I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Beyonce is EVERYWHERE. I mean let’s be real, she has been on top since her debut album in 2003. You can even argue that she’s a household name. It all started with her support of the 2012 Barack Obama campaign. She’d post a couple images here and there with POTUS’s name on it, and the masses would go wild! After she popped out Blue Ivy, her stans and admirers (and probably her skeptics) were craving more. She gave the world a few images of her family, but it just wasn’t enough. She gave you a taste of her world. Why? Because she had something even bigger in store. Upon observing parts of her branding strategy, I found five takeaways that you can use to captivate you audience and grow your brand:
Images are everything
Have you noticed all of the images coming out lately? Instagram, Tumblr, You name it. She’s posting images that wet your palette just enough. Regardless of the image, they back up her brand, and the story she wants you to know. As a blogger, especially in the fashion/beauty/food/lifestyle realm, those images are what give your post a kick. Don’t skimp around with them. Edit them, create frames, add text, make them your own.
Lead up to Something Big
In her case several things. An HBO documentary. Singing at Inauguration. Singing at the Superbowl. A new Destiny’s Child album. She didn’t just come from out of no where. This media push is all part of a plan. As a blogger, Give your readers something to look forward to! Try creating a series on your blog, and letting your readers know in advance. Tease it in blog posts or show glimpses using images. Tell them about a surprise that’s coming up, and don’t disappoint them. Once you gain their trust, it’s much more likely that they’ll keep coming back.
Cause a Stir
Beyonce’s GQ cover was “leaked” to the world last week, and no matter where I looked, people were talking about it. While mixed reactions are being debated by spectators, one thing is for sure– the plan worked. It got people talking. A lot. You don’t have to be semi-naked to do this one, either. Post a raw review telling the world how you feel about something. Tell your readers about something you don’t like. Explain your enthusiasm about something you’re really passionate about. Show your real, unedited emotion. When you do something unexpected, your readers may open up to you too.
Be Almost Everywhere (but do it well)
I can’t watch a single football game without seeing the Pepsi ad for Bey’s Superbowl half-time show. When I jump on Twitter, it seems like every few minutes, someone is defending their love for the superstar. A couple minutes after that, another picture “leaks”. And while I don’t follow her Instagram, I still see plenty from her account because her fans constantly regram her. As a blogger, be a part of multiple platforms. If you think your audience loves your posts, maybe they’ll love videos from you, or even an audio podcast. If they love your blog, maybe they love you as a person too, and will follow your Instagram account as you eat and hang out (or post images of however you choose to frame your brand).
Let Your Work Speak For Itself
Like many people, Beyonce always has people questioning her authenticity. Did she really carry her baby? How many times has she had her nose done? She doesn’t sound educated. Does she actually trust Jay-Z? Blah blah blah, Who cares. You know what people do know? She can sing her tail off, and puts on outstanding productions. As a blogger, have the goods to back it up. Dedicate your time to your blog, and give it your all. Don’t just post whatever. Your posts are a reflection of you!
