Hey change makers, it's time to sit down and plan your social media content calendar again. Before you dive into celebrating holidays and fun days, I recommend taking a step back. Choose only two holidays or fun days to celebrate, and focus the rest of your content on evergreen topics.
What does this mean? Evergreen content is timeless and stays relevant and valuable over a long period. Unlike news or trends that fade quickly, evergreen content remains informative regardless of when it's consumed. It typically addresses fundamental questions, provides basic information, offers tips or guides, or discusses enduring topics within your industry or niche. This type of content consistently attracts traffic and engagement, making it a valuable asset for your social media platforms. Here are eight evergreen social media content ideas for your mission-driven organization:
For social media marketing support tailored to your nonprofit's needs, reach out to me. Let's work together to amplify your mission and create lasting change. A few days ago, the northwest corner of Connecticut experienced a massive storm, and within minutes of the storm starting, my house lost power immediately—no power, no WiFi, not even reception. Luckily, texting 911 is an actual option, and we were able to text for help during the storm emergency. It’s a good thing to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in danger and can only text.
This situation got me thinking: we often discuss how to prepare for social media crashes, but what about when the lights go out and power may not be restored for 12+ hours? As a marketing specialist, I'm here to provide my expertise on keeping your business operational during such challenges. Here are my recommendations: Pre-Schedule Campaigns
Automate Responses
Offline Work
Client Communication
By having these measures in place, you can ensure your marketing business remains functional even during power outages. Pre-scheduling social media posts, email campaigns, and setting up automations are among the best ways to keep your business running smoothly, no matter the circumstances. As a business owner, it’s essential to be proactive and prepared for unexpected disruptions. Implementing these strategies will not only safeguard your operations but also demonstrate reliability and professionalism to your clients. Promoting big events can be challenging, but with a strategic approach to social media, you can maximize your reach and engagement. Here are some tried-and-true tips for making the most out of your event promotions: Weekly Posting for Sustained EngagementWhen you’re promoting major events, consistency is key. I recommend posting once per week to keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them. Regular posts ensure your event stays on their radar, building anticipation over time. Diversify Your Visual ContentTo keep your social media feed fresh and engaging, create different graphics for your event promotions. This is particularly important for platforms like Instagram, where visual variety is crucial. You don’t want the same graphic showing up multiple times and becoming stale. For Facebook, repeating graphics can work fine due to its different content consumption style. However, variations can still enhance engagement. Consider designing multiple iterations and variations of your promotional graphics. This way, you have new visuals ready to go out each week, keeping your audience intrigued and excited. Refresh Your CaptionsJust as with visuals, refreshing your captions is essential. Each time you post something new, tweak the caption to add a fresh perspective or highlight different aspects of the event. This not only keeps the content interesting but also provides more information and reasons for your audience to attend. Increase Urgency as the Event NearsAs the event date approaches, ramp up your posting frequency. Consider doing a few back-to-back posts to create a sense of urgency. Your captions should emphasize that time is running out and encourage immediate action. Use countdowns and strong calls to action, like “Buy Now” or “Don’t Miss Out,” to drive home the urgency. Final ThoughtsBy maintaining a consistent posting schedule, diversifying your visuals, refreshing your captions, and increasing urgency as the event approaches, you can effectively promote your event and increase attendance. Remember, the goal is to keep your audience engaged and excited from the first announcement to the final countdown.
Stay creative and strategic, and watch your event promotions make a significant impact! There are several reasons why your social media account is underperforming and not driving any traction or action for your business. To properly solve the issue, it is important to identify the source of the problem.
