And that’s a wrap on 2024! In today’s episode, I’m putting a bow on my series all about branding by sharing my top ten tools and tips for growing your brand. I’m covering everything from marketing, styling, and building community around your brand. 

On Quianna Marie Weekly, we’re chatting about business growing pains, finding genuine connections, and celebrating wins of all sizes through the lens of a photographer at heart. Sprinkled throughout stories and interviews with past clients, photographers and other business owners this podcast is designed to help you step into your purpose and to truly create a life you’re proud of, a life worth photographing and sharing.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by The Green House, my resource garden for photographers! Let me help you AMPLIFY your heart online and in real life to turn bridesmaids into future brides through templates, workshops, and freebies!

Review The Show Notes: 

Booking A Brand Session (6:28)

Canva (7:44)

Peerspace (8:57)

Bad Ass Blazer (9:44)

Mentorship + Coaching (10:52)

Tripod (11:56)

Honeybook (13:38)

Pinterest (15:30)

Freak Flag (18:03)

Flodesk (19:30)

Mentioned In This Episode:

Easy B-Roll Ideas

Flodesk

Peerspace

Honeybook 

Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast: jenvazquezcoach.com/249-b-roll-strategies-for-success-with-quianna-marie

165: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/11/18/165-reels-tiktoks-with-jera-bean

160: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/10/14/160-pinterest-strategies

157: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/09/23/157-sharing-your-client-experience

156: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/09/16/156-bts-with-branding

155: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/09/09/155-finding-the-best-locations/

152: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/08/19/152-styling-for-your-brand-photo-shoot

149: quiannamarieblog.com/2024/07/29/automations-to-prevent-burnout

36: quiannamarieblog.com/2022/05/30/036-boosting-pinterest

Review the Transcript:

As this year wraps up to an end, I’m devastated to know that the Yellowstone series has officially come to an end as well. Let’s be honest though, Taylor Sheridan will continue creating spin offs and I’m dying to see what happens once Spencer gets back to Montana in the 1883 series. I’m obsessed with these shows and I’ve reflected on what is it about them that makes me so hooked to watch and feel so many feels.

I started thinking about the stories, the ruthless journey through generations, and survival needed to fight for their lives and preserve the Dutton family legacy. It made me wonder about the next digital age frontier, what’s ahead, and what we can learn from our past to help stack the hard work from our ancestors as stepping stones for our futures.

It also made me appreciate the love for the Yellowstone brand. When we think of brands today, we often see logos like the Nike check. The Apple for our phones and laptops and even the brands of our cars. When I think of branding flooded with ads, marketing, and Times Square that’s basically scrollable on our phones today, I can’t help but think of my own definition of a brand.

Literally, the steel brand that scars cattle And the branded logo on estate gates. Having a brand for your family and business runs so much deeper, with so much more significance when we add meaning to it. It’s the stories of triumph, celebrations, highs and lows of our risks and struggles. It’s a name worth its weight in a handshake and following through with your word.

Having a brand you’re proud of runs so much deeper than the products and services you’re providing. It’s more about how you make people feel and the results and transformations you’re sharing. That’s a magical gut feeling that only you can provide. It’s kind of crazy to me that today’s families sort of feel like they’re starting over with each new generation.

Yes, our parents and grandparents worked hard to provide and set us up for new opportunities, but it also makes me wonder why more families aren’t sticking to a business to last for generations anymore. It seems like with every new sibling, there’s new interests, dreaded tasks, and business opportunities that take them away from the family business.

Trust me, I understand why some kids run from working with their parents, but on the flip side, I see it as so many opportunities to pursue different interests while still sticking to and tying back to that career option to help continue your family’s legacy. It got me thinking and wanted to start up a conversation with you today.

What does your brand stand for? If you were to shake hands with an old timer cowboy, picture a hunky Sam Elliott or like a modern day rip and explain your business to him, what would you say? How would you explain what you do? Could you articulate the perfect blend of exactly what you do while painting a picture of your mission and greater calling?

What experiences or stories would you share to prove your value to prove that you’re worth their investment now? I know I’m old school and I try to stay up with the times But let’s say you’re not interested in building a legacy for your children. Maybe you’re thinking well, that’s not me I’m not planning on having children and it’s not something that I want to continue Can it be possible for your business to outlive you?

