Episode 7: Why Your Brand Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It)

In the competitive landscape of modern business, many entrepreneurs find themselves puzzled about why their brand isn't gaining traction despite their best efforts. As Matt Jackson explains in his Brand Up Your Business podcast, the solution might be simpler than you think. The answer lies in fixing three critical branding mistakes that could be holding your business back from reaching its full potential.

The first major obstacle preventing brand growth is lack of clarity. When potential customers visit your website or social media profiles, they should immediately understand what you do and how you can solve their problems. Unfortunately, many businesses fail at this fundamental level. If someone has to spend more than a few seconds figuring out what service you provide, you've already lost them. Matt shares his personal experience with his pressure washing business, "Matt the Driveway Guy," where initially his messaging was vague and ineffective. When he shifted from generic statements like "we clean houses and driveways" to more specific messaging about "helping homeowners in Greenville, South Carolina restore their property's curb appeal with professional pressure washing," his business began to take off.

This clarity extends beyond just stating what you do – it's about creating an emotional connection through your branding. People don't buy features; they buy benefits and feelings. Your brand message should clearly communicate the emotional payoff customers will receive. For Matt's business, the tagline "professional quality cleaning from a friendly neighbor" created an immediate emotional association that resonated with his local market. When customers can quickly grasp not just what you do but how it will make them feel, they're much more likely to choose your business over competitors.

The second critical mistake many businesses make is simply not showing up enough. In today's media-saturated world, the "rule of seven" in marketing has evolved – now people might need to see your brand twelve or more times before they make a purchasing decision. If you're only posting on social media once a week or less, you're essentially invisible. When Matt increased his posting frequency to daily, his sales doubled. Despite initial concerns about annoying his audience, the opposite happened – more people saw his content, trusted his expertise, and ultimately became customers. The algorithm rewards consistency, and regular posting establishes you as an authority in your field.

Beyond just posting frequently, showing your face and sharing your story creates a personal connection that logos alone cannot achieve. Matt emphasizes how putting his face on everything from social media to his trucks transformed his brand recognition. People connect with people, not faceless companies. This personal branding approach builds trust faster and creates a memorable impression that distinguishes you from competitors who hide behind corporate facades.

The third fatal mistake businesses make is failing to include clear calls to action. You might have amazing content and a clear brand message, but if you're not explicitly asking for the sale, you're leaving money on the table. Every post should include a specific next step for interested customers. When Matt started directly asking "Who wants one of two remaining spots this week?" instead of just sharing content, he received three booking requests within an hour. The simple act of asking moved potential customers to action. Remember that people often want guidance on what to do next – if you don't provide it, they'll likely do nothing at all.

Implementing these three fixes – clarifying your brand message, showing up consistently, and making more offers – can dramatically transform your business growth. As Matt advises, you don't need to tackle everything at once. Pick one area to improve this week and focus on making meaningful progress. The path to building a powerful, profitable brand starts with these foundational elements that too many businesses overlook. By addressing these core issues, you'll create a brand that connects emotionally with customers, remains top-of-mind through consistent visibility, and converts interest into action through clear calls to action.