Abbey and Courtney discuss their approach to branding, emphasizing the crucial step of starting with a solid foundation before moving on to the more exciting visuals.

This episode of the Rebel CEO podcast featuring Abbey and Courtney, co-owners of Duo Collective. They speak on the importance of branding and SEO for small businesses and share their journey from the burnout of corporate agency life to the fulfilling road of entrepreneurship. Hosted by Breeanna Kay, an elopement photographer and videographer, this episode offers an honest conversation about the challenges and triumphs of building a business that aligns with your true self.

They share the power of aligning your brand’s core values with your business strategies and explore how SEO and branding are intricately linked. Learn about their major shifts in business focus, the importance of showing up authentically in your marketing efforts, and actionable tips on when and how to pivot your brand. Listen in to understand how branding and SEO work hand in hand to make your business more discoverable and credible online.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with the Core: Building your brand's foundation is crucial before moving on to visuals. Your mission, vision, and brand voice guide your overall strategy.
• Branding vs. Marketing: Understand that branding is your business's consistent foundation, while marketing is the active effort to reach your audience.
• Power of Authenticity: Show up in your marketing channels as authentically as possible. It will resonate more with your audience and provide longevity to your brand.
• Indicators for Rebranding: If your current brand leaves you uninspired or doesn’t reflect your business anymore, it might be time for a rebrand.
• SEO and Branding Connection: Both should work cohesively. A strong brand builds credibility and authority, which are essential for effective SEO.

Notable Quotes:

1. “If someone asks to see your website and you don't want to show them your website… that's a sign.”
2. “Branding is your foundation. It's your identity, your values, your mission statement, your core audience.”
3. “Give yourself permission to show up on that channel however you want to.”
4. “What's the point of having this beautiful brand if no one can find it?”
5. “You need to do what's right for you and your own brand, not just follow what everyone else is doing.”

Resources:

• Duo Collective Website: duocollective.com
• Podcast: Duo On Air
• Instagram: @duo.collective
• Free Brand Basics Worksheet
• Newsletter Signup: Available through the Duo Collective website
• Duo on Air Podcast Episode on Pivots

About the Guests:

Abbey and Courtney are the dynamic duo behind Duo Collective, an organic marketing agency based in Minneapolis. After spending a decade honing their expertise at large marketing agencies, they decided to channel their skills into helping small businesses thrive. Abbey specializes in analytics and SEO, whereas Courtney brings the creative flair as the design expert. Together, they have transformed the landscape for independently owned brands through their unique approach that merges strategic SEO with compelling branding. Abbey and Courtney are moms and avid dog lovers, balancing their entrepreneurial ventures with engaging personal lives.

BREEANNA KAY'S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography

REBEL CEO INSTAGRAM:  @rebel.ceo.podcast

BREEANNA KAY'S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com

REBEL CEO PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/small-business-branding