Are you expanding this personal brand to become something bigger than you? Are you planning to build a business to sell one day? Cause that’s possible too. I’m learning more about that. That’s how a lot of billionaires are made, right? Like millionaires, people that are so wealthy, it’s cause they just buy and sell businesses all the time.

It’s just, it’s a whole new concept that I’m learning. Personally, for me, I just love having a business that funds my dream life. And the thought of scaling and growing even more than that is like, Whoa, like we’re gonna get there. We’re gonna get there together. But I really want to know what does your brand mean to you, to your clients and the public?

This episode will wrap up the end of the branding series and I wanted to leave you with a handful of tools to amplify your brand and to help build systems and workflows for growth. However, I couldn’t ethically share these tools without sharing the heart behind the brand. As your photographer, content coach, and podcast host, it means the world to me that you’re here for this wild ride of entrepreneurship and we’re here to do it together.

I’ll be wrapping up this series together with a bow to share my favorite tools, apps, and tricks, plus a handful of insights from previous experts to ignite your brand online. If you’re just hopping into this episode, welcome, babe, this will be a convenient checkpoint episode. And you’re welcome to scroll back to recent episodes for deeper conversations and more education for these fun branding topics.

We’ll cover everything from what to wear to your next brand session, SEO strategies, selecting the perfect locations, affiliate opportunities, marketing, building community around your brand, blogging, and oh my goodness, so much more. Ready to get this party started. Let’s go. Welcome to Kiana Marie Weekly, a podcast for creatives who love to celebrate wins big or small by dancing in the kitchen.

Photographers who are excited to serve their clients and friends who are ready to chase really, really big dreams. You can find all of the resources mentioned in this episode at kianamarie. com slash podcast. Join me as I share weekly motivation, chat about growing pains, finding genuine connections and celebrating your wins through the lens of a photographer at heart.

Come join me for a dance party. Ready? Let’s go.

10 Tips + Tricks For Growing Your Brand

Let’s dive into 10 tools and tips to help boost your brand. You’re already doing the hard work. Let’s help you become a recognizable, approachable, and the go to expert for your brand and business. This list of 10 tools and tricks are in no particular order. I love them all equally. I have used these strategies and softwares for decades, and they have served me well.

Break out your notebook. This is the list you’re gonna want to take notes for. And if you’re driving, editing, or away from your computer right now, make sure to check out the show notes and blog for this episode to grab links, special offers, and discounts to try these out. Okay, let’s break this list down.

Booking A Brand Session

Okay. Number one, booking a brand session. Hello, Azure photographer. Of course, I’m an advocate for booking your next brand session. When we work together to collaborate for your next branding shoot, you’ll receive so much more than just pretty photos. In fact, the pictures really are just a bonus. And I know that sounds crazy.

You’re literally investing in photography. Really? It’s just an extra bonus. I love working with ambitious high level business owners like you that are ready to scale and to be well known in your industry. When we collaborate for your shoot, we’ll find clarity in your offers, document your client experience, prove your value, and help your confidence skyrocket, literally through the roof to the moon.

Let’s go. I know you’re already delivering incredible experiences for your clients. And your personality shines once during your element. We just need your online presence and social media to match that energy. This is where I come in to help you crush your content. This entire series was ignited with you in mind to maximize your brand shoot and to truly see the return on your investment intentionally.

If you’re local Scottsdale, Arizona, or willing to fly here into Phoenix, let’s get this party started and start planning your brand session today.

Canva – Graphics + Digital Marketing

Number two, Canva, this design software or app, I don’t even know what to call it, but website or something is something I use my business every single day.

I love how it helps me make my graphics. It edits reels and creates all of the magic that I’m putting out on social media. The https: otter. ai I love the ability to create templates for my brand to update efficiently and easily. Plus, I’ve even created a handful of digital products using Canva. It’s how I make the slides for my digital courses, podcast graphics, slide decks for speaking events, and even design my Christmas cards to simply order prints as my cards instead of the more expensive fancy holiday cards.

