In this week's episode, I'm sharing a handful of my favorite public relations tips to help brands SLEIGH the holiday season. These tactics are best practices year round but are especially important in Q4 when your audience is most active online. Have a listen and take notes - you don't want to miss out on implementing these strategies, especially if you want to profit more this season...and REALLY please your peeps!

Episode Highlights:

>> [2:40] How to handle good + bad social media comments

>> [6:00] Why you're not seeing enough traction on your social media profiles

>> [8:00] Simple ways to use email to profit more during the holiday season

>> [12:20] What social proof looks like + how it can boost your visibility

>> [18:13] How to rise above the noise online right now

>> [23:32] What to say if things don't go as planned for your brand this holiday season

>> [27:30] The single most important piece of your brand's message

>> [34:00] The biggest mistake brands make this time of year

>> [39:24] An easy way to strengthen your presence + grow your exposure FAST

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• This limited-time social media marketing for brands bundle for podcast listeners: http://bit.ly/2TqMjvI

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As many of you do (or don't) know, I'm a military spouse - my husband is in the US Army. Its been a very interesting learning curve as a new "milso" + business owner. While I may not know every acronym or have it all figured out like the books say I should by now, I sure have met a bunch of powerhouse women (and fellow military spouses) who have enriched my life (+ business) in the best way, including the one I interviewed for this episode: Abi Ray of Legacy Magazine.

As a licensed counselor and coach with eleven years within the service community, Abi Ray, LMFTA seeks to encourage and equip individuals in their personal, professional, and relational lives. In 2017, she launched Legacy Magazine as a tangible way to empower service families and the communities that champion them. Most days you can find her unwinding with her husband and two daughters or immersing herself in literature on professional development, family enrichment, and trauma-informed care.

Each year, on the podcast, I like to highlight a fellow military spouse or veteran in honor of Veteran's Day. This year, I'm honored to highlight one who understands the importance of carefully crafting a meaningful narrative, whether it's inked in a magazine or written in a social media post. I wanted to bring Abi on to enlighten you, my sweet listeners, on the importance of storytelling, the critical need for patience + planning, the power of taking action + leaning on collaborations within your networks of family, friends + colleagues to build a fruitful business that has the ability to market itself with the right nurturing.

Abi's story is one of hard work + determination. It's one that all business owners, whether they have a military affiliation or not, need to hear again + again. She is a model for the Brand in Bloom motto of blooming boldly where you're planted by staying rooted to what matters + she lives a life fueled by, not just living up to her full potential, but helping others see the potential in themselves. To me, that's something we could all learn to do a bit more of - coming together, building one another up, listening, supporting + acknowledging our communities as a means to help them shine bright, not dim their spotlight.

Here is a breakdown of this episode:

>> [3:11] Abi tells us the story of how she started Legacy Magazine + what helped it come to life.

>> [5:33] The first steps toward bringing a product to life stars with good mentorship + surveying your networks.

>> [11:49] How intentionally focusing on quality over quantity helps Abi scale the growth of her magazine.

>> [14:43] The importance of storytelling + carefully crafting your own narrative.

>> [15:39] The 7 questions Abi's team asks themselves before creating a new volume of the magazine. Things you should ask yourself while crafting content for your audience too!

>> [19:00] Abi walks us through how they plan out their brand + marketing strategy in a way that deeply involves their audience.

>> [23:33] What's been most surprising about Abi's experience.

>> [26:22] Abi shares a freebie for Brand in Bloom listeners! (see below)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free Creativity Cards from Legacy Magazine: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f8de2481bb8f609a800bfc4 
• Learn more + subscribe to Legacy Magazine: http://legacymagazine.org/

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life going a mile a minute? Not sure what marketing step is most important for business right now? Tune into this episode where I talk about how best to prioritize in your business, especially if this is your busy season. I know there is a TON of distraction out there right now + I can promise you that the solution is not doing more. You shouldn't always have to scramble + feel like you're all over the map every time the holidays come around.

Did you know you can actually take control + create YOUR OWN busy season? When you're being strategic + forward thinking in your prioritizing, it can literally be whenever you want, not just when society dictates. I share a few of my favorite prompts in this episode to help you find clarity + prioritize so you can spend more time working on your business instead of in it. Tune in to learn how to SIMPLIFY.

