Top 3 Strategies for Small Business Success

Brand strategy is often overlooked, especially among DIY brands. You might wonder, "Is it a business plan? Is it content? Is it marketing?" In reality, it can be a blend of all three. Having a clear strategy is crucial as it provides a solid foundation to build your brand on and offers actionable steps to achieve your brand and business goals. If you lack the time or budget to hire a professional, here are three simple strategies you can implement today.

1. "Launch Fast & Iterate" or "The Lean Startup"

Ideal for product-based businesses, this strategy focuses on small-scale launches to facilitate higher-level improvements. Product testing is an excellent way to gather feedback and understand how your customers interact with your offerings. With these insights, you can continue the cycle of launching small and iterating until you achieve your desired outcomes.

2. "Behind the Scenes"

This strategy emphasizes transparency, not just showcasing products or features, but sharing your story, business practices, and more. For instance, in the fashion industry, transparency might involve sharing information about your manufacturers, suppliers, and price breakdowns. Consumers appreciate knowing what they're paying for and prefer investing in ethical brands. If building trust with your audience is one of your goals, this strategy is a great way to achieve it.

3. "Part of the Club"

Perfect for start-ups or small businesses, this strategy centers around exclusivity. The goal is to foster a community of dedicated fans by involving them in the brand early on and offering exclusive perks and limited releases. This sense of exclusivity generates hype and a desire to be 'part of the club.' Creating a space for your community to engage with the brand can provide valuable feedback and even spark word-of-mouth marketing.

MSCHF, for example, excels at creating limited and dynamic experiences for their followers. Their brand extends beyond their products, which is why their launches often sell out quickly.

While these examples are well-known, they can be adapted to suit your brand. Consider your business values and audience—which strategy resonates most with them, and how can you implement it in a way that aligns with your brand?

I recommend having a brainstorming session using my Branding & Business Workbook. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to work together on creating a brand grounded in strategy!