Why Your Story Matters and How to Share It
Every small business has a story — a story of why it began, or in our case, where it began.
In 2014, Andra and I met in a coffee shop — Caribou Coffee to be exact — in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. My husband and I were new in town, and we were eager to make friends and feel at home in our new city.
The day Andra and I met, I did what any normal person would do when they see someone they want to be friends with: I just stared at her until she finally made eye contact with me. Luckily, Wisconsin is known for its friendly people, so when I blurted out “Hi, my name is Kelly, I’m new here, will you please be my friend?” Andra quickly said yes. We became fast friends who had so much in common, from the little things (Like, we both love Disney World) to the big things (Like, we both share a passion for serving and uplifting women — specifically, women in business.)
Just a couple of weeks after Andra and I had met, she asked if I’d be interested in combining our talents — her expertise in design, and my expertise in business and education — to provide brand and web design for creative women in business. Most memorably, Andra said, “This could be something we pursue a month from now, or a year from now…” and I replied, “Let’s start tomorrow.” So, in June 2014, With Grace and Gold was born.
With Grace and Gold is a creative studio dedicated to providing purposeful brand and web design for creative business owners.
Since 2014, we’ve been honored to serve more than 400 creative business owners through brand and web design. Our purposeful designs have helped small business owners from all over the world to double — and even triple — their revenue.
In 2017, we expanded our business to offer education for fellow designers — designers who are eager to learn, grow, and create successful, sustainable businesses from the inside out. So, today, we provide brand and web design for creative business owners — and education for fellow designers.
Because of our serendipitous meeting at Caribou Coffee, Andra and I often say our business is rooted in faith, family, and friendship. So, why does our story matter? Why does your story matter? And once you know your story, how can you share it with your audience in a meaningful way, in a way that moves your business forward?
Every small business has a story of why it began. Your “why” is the foundation of your small business. It’s what makes your business yours. It’s what can help you build a meaningful, heartfelt connection with your audience and with your Ideal Client. Consider the difference between these two made-up messages from a wedding photographer.
“I’m Ashley, and I provide wedding photography for couples in love.” or “I’m Ashley, and I believe your wedding photography should be passed from generation to generation, telling the story of your one-of-a-kind love.”
The second statement shares, more deeply, why Ashley does what she does. Her why — wanting to provide heirlooms passed from generation to generation, wanting to tell your one-of-a-kind love story — not only allows her to feel “at home” in her own business, but it also allows her to build a more meaningful, emotional connection with her audience, with people who value what she values.
To share your story:
- First, think about why your business began. Was there a specific moment or person who inspired you? Is there something you value that you want to live out through your business? Write it down.
- Then, think about why your “why” should matter to your Ideal Client. While your business belongs to you, your business is truly designed for your Ideal Client. Your business is about how you can uniquely serve your Ideal Client. What values do you share with your Ideal Client? Write down those values.
- Lastly, take a look at your copywriting and content writing. How can you share more of your story in your website, in your social media marketing, or in your newsletters? How can you connect with your audience on a deeper, more meaningful level? How can you let your audience know what you value about your work, or about the experience you’ll provide them with? Put yourself in the shoes of your Ideal Client when you read your copywriting and content writing. Does it inspire connection?
Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided brand and web design for creative small business owners. Hire With Grace and Gold or shop With Grace and Gold’s pre-made designs and Showit website templates – and come away with an elevated brand and web design for your small business!
About Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay
Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is a leading small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, founders and entrepreneurs. Enjoy weekly, actionable episodes to build a successful, sustainable small business from the inside out.
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