So you’ve decided it’s time to list building – well, congratulations! I’m so proud – I feel like you’ve heard what I’ve been saying.

But . . . hold on a second before you start – there are a few foundational things that you need to handle first, to make sure you’re calling in the RIGHT clients and followers.

Let’s take a look at some questions to ask yourself to start or continue developing your brand and your message. After all, your brand is what will set you apart from your competitors and attract your ideal customers. So, let's dive into the 7 questions you should ask yourself to help determine your brand and message.

1. What is the purpose of my business?

First things first, you need to determine the purpose of your business. What problem are you trying to solve for your customers? What are you trying to achieve with your business? Knowing your purpose will help guide all of your branding and messaging decisions moving forward. One word of advice – know what problem you’re solving for your customer, but let THEM tell you they way they want it solved (before you jump in and spend lots of time and $$ on a signature program that may or may not be exactly what your clients want).

2. Who is my ideal customer?

Once you know the purpose of your business, it's time to identify your ideal customer. Who are they? What are their needs and pain points? How does your business solve those needs and pain points? What do they care about? By understanding your ideal customer, you can create a brand that resonates with them and speaks directly to their needs.

If you’re stuck, here are a few ideas:

• Think about yourself a few years ago (or before you solved the problem for yourself).

• Think about someone you helped that you really enjoyed working with (this can be a paying client or a friend you helped).

• Take the characteristics you come up with and create a client avatar – be really specific – name him or her; describe their age, if they’re married with or without kids, their pain points, all the things!

Then tailor your messages and your speaking to your avatar.

3. What are my core values?

What's important to you as a business owner? What values do you hold dear? Your core values will guide how you operate your business and how you communicate with your customers. It's important to make sure that your values align with your customers' values, as this will help create a strong bond between you and your audience.

4. What sets my business apart?

Unless you’ve truly found that ‘unicorn’ – that one thing that nobody, I mean NOBODY is doing, there are likely many businesses in your industry that offer similar products or services. What makes your business unique? What sets you apart from the competition? What’s YOUR unique story (remember – someone can do the same thing as you, but they absolutely do NOT have your story!!). It's important to identify these unique qualities and communicate them to your audience.

5. What is my brand voice?

Your brand voice is how you want your customers to feel when they interact with your brand. Do you want to be seen as fun and playful, or serious and professional? What tone and style best reflect the feeling you want to create? Your brand voice should be consistent across all channels to create a cohesive experience for your customers.

6. What visual elements represent my brand?

Visual elements such as colors, fonts, and imagery can have a big impact on how your brand is perceived. What visual elements best reflect your brand voice and values? Make sure to choose visual elements that are consistent with your brand and help create a memorable experience for your customers.

7. How can I ensure consistency across all channels?

Consistency is key when it comes to branding. You want to make sure that your brand message and visual elements are consistent across all channels, from your website to your social media to your email marketing. This will help create a cohesive experience for your customers and build trust in your brand.

So, there you have it!

By answering these 7 questions, you can begin to build a strong foundation for your business and create a brand and message that resonates with your ideal customers. Get these foundational steps set, and your list building efforts will be ever so much more successful!