Wickedly Branded: Beverly Cornell on Unlocking the Magic of Content Marketing — Thrive Global

“Your brand story isn’t just about you-it’s about the transformation you create for your audience. When you step into your authenticity and speak directly to the right people, marketing stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming a powerful tool for connection and growth.” — Beverly Cornell

In today’s fast-paced digital world, creating compelling content and establishing a powerful brand presence can feel overwhelming for many entrepreneurs. With so much noise in the marketplace, standing out requires more than just a great product or service-it demands a strong, authentic message that resonates with the right audience. Beverly Cornell, founder of BC & Associates Marketing, has mastered the art of helping businesses cut through the clutter and create marketing strategies that not only engage but also drive real growth. With a passion for branding and storytelling, she helps entrepreneurs clarify their message, define their audience, and develop content that feels effortless yet impactful.

In this exclusive interview, Beverly shares her insights on content marketing, brand strategy, and the importance of finding your “why.” She breaks down common mistakes business owners make, offers practical steps for building a content plan, and explains how to simplify marketing without losing authenticity. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur struggling with social media or a seasoned business owner looking to refine your brand, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your marketing game. Get ready to learn how to create content that not only attracts but also builds lasting connections with your audience.

Thank you so much for joining us, Beverly! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Thank you for having me, Stacey! My journey into marketing and branding began with a deep love for storytelling and a passion for helping businesses authentically connect with their audience. I founded BC & Associates Marketing because I saw so many purpose-driven entrepreneurs struggling to build a strong brand presence while feeling completely overwhelmed by marketing. Many of them wear multiple hats-CEO, content creator, salesperson, strategist-and they’re often unsure of how to effectively communicate their value. That’s where I step in.

I’ve always been fascinated by communication and connection. Growing up, I was constantly told I had the “gift of gab,” but I never imagined that skill would shape my career. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless businesses, helping them break through the noise, establish a clear brand identity, and create content strategies that actually work. My approach is all about simplicity, clarity, and impact-helping entrepreneurs cut through the chaos so they can build a brand that not only attracts but also retains loyal customers.

You talk a lot about the importance of “finding your why.” Why is that the foundation of a successful brand?

Your “why” is the heartbeat of your business-it’s the reason you wake up every morning and do what you do. Without it, your brand lacks depth, purpose, and direction. When you have a clear “why,” it acts as a compass guiding every decision you make, from your marketing strategy to the way you engage with your customers.

Think of it like the secret ingredient in cooking. If a chef prepares a dish with passion and purpose, you can taste it in every bite. The same principle applies to business-when people can see and feel your passion, they connect with you on a deeper emotional level. This is what creates brand loyalty. A strong “why” helps entrepreneurs avoid jumping from one marketing tactic to another, giving them a strong foundation to build from. Without it, businesses often struggle with inconsistent messaging and fail to create a lasting impact.

Many business owners struggle with creating content. What’s the biggest mistake you see them make?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is entrepreneurs trying to appeal to everyone. When you try to speak to everyone, you end up resonating with no one. Successful brands know exactly who they serve, and they speak directly and intentionally to that audience.

Another major mistake is creating content without a clear strategy. Many business owners post randomly, hoping that something will work, without any real structure or purpose. Content creation isn’t about just posting for the sake of visibility-it’s about delivering value that moves your audience closer to engaging with your brand. If your content doesn’t have a defined purpose-whether it’s to educate, inspire, or convert-it’s likely to get lost in the noise. That’s why having clarity and intention behind every piece of content is critical for long-term success.

How do you help clients determine their ideal audience?

I always start by asking, “Who is your dream client?” The one person you love working with the most-who values what you do, appreciates your expertise, and benefits the most from your services. Understanding this ideal client’s struggles, desires, and transformation goals is key to crafting a brand message that speaks directly to them.

Once we define this, I help my clients refine their brand voice so that their messaging resonates authentically and powerfully. We also use audience personas, breaking down key details like demographics, values, and pain points. When businesses understand who they are truly serving, they can create highly effective, targeted content that builds stronger relationships and deeper connections.

You often use the analogy of a dinner party when talking about content strategy. Can you explain that?

Absolutely! Imagine planning a beautiful dinner party-you create an amazing menu, set the table beautifully, and curate the perfect ambiance. But if you don’t invite guests or forget to follow up, what happens? No one shows up.

This is exactly what happens in content marketing. Entrepreneurs spend time creating amazing content, but if they don’t properly distribute, engage, or invite their audience into the conversation, their efforts go unnoticed. Content isn’t just about publishing posts-it’s about nurturing relationships, building trust, and creating conversations that lead to long-term engagement.

What role does storytelling play in effective branding?

Storytelling is everything when it comes to branding. People connect with stories far more than they connect with facts or sales pitches. A great brand story creates an emotional connection, making your audience feel something that draws them closer to you. When you share your journey, your struggles, your victories, and the lessons you’ve learned, you make your brand relatable. It humanizes your business, making you more than just a company selling a product or service-you become a trusted guide, someone your audience can see themselves in. This is what builds trust and loyalty. A compelling story inspires action, whether it’s a purchase, a follow, or simply a deeper engagement with your content.

How can small business owners maintain a strong brand presence without feeling overwhelmed by content creation?

The key is to simplify and systemize your content strategy. Many small business owners feel overwhelmed because they think they need to be everywhere, posting constantly, but that’s not true. Instead, focus on where your audience is most active and create a manageable schedule. Repurpose content-one great blog post can become multiple social media posts, a video, an email, and even a podcast topic. Batch your content creation so you’re not scrambling daily. Use tools like AI to help with brainstorming and structuring your ideas. Also, don’t be afraid to outsource certain tasks if it frees up your time to focus on what you do best. Content creation should work for you, not drain you.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are hesitant to put themselves in front of their brand?

I completely understand that stepping in front of your brand can feel intimidating, but people don’t connect with faceless logos-they connect with people. When you show up as the face of your brand, you build trust. If you’re hesitant, start small. Share parts of your story, show behind-the-scenes glimpses, or go live just to engage with your audience in a real, unscripted way. Perfection isn’t the goal-authenticity is. Your audience doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but they do want to feel like they know you. The more you show up, the more confident you’ll become. And once you see the impact, you’ll realize that stepping into your brand is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Where can our readers follow your work online?

You can find me at https://wickedlybranded.com/ or simply search Beverly Cornell on Google. I’m also active on social media and always happy to connect with business owners looking to elevate their brand and content strategy.

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, Beverly! This was incredibly insightful.

Thank you, Stacey! My passion is helping entrepreneurs simplify their marketing, amplify their message, and build brands that truly resonate. I hope this conversation inspires business owners to step into their brand power and create content that drives real impact.

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Originally published at https://community.thriveglobal.com on February 25, 2025.