What Worked, What Didn't & Everything in Between | 2021 Year in Review
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And just like that, 2021 is over… hello 2022! While this year certainly seemed to have snuck up on us, BrandWell is ready and excited for what’s ahead!
What Worked for BrandWell in 2021
Before we dive into the goals we have for BrandWell in 2022, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from 2021!
We launched our first course
We were able to help more than 140 small businesses with website design and branding
We revamped our template shop with all new Squarespace 7.1 templates
I hosted our first ever BrandWell retreat
BrandWell’s 2 brand designers are now full time
What it was Really like Creating a Course
As entrepreneurs, the ability to show up confident drives sales and ultimately drives our business. For the majority of us, showing up confident starts with having a professional online presence… even if we’re on a tight budget!
When I started designing Squarespace websites nearly eight years ago, I couldn’t find any solid Squarespace courses that would teach me the basics of building a beautiful website. I was forced- like many of you- to scour YouTube and support forums to piece together my site. Fast forward eight years and I’m now sharing everything I’ve learned as a Squarespace website designer to make your DIY a little easier.
In 2021, BrandWell launched its very own course, “DIY Done Right”. I first created an outline and recorded videos walking you through the steps to make the site of your dreams!
With the help of one of my brand designers, Lauren, we were able to create PDF versions of the course and homework that went with all 10 modules. These modules are designed for you to go at your own pace.. as we all know us entrepreneurs have to get creative with the time we have!
What didn’t Work for BrandWell in 2021
As much as we don’t like to focus on what didn’t go well - I think it’s beneficial to talk about it and understand why.
After spending $1k on an advertising course, I made it a meager six modules in before throwing in the towel and focusing on other things in my business. I didn’t make the time to sit down and create a strategy. Again, us entrepreneurs get busy!
As much as I want to sit here and say that I went through the course, did my homework and implemented a strong strategy based off of what I learned, I didn’t make the time for it.
Prioritizing different tasks while wearing multiple hats can be difficult, but learning how to optimize my time and outsource different tasks and projects to my team is now allowing me to be able to strategize for the year to come!
How we Doubled Sales with no New Hires
Well, I owe a lot of this to my Sales Coach, Gwen! She taught me a simple but important thing - A TRACKED NUMBER GROWS.
The amount of websites and brands that BrandWell sells determines the growth of not only myself, but of my wonderful designers.
Another takeaway from Gwen- Follow up, follow up, follow up! This can be intimidating but is SO important, and that tracked number brought more motivation for me to be intentional with my follow up.
I’m happy to report that our conversion rate at the end of 2021 was a whopping 84%… heyoo!
A Look Ahead to 2022
Enough looking back- let’s look forward! As BrandWell grows, so will our goals.
As my passion for marketing and business development grows, so does my love for speaking! My first speaking event was January 10th here in Lynchburg, and I cannot wait for more to come.
With excitement I say, as BrandWell grows… so will the team! I take pride in our team here at BrandWell and only hope for the best additions to come this year so we can best serve our amazing clients!
AND last but not least..if all my dreams come true - opening up our very own BrandWell Studio where we can collaborate together, record podcasts and much more, so be sure to stay tuned!
For the full information on this topic, be sure to tune in to The BrandWell Podcast.
KEEP BRANDING WELL,
Victoria
