We tend to want a lot out of our brands. We want to reach an audience, sell a product or service, support our families, do some good, promote a cause. And then, if our brand has some time, can we also use it to build up other women?

As a female-owned and operated business, we have the utmost respect and appreciation for the hard work women are doing out there. And how we can help prop up our fellow females is always on our minds. 

So we thought we’d share a few ways you can help build up women around you as you climb the ladder. 

Hire Women

It sounds easy enough, but hiring women is likely THE number one way to use your brand to directly impact the lives of women. Doing a branded photoshoot? Hire a female photographer. Need a virtual assistant? A CFO? A content manager? 

HIRE. A. WOMAN.

Pay Fair Wages

One of the issues at the center of the women’s movement is the pay gap. The specifics of which are open to a lot of conversation. The bottom line is if you are looking to propel women within your sphere, paying them a fair market value salary is a must. 

Offer Education 

This one is a win-win. When you are considering products, a classic option is an online course. Not only is it a fairly low cost/low production option for bringing in revenue, but it’s also a way to help elevate anyone in your audience. So often I think we women are looking at our favorite brands going “I wish I could…” without knowing where to start. When you give your fans a place to learn, you’re adding in brand equity while uplifting those around you. 

Intentional Content and Communication

How are you addressing the specific problems women face that your brand solves? We all see the world differently, but there are certainly female lenses that you can put on. Does that mean all your content has to be directed at women? No. But it may not hurt to acknowledge and approach conversations from the perspective of motherhood, female relationships, women in business, feminine health, and more. 

For example, let’s just say your brand produces all-natural soda water. Your Instagram feed can show male surfers packing them into their cooler on the beach. It can also show a mom-on-the-go stuffing one into her purse. 

Sometimes your product is all that’s needed to make someone’s life better. If you’re not aiming your content at the women who need your product most, they could be missing out. 

Smart Partnerships

One of the best ways for women to support women is to hook arms (hanging at the mall in 2002 style) and form a partnership that’s mutually beneficial. 

A few ideas include:

• Barter services with another small business owner to help you both ascend while saving money.
• Collaborate on products, courses, and services.
• Develop a referral program so your fans can earn for sending customers your way. (Affiliate marketing, referral discounts, brand ambassadors, etc.)

Spotlights

Using the content platforms at our disposal, we all have the opportunities to highlight those who we think are also doing excellent work in our industry. Whether you interview someone on your podcast, tag their product in a picture on Instagram, or offer a shoutout on Twitter, make sure your audience is exposed to the brands and business owners you want to see succeed!

Whether it’s women, people of color, local small businesses, or LGBTQ entrepreneurs you want to support, all of these are ways that you can help uplift people who may not necessarily be first in line for opportunities, but who are deserving and amply available to mingle with your brand.