Related Posts
A core message articulates the value of your work to your ideal clients.
Many coaches, creatives, and healers who are just starting out struggle with questions like…
- How do I explain what I do?
- How do I communicate the value of my work?
- Why should someone hire me?
These are all key questions to answer, because — especially now in the crowded online world — you need to be able to stand out in your niche!
This is where a core message comes in.
What is a core message?
A core message is also known as a “core brand message” or “core marketing message.” In branding terms, a core message is like a value proposition.
It’s the main overarching messaging in your business and includes:
- Who you are and what you do
- Who specifically you do it for
- Why you do it
- The results/experience your clients can expect
- The unique value of working with you
Unlike an elevator pitch, which is an important but a much shorter statement, your core message answers the question, “How can you help and why should I hire you over someone else?”
Why you need a core message in your coaching business
Since your core message is very often the first thing people see or hear, it needs to accomplish the following:
- Clearly and concisely describes what you do for whom
- Is unique to you; no one else can replicate it
- Connects with your specific ideal clients
- Shares what it’s like to work with you
- Opens the door to a conversation; people want to hear more
Ideally, it should be as unique as your business and should reflect the work you do while resonating with your ideal clients.
Where to use your core message
Once you have a clear core message, you can use it everywhere, including:
- Your website copy
- Your email copy
- Your long and short bios
- Your client consults
- Networking
- Speaking opportunities
- Podcasts
- Guest posts
- Webinars
Basically, anywhere you show up — from social media to events to prospective client calls — is a chance to use your core message.
Why a core message makes marketing easier
Creating your core message is something you should do early on in your business (right along with clarifying your niche and creating your offerings).
In fact, when you work on your core message first, it makes all of these things easier:
- Marketing & sales copy
- Content strategy
- Consult calls
- Networking
- Client Attraction
A strong core message is often THE thing that a potential client reads and thinks, “Yes!!! I want to work with her!”
3 qualities of a powerful core message
When creating your message, you want to make sure it reflects these three qualities:
- It reflects the best of you. Those key aspects of your personality and your work need to be included… in detail, but also in as few words as possible.
- It attracts your ideal clients. An effective core message is as specific to your ideal client as possible. It repels people who are not your ideal client.
- It leaves people wanting to hear more. While your core message should stand alone, it should be so compelling that people want to know more about you.
But even though it’s a short statement, it can be very challenging to create.
Common challenges when it comes to defining your core message
Some common stumbling blocks when people are defining their core message are:
- You’re not specific enough on who your ideal client is or what they want
- You’re not quite sure how to articulate what exactly it is that you provide
- You don’t know how to make it unique to you
These are common challenges, and if you have them, you’re not alone!
How to get expert-level help in defining your core message
As a holistic business and marketing coach, I help my clients define a core message that authentically reflects who they are and attracts their ideal clients, so that you can more easily and confidently talk about the work you do.
Ready to define your core message and get a strategy on how to use it? Sign up to Magnetize My Message.
