October 18th, 2024
How 5 Woke-Free Brands Are Winning Big – And What Your Small Business Can Learn
Woke-free brands are flipping the script by rejecting activist trends and focusing on timeless values like personal responsibility, faith, and patriotism. As companies like Hobby Lobby and Black Rifle Coffee Company have shown, aligning with these principles is not just a statement—it’s a winning business strategy that builds unshakable loyalty. So, what’s the smarter move: bending to fleeting social trends or doubling down on what truly matters to your customers?
↗️ Strategies for Woke-Free Business Success
1. Stand Firm on Your Core Values
Brands like Hobby Lobby teach us that standing by your beliefs—even when it’s unpopular—creates loyalty. Hobby Lobby famously fought its case all the way to the Supreme Court, refusing to provide certain contraceptives through its employee healthcare plans based on Christian principles.
The Takeaway:
The goal isn’t to please everyone; it’s to build trust with people who align with your values and beliefs.
2. Build a Loyal Community
Black Rifle Coffee Company isn’t just selling coffee—it’s selling a way of life. With a brand that supports veterans, promotes patriotism, and defends the Second Amendment, Black Rifle has built more than just a customer base; it’s created a movement.
The Takeaway:
When customers feel they belong to something bigger than themselves, they become your most powerful marketing force.
3. Use Controversy to Your Advantage
Goya Foods found itself at the center of controversy when its CEO expressed support for President Trump. Predictably, calls for a boycott followed. But Goya didn’t cave—instead, the company leaned into the moment.
The Takeaway:
Don’t shy away from controversy. Use moments of backlash to energize your supporters and rally your community.
↗️ Final Thoughts: Follow the Anti-Woke Playbook
By standing firm on your principles, building loyal communities, embracing controversy, offering alternatives to woke giants, and engaging directly with your customers, you can position your small business for success in today’s fractured marketplace.
So here’s the real question: What’s more important—chasing the latest woke trend or staying true to your convictions? If you ask me, the answer’s obvious. As these successful brands have shown, customers reward authenticity. Stick to what you believe in, and the right customers will follow.
