How to Shift Your Brand to Attract Your Dream Clients
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How to Shift Your Brand to Attract Your Dream Clients
If you’re a creative professional or entrepreneur feeling stuck in your business or uninspired by your work, you’re not alone! Shifting your brand to align with your true passions and attract dream clients is not only possible—it can also transform your business and reignite your creative spark. Drawing inspiration from Hannah Gunnell’s journey, here’s how you can make this bold and rewarding transition! Read on or come listen to the podcast episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
1. Identify What Brings You Joy
Hannah’s story is a testament to the power of reflection. In 2022, she realized that while she was booking “dream clients” on paper, she felt burned out and disconnected. Her personal photography, rooted in film, brought her the most joy—but she kept it separate from her professional work. She decided it was time to merge the two!
Take time to analyze your current offerings. Are they reflective of your true passions? What parts of your work feel authentic, and which feel like a performance? Often, the key to attracting your dream clients lies in blending your personal passions with your professional brand.
2. Embrace Fear and Vulnerability
Making a significant change is daunting. Hannah admitted she was nervous about raising her prices and integrating film into her workflow. She feared her style was “too weird” for clients. However, fear often signals that something meaningful is on the horizon.
Rather than shying away from fear, lean into it. Accept that vulnerability is a natural part of the process when you’re aligning your business with your authentic self. This openness often resonates with clients who value your unique perspective.
3. Transition Your Brand Strategically
When Hannah decided to pivot to film-based photography, she took several practical steps to ensure a smooth transition:
- Update Your Messaging: She revamped her website and social media to reflect her new direction, clearly communicating her vision of documentary-style, film-based photography.
- Proactive Communication: Hannah emailed existing clients to reassure them that their originally booked style wouldn’t change and explained the new additions they could expect.
- Build Trust Through Free Work: To refine her new workflow, she offered a few free sessions focused solely on film. This approach helped her perfect her process without the pressure of paid expectations.
4. Prioritize Your Current Clients
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make during a rebrand is neglecting their existing clients. Hannah prioritized open communication and maintained her commitment to deliver the style her clients initially booked. This ensured trust and loyalty, even as she attracted new clients who were excited about her evolving style.
5. Redefine Success
A brand shift often involves rethinking how you approach your work. For Hannah, film photography required slowing down and being intentional with each shot. This change not only made her a better photographer but also enhanced her client experience. The extended turnaround time for film scans gave clients and herself time to appreciate the artistry of the final product.
Shifting your brand often means embracing new workflows, exploring creative challenges, and finding fulfillment in the work itself—not just the outcome.
6. Raise Your Prices with Confidence
Transitioning to a more aligned brand can mean higher costs, whether for materials, time, or expertise. Hannah overcame her hesitation and raised her prices, allowing her to take on fewer, more meaningful projects. The result? Increased income, more aligned clients, and a greater sense of satisfaction.
Your dream clients will understand and value the unique experience you provide. Don’t be afraid to adjust your pricing to reflect your worth and cover the costs of doing business the way you love.
7. Stay Curious and Inspired
Blending personal passion with professional work doesn’t mean you’ll lose your spark. In fact, it can do the opposite. Hannah found that prioritizing creativity and personal projects enhanced her client work and opened doors to new collaborations.
Set aside time for play, experimentation, and connection with other creatives. These activities will keep your work fresh and help you continue to grow as an artist or entrepreneur.
Final Thoughts
Shifting your brand to attract your dream clients requires introspection, courage, and strategy. But as Hannah’s story shows, the payoff—both emotionally and financially—can be immense. When your business aligns with your passions, you attract clients who truly value your work, allowing you to thrive both creatively and professionally.
Ready to make your shift? Start by asking yourself: What parts of my work feel the most authentic to me, and how can I bring more of that into my brand?