Resources from this episode:

5 Secrets to Social Media Success Mini Training - Learn my 5 secrets to organically boost your brand’s social media exposure FAST. This training was only free to watch for a limited time but you can still enjoy it for just $27 at this link: https://elisabethfleming.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1056816

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm seeing so many ads on Facebook right now selling these programs claiming to help small business owners + solopreneurs make 365 days to 2 YEARS worth of content at a time. Newsflash: This is NOT the way. Take a few minutes + tune in to this bonus episode to learn what you should ACTUALLY be doing with your social media content instead + why too much planning can actually hurt, not help, you.

Resources mentioned in this episode:



• 5 Secrets to Social Media Success Mini Training - Learn my 5 secrets to organically boost your brand’s social media exposure FAST. This training was only free to watch for a limited time but you can still enjoy it for just $27 at this link: https://elisabethfleming.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1056816

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I hate talking politics but this episode is necessary. Election week is coming (ahh!) + I want to make sure your business is set up for success. Don’t worry, it’s gonna be ok - you’ve got me in your corner, remember? ;) 

Tune in to learn my 5 tips for marketing success and get recommendations for how best to proceed with your promotions in the coming weeks so you don’t a) jeopardize your brand’s reputation and b) completely waste your time.

Here’s the breakdown of this episode:

>> [1:56] Tip #1: Don’t release any new offers or special promotions. Here’s why + what to do instead.

>> [4:28] Tip #2: Pause your automatic hoppers - this is a big one!! Here’s why + what to do instead.

>> [6:10] Tip #3: Do not pitch the media. Here’s why + what to do instead.

>> [8:19] Tip #4: Don’t feel like you have to talk politics on your platforms. Here’s why + what matters most.

>> [10:20] Tip #5: Be a good human. Simple as that. This isn’t about you, it’s about your community + customers. Be a good human, be a smart business owner + just be freaking kind!

>> [11:51] A word of advice on intentional content creation over the next few weeks + something to watch out for re: election specific discounts/sales/promos, etc. (gross!!)

>> [15:43] Want more tips for increasing your exposure? Here’s a free training you can watch this week! www.elisabethfleming.com/freelivewebinarforyou (5 Secrets To Organically Grow Your Social Media Exposure This Holiday Season + Beyond)

Resources mentioned in this episode:



• 5 Secrets to Social Media Success Mini Training - Learn my 5 secrets to organically boost your brand’s social media exposure FAST. This training was only free to watch for a limited time but you can still enjoy it for just $27 at this link: https://elisabethfleming.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1056816

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alright, it's only October and already everybody needs to slow their roll. I can sense your stress level from here! 

Luckily, I just released a brand new episode of the Brand in Bloom Podcast about my favorite (and simplest) tool for marketing planning and wanted to give you a quick pep talk about it in case marketing strategy is really something you feel like you don't have the time for right now.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why your business is completely lost without a plan
• Who controls the success of your business growth
• How to make more time for marketing in your business (a technique I LOVE to use!)
• What to do when you're feeling stressed about marketing your business
• How to move forward if planning is still an absolute struggle for you

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• FREE POWER HOUR WORKSHEET: http://bit.ly/powerhourworksheet



• 5 Secrets to Social Media Success Mini Training - Learn my 5 secrets to organically boost your brand’s social media exposure FAST. This Live training was only free to watch for a limited time but you can still enjoy it for just $27 at this link: https://elisabethfleming.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1056816

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year feels like a never ending up hill marathon, am I right? But, wait! Here comes a holiday season like never before. Oy, there’s a lot on the horizon - I totally get it and feel your frustration. There are marketing struggles that I see brands endure year after year after year, even before this year from h-e-double hockey sticks. October hits and business owners become frantic and start jumping on trends left and right to try to make a buck. It bums me out BIG TIME. Not all of those trends you see on the internet from big box stores are worth your time. Actually, they can really hurt your business, if you’re not careful. There are so many other more meaningful ways you can market your business and profit in Q4, which is why I recorded this episode for you. 

Highlights of this episode:

>> [3:33] The 3 areas where most brands struggle when crafting their offers for the holiday season. Yeeeesh!!

