Growing with Sustainable Marketing
Here at Bloomshine, we’re dedicated to helping your brand put the ABILITY in sustainability. Every brand has the opportunity to do what they do best while also being mindful of the ways that their business impacts the environment. And no, we aren’t just talking about recycling your kombucha bottles for flower vases (though we do recommend that!)
In the world of digital and social media marketing, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it is more than just promoting businesses with green initiatives — it’s about lasting impact and using your brand's influence to build a better future for everyone. We are mainly talking long-term here.
Luckily, there are some actionable short-term tips for your blooming digital business:
Avoid Greenwashing.
With so many more people paying attention to their environmental choices, authenticity is key, and providing true eco-friendly options is ideal. However, what isn’t ideal is greenwashing your product/services. Greenwashing is the act of misleading the market into thinking a business’ product or service is more environmentally friendly than it really is.
Greenwashing not only damages your brand reputation but can also lead to legal repercussions. Share concrete data on your eco-friendly initiatives, substantiating claims with measurable results. Transparency builds trust.
Our tips? Avoid using language that makes customers think they are making a sustainable choice without the evidence to back it up! Check out this link to see some of the FTC guidelines regarding greenwashing to help protect consumers.
Sustainable Sourcing and Content Creation.
Let’s face it: There are essential items that you need to run your business effectively — we get it. But just like at home, your business can consider sourcing new necessities secondhand to reduce environmental impact. Even influencers all over the world are checking out eBay, Poshmark, and TheRealReal to get their items pre-loved. The positive feedback that they have received fuels their audience and encourages them to do the same!
Our tips? Lead by example, as they say, by showcasing sustainable content creation; source props second-hand or rent equipment that you may only use once or twice. Leverage the power of social media influencers to amplify your sustainability message. Collaborate with influencers who align with your eco-conscious values, creating a ripple effect among their followers. Authenticity resonates in the digital space.
Investing in the Future.
Okay, we admit that not everything you will need for your business can be purchased second-hand. That is absolutely fine! Once you have confirmed that an item is not available elsewhere, ensure you are researching for quality equipment. Investing in your business means thinking ahead about how much you will be using your tools and how often you will need to replace them. Purchasing the lowest budget option feels like a better choice in the short term but can often lead to higher replacement rates for that item.
Our tips? Taking the time to really look into what the true cost of an item is overall and thinking about the ROI on each purchase your business makes, can really go a long way over time. Take this tip a few steps ahead by thinking about how your business can utilize things like solar panels, how many carbon emissions your business is using and why, or even its supply chain, and how making it more efficient can impact more than just the budget!
Watch Your Digital Carbon Footprint.
Did you know the digital marketing industry contributes to carbon emissions? Every click has an environmental footprint, from server energy consumption to data storage. Your social media influence carries weight and can influence or de-influencing potentially large audiences.
Our tips? Consider eco-friendly hosting providers, optimize your website for energy efficiency, and support initiatives like renewable energy certificates. Use your social media channels for good and engage your audience by raising awareness.
In the digital realm, sustainability isn't a limitation; it's an opportunity to innovate responsibly. And even if your business isn’t necessarily labeled as a “sustainable” business, there are still small (and large) things you can do to set your brand apart while helping the world around you.
If you’re looking for guidance on integrating sustainability into your business’s digital marketing strategy, Bloomshine’s team of seasoned experts is here to meticulously plan every step (in the short and long term!), weeding out all the unnecessary details, giving your digital strategy room to grow and thrive.
How to Get Started.
Ready to thrive? Let your digital presence shine brightly, and get in touch with us today at hello@bloomshinemedia.com or visit our website bloomshinemedia.com.
Stay Connected.
Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok so that we can chat about digital marketing, discuss the latest trends on social media, and trade gardening puns.
Together, let's rise above the noise, bloom with authenticity, and create lasting change.
Bloomshine Media – Nurturing Growth, Fostering Impact.