Ep 43: Growing a PRODUCT business to over 300k! How Frownies Grew their brand
Nov 12, 2024
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Helen Morrison, a key player at Frownies, has significantly boosted the brand's social media presence, transforming it from a few thousand to nearly 300,000 followers. She emphasizes community building and authentic engagement over personal branding. Helen discusses her strategic use of TikTok and Instagram, highlighting the power of viral videos and consistent content creation. Moreover, she shares insights on fostering genuine connections and adapting content to different platforms, proving that customer engagement is crucial for brand loyalty and growth.
Helen transformed Frownies' online presence by building a relatable brand persona that resonated with their audience across social media platforms.
Community engagement on social media through direct interactions enhances customer loyalty and allows for meaningful relationships, beyond just sales.
Utilizing distinct content strategies for TikTok and Instagram effectively maximizes audience engagement, tailoring approaches to each platform's unique characteristics.
Deep dives
Introduction to Season 3 and Brand Conversations
Season 3 focuses on engaging with brands rather than individual creators, similar to the previous season which featured personal creators garnering success on social media. This season seeks to highlight businesses and brands that have built a substantial following and community, providing insights into their growth strategies. The discussion emphasizes the difference between personal brands, represented directly by an individual, and business brands, which may showcase multiple team members. This approach aims to offer relatable content for audience members looking to understand social media success from a brand perspective.
The Success Story of Frownies
Frownies, a skincare brand specializing in anti-aging wrinkle patches, was revitalized by Helen, who took charge of their social media presence in 2020. The brand has grown significantly from approximately 8,000 followers to nearly 300,000 on Instagram and TikTok, leveraging social media to increase brand awareness. Helen’s approach involved initially experimenting with Instagram stories and later capitalizing on video content as it evolved with the introduction of features like Instagram Reels. Her focus on making engaging content helped transform Frownies into a recognizable brand in the skincare community.
Community Building Over Direct Selling
Helen emphasizes the importance of building a community over simply making sales through social media platforms. By treating social media interactions with a human touch, she nurtures customer relationships that foster brand loyalty. Engaging with followers through direct messages and comments led to deeper connections, which ultimately boosts sales indirectly. Education and storytelling about the brand and its products play a pivotal role in cultivating this community, allowing potential customers to develop trust and familiarity without feeling pressured to make immediate purchases.
Different Strategies for TikTok and Instagram
The distinct nature of TikTok and Instagram necessitates varied content strategies for effectively engaging audiences. TikTok is known for its reach potential, drawing in large numbers of views, while Instagram serves as a platform for building community through consistent and relatable content. Helen notes that while some content overlaps between the two platforms, unique approaches and specific content types are tailored to exploit each platform's strengths. For example, TikTok encourages more spontaneous and informal posts, while Instagram favors engagement-driven content that nurtures established relationships.
Navigating Algorithm Changes and Maintaining Engagement
As engagement levels fluctuate across platforms, brands must adapt their strategies to maintain or increase visibility. Despite experiencing lower views compared to previous peak periods, Helen encourages focusing on authenticity and the community rather than the numbers. The challenge lies in continuing to foster genuine connections despite algorithm changes that impact reach, emphasizing the need to engage with the audience actively. This persistent commitment to customer interaction not only nurtures relationships but also creates a supportive environment, enabling long-term success.
In today's episode, I talk with Helen (@frownies 300k), a content creator and key player at Frownies, a family-owned brand with a unique history dating back to 1889. Frownies, known as the original wrinkle patches, offers natural alternatives to Botox and has gained a significant following on both Instagram and TikTok. Helen shares how she transformed Frownies’ online presence, growing it from just a few thousand followers to nearly 300,000 on each platform.
Helen discusses the strategies behind building a brand without relying on her personal identity, instead crafting a relatable brand persona and community. We dive into how she uses social media for more than just sales, emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through DMs and comments. Helen also explains her approach to managing different content styles across Instagram and TikTok, the impact of viral videos on brand visibility, and the role of community engagement in sustaining audience loyalty. Whether you’re building a business brand or personal brand, Helen’s insights on nurturing community and creating a trustworthy, likable presence are invaluable for anyone looking to grow authentically on social media.
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