We live in a social world. Though our connections have become increasingly digital, our desire for community and companionship has not.
Now more than ever, people yearn for a sense of belonging and struggle to find their niche in this modern age.
There is an innate desire for people to feel that they are part of something bigger—a part of a community or group that shares common interests as they search for meaning and connection in their lives.
While many realtors are building their Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn communities to engage people in their local markets, many are missing the critical element that makes these communities thrive - awareness!
Building communities among aware constituents is only part of the process - you still need to attract and engage people.
If you're looking for a way to rise above your competition and effectively build awareness and community around your brand, consider these six strategies for growing your marketing sphere.
But first, let's define "awareness"!
What Is Awareness?
"Awareness describes the perception of being aware. "
It is a term used in modern marketing to describe an individual's level of knowledge about a specific product, campaign, or business. Awareness is generally increased over time through the transmission of messages via different communication channels.
Two factors influence how communication is perceived in the digital world - context and receptivity.
Context
Context deals with various communication channels (i.e., TV, websites, social media sites, billboards, etc.) where information is transmitted or relayed to customers by businesses or public figures.
Receptivity
Receptivity refers to an individual's ability to interpret and absorb the information they receive through these channels.
You can break down awareness into three stages: awareness, interest, and desire.
The more aware a person is of your brand or campaign, the more likely they will be interested in what you have to say and will want to purchase your product/service once it is made available.
So how do you build awareness and grow your sphere? Here are some practical steps you can implement right now:
1. Start with Why
Before we start telling people what we do or selling them on our products or services, we need to understand how we can best serve them.
Truly successful entrepreneurs are able to express their why behind what they do and build that into the core of their business - serving as a guide for employees, customers, and distributors around what they're all working toward.
This idea - while not new - has seen a recent rise by social scientist and author Simon Sinek. “Starting with why" allows you to resonate with your audience on a deep, emotional level by asking yourself what you believe in and why.
This "why" then becomes the underlying message that you use to build awareness and attract people to your brand.
2. Embrace Community First, Brand Second
You have heard this mantra before and probably even believe in it yourself—brand comes second to the community when building a tribe of loyal advocates. After all, people don't follow brands. They follow people who associate themselves with the brand or company.
In community-driven marketing, people join the tribe, not the brand. When people feel like they are part of something bigger, they will naturally want to share their experience with others and help promote your brand.
3. Create Your Tribe's Anthem
An anthem is a short statement or motto that serves as an expression of identity or purpose. Think of it as your company's "mission statement" but on a much more personal level!
Your anthem should define who your tribe is, what they believe in, and why they do what they do. It should reflect the beliefs of all members of your tribe so that when anyone hears it, they will instantly know how to act—which leads me to my next point...
4. Create a Sense of Urgency
What makes people act? What pushes them past their current comfort zone? By creating a sense of urgency in your marketing, you can encourage people to take action toward something that may seem out of reach.
Creating this sense pushes them beyond their comfort zone and encourages them to act now rather than later.
When they hear about what you have to offer, it's not just another thing they'll get around to. Instead, it's an opportunity at their fingertips that becomes something they can't live without.
5. Make It Personal
Each person is different, and you need to adapt your message to each individual mindset. Though a one-size-fits-all approach may work for some brands, it won't work for most.
You need to be able to build a rapport, show your expertise in the field, and build a relationship with them before you can convince them to give you their money.
A personal touch takes time, but it's well worth the effort - this is how you'll become truly successful!
6. Promote Offline Events
We may spend most of our time online, but that doesn't mean we're always available there. Instead, consider hosting offline events where people can bring their friends and enjoy each other's company and conversation with you and your brand in the mix.
When you promote these types of events in both online and offline media, they'll help build awareness for your brand and encourage community among those who truly believe in what you're doing.
Boost Your Tribe's Awareness and Build Your Brand Today
People are growing tired of the same old marketing methods and techniques more than ever. You need to find ways to stand out from the crowd and build your brand into something that really matters to others.
By starting with "why," embracing community, creating an anthem for your tribe, creating a sense of urgency in your marketing, and promoting offline events, you can build awareness around your brand and attract more people to it than ever before!
If you are ready to learn more e about the importance of building a following, make sure you are following our team online.
At Confident Closers, we are here to help you grow your following and help bring your brand to the next level. We are your number one source for information on developing your business plan and increasing your sales. Follow us today and learn the secrets that will help
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