Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kimberley Grabas, Founder of Your Writer Platform, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

YourWriterPlatform.com is an online platform that offers comprehensive resources and services for aspiring and established writers to build their author platform, enhance their online presence, and effectively market their books.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an avid reader all my life, but only in the last few years have I had the audacity to call myself a writer. I had always thought that “one day” I would write a book or two – particularly for children – but it can be surprisingly easy to let life talk you out of the things you really want. That “one day” finally came. Contemplating being a writer was no longer enough for me, so I started to take action. But, with my abundant experience in sales and marketing, I couldn’t help but bring a bit of my old world into my relatively new writing career. That’s how the concept of Your Writer Platform was born. Since 2013 I have followed this path, working with writers and other creatives to help build a brand and community around their work. The more I teach others, the more I learn myself, and the YWP community has continued to grow in a way that is extremely gratifying.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

With a degree in business, over 22 years in sales & marketing, and a purpose-driven passion to help writers build an audience around their work, I have built a go-to resource for authors struggling to gain visibility in a crowded market. My goal is for this community to continue to grow and evolve and to support authors on their journey to build their creative destinies.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the biggest challenges of being a business owner is struggling to prioritize my massive to-do list. Working with highly creative people continues to spark my own creativity, and there is an endless stream of possible projects, client work, and other opportunities that are all vying for my attention. Add this to the daily task list of running an online business, and it can become overwhelming if I’m not intentional with my planning.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

As a brand strategist and marketing expert, here are my top 3 tips for those looking to start, run, and grow a business today:

  1. Define Your Brand: Your brand is not just your logo or website design but the perception and emotions associated with your business. Take the time to define your brand identity, including your mission, values, unique selling proposition (USP), and target audience. Your brand should be consistent across all touchpoints, from your website and social media profiles to your marketing materials and customer/client interactions. Understanding and articulating your brand will help you differentiate yourself from competitors and attract loyal customers/clients.
  2. Build a Strong Online Presence: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for business success. Create a professional website that reflects your brand identity and is optimized for search engines. Develop a content strategy to provide value to your target audience through blog posts, videos, podcasts, and social media content. Engage with your audience through social media, email newsletters, and online communities. Leverage digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing to reach and engage with your target audience effectively.
  3. Focus on Customer Relationship Management: Building strong relationships with your customers is crucial for long-term business success. Provide excellent customer/client service, respond promptly to inquiries, and actively seek feedback to improve your products or services. Offer personalized experiences, rewards, and loyalty programs to incentivize repeat purchases and customer referrals. Building a community of loyal customers/clients who advocate for your brand can significantly help with your brand’s growth and expansion.

Building and growing a business takes time and effort. Stay consistent, be adaptable, and continuously evolve your strategies based on market feedback and customer/client needs. With the right approach and dedication, you can create a successful brand and business in today’s competitive landscape.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://yourwriterplatform.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourWriterPlatform/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwriterplatform/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerplatform
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleygrabas/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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