Written by: Amber Barry, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The marketing gurus all tell you, “Done is better than perfect!” “Get out of your comfort zone — you just have to put yourself out there!” “Share your freebies, drive traffic, get more subscribers!”
So you try to comply. You put your offers together. You run some Facebook ads. You even get some people on your list, but no one is buying.
You feel defeated. You give up on Facebook ads. You wonder if running a business is right for you and question whether you should give up.
I know those feelings well because I’ve been there. I struggled with these concepts for the better part of a decade before the light bulb really clicked, and I could see the big picture. Now, as a business coach, I see a similar struggle in clarity with many of my new clients, so I know I’m not alone in this.
The gurus are right, of course. At least to some extent. It is important to jump in, get started, and get uncomfortable, but the secret to success lies in building a strong foundation first. It's because it doesn’t make sense to spend time or money trying to drive traffic to a lead magnet opt-in or an offer if you don’t have the steps or systems in place to nurture and capitalize on your new leads once they step into your corner of the internet.
Understanding the details and flow of how it all works together can help you implement the strategies your business needs to grow and thrive. In my guide, The GoGetters Framework, I boil it down into 5 essential pillars.
1. Client Clarity
When you know your offers and their specific needs, writing your copy clearly becomes a lot easier. It also helps you craft offers that fit your audience's needs and create copy that resonates with them.
2. Consistent Content
Showing up on social media consistently is a huge hurdle for many people, but it’s pretty mandatory these days for any business to have a social media presence. My advice: streamline it and weave in a solid strategy as often as possible.
3. No-Brainer Offer
This can be a specific offer that you drive traffic to consistently, a tiered structure of offers in the same vein that starts at a low price point and goes into VIP pricing, or even a package deal — typically in one area of expertise. One of the biggest challenges I see people running into is trying to be all things for all people. Don’t do that. You have to be known for one thing before you can be known for multiple things. Make your mark first, and then expand.
4. Automated Funnels
A funnel is an automated sequence of events that occurs to convert a new lead into a customer. There are many ways to do this. An example is social media ad > lead magnet > persuasive email sequence > sale. Automating it creates a consistent, cohesive message and makes it easier to test what's working and what isn't. It also ensures that you have a follow-up sequence in place to not spend money bringing in new leads that ultimately fall through the cracks.
5. Growth Strategy
In the entrepreneurial world, growth is the name of the game! You're after consistent income — probably even more of it! Having a growth strategy, a system for testing and leveling-up, and basic knowledge of your KPI (Key Performance Indicators) is key. Missing this step can lead to wasted time and money, poor business decisions, and an overall uncertainty of moving your business forward.
These pillars are your foundation — without them, your entire structure is likely to feel shaky, disjointed, and confusing. But here’s the thing: your business is only as strong as the foundation supporting it. When you take the time to identify the problem area and strengthen the foundation, your business can flourish and grow.
If you’re feeling frustrated or defeated, please don’t give up. Download this free guide to help you see the big picture and get the action steps you need to put it all into place.
Amber Barry, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Amber Barry is a U.S.-based business strategist and consultant specializing in digital marketing, automation, and social media advertising for small businesses and startups. She is passionate about deconstructing the process of establishing and growing a business and aims to make it less overwhelming and easier to navigate for new business owners. She is the founder of Amber Barry | Digital, a digital marketing and advertising agency, and creator of The Go-Getters Club. She offers online courses and coaching to women in business to maximize their marketing efforts and turn their small steps into big wins and massive momentum. She is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Health Coach by training. She draws from her 12+ years of experience in health and wellness and 20+ years as an endurance athlete to help people transform their journey as business owners into an enjoyable, successful, fulfilling experience.