>> [6:33] What this year means for your holiday offers (re: pandemic, election, shipping obstacles)

>> [8:25] The top 4 shopping trends to look out for in Q4 and what they mean for your brand’s exposure. Grab the shopping trends graphic from my Instagram today: www.instagram.com/mslizfleming. Print it out, write down these dates, use it as a reference for your planning.

>> [11:00] Why your business should NOT participate in Black Friday and what’s better to do instead.

>> [14:23] A sure-fire way to jeopardize your brand’s integrity and reputation fast.

>> [16:42] You can’t market your small business like a big box store - here’s why. 

>> [17:24 ] A FREE GOODIE to help you elevate your brand’s holiday exposure! Click here to get it: https://www.elisabethfleming.com/freelivewebinarforyou 

>> [21:09] The one thing that will position your brand nicely for the upcoming holiday season and all of your marketing preparations.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• FREE SHOPPING TRENDS GRAPHIC: www.instagram.com/mslizfleming

• Small Business Saturday Materials from AMEX: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/ 

• 5 Secrets to Social Media Success Mini Training - Learn my 5 secrets to organically boost your brand’s social media exposure FAST. This Live training was only free to watch for a limited time but you can still enjoy it for just $27 at this link: https://elisabethfleming.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1056816

Connect with me:

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melinda Martin is a copywriter and messaging strategist who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs create messages that start a movement and change the world so that they can turn their passion for helping others into profits for impact!

Her signature A.C.T.I.O.N. Copy Formula is developed around a people-first approach to crafting an empowering message, creating connections and moving an audience to action.

When she’s not writing, speaking, or dreaming up how to change the world for the better, you can find her chasing around her kiddos and cherishing pancake Sundays and Texas sunsets.

I invited Melinda on the podcast to share some expert tips with us about copywriting for business and the role it plays in organic marketing + personal branding. It is a MUST listen for all business owners, side-hustlers, and solopreneurs out there wanting to elevate their exposure in a new way.

Here's a round up of this episode:

>> [2:20] Melinda shares her background on copywriting (and nursing!)

>> [4:29] Why are words so important in business? Why do we need to pay more attention to language?

>> [7:41] The best lead in words for your content - a strategy I learned from Marie Forleo, after years of watching her videos before I became a full-time entrepreneur

>> [13:00] How words can help preserve your relationships with your audience

>> [14:49] Talking about yourself on the internet is awkward and hard - here’s how to make bio and content writing way easier

>> [17:00] Melinda shares her A.C.T.I.O.N. Copy Formula with us!

>> [21:01] Why getting away from fancy industry jargon is (most times) the best thing you can do to market your business

>> [24:55] How to make this style of marketing much easier on yourself, even if you hate writing

>> [31:14] Melinda shares a special gift just for Brand in Bloom listeners! (scroll down to access)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Brand in Bloom listeners get a FREE MONTH inside The Copy Vault with code: BLOOM https://melinda-martin.mykajabi.com/offers/p5YwCgSe

Take my free quiz to see if you're a marketing wiz for your biz: https://www.elisabethfleming.com/quiz

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that search engine optimization (SEO) is a really unique and understated way to grow your online exposure? In this episode, I link up with SEO superstar, Meg Casebolt, who walks us through the basics of using SEO as a marketing tool for business so you can organically grow your reach beyond just using social media. Yay!

Meg has been helping female business owners create beautiful, search-friendly websites and strategic content for the past 7 years.

She's your no-B.S. bestie who makes it super easy for your dream customers to find – and adore! – you online, resulting in effortless web traffic, consistent customers, soaring profit and SO much more free time (and sanity)!

I look forward to getting the convo started around this topic (SEO) because organic search plays such a large role in marketing your business. Don't let it overwhelm you - let it inspire you! Clearly, I did. Meg drops so many golden nuggets o' wisdom. As you'll hear in this episode, I had to stop + take notes a few times because she was blowing my mind!

Here's a quick roundup of this episode:

>> [1:20] What is SEO + why is it important?

>> [4:00] Tips to get your business showing up on Google

>> [6:00] Keywords say what? Meg helps us get to the bottom of cleaning up our websites so they’re SEO friendly

>> [16:50] Quality over quantity and why it matters most when it comes to your blog + website content

>> [20:08] How should we conduct our keyword research? Do hashtags matter?? What tools can we use?