As a social media strategist, I offer social media audits which include reviewing your:
If your social media is not bringing results for your business, I can help. Schedule a 1-hour consultation with me today, and we will strategize together on how to make your social media better: caitlyngradmarketing.hbportal.co/public/661bebb53e21430019f99d71/1-Schedule_your_session In today's digital landscape, finding the right marketing agency to elevate your business can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it's crucial for business owners to navigate this space cautiously to avoid falling victim to scams or unscrupulous practices. Here are 5 essential steps to help you safeguard your business and make informed decisions when choosing a marketing agency: Do Your Research Start by thoroughly researching potential agencies. Look beyond flashy websites and catchy slogans. Check their credentials, client testimonials, and reviews on reputable platforms. A reputable agency should have a track record of delivering results and positive feedback from past clients. Verify Credentials and Experience Ensure that the agency has the necessary expertise and experience in your industry. Ask for case studies or examples of past work relevant to your business. Verify their credentials and certifications to confirm their credibility and commitment to professional standards. Transparent Communication Transparency is key when dealing with any marketing agency. Look for clear and open communication from the initial consultation onwards. Beware of agencies that make unrealistic promises or refuse to disclose their methodologies and processes. Define Clear Objectives Before engaging with an agency, clearly define your marketing objectives, budget, and timeline. Communicate these expectations upfront to ensure alignment and avoid any misunderstandings later on. Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, trust your instincts when evaluating potential marketing agencies. If something seems too good to be true or if you feel uneasy about certain aspects of the partnership, don't hesitate to seek clarification or walk away. Your intuition can be a powerful ally in avoiding potential scams or unfavorable arrangements. Conclusion In conclusion, selecting the right marketing partner is a crucial decision that can significantly influence your business's success. By adhering to these five essential steps and exercising due diligence, you can reduce the chances of being duped by scams and establish a productive partnership that fosters growth and value for your business. Hello, my name is Caitlyn Grad, and I'm a social media manager and marketing consultant. I'm passionate about ethics, honesty, and transparency, and I'm eager to explore ways we can collaborate. Please fill out my contact form, and I anticipate learning more about your business and how I can assist you.
When I was first starting my business, I thought I could do everything for free and that there was no need to invest in tools when I could do it cheaper or even for free. One of those areas of my business was a CRM, also known as customer relationship management, which is used for managing customer interactions and data. I thought, "I don't need this. It's a waste of money." I didn't understand why I should invest when I could use Notion and a DIY template. However, months later, I discovered that leads had gone unresponded to because my website failed to alert me, and the backend was ineffective at finding a mutual time for discovery calls. Not only was it making everything difficult and consuming too much time, but I finally said to myself, "I can't keep doing this." So, I chose to invest in HoneyBook after a friend suggested it and I found a 50% off deal for the year. I thought, "This is my chance to test out the tool." Because the truth is, when you're starting a business as a solo entrepreneur, every dollar counts, and you want to ensure it's going to the right place. It's been magical. I can now have a contact form, and I get alerted about a new contact. I have an automation sequence, so I never have to write another email, and prospects can book a time on my calendar. I can use lead forms and digital invoices, so I can slowly move away from only accepting checks. It has me shaking my head, wondering why I didn't invest sooner. Here's your sign: you do have to invest in order to make money, and a CRM like HoneyBook has been my best investment yet. Check it out for yourselves here.
One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of your business's success is the use of stock photography. Whether you're obtaining it ethically through licensed platforms or simply grabbing images from the vast expanse of the internet, or worse yet, entrusting your brand's image to a company offering cut-rate social media management services under $500, it's time to put a stop to it.
