Imagine this...
You're at a BBQ with some family, friends, and a few people you don't know that well... You're hanging around the BBQ. Gary's trying to look busy turning the sausages every minute or so. With a cold drink in hand, you're exchanging casual chit-chat with a small group of people in the courtyard. Small-talk can be awkward at the best of times, but this BBQ's going quite well... Right up until the moment that Christine from up the road loudly interrupts everyone and asks YOU: "Hey, you've got your own business, haven't you? What is it you do again?" You've told her before. A few times actually. But she always forgets. "Uhh..." You fumble for the right words to say. You hate this question because you've never had a good answer for it. Everyone at the BBQ has stopped their separate conversations and they're all looking at you... You know what you do. You know it's important. You know that everyone will be impressed as soon as you find the words... You clear your throat and proudly announce to everyone at the BBQ...
What do you say to Christine at the BBQ?
The Brand BBQ Banter Test is about seeing how your brand story holds up in the real world. All small business owners have been in this situation... backed into a corner and forced to explain what you do and why it matters to friends, family, or complete strangers at a BBQ. When you're not really clear on your brand story, it can be really hard to find the right words to say about your business. And if you can't clearly explain the nuts and bolts of your business to people at a BBQ, it probably means that your marketing and messaging are falling short, too... It likely means that your website homepage and social media channels aren't speaking directly to your ideal clients and customers... It might mean that you lack confidence in your business and struggle to create online content to share with your audience... Ultimately, it means that you're probably missing out on clients and customers (read: MONEY!) every day. Sound familiar?
How does your brand story hold up in the real world?
This is what the Brand BBQ Banter Test is all about - to see if your story is already crisp and clear, or needs improving. You can test your answer to Christine at the BBQ in a safe environment with a brand story expert (that's me! *waves*). Put your best foot forward without the fear of everyone looking confused... smiling... nodding... You know what I mean. I'll carefully review your response, take a quick look at your website and get back to you in one of TWO ways:
1. YOU PASSED THE TEST!
If your brand story is already awesome and your website is on point, congratulations! You passed the test and can go on your merry way.
2. ONE FREE PIECE OF ADVICE
If your brand story isn't bang on and your website needs some work, I'll get back to you with (at least) one piece of advice to improve it.
Easy, right?
Time to take the test!
But first, let me give you a few pointers for what makes a compelling brand story.
It speaks to your target customer
It identifies their pain/problem
It presents your painkiller/solution
It's NOT about you/what you do
It IS about what your customers get
It's 100% authentic to you
Type your answers into the boxes below and click 'submit'. I'll get back to you ASAP.
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