Let’s face it—running a small business is tough. You’ve got a million things on your to-do list. But there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: your brand strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, having a solid brand strategy is essential. Here’s why:

1. It Sets You Apart from the Crowd

There are countless businesses out there, and standing out is no easy task. A clear brand strategy helps you carve out your own unique space in the market. It’s not just about a cool logo or catchy tagline (although those help!). A brand strategy defines who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you different. It gives your business a personality and helps customers connect with you on a deeper level.

2. It Builds Trust and Loyalty

People are more likely to buy from businesses they trust. A consistent and clear brand strategy builds trust by making sure your messaging, tone, and visuals align with your values across all touchpoints—website, social media, packaging, you name it. When customers know what to expect from your brand, they’re more likely to come back for more (and tell their friends about you).

3. It Guides Decision-Making

As a small business owner, you’re juggling a lot of decisions every day. A strong brand strategy acts as your compass, helping you make choices that align with your values and long-term vision. Should you create that new product? Expand into a new market? A brand strategy helps you answer these questions by keeping you focused on your core message and goals.

4. It Helps You Connect with Your Ideal Customer

A brand strategy isn’t just for you—it’s for your customers, too. When you know your audience and what resonates with them, your marketing becomes a lot more effective. A good brand strategy helps you understand who your ideal customer is, what they care about, and how to speak their language. With this knowledge, you can create content and campaigns that really hit home.

5. It Drives Growth

At the end of the day, a strong brand strategy is all about driving growth. It helps you attract new customers, retain existing ones, and build long-term success. A brand that stands out, builds trust, and speaks to the right people will naturally lead to increased sales and opportunities for expansion.

How to Get Started with Your Brand Strategy

Building a brand strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by defining your brand’s mission, vision, and values. Think about what makes you unique and what kind of experience you want your customers to have. From there, create a consistent visual identity (logo, colors, fonts) and develop messaging that speaks to your audience. And don’t forget to evaluate and adjust your strategy as your business grows!

You can download our FREE Brand Planner Workbook here!

We’re thrilled to announce that our grant application for the ExitNavigator project has been approved, and we’re now gearing up to launch! With this program, you’ll have access to a professional business exit coach who will provide confidential, personalized one-on-one assistance, guiding you through each step of the exit planning and sales process. We believe this project will be an essential tool for those looking to exit smoothly and strategically. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, announcements, and tips as we get ready to launch this exciting new service!

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On Thursday evening, we hosted our annual Highwood Hustle & Heart at the stunning Eau Claire Distillery to celebrate our incredible clients and reflect on the remarkable year at Community Futures Highwood.

We were honored to have Tanya Thorn - Okotoks Mayor and High River Deputy Mayor Jenny Jones speak, along with presentations from our amazing businesses: Jordan Ridge Sauces, Brain Health Catalyst, Image__marketing, The Salt Cellar, Bates & Burritt RE/MAX Complete Realty, and Timber Ridge Firewood. And a very warm thank you to our Board of Directors, our CF staff, and our partners!

It was an evening filled with great company, a delectable charcuterie spread, and an opportunity to celebrate with our vibrant business community! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and to all the helping hands that made the Highwood Hustle & Heart possible!

The Power of 360 Photos to Enhance your Google Business Profile

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for small businesses. One tool that has proven to be valuable in creating a presence for business owners online is a Google Business Profile. These free profiles offer an opportunity for business owners to showcase their products and services to a wide audience. While having a Google Business Profile is a great place start, 360 photos can really make your business’s profile stand out.

What are 360 Photos?

Before diving into the importance of 360 photos on a Google Business Profile, let’s clarify what they are. 360 photos can be captured using specialized cameras that have the capability to capture images in all directions simultaneously, stitching them together to produce a seamless view. When viewed, they allow users to explore the image by panning and tilting, giving them an immersive, interactive experience.

The Visual Impact

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate 360 photos into your Google Business Profile is the visual impact they create. Traditional static photos can only convey a limited perspective of your business. As mentioned, 360 photos provide a more immersive experience that allows potential customers to virtually step inside your business from the comfort of their own home.

This experience allows potential customers to explore the ambiance, décor and other important factors that drive purchase decisions, significantly influencing and informing their decision to choose your business over other competitors.

Increased Engagement

360 photos have been shown to increase engagement on Google Business Profiles. Compared to Google Business Profiles with static images, customers are more likely to click on your profile when they see an intriguing 360 photo thumbnail. When users have the option to interact with 360 photos, they are also more likely to spend time exploring your profile. The extended engagement not only keeps potential customers interested but also signals to Google that your profile is relevant and engaging, potentially improving your search ranking.

Building Trust and Transparency for a Better User Experience

Consumers value transparency when making decisions about where to shop, dine, or do business. 360 photos go above and beyond traditional static images by infusing a profound sense of authenticity into an interactive viewing experience. They allow potential customers to feel a strong sense of confidence as they explore your business and its surroundings, eliminating any doubts or anxieties that often accompany the search for new establishments.

The transparency provided by 360 photos is a distinguishing factor in the crowded marketplace, as it sets your business apart from most Google Business profiles that rely solely on static images. By embracing this immersive technology, you send a powerful message – one that communicates your commitment to engaging with potential customers on a deeper level. This willingness to provide a comprehensive view of your offerings can serve as a considerable competitive advantage, particularly in industries where consumers have many options.

In a world where customers crave a clear understanding of what to expect and a desire to minimize the risk of disappointment, 360 photos offer a compelling solution, making your business an appealing and trusted choice.