Literally, it will make your cards go from like 1. 29 each to like 0. 39 each. Insane. I know. Trust me. I have a hack for everything. Canva is legit taking over the world and I’m here for it. It’s really user friendly and once you start playing with it, it’s just so fun to remove backgrounds. They have all these new fancy AI features.

It’s just insane. Don’t be intimidated by it. So definitely get started with it. If it’s something that you would like to add to your branding.

Peerspace

Number three, Peerspace. This website is like the Airbnb for hourly or daily rentals. There’s tons of local listings on there based on any environment, studio, or location you can think of.

Check out episode number 155, finding the best locations to learn more about Peerspace, why I love it, and how I source locations for my photo shoots and events. Airbnb has always been a wonderful resource for scouting locations. However, sometimes they’re strict with events and require overnight stays.

Sometimes when we’re planning our brand sessions, we really only need about two to four hours max for our shoots and don’t need to pay for the extended time. If you’re interested in exploring Peerspace to source locations, make sure to grab my link included in the show notes to save on your first booking.

Go check out Peerspace. It’s really amazing!

Bad Ass Blazer

Okay, and number four, bad ass blazer. It’s true, my love. We all need one bad ass business blazer to elevate our brand. Adding a bold colored blazer or maybe just keeping it classic with black, white, or neutral can help you feel more polished and sophisticated simply throwing on this tailored blazer.

I’m amazed how this one article of clothing can be tossed over leggings and a sports bra, jeans, a skirt, or even a favorite basic dress and instantly you look more expensive or like you know what the hell you’re talking about. It seriously elevates you so fast. Plus, I love the versatility with shoes too.

A blazer can be rocked with your nikes, converse, heels, boots, or anything you already have in your closet. Yeah, that’s my type of styling. One of my favorite fashionistas, Arisa Acostas, shares a ton about dressing for your brand and preparing for your next branding photoshoot on episode number 152. Make sure to add that episode to your playlist for even more styling advice and energetically leveling up your brand both in person and online.

Alright, we’re rolling through these so fast. I’m so excited. Here we go.

Mentorship + Coaching

Number five mentorship and coaching on episode number 156. I have the honor of introducing you to two powerhouse branding photographers, Tara Dunn and Meg Marie. Together, we chat all about the power of investing in your business and branding and how important it is to level up your business by leveling up your mindset and online presence.

There is a lot of leveling up here and I’m here for it. Tara takes us behind the scenes for her real life brand session with Meg Marie, and I’m living for all of the behind the scenes magic. The prep and production for their successful shoot. If you’re interested in content coaching, I’d love to work with you and I’m always happy to introduce you to the mentors in my circle as well.

I feel so strongly about finding mentors that feel aligned with you. It may be me. It may be my bestie Tara. May be some of the mentors and coaches that have been guests on the podcast. If there’s anybody that you would like me to connect you with, literally send me a DM. If you have my number, text me, I would be so happy to hook up an introduction.

Tripod For B-Roll + Behind The Scenes

Okay, and number six tripod. I know it’s silly and really just a 20 tool, but my tripod has helped my business blow up simply because I’m sharing the behind the scenes of my life and client experience. Make sure to tune into episode number 157 sharing your client experience to build authority online to learn all about sharing your magic.

This is the TRIPOD I use almost everyday!

If you’re interested in learning even more about B-Roll, make sure to head to QuiannaMarie.com/broll Check it out and you’ll receive a free guide to get you started today.

Plus, I have BLOOM WITH B-ROLL

It’s a quick and easy mini course ready to help you really shine with B roll safely and abundantly to check out QuiannaMarie.com/broll. Now back to the tripod. I carry this thing with me everywhere and it comes in handy as a reminder to actually take behind the scenes and to be really proactive about taking B-Roll hyperlapse videos or great to set it and forget it.

Love that feature. See Plus, it creates FOMO for my business so others can really see themselves working with me and encourages them to book and take action. When our dream clients can see us in action, they can see our personalities, they can see the way we work, they can hear our voice, they can understand how much of an expert we are.

