Branding isn’t just about colors, fonts, or a perfectly curated Instagram feed—it’s about taking a stand. In this episode of the BrandWhys podcast, I break down why having clear, bold opinions in your brand messaging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity in 2025.
Think about it. How many times have you scrolled past yet another fitness influencer’s post about macro counting or a generic “beach body” routine? The industry is cluttered with surface-level advice, and if you don’t take a stand, your brand will blend into the background. Your audience needs to know what you believe in, and they need to trust that you’re the expert to guide them.
Silence is Not Neutral
A common hesitation I hear from business owners is, “But I don’t want to be negative or controversial.” And I get it. No one wants to invite unnecessary drama into their brand. But here’s the truth: your silence is not neutral.
When you stay quiet about industry misinformation, harmful trends, or common misconceptions, your audience assumes you agree with them. By not speaking up, you unintentionally validate outdated, ineffective, or even toxic beliefs in your niche. Taking a stand isn’t about stirring up drama—it’s about clarity, trust, and genuinely helping people.
Identifying What to Speak Up About
If you’re wondering where to start, consider these prompts:
- What misinformation in your industry frustrates you the most?
- What are the myths you find yourself debunking over and over again?
- What’s a topic you wish your clients would stop getting confused about?
The answers to these questions will guide you toward the bold opinions that should be a part of your brand messaging.
For example, if you’re a pre/postnatal fitness coach, instead of trying to appeal to everyone, you could take a stand against the toxic “bounce-back” culture. Saying something like “I believe that new moms shouldn’t feel pressure to look like they never gave birth—I help them rebuild strength sustainably over one to two years.” Yes, some people may disagree, but those aren’t your people. The ones who resonate? They’ll feel seen, understood, and ready to work with you.
Handling Pushback With Confidence
One of the biggest fears around bold branding is the inevitable pushback. Let’s address it:
- Losing Followers: If someone unfollows you because they don’t align with your values, that’s not a loss—it’s a filter. You’re refining your audience to people who truly connect with your message.
- Getting Negative Comments: Engagement (even disagreements) can boost your reach. If someone is disrespectful, you can block them. If it’s a genuine discussion, respond with confidence.
- Being Wrong: Science evolves. Research changes. Experts adjust their messaging all the time. The key is transparency—if new information emerges, share that journey. It makes you more credible, not less.
Content Prompts to Get You Started
If you’re ready to start incorporating bold opinions into your brand, here are three content ideas to use right away:
Caption Prompt: The Fitness or Nutrition Myth That Needs to Die
- State the myth
- Explain why it’s wrong (with 2-3 quick supporting points)
- Provide a clear alternative or better approach
Example: The “No Pain, No Gain” mentality is outdated. Here’s why it’s harming your progress and what to do instead.
Email Prompt: The Truth Nobody Talks About
- Subject Line: The truth about [industry topic] that nobody is talking about
- Open with a client story or personal experience
- Drop the truth, backed by knowledge or research
- Offer one simple action step
Example: The truth about protein shakes: Do you really need them? Here’s what actually matters when it comes to muscle growth.
Social Media Prompt: Unpopular Opinion
- Start with “Unpopular opinion:”
- Drop a strong statement
- Follow with context or an example
- End with actionable advice
Example: Unpopular opinion: Your “clean eating” obsession might be disordered eating in disguise. Here’s how to spot the signs and shift toward actual balance.
Your Brand Needs to Reflect Your Message
Having bold opinions is powerful, but they need to be backed by a brand that walks the talk. If your website or social media messaging is misaligned, it can confuse your audience.
Ask yourself:
- Does my website messaging match my actual beliefs?
- Is my Instagram a true reflection of what I stand for?
- Do potential clients instantly understand my approach?
If the answer isn’t a confident yes, it might be time for a brand refresh.
Taking Action: What’s Next?
I’m challenging you to take action this week. Choose one of the content prompts above, create a post or email, and share it. Then tag me or DM me so I can hype you up! If you feel like your brand isn’t supporting the message you want to share, let’s talk about whether a rebrand is the next step.
Your voice matters. Your expertise matters. And your willingness to take a stand might be exactly what someone needs to hear today.
If you’re curious where your brand currently stands, take my brand clarity quiz at jesscreatives.com/quiz and find out if you’re a “squiggle” or a “square.”
And of course, if you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, share it on Instagram, and tune in next week for another bold branding conversation!