Content creation tasks have just blown up in the last 5 to 10 years, with the advent of extra online channels and the ways in which people can find and digest content. I would urge you to take a step back though, and make sure you are spending the right amount of time on the right kind of content. And that, my friend, means focussing on channelling your energy into valuable Hero Content. What is Hero Content? This is the long-form content which is: planned thought-through focussed on your ideal client/customer audience (or avatar), and best demonstrates your expertise or knowledge Its main purpose is to help you to be found in searches (Google, YouTube, and social … [Read more...] about Choose Your Hero Content Platform
Social Media
The following blog posts cover a variety of topics within the area of social media. We share insights into some of the platforms themselves, the strategy behind using them or simply how to blend this channel into your digital marketing strategy.
Facebook Messenger for Pages
Facebook Messenger for Pages was introduced as a product into Business Pages back in 2015, but has evolved and broadened in functionality since then. In this post I hope to help explain the context of the product so that you understand how it can be used for businesses who use Facebook. (Updated as of May 2020). Why you should use Messenger for Pages Today, people expect to be able to communicate with you on social media. You cannot pretend otherwise - because if you did, it would be to your detriment and result in lost opportunities. You need to embrace the fact that you are able to have two-way communication with your audiences. Facebook gives you ample opportunity to leverage ways … [Read more...] about Facebook Messenger for Pages
Instagram versus Facebook
I often get the question about Instagram versus Facebook. Instagram is one of the fastest growing platforms out there at the moment (at time of writing.) While you may think: “ah, its the same as the others” - it really isn’t. There are some key differences in how it works and how you use it. It may not be for everyone, but it is one you need to watch. The Major Differences of Instagram 1. Algorithm / Newsfeed The way the newsfeed algorithm works is different to how you experience Facebook, Twitter or even LinkedIn. If you look at Instagram versus Facebook, for example: Facebook's content is, on the whole, ranked particularly based on it's global popularity which determines reach of … [Read more...] about Instagram versus Facebook
Community Management
This is the 5th and final post of a series I have written providing some help and advice to answer the question: "How much will social media cost me?" Make sure you read the full series – ‘Social Investment’. Social media is not a 'set and forget' environment. It is highly charged with conversation and action. So, while I do advocate scheduling content (which has already been thought-through and planned) - it is still important that you pay attention too. This means you need to be live on the platforms each day to make sure you are responding to people and also being seen to be sharing other people’s content. For bigger businesses, they may well be using social media as a serious … [Read more...] about Community Management
Social Media Admin
This is the 4th post of a series I have written providing some help and advice to answer the question: How much will social media cost me? Make sure you read the full series - 'Social Investment'. This is an area that is largely dismissed in the scheme of things. It is however, a very necessary part to maintaining your consistency in ‘showing up’ for your audiences, and staying relevant. While strategy and content creation are crucial, the administration of how these two display themselves across social media means that your admin and systems need to be spot on. I call this “skilled” admin. This isn’t just a matter of drearily ticking boxes of scheduling content and running a report … [Read more...] about Social Media Admin
Content Creation Sweat
This is the 3rd post in a series I have written providing some help and advice to answer the question: How much will social media cost me? Make sure you read the full series - 'Social Investment'. This area is definitely not given as much time and attention as it needs to be. I think I can best describe underestimating content creation by saying it's like expecting to win the London Marathon by making sure you walk 30mins a day with your dog. Disjointed thinking right? Exactly. Value is at the heart of creation In order for you to truly attract your ideal customers on social media…or at least ‘find’ them - you need to value them. You value them by really getting to know them and what … [Read more...] about Content Creation Sweat
Tips for Social Media Managers
We are now 15+ years down the line with social media and yet I still come across people and businesses who haven’t quite understood that social media needs some focus when it comes to systems. More often than not, one person has been “gifted” with the job of “looking after social media” in the business and the rest of the team get on with their jobs. I’m here to be the reality check: social media affects everyone in the business and it’s a collaborative process. This means that this lonely person is not the VOICE of your business, they are responsible for helping you convey the message of course, but the ultimate origination of the message doesn’t necessarily come from him or … [Read more...] about Tips for Social Media Managers
Mobile and App Usage Trends
Designing for “mobile” is key to reducing friction and holding the attention of your audiences. This concept is at the heart of everything we do and advise our clients on. As a business, you need to keep an eye on global trends on (1) advances in technology and (2) the behaviours of the users of that technology. Today, you cannot ignore certain inalienable truths - i.e. that you are affected by: software, hardware, social media and human behaviour …and this is unrelated to what business or industry you are in. That means…the ice-cream shop in Florida (like Vicky Jeavons’ “Haze Ice Cream” that just got the other side of Hurricane Irma); the chocolate shop in Sydney … [Read more...] about Mobile and App Usage Trends
Business Interview: Lisa Brice
This is a series where we go out and have a Facebook Live interview with a local business owner. We talk about their business, what the story is behind why they started their specific business and how they are using social media to support their ambitions. In this interview, we talk to Lisa Brice, who runs her training and consultancy business from Pitsford in Northamptonshire. She is a Master NLP Trainer and a Personal Performance coach. Her clients are brands like Philips, Carlsberg and Ernst and Young. Lisa Brice's background… Lisa and I go way back, so I was really keen to share her wonder with you in this interview. Her background stems strongly in the property industry - with her … [Read more...] about Business Interview: Lisa Brice
Business Interview: Caroline Prout
This is a series where we go out and have a Facebook Live interview with a local business owner. We talk about their business, what the story is behind why they started their specific business and how they are using social media to support their ambitions. In this interview, we talk to Caroline Prout, who runs her Hypnotherapy Practice from Islip (near Thraptson) in Northamptonshire. Caroline Prout's background… In the video, you’ll learn about the three career Caroline has had - and what her journey to entrepreneurship has been like. Like Ellen, in our previous interview, she has had quite a tough personal path to choosing the business she specialises in today. Her passion … [Read more...] about Business Interview: Caroline Prout