The Secret Sauce to Building a Movement: Messaging That Sticks
Are you tired of movements that fizzle out before they even get started?
Well, my friend, I’m about to change that. The key? Crafting a message that sticks like glue. See, you can have all the passion in the world, but if your message doesn't land, your movement's dead before it even gets started.
I'm going to walk you through the exact steps to build a message that sparks people into action. By the time we're done, you'll have the power to transform casual interest into unshakable commitment.
Ready to get started? Let's dive in.
1. Your Message is Your Mission in Action
Your message isn’t just words on a page; it’s the soul of the operation. If it doesn’t have a pulse, it won’t be reaching anyone. Think of it like walking into someone’s house for the first time. You can always tell if they’re minimalist chic or if they’re still clinging to the pottery they made in third grade. Your message should be unmistakably you—and leave no question about what you’re about.
Real-Life Parallel: Ever ordered coffee and told them your name was something ridiculous just to see if they’d say it out loud? That’s what your message should feel like—bold, maybe a bit risky, but memorable.
Action Step: Write down your mission and values, then distill it into a single, unapologetic line. Test it out on friends—if they can repeat it back after hearing it once, you’re on to something.
2. Build Radical Connection
Broadcasting your mission like a megaphone in an empty room won’t cut it. Movements thrive on the feeling that we’re all in this together. It’s a lot like getting a group of people to clap in rhythm at a concert—when you feel like you’re a part of something, you’re invested. People need to see themselves as co-conspirators, not just bystanders nodding along.
Real-Life Parallel: Think of a time you joined a club, not because you cared about the topic, but because you liked the people. Or remember that “fun run” your friend dragged you into? Same thing.
Action Step: Try “we” language. Think “we’re on this wild ride together” rather than “you’re helping us.” Subtle, yes, but it flips the script from “us and them” to “all of us, together.”
3. Communicate the Urgency and the Possibility
Look, people know there’s a lot going wrong out there, but most of us are at “impending sense of doom” capacity. What we need is urgency and hope—a roadmap out of the mess. It’s like telling someone the house is on fire but, by the way, the fire escape’s over here.
Real-Life Parallel: Remember that time you procrastinated on a paper, only to finally start when the panic got real? A little pressure gets things done. But hope keeps you from giving up entirely and binge-watching TV instead.
Action Step: Balance “this matters now” with “here’s how we can fix it.” Give your people one clear, doable action. Nothing too overwhelming. Start small, and they’ll be back for more.
4. Scale Through Storytelling
Let me let you in on a little secret: people don’t connect with statistics. It’s stories that stay with us, the ones we pass along like they’re the gospel truth. Stories are sticky—they get passed around at dinner tables and whispered in bars. If you’ve got a movement, you’ve got to give people something they can share like a guilty pleasure.
Real-Life Parallel: Think about every Tinder horror story you’ve heard or told. Why are those stories so easy to remember? Because they’re raw, they’re relatable, and they’ve got a human edge.
Action Step: Pick one story that embodies your mission. One person, one transformation, one “aha” moment. Tell it again and again—everywhere. Make it your calling card.
5. Stay Agile with Your Messaging
Your movement is like a sourdough starter—it needs a little attention and adjustment to stay alive. Messaging isn’t a one-and-done; it’s an ongoing conversation. As you grow, your message might shift slightly, or need some finesse, but your core values should remain rock-solid.
Real-Life Parallel: Think about that one time you tried to hold a strict diet, only to realize “forever” is a big word. You learned to adapt instead of quitting. Same with your message—stay true, but don’t be afraid to tweak.
Action Step: Every few months, go through your messaging. What’s getting likes, shares, and comments? What’s falling flat? Adjust accordingly, but don’t lose the original flavor.
Final Thought:
Creating a movement people want to join is work, no doubt. But if you get your messaging right, it becomes the reason people keep coming back. Think of it as your mission’s guiding light—the one that tells people “This is who we are, and this is why you’re here.”
So, what are you saying right now? Is it resonating, or just floating out there in the ether?
Ready to make your message impossible to ignore? Subscribe to the newsletter for more unapologetic insights, or book a Fit Call to turn that flicker into a flame. The world’s waiting for what you have to say—make sure it’s unforgettable.