>> [22:50] Using Google “alphabet soup” to come up with GREAT content ideas for your business based on what people are searching for

>> [25:00] Approaching SEO with curiosity vs obligation can create amazing opportunities for your business. Sales goals dictate the keywords and keyword dictate the content. Meg explains more.

>> [26:25] What are you already ranking for? Free tools to DIY SEO maintenance for your website

>> [28:00] Getting found on search engines for keywords you never expected and how to capitalize on that exposure (with examples)

>> [33:25] Meg shares TWO special gifts just for Brand in Bloom listeners! (scroll down to access)

>> [34:50] How Google reads your visual/audio content, what it looks for, and how to get that content ranking online with tiny tweaks

>> [37:05] What I absolutely need EVERY SINGLE ENTREPRENEUR IN THE WORLD to understand about marketing: social media isn’t the only way to grow your exposure and show your authority. Organic tactics like SEO, PR, blogging and more are even BETTER. Here’s why

>> [40:26] What fires Meg up in her business and keeps her showing up every day. Really interesting story!

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• SEOctober (https://mslizfleming--megabolt.thrivecart.com/seoctober/), a month-long SEO challenge for entrepreneurs who want their websites to get found on Google for their brilliance and turn readers into buyers.

• SEO Starter Kit (https://mslizfleming--megabolt.thrivecart.com/attract-activate/5eecbcb34c8ca/) is a FREE guide full of tips (and flow charts, mad libs, and The Office memes) to get you found on Google, like, NOW.

• Keywords Everywhere

• Google Search Console

Take my free quiz to see if you're a marketing wiz for your biz: https://www.elisabethfleming.com/quiz

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The blogging industry is a BEAST but, we all know, if you want to grow your online exposure, especially for business, you need to have a blog. This week's guest, Tiffany Haywood, knows that to be true firsthand.

Tiffany is the ‘ Tee’ behind TheMrsTee.com - an Award Winning Lifestyle Blog created as a place to share her love of all things Faith, Family, Fashion, Food, Fun, Tech & Travel. Tiffany Haywood was born and raised in New York and, as a Military spouse and Mom to 6, she had to learn to make her home wherever she and her family were together whether in North Carolina, Hawaii or back again. The experiences they've had as a family have taught her to appreciate the important things in life and make each moment a lasting memory.

Dedicated to sharing the knowledge she’s gained during her Blog journey Tiffany started a Blog & Brand Consultation Company - TiffanyHaywood.com. Sharing easy to use tips and solutions are Tiffany’s favorite ways to help others find true success through their passions! She loves helping her clients Build Their Business By Building Their Brand.

Most recently Tiffany has joined the team at the Women's Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED as a Business Consultant. Excited by the opportunity to extend her passion for helping small business owners grow through hands-on workshops, support, and guidance she is taking this position with enthusiasm for what's ahead.

This episode is a really unique listen for those who are teetering on the edge of starting a blog for their business but have yet to jump in. Tiffany is a success story and great example of just starting instead of *thinking* about starting. She had an idea (or several) and wanted to be herself online and in life so, she went for it! I'd love to see you do that too. :)

Here's a quick roundup of this episode:

>> [1:30] How Tiffany got started with her blog and how it grew with her life + into a business

>> [2:35] Planning content and how Tiffany decides her blog topics to best navigate her space

>> [4:20] The role personal branding has played in Tiffany’s success over the last 7 years and the opportunities that’ve come from leaning on her stories

>> [7:00 ] Tapping into your intuition to look forward and step into your whole self

>> [8:02 ] The best advice for those who want to monetize their blog or website like Tiffany

>> [11:00] A unique tip for turning your blog into a brand

>> [13:20] Tiffany shares a special gift just for Brand in Bloom listeners! (scroll down to access)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• tiffanyhaywood.com
• themrstee.com
• bit.ly/THDotComGiftCertificate (Brand in Bloom listeners receive 50% off a 1-hour brand audit with Tiffany)

Other Resources:

Take my free quiz to see if you're a marketing wiz for your biz: https://www.elisabethfleming.com/quiz

Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/brandinbloomtv

Subscribe to my Podcast: www.elisabethfleming.com/podcast

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/gmUYCJ/

Follow me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mslizfleming/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mslizfleming

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslizfleming

Show hashtag: #BrandInBloomPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.