it removed the female symbol from its packaging to become more gender inclusive. Some people applauded the decision. Others were in an uproar.

It can be a risk when you take a stand on a controversial topic, but it may also strengthen your relationship with some customers. They may vow to only buy from you, creating strong brand loyalty. Others may be so upset that they’ll boycott your brand completely.

In a world that demands high personalization, it’s no surprise that brands are proving their authenticity by taking a stand for what they believe in. A 2018 study showed that 64 percent of people would purchase from a brand based on their level of activism.

If you decide to go this route, don’t fake it. You can’t just pick a side on a whim and start posting on social media. It’s not a tactic to use solely for capital gains. Make sure it’s something that your brand actually stands for and that you’re passionate about. It could be the environment, social justice, or education. Choose a cause that you believe in.

This is Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. If you’d like to talk about branding, ask me about coming to your company for a strategic work session about how to promote your core values in an authentic voice, to meet your business goals. Read what it’s like to work with me at RobinSamora.com. Talk tomorrow!

The post The Pros and Cons of Brandstanding appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

If you’re on social media, you probably have a headshot — even if it’s a selfie. I hope though, that you’re in my camp and have a professional headshot. Sometimes, you want to take that a step further and upscale your image for your next big career move by documenting what you do in real life or in your work. If that’s the case, you might want to consider investing in a lifestyle shoot.

If you’re the face of your business or brand, a styled shoot takes your image to a whole new level. Done right, and in tandem with your look, feel, and personality, lifestyle shots make your brand look bigger than you are, so potential clients — and the world — see you as an authority. (Not that you aren’t already — but these are images prove it, most importantly to yourself).

Right now, personalization isn’t just a marketing trend, it’s a focal point of all marketing. In that sense, people want to know you personally. Taking styled photos in your offices, on the town, or ‘in your element’ lets potential customers see who you are and how you live your life. Plus, you’re calling the shots on how you want to be seen.

It’s also a digital world and these images are digital assets. You can use them on your website, in social media, for online promotions or joint ventures. You can include your favorite photo in your email signature or on your speaking page — or even if you want, on Match.com! Use them in all your marketing. Just don’t go too crazy with retouching. It has to look like you.

Another thing to remember is that your lifestyle shots will be good for a few years, so the money will be well-spent. If you have a photographer you trust, they’ll guide you through the process. If you’re not sure, ask around.

This is Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. If you want to see photos from my lifestyle shoot, go to my website at RobinSamora.com. While you’re there, sign up to get my free report 10 Strategies to Jump Start Your Marketing. Talk tomorrow!

The post Why You Need a Lifestyle Photo Shoot appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

LinkedIn is a great way to find a job, stay in touch with colleagues, and let everyone know what you’re up to in the business world. But more importantly, it’s one of the best ways to grow your professional network.

So today, we’re going to talk about how to make your profile stand out. These may be reminders for you, but they’re important tips.

You may think that I’m preaching to the choir, but I can’t believe what people post on LinkedIn. Please, get a professional headshot, don’t use one from a photo booth.  When people get your connection request, the first thing they look at is your photo. A cropped picture from last year’s holiday party isn’t the best option. And that cut off hand at the shoulder?  N-O.

Next on your list. Make a killer background for your LinkedIn cover page. You can do that on Canva or with other social media graphic tools. Plus, you can add your logo and brand colors. This is a free PR opportunity to showcase your brand, so either learn how to do it yourself or outsource the task. It makes a big difference.

Your headline is another important asset. It defaults to your current job, but that’s not who you are, right? You might own ABC Incorporated, but that doesn’t tell anyone what you do. Flaunt your expert status. My headline starts with “Marketing and PR expert, Consultant, Mentor,” you get the idea.

When you write content for your profile, consider SEO. You want to match strategic keywords on your website, with all of your social media profiles. It helps you rank higher and be more searchable on LinkedIn and the web.

