At the bottom of this page, you will find a link to Grammarly. I actually use Grammarly and love it. If you click that link you can also get Grammarly with no cost to you. I will, however, benefit financially if you choose to use that link, which helps me keep doing this, what I love!
Welcome back! I thought we’d start the new year talking about branding. Specifically, how to maintain authenticity while growing and promoting your brand. If you are an influencer, blogger, Youtuber, whatever, it can be a bit of a struggle turning what you love to do into something that pays the bills. Add to that, the struggle of not coming off like you’re willing to sell or promote anything to your audience. So how do you remain genuine but gather your coins and not taint your brand? It is simpler than you think. Here are three easy strategies for keeping it real.
#1 Define your brand
Decide what your brand is and how you want to be represented. Knowing the way you want your brand to be perceived allows for more control over that perception. It also makes it easier to make decisions when you clearly define what your brand is. If you need make a decision concerning your brand, it will be more obvious if what you’re considering fits into your brand. You can also draw up guidelines and boundaries saying what you’re okay with and what you don’t want to invite into your space. Use it as a blueprint or guideline for making decisions concerning your brand. Refer back to it when you’re making decisions you’re unsure about.
In terms of authenticity, when you’re brand is more consistent, it appears more authentic. If you’re hopping from one place to another, it makes it seem like you have not clearly defined your boundaries. Instead, be consistent and you won’t appear willing to take on anything.
#2 Aim for transparency
Try your best to remain transparent with your audience. Don’t try to be sneaky or sly when you do brand deals or work with companies. When you use an affiliate link or create sponsored content make it known. You’re required by law to disclose this, but some people try their best to do this slyly. It doesn’t have to be garish or in their face but you also don’t have to hide it. Also, don’t use a copy and pasted statement. Personalize it, make it feel genuine. For example, I use Grammarly to check my spelling and grammar on every post that I write. I love it because it’s easy to install and free. For these reasons, often include a link to Grammarly at the bottom of my posts. I really do love it and want other people to get the same benefits that I do from it, but if you click that link I will make a few cents (and I do mean a few). However, at the start of every article that I place a Grammarly link in, I disclose that and link my full disclosure statement. Simple.
Don’t forget to be genuine.
Make sure they know that opinions are actually all yours and that you have a standard and don’t just accept every deal that comes your way. Try to work with brands you actually use. If you’ve never used the product, actually try it and give it a fair assessment. Don’t promote things that are not quality. When you do, if your audience tries the product and they see that it isn’t of good quality, you lose your credibility. You also stunt your growth. Word will travel that you aren’t genuine and this stunts your brand and therefore your money.
This also goes for accepting any deal that comes your way. I know it can be tempting when you see people promoting things with these ‘Get Rich Quick’ products but quality is always better than quantity. Your audience will remain faithful longer than theirs and therefore your career will have a greater longevity. I know it’s tempting. This route is much slower to come to fruition but if you remain authentic and be consistent it will pay off majorly. Be consistent in posting, be consistent with your type of content or niche, don’t veer.
#3 Remember Why You Started
The main way to remain authentic is to remember why you started. Now, if you started because you wanted to get rich, this may be a bit of task for you:). However, if you had another objective in 
mind, whether it be to create a community or start conversations or share knowledge, keep that in the forefront of your mind. It will undoubtedly allow you to remain focused on the important things which will show up in how you interact with your audience.
Ultimately, remaining real and open with your audience is just a choice of actively trying to keep that line of communication open. You constantly communicating with them that you’re being real with the content you’re putting out and listening to the feedback that you’re receiving from them! However, I guarantee, doing this will actually grow your brand. Being consistent and honest are what people want. It is also what they connect to.
Best of Luck guys!
