It takes time to build your brand.  Sometimes, when the marketing is on point and the social media is strong behind a good product, a brand can really take off...that is always the goal.
Even if a brand takes off quick, it takes a while to massage and craft the perfect message and story.

That can go away in a snap if you are not careful.

Organic social media is so impactful.  You can tell your story, show off your brand and do so without spending a dime.  
Organic social is what every brand needs to start with and continue as they grow and see results.
But, what happens if the organic social numbers fall off?  What happens if they don't produce the same results they did a few years ago?

Should you quick the social game?  NO - not a chance.
Add an ad...it can be very impactful.

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, we have consistently learned more about what make the social outlet work and more importantly, what they presented to their audience.

Today, the outlet took another step by sharing some info about what causes you to see a tweet and what is presented in your feed, especially the "for you" tab.

I am always waiving the flag for video.  Every single business should include video as part of their marketing campaigns, but it should not be the only avenue.

Instagram has released an update to their ad platform that could help make them more powerful.

Via a release by Google, they are adjusting and adding more to their local services ads.

More than 70 business categories are now available which will help reach those that are looking for a specific business nearby their location.
Directly from the release -
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With Local Services Ads, you can advertise your services at the top of Google Search results pages and receive quality phone calls, messages and appointment bookings in the areas you choose. Plus, you can easily track performance and manage your leads, including listening to call recordings with potential customers. You can also manage your listings, like updating your hours and service areas, either on desktop or through the Local Services Ads mobile app (Android and iOS). Meanwhile, potential customers can see your business information, read reviews, look at photos and either call, message or book— all directly within your ad.

This is very, very important for businesses because it is so simple to pick up your phone, type in XXXX near me, and see what the results are.  That is what a lot of people do for many different things.  So, if that continues to add more businesses, the more reach those businesses have.

A nice addition to Google Ads!

​Stuck and need social help?  Always here to help...send me an email and let's chat!
C Emsweller

Your website is your online business card and truly should be show off what you do, why you are the best and how you are different

It is that simple!

Twitter designer Andrea Conway shared an interesting graphic showing off how you can see why you are seeing the tweets you are.

It looks simple - hit the 3 dots, click the "why you're seeing this tweet" and then you see why....so it isn't that complex, but does take time to review, especially if you are seeing a lot of random tweets, which is occurring more frequently.

A welcome addition that should help decrease some confusion.

The social world is LOUD!  It is noisy with so many different outlets and opinions and thoughts on why you have to add to your arsenal right now...don't wait, jump on the newest trend, get in with the newest social outlet.

You must do your homework and explore all, but don't let FOMO push you away from the traditional outlets that you should focus on day after day.

Again, when a new outlet becomes popular, look into it.  But, will your business fail if you aren't trending on the new outlet?
No.

So, where do you focus your time and energy when starting to build your social, digital plan?
1 - Facebook.  The Grandaddy of em all.  It is still the most popular, still the beast and still one that you as a business MUST be engaged with.  Yes, the younger generation claims they do not use Facebook, and they may not, we will get to them later, but most decision makers and most of the people in your target audience (regardless of you industry and demographics you are reaching) will be on Facebook.
A business page is a MUST on Facebook.

2 - Instagram.  Popular, pictures and video, owned by Facebook so it knows how to work (and make money).  It is here and not going anywhere.  It is an outlet you should be involved with, especially if you produce products, have a brick and mortar store, do anything visual, you must be on Instagram.  It also helps you reach that younger audience that isn't on Facebook.  Most people are on both, but Facebook is an older demographic, while Instagram is younger.

3 - LinkedIN.  Business Facebook.  Can get salesy, but is very powerful.  It is one you must be on if you are sharing links or pictures or even video. It is where a lot of decision makers are on and frankly, a huge outlet that really hasn't reached its potential.  Now, not as popular as the 2 above and sometimes people don't check as frequently, but it is very powerful.

4 - TikTok - every professional marketing will tell you your business MUST be on TikTok.  I don't agree.  I think it can be powerful, and if you are very creative, on-site with your marketing, have consistent products to show off, or again - can be very creative....then TikTok is great.  If you are just showing off boring pictures and videos - and I don't mean that negatively - then stay away from TikTok.  If you can dance or want to get in front of the camera to bring attention to your brand, it can be powerful.  Some industries can use it well, some can't.  It is an outlet that is gaining steam (and controversy), but something to keep an eye on.

5 - Twitter.  Now, I use Twitter for news and sports.  It is a great place for that.  Am I looking there for brands? No.  With the new ownership it might shift, but the ads are still eh, and the platform still has issues.  It is very cool for news and sports, but if you are not in that industry, Twitter is not a must.  If you are there, and active, and share your content, it can be powerful, but not a must.


Each outlet has its own flaws.  Each one is changing and updating and adapting, and this list may be different in 6 months, but right now, it is not crucial for you to be on 4000 different outlets.
Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.  Start there.  If you do video, then add YouTube.  Those are where you start, everything else is gravy.

Don't get overwhelmed with the noise.  Focus on your, your brand and where you can be most impactful. 

​Stuck and need social help?  Always here to help...send me an email and let's chat!
C Emsweller

Twitter recently released 6 trends that will drive the conversation and in turn, the engagement, during the upcoming March Madness basketball tournament.

These are all great - 
Have a bracket, use hashtags, watch your timing, engage with brands that are sponsors, etc.

But, I think there is more that you can do.  Just a few ideas that are quick and can be very powerful during the upcoming basketball tournament

1 - Ask what team your audience will be following.  Add a graphic and have them comment with a picture in their team gear, ask for a gif response - anything to get the conversation going.  Everyone wants to share who they are cheering for and why.

2 - If you are face-to-face with your clients and industry, hold a happy hour or small event to check out the games.  Thursday and Friday of the tournament are quasi-National Holidays and it is very easy to get a room rented, buy some apps and try to have as many clients, or prospective clients, together in one place.  A nice "thank you" for your business, almost like a real-life watch along.

3 - Run a daily poll.  Ask who your audience will be upset, or who might win one of the biggest games.  Again, all about engagement.  Get them interacting with your page and each other.  Everyone wants to share their opinion, and allow them to do so in a poll.

4 - Hold your own bracket with something in your industry.  Maybe a "what feature of a new home is best".  Pick 8, let the audience choose and have winners move on until you crown a champion.  Easy to do?  Not as the others, but might have some good, solid engagement.

5 - Engage with your followers.  If you see someone post they are cheering for team X, and they win, add a comment with a congratulations.  It is easy to like, comment and engage with your already existing audience.  It takes time, and must be done deliberately.  


These are a ton of ways to engage with your audience as the world turns its eyes to college basketball.  Be part of the action and have fun!

In a release by Facebook, there are some advancements on the way to Reels, which has become widely popular for business and individual use.

Read the entire release here.

In late February, LinkedIN announced a few updates that will not only help businesses do more with their newsletter platform, but also giving individuals a chance to spruce up their profile.

The AP released a very interesting article going into great detail about how news destinations are trying to hit a younger generation through social media, such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and more.

The rain can be soothing, relaxing and peaceful...but it can also be depressing, make you tired and stump your creative thinking.

Don't get stressed thinking about what to post the next time you have a rainy day outside.  Check out these 5 post ideas that are easy, simple and can create good interactions with your followers!

Twitter published a new blog article going into great detail about adding Podcasts to their platform.
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Podcasts are added to the Spaces option and will be very easy to access and listen to, similar to how Spaces are set up right now.
(image courtesy of twitter)

​Google Ads just updated their best practices, and today, we will dig into each practice and touch on how you can improve your Google Ads.