Like, it’s one thing for us to tell that to them and say, just trust me, or this is what I’m doing today. But to really get a glimpse of what’s going on behind the scenes? Oh, my gosh. It’s like the fast pass to more clients. All right.

Honeybook

Number seven, HoneyBook. In episode 149: Automations with Sandra Yvonne, we chat all about CRMs and how important they are for workflows, client experiences, and organization.

This season, HoneyBook has been a hot topic in the photography industry for recently raising their prices. I know there are tons of CRMs, which are Client Relationship Management Tools, or softwares, whatever. And there’s tons of options, like Dubsado, 17hats, Aftershoot, Sprout Studio, and ShootQueue to just name a few.

Grab this LINK TO SAVE with Honeybook!

Personally, I’ve been a HoneyBook user since 2012. Even before they went public, or I don’t even know what that means exactly, but I was a part of their beta program before they really launched. I’ve seen the growth, the expansion, and the tools implemented since the beginning. HoneyBook and Rising Tide Society have connected me with some of my all time business besties and it’s been a joy to see them grow and expand.

Personally for me, I know HoneyBook like the back of my hand and I still recommend them for any business that’s trying to get out of that, Oh, I’m just a friend or Oh, I just have a hobby. I’m just kind of getting started with this business, right? Like going from that era into the full fledged professional business era with contracts, payments, and workflows to keep everything organized.

Whew! You’re always welcome to try a free trial to get started. Literally, no pressure. And of course, I have a link for you to save and to get started if you’re interested with HoneyBook. But like I said, It’s definitely a program that I suggest checking out and exploring, just like anything. Once you get started and you get familiar with something, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Let’s kind of, like I told you, I’m a little bit old school about these things. I love it. I appreciate it. Everything is, it’s getting more expensive, so I understand. And it’s time to raise our prices anyway, so let’s go. Check out the show notes for more details on HoneyBook. We are rolling and I’m loving this.

Pinterest

Number eight, Pinterest. There’s nothing I love more than cuddling up with Faith, my German shepherd, on my chair. But did you know that Mike and I have old recliners like Nani and Poppie? Well, if you’ve never been in my grandparents home up near Yosemite, you probably can’t imagine what their chairs look like, and I get it, but you can imagine the joey and chandler chairs look like on friends, right?

Literally, that’s me and mike. We look like an old grandma and grandpa. I love it. And I, I freaking love my grandma chair. Although I know that Monica from friends would have hated it in her living room and I don’t even care because they’re so comfy and they’re so cuddly and there’s room for faith to like sit on the recliner, like in between my legs.

And I just. I just love it. She thinks she’s a lap dog. She’s not. She’s a huge like 65 pound German shepherd. But we cuddle. Okay, so now that you know where I’m sitting when I love to scroll Pinterest, I love to search for home decor, DIY house projects, dream up my future venue, pin recipes, and scroll for more branding shoot ideas.

What do you love to search Pinterest for? Did you know that your dream clients are searching for you and the services you offer to Pinterest is such a great tool to help your business become searchable, especially when our dream clients are already searching for what we offer. Check out episode number one 60 Pinterest strategies with your branding images with Jen Vasquez to do a deep dive on what to do with your branding images.

Once you receive your gallery. Now, this is an episode I feel like every single business needs to know, especially if you’ve recently invested in a brand session, because you’re going to get that gallery. It’s going to be full of images. You may even have a folder on your phone, like a shared folder with your behind the scenes clips and stuff from your shoot.

And you just think, What the heck? What do I do next? Right? So this is the episode for you. If you kind of have a little bit of that overwhelmed feeling and you want to do more with your photos and just update your headshot or update your signature on your emails, Jen is a repeat guest on the show and after this episode, you’ll know why I love her so much.

She also shared a ton about Pinterest back in episode number 36. I told you she’s like an OG guest on the show. And if you’re a wedding photographer excited to book more weddings, this is the Pinterest episode you’re going to want to go back to. She’s so incredible. Jen Vasquez. She’s the Pinterest queen offering a ton of marketing and Pinterest strategies.

I had the honor of just recently being on her podcast as well. So make sure to check out Jen and her podcast. I’ll link all the stuff in here. We chat all about B roll stuff too, which is so fun. Let’s keep on rolling here. We are almost done with this list.