Showcasing Your Unique Selling Points

Every business has unique selling points for features that set it apart from competitors. Whether it’s a beautifully curated space, breathtaking views, state-of-the-art equipment, 360 photos can help you highlight these distinctive features effectively.

How to Add 360 Photos to Your Google Business Profile

360 photos are a powerful tool for enhancing your Google Business Profile. They create a visual impact, increase engagement, build trust, showcase your unique features, and provide a better user experience. By incorporating 360 photos, you can set your business apart from your competition and make a lasting impression on potential customers. In an era where online presence matters more than ever, embracing this immersive technology can be a game-changer for your business.

If you’re ready to take your Google Business Profile to the next level, reach out to our Digital Service Squad today to book a free 360 photo session!

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Community Futures Highwood is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our Board of Directors!

As a Board member, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the economic development of Southern Alberta. CF Highwood provides loans, business training, and support services to entrepreneurs and small business owners in our communities. We are looking for an individual who is committed to helping local businesses thrive and grow.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A passion for economic development and community building
• Professional experience in finance, business, law, marketing, or a related field
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• A willingness to commit time and energy to attend meetings, training, and to provide support to our organization

As a member of our Board of Directors, you will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the strategic direction of the organization
• Make a meaningful impact on local businesses and communities
• Network with other business leaders
• Develop your leadership and governance skills

Time Commitment

• Commit 2-3 hours monthly for meetings with the exception of July, August, and December
• Be able to commit additional time for training, strategic planning, meeting preparation
• Respond to email communication in a timely manner
• Attend the annual Community Futures Highwood AGM

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, please reach out to our Executive Director Ursula Sherwood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you ready to ride the wave of visitors and excitement that the highly anticipated 2023 Alberta Summer Games will bring to the Okotoks and Diamond Valley communities this July? With an estimated 6,500 people expected to attend, it's time to ensure that your small business is ready to be found online. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with potential customers and maximize your business's visibility. Get ahead of the game and prepare your digital presence to make a lasting impression!

Discover these last-minute tips and tricks to ensure that your business can be easily found online by the influx of visitors during the 2023 Alberta Summer Games.

1. If you haven't already, set up a Google Business Profile:

Boost your business's online visibility by setting up a Google Business profile. This free and powerful tool allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. Fill out your profile with accurate and compelling information such as your business hours, address, phone number, website, and a captivating description of your offerings. By having a Google Business profile, you will increase your chances of being discovered by the many visitors flocking to the 2023 Alberta Summer Games that are searching for things to do in the area.

2. Optimize your social media account bios and location:

Take a few moments to optimize your social media account bios and location information. Craft persuasive and relevant descriptions that highlight your business's offerings. Showcase any special offers, promotions, or unique products/services that visitors might be interested in. Ensure your location is accurately marked, allowing potential customers to find you easily. By optimizing these key elements, you'll capture the attention of visitors searching for businesses like yours and entice them to choose you.

3. Update your action buttons on Facebook and Instagram:

Maximize customer engagement by updating the action buttons on your Facebook and Instagram accounts. Customize these buttons to guide visitors towards specific actions such as "Shop Now," "Book Now," "Contact Us," or "Learn More." Having these buttons prominently displayed on your profile pages, makes it effortless for potential customers to take the desired actions. By streamlining the user journey, you'll increase conversions and make it convenient for visitors to interact with your business during the bustling 2023 Alberta Summer Games.

4. Create relevant social media posts leading up to the event and use proper hashtags:

Generate buzz and capture the attention of both local and visiting audiences by creating relevant social media posts leading up to the 2023 Alberta Summer Games. Share exciting updates about your business's involvement, any special event-related offerings, or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Incorporate captivating visuals and compelling captions that convey the excitement and value your business brings to the event. Don't forget to include proper event-related hashtags, such as #ABSummerGames2023 or #SummerGames, to expand your reach and tap into the event's online conversations. By leveraging social media strategically, you'll spark interest and curiosity among potential customers, driving them to your business during this exciting time.

5. Don't forget to tag your location when posting on social media:

When sharing posts related to the 2023 Alberta Summer Games on social media, don't overlook the importance of tagging your location. By tagging the event's specific locations, venues, or even the host Towns of Okotoks and Diamond Valley, you'll increase the visibility of your posts to those who are exploring or searching for content in those areas. This simple step helps your posts appear in location-specific feeds and increases the chances of reaching potential customers who are attending or following the event. Be sure to include relevant hashtags along with the location tag to maximize the discoverability of your posts and drive targeted traffic to your business.

With the 2023 Alberta Summer Games just around the corner, it's crucial for small business owners to seize the opportunity to get found online by the influx of visitors and drive traffic to their establishments. By implementing these last-minute tips and tricks, you can enhance your digital presence and maximize your business's visibility during this exciting event.

If you are looking for assistance with any of the tips above, you can access FREE 1-on-1 digital support form our DSS team! Sign up today at dep.businesslink.ca

Natasha, our Digital Service Squad member, was featured on Season 2 Episode 4 of the Business Life of Husband and Wife Podcast!

On the podcast Natasha discusses tips and tricks for creating content for organic growth. Her passion for helping small businesses drives Natasha; she joined the Community Futures Highwood team to help business owners in the community develop and implement practical digital tools to generate brand awareness and consumer engagement.

You can stream Natasha's episode on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Castro, and YouTube! Visit the Business Life of Husband and Wife Website to listen in!

Community Futures Highwood had the honour of celebrating 4 members of our community with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medals last night!

These commemorative medals are a tangible way to honour and acknowledge the significant contributions of individuals to our community.

A huge congratulations to our medal recipients Judy McMillan-Evans, Pamela Morgan, Orvella Small, and Verna Staples!