Why? Because relying on stock photos makes you blend in with the crowd. And let's face it, being just like everyone else in the competitive world of business is a surefire way to get lost in the noise. You don't want your content to be cookie-cutter; you want originality, uniqueness, and a custom approach tailored specifically to your brand. So, what's the solution? It's time to start investing in creative assets that truly represent your business. That means committing resources to developing unique graphics, taking authentic photos, crafting engaging videos, and devising marketing strategies that set you apart from the competition. It may require a bit more effort and investment upfront, but the payoff in terms of brand authenticity, customer engagement, and long-term success will be well worth it. After looking at lots of social media profiles, I've picked out my top three tips for making your business better on Instagram. Let's get started! 1. Be Authentic in Your Instagram StoriesThink of your Instagram Stories as your personal stage. Showcasing the real you helps to foster a deeper connection with your audience. Take them behind the scenes of your daily life, involve them in decision-making processes, and let them see the human side of your business. This authenticity builds trust and loyalty. 2. Invest in Quality PhotographyWhile spontaneity has its charm, investing in high-quality photos is essential for making a lasting impression. Consider scheduling a professional branding photoshoot and pay attention to the visual presentation of your products or services. Good photography not only grabs attention but also communicates professionalism and reliability. 3. Embrace Instagram ReelsDon't underestimate the power of Instagram Reels. You don't need fancy equipment or elaborate setups; just hit record and start sharing your story. Overcome any hesitations and showcase what makes your business remarkable. Authenticity shines through, and your audience will appreciate the genuine connection. Remember, these tips are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more insights on mastering social media marketing!
As a young professional in the dynamic realm of marketing, I've encountered my fair share of stereotypes and misconceptions. People often underestimate my abilities, dismissing me as too young or inexperienced to make a real impact. But I refuse to let these stereotypes define me. Instead, I see my youth as my greatest asset—a superpower that sets me apart in an industry that craves fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Reflecting on my journey, I recall the pressure to conform to traditional notions of professionalism. I believed I needed to wear a blazer, adopt a serious demeanor, and suppress my creativity to be taken seriously. But I soon realized that stifling my authenticity only hindered my potential for success. I refuse to conform to outdated stereotypes, choosing instead to celebrate my creativity, passion, and individuality. In my eyes, success is not measured by age or experience but by the ability to authentically connect with audiences and drive meaningful change. With unwavering confidence, I challenge the notion that youth is a barrier to success in marketing. I am tech-savvy, agile in navigating digital trends, and unafraid to experiment with unconventional approaches. I reject the idea that experience is the sole determinant of impact, believing instead that youth brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge the status quo. If you're ready to take your marketing strategy to the next level, I invite you to consider hiring me as your partner. Together, we can create campaigns that resonate, engage audiences, and make a real difference in the world of marketing. Let's make waves together!
Take a deep breath—Instagram and Facebook experienced a crash this morning. Just as you're feeling the frustration, remember, they are equally distressed because their app outage translates to revenue loss. Now is the ideal moment to reassess your marketing strategy. Start Your NewsletterIf you haven't initiated the process of building an email list, explore platforms such as MailChimp or Constant Contact. Make your choice based on your budget and preferences, as there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Start by designing a template and deciding on the frequency—whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly—depending on your business needs. Tailor the content of your newsletter to cater to your audience, whether it's a community-focused update or an exclusive business share. Join a New PlatformNext, seize this opportunity to explore a new social media platform. If you've been eyeing TikTok, now is the time to dive in. With users flocking to alternative platforms during the outage, you can capitalize on increased awareness and reach for your business. Learn SEOConsider dedicating time to your blog and search engine optimization (SEO). Explore YouTube tutorials to enhance your website's SEO and learn how to create engaging blog content for organic traffic. The app crash might just be the push you need to focus on acquiring new skills. Start Your YouTube Channel or PodcastVenture into video content creation on YouTube or start that dream podcast. The app downtime offers a chance to explore the strategies you've been putting off due to a lack of time. Attend an In-Person NetworkingTraditional marketing and networking events shine in this situation. Attend in-person events to promote your business. Check out local Chamber of Commerce events, explore BNI (Business Network International), or find other networking opportunities in your area. This is an excellent chance to step out of your comfort zone and make valuable connections. ConclusionWhile the situation may be stressful, having a plan in place is crucial. Remember, adaptability is key in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Use this downtime as an opportunity to refine your strategies and build a resilient online presence.
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AuthorMy name is Caitlyn Grad, and I'm a marketing and communications professional. I help clients in social media, email marketing, websites, campaign support, and more to navigate the fast and ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Archives
July 2024
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