Blog Post

6 Steps 
To Attract 
& Stand Out Online

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Personal Brand & Business?

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How to Create Your Brand Story so you can Attract Dream Clients & Stand Out Online

Darlene Hawley

Your brand story is your secret weapon, as no one else has a story exactly like you do, so it’s important to share from your heart and use your life experiences to differentiate yourself to grow your brand and business.

Sharing your story is the easiest way to set yourself apart from the competition and stand out in an overcrowded market. It’s your secret weapon, as no one else has a story exactly like you do, so it’s important to share from your heart and use your life experiences to differentiate yourself to grow your brand and business.


When I started sharing my story online that was when my business changed and I was able to start connecting at a deeper level with my audience and take my business to the next level. I want that for you too. 


5 Steps to Frame Your Story

1. Brainstorm

Write down every single story, experience, memory that you can think of about your life and go back as far as you remember. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind.


2. Ask yourself these 4 questions with each story you wrote down in your brainstorm session.

  • what happened 
  • how you were impacted 
  • what changed for you and
  • what lessons you learned


3. Pick three Connecting Stories

Now find 3 connecting pieces/stories that you feel got you to where you’re at today and have made the biggest impact on your life. Circle those.   

examples from my story... Single mom working 60+ hours, losing my mom suddenly and knowing I needed to live my life my way- life is short, starting my business to allow more flexibility in my schedule.


4. Market Research
Your story is not just about you, now you have to look at who your audience is. Find 5 Ideal clients and have a virtual coffee date and ask them these 4 questions.
  • What is their biggest struggle/pain?
  • What do they desire?
  • What is standing in their way?
  • What needs to happen to get them from struggle to desire?


5. Pull it all together. 

Now you can start to build your brand story based on what you learned in steps 1-4. 

Places you can share your story:
  • On your website: about me page, work with me page, sales pages
  • Your weekly email newsletter
  • In your email nurture sequence
  • Podcasts, virtual summits, collaborations- any training you are invited onto
  • Video: Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube
  • Case studies and testimonials
  • Your Blog
  • Social Media Posts


Remember your story is not cookie cutter and it shouldn't sound like everyone else. Your story is uniquely yours as it is based off of all of your life lessons, skills and experiences.

Own your story and share it everywhere.


Free 5 Day Challenge


Want to learn to share your story and build a brand that attracts your ideal clients and has you stand out as an expert?


Ready to leave your 9-5 and start a business but not sure where to start or not getting the traction you need?


Then I have a challenge for YOU.


I’m sharing my top secrets for creating a strong brand foundation in my new FREE 5- Day Brand Challenge.



✔️Learn why you are unique and how to stand out in your industry.


 ✔️Get clear on who your ideal customers are and how to attract them.


✔️See how the power of storytelling can be used to grow your brand.


✔️Gain the confidence you need to thrive in business.


Join me for 5 days of brand building and fun.


Sign up to get instant access to the free challenge course: 

Yes! I want the FREE Course
10 Effective Communication Tips

I offer 1:1 Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TODAY

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



A mother, wife, connector and dream builder. I'm a Personal Branding & Business Coach and the founder of DarleneHawley.com.


I have a passion for helping online entrepreneurs to create an authentic, magnetizing and profitable brand and business by tapping into their story. I support them by creating a solid brand foundation that allows them to attract their ideal clients and stand out in their industry. I've been committed to helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their business since 2007. 


I now spends my time supporting women to reach their goals and live out their dream life, all while raising my family and creating memories each and every day.

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