Freak Flag – What Makes You, YOU?

Number nine, freak flag. I had to include this in our list of tips and tricks for really amplifying your brand.

And if you’re wondering, what the heck is a freak flag? It’s something that makes you, you. Do you like to stir your coffee with an upside down spoon? Wear your pajamas and slippers to take your dogs out to go pee? Do you have a squirrel in your backyard that you love to feed? Can you only eat jelly beans in even numbers?

Do you have an obsession with your plants? Do you name them? Do you talk to them? Do you only water them with warm water or give them special plant food? What are some things that bring you joy? What’s your secret sauce? What hobbies make you smile, quirks or special interests that really make your heart happy?

I have the honor of interviewing Jera Bean on episode number 165, and we chat all about Reels and TikToks, and she breaks down an entire content plan to help us all hit that record button with confidence. We chat all about the differences between evergreen content, trends, and a system to easily share your heart by adding value and aligning yourself as the expert.

I have some pretty big names on the show and it’s truly an honor to introduce you to my real life mentors, hype girls, and business besties. Make sure to check out episode number 165 and add it to your playlist to learn more about your freak flag and how it’s time to light it up and wave it everywhere you go.

Okay. And this is our last tip for this series here as we wrap up.

Flodesk

Number 10, Flodesk. This is a system I use for email marketing and I freaking love it. It’s super user friendly, allows me to build out my email list, nurture my subscribers, and sell out many sessions within hours. As your brand continues to grow and expand, I encourage you to get started growing your email list yesterday.

Literally get on it. I have spent years of my time trying to grow my Instagram and social media only to have a tiny percentage of the people that actually click that blue follow button See my stuff and see slivers of my posts and content. One email for me gets an average open rate of over 55 percent or more.

That’s insane for the ability to share my message, drop into inboxes and stay relevant. Of course, I have a link for you to grab a discount as well. Make sure to check out the show notes or head over to QuiannaMarie.com/flodesk

To learn more and get started building your email list today, I also have a handful of templates to grab in the shop too to make sure emails Or even prettier and more personalized.

That hits the 10 tips and tools to amplify your brand, and I’m so grateful to have you as a listener and a friend. As your Biz Bestie, I’m always trying to pop in your ear to add encouragement, packed with action lists and strategies to bring you one step closer to your goals every day.

It’s been a joy to bring you this entire branding series that, to me, legit feels like an online summit with so many badass guest speakers, experts, and business mentors. This wraps up the end of 2024 on the podcast, although it’s my goal to deliver evergreen content so these episodes are still credible resources for years and years to come.

Circling back to the brand and celebrating the brand you’re building.

What legacy are you leaving with every door behind you and every road traveled on this entrepreneurial journey?

What is it about your brand that’s memorable?

Are you building a personal brand that will outlive you?

Are you striving for a mission that’s bigger than you and future generations?

If you found this podcast helpful and enjoy listening every week, please leave a five star review and share with a friend. Every review, referral, share, and post truly makes me do a happy dance. I pour my heart and soul into these episodes and love sharing these stories. Next year, I’ll be sharing more shout outs for reviews and would love to include yours as well.

I’m excited to not just share the review, but also a quick shout out to share your business as well. It takes a village for us all to succeed. And I’m so happy you’re here with us. As I close this episode, I would love to personally thank Haylee Gaffin with Gaffin Creative, the production behind the podcast, Megan Wren as my podcast editor, and Tara Dunn as the podcast cover photographer.

None of these episodes would be possible without them, their encouragement, and the reminders to get my recordings done. Thank you ladies, you truly are the dream team.

Wishing you a happy holiday season now and forever. Signing off on 2024, feeling grateful, hopeful, and appreciative for every lesson and decision made so far to help make 2025 the best year yet.

See you next year, cutie. I’m always cheering for you, babe. Okay. Love you. Bye.

That’s a wrap on another episode of Quianna Marie Weekly. Thank you so much for your listenership and support. You can find the resources and show notes for this episode and more at QuiannaMarie.com

I’d be honored if you’d show your support by leaving a review and rating on your favorite podcast app until next time, keep on dancing.