I also like using the ‘bars’ as separators to get the most words on your profile. You can type a bar when you hit the shift and backslash key, near ‘enter’. LinkedIn counts letters, numbers, and spaces so you have about 200 – 250 characters to play with.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and talk about how to make your profile more powerful. You can find me @RobinSamora. Just let me know you’re from the Fast Marketing Minute, so I know who you are. Talk tomorrow!

The post Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Do you want your business or brand to look bigger than you are? What we’re talking about is positioning. Creating an image of having a more powerful persona online and in your industry.

Now, if you feel like you’re living the “fake it til you make it” strategy, stop. Nine times out of ten, in my math anyway, you’ve probably already made it. Kiss the Imposter Syndrome goodbye!

So how do you make your audience see a stronger, more accomplished you or business? Well, first be confident and own your expertise. But don’t be arrogant.

Keep growing your own media channels. Have a well-thought out website and offer valuable content. Streamline your social media by creating a cohesive look across all platforms. Even what you wear should align with your brand — when you’re not at home in your yoga pants.

Most importantly, have big ideas. I mean big ideas because it all starts from within! Make big goals and make plans to achieve them. Share your goals with others and get them on board. You know deep down you can’t get there alone, so ask for help. From your team, your colleagues, other experts. It’s like crowd-funding — but with brains!

Create value around yourself and your brand. Give back to your audience with amazing content that provides value. Offer advice when asked. Help others without expecting anything in return.

Now, if you don’t have the resources or skills to build a wide range of service offerings, create partnerships with other companies or people who you can refer the work out to. You can’t possibly do it all. Get some help. Help is a good 4 letter word.

Bottom line, you can start a company by yourself, but you can’t build it all alone.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Do you need some help building your brand? Check out my website at RobinSamora.com and ask about my complimentary PR Evaluation. Talk tomorrow!

The post Make Your Brand Look Bigger Than You Are appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Creating a personal brand isn’t just important, it’s really important in selling yourself and your business to a potential customer. So how do you build a great brand, one that delivers results?

First, you need to become a resource that people like, know and trust. Post articles as a thought leader.  Give a talk as a subject matter expert to a local industry group and partner with groups that align with your values. Your LKT factor is based on your expertise and how you share it with the world.

Next, provide value to your following. Write blogs or record podcasts that can actually help your target market. Be a little less “yay me” and a little more “how can I help you?”

Don’t forget to walk the talk. Live your brand values and follow your own advice. Be consistent with your brand personality and all of it’s elements, online and in person.

That said, embrace your imperfections. We’ve all made mistakes in business and in life. We’ve all been up at 4 am worrying about something. Share what you’ve learned from these mistakes and experiences with your audience. It humanizes you and makes you relatable. Transparency is underrated. So important in building trust.

Lastly, do the Google test. Google yourself. Google your business. What comes up? Do you like it? If not, make a plan to change the conversation — the search results.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. I love helping clients build their brands. If you need help building your expert status so you can get noticed, check out my website then email me directly at [email protected]. Talk tomorrow!

The post 5 Ways to Create a Personal Brand that Works 24/7 appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Consumers want to buy from a brand they like, know and trust. And now more than ever, we live in a society that thrives on connection and personalization, so give it to them.

Get people to like you through having a strong brand and a product or service you can stand behind. A great company story on your website can help, too. As you build your like, know and trust factor, you’ll also gain more business and believability.

Let people get to know you and your company through social media. Instagram especially is the perfect place to get a little personal. What are you up to? What’s going on in the office today? Did you get a surprise gift at your door? Was it a puppy? With almost 70,000,000 dog owners in the US alone, there’s definitely a dog friendly audience!

You can also earn trust through good customer service. Raving reviews and testimonials are your best friend here. Connect with happy customers and make them ambassadors for your brand.

L, K and T are linked, and they all build off each other.

If you want to get to know me a little better, follow me @RobinSamoraPR on Instagram and Facebook.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute, I write marketing and detailed action plans that work. If you need help growing your business, contact me at RobinSamora.com. Talk tomorrow!

The post How to Make LKT the Center of Your Brand appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.