Hey there. “Provide value.” It’s a marketing buzz phrase you’ve probably heard a thousand times. The funny thing is, many marketers don’t truly understand what it means to provide value. Instead, they assume they know what their audience wants—and often, they’re wrong.

Here’s the truth: your audience knows what they need better than you do. The only way to consistently provide value is to listen, gather feedback, and adapt. Let’s dive into what this looks like in practice.

The Real Definition of Value

Providing value isn’t about flashy campaigns or clever taglines. It’s about solving a problem, addressing a need, or making life easier for your audience. The only way to know if you’re succeeding is by tracking conversions—however you define success—and gathering feedback from your audience.

But be careful: even your benchmarks can be misleading if they’re not rooted in what your audience truly values. This is why ongoing assessment and adaptation are critical.

Start with Feedback

Your audience is constantly giving you information. The question is, are you paying attention? Here are a few ways to gather feedback effectively:

1. Surveys
   Keep them short and focused. One to three multiple-choice questions paired with an open-ended question like, “What do you need from me right now?” can yield valuable insights.

2. Social Media Engagement
   Pay attention to the comments, likes, and shares on your content. These interactions offer real-time feedback on what resonates.

3. Simple Emails
   Send a straightforward email asking, “What’s something you could use from me right now? No ask is too big—just let me know.” This approach encourages honest responses and helps you identify actionable opportunities.

Adapt in Real Time

The beauty of modern marketing is the ability to test and adjust quickly. Use the feedback you receive to refine your message, products, and services. When someone shares a need or pain point, act on it. Often, addressing one person’s concern can benefit a broader audience.

Remember what we learned in school: if one person has a question, many others probably do too.

Context Matters

Providing value isn’t just about the content—it’s also about how and where you deliver it. Each platform has its own style and expectations. What works on YouTube might not resonate on TikTok. Being contextually relevant means tailoring your approach to fit the platform while staying true to your brand.

For example:

• Short-form videos are now widely accepted across platforms, but their tone and style should align with each platform’s audience.

• Avoid simply chasing trends. If you can tie a trend into your brand authentically, go for it—but don’t force it.

Be Clear and Concise

One of the most important lessons in marketing is this: clarity and conciseness matter more than cleverness. While creativity has its place, your audience wants to know exactly what you’re offering and how it benefits them.

When it’s time to sell or promote something, be direct. People appreciate transparency, and it builds trust over time.

The Power of One-on-One Connections

In a world dominated by metrics and analytics, don’t overlook the importance of one-on-one communication. Personal interactions can inspire ideas that resonate with a wider audience.

For example, if someone responds to an email with a specific request, consider creating a piece of content or a product that addresses their need. Chances are, others in your audience will appreciate it too.

Providing value is about more than just throwing content into the void. It’s about listening, adapting, and meeting your audience where they are.

If you’re ready to see these strategies in action, join my Almost Daily Email. I focus on helping people build a better relationship with themselves and apply those lessons to all areas of life, including health and fitness.

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