“Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel” Inspiration for Bloggers

“Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel”

Inspiration for Bloggers

The inspiration well ran dry, huh? 😔

We’ve all been there. Those times when you are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas are not our proudest moments. 

But here’s something that will blow your mind:

Writer’s block is not an ailment, but an excuse.

A very, very persuasive excuse, but an excuse, nonetheless. The truth is that the stringing together of any words is writing. Whenever you think that you just can’t put any words down, believe me, you can. They may be clunky, or even hideous in some cases, but at least your thoughts are rolling.

Bloggers with their consistent need for new topics and inspiration may become burdened with this excuse. However, we are here to remind you that you can and will carry on!

 

Get the Ball Rollin’

Topics sometimes spark a fire, while other times, it barely emits a glimmer. For those times when you need a boost, remember to keep freewriting in your back pocket. Freewriting lets the brain throw up all its ideas, giving room to write without judgement and social pressure. You don’t have to be perfect the first time. Marketing extraordinaire, Ann Handley, calls this “The Ugly First Draft” or “TUFD” in her book, Everybody Writes. Don’t be afraid of ugly writing, for that is the only way you get better!

 

Keep the Ball Rollin’

Occasionally, you get a topic that sticks with you. The words flow like a river barreling down a steep slope. The rule that you can only write about something once is false. You can write about the same post as long as you have new things to say. A new development or perspective can diversify your writing, even help you specialize. If you have an idea to spice up something you previously wrote, go for it! Sequels aren’t always terrible.… look at the Toy Story movies and the Harry Potter franchise. They got it right, and so can you!

 

What’s New?

There’s always a question to be answered, a problem to be solved, a situation needing expertise. While your interest in the subject may seem more important than other’s interest, that isn’t always true. 

Let’s say your audience digs Snuggies, but you have always been more of a blanket person. There’s a reason why much of your audience took an interest in that one thing. Through research, you might find something phenomenally interesting about Snuggies (like the option for pockets or the breezy mobility of sleeves). There is always room for fresh opinions in the writing world. You’ll bring something unique being you’re originally a blanket person, rather than a hardcore Snuggie snuggler.

Keep your eyes peeled for those trending topics and learn why they’re big news. Find the reason for the fuss, and you might uncover an undiscovered passion for the subject

 

Extra Tips for “Writer’s Block”

Here on some extra little tidbits to refresh your blogging!

 

NextCore Media

 

The Bottom Line

You’re the only one with your voice. Period. No one on Earth has the exact experiences, personality, and style as you. Blogging, specifically, gives you the freedom to write the way only you can. Treasure that. Let it fuel your confidence when it’s running on empty and free you from the shackles of personal judgement. That way, you’ll never be scraping the bottom of any barrel. 

All you need to do now is write.

#Relatable: Relatability & Marketing in 2020

#Relatable

Relatability & Marketing in 2020

Mask slid down your face as you were talking?

#Relatable

Rocked pajama pants to your last Zoom meeting?

#Relatable

Traveled to 18 different grocery stores to find ONE roll of toilet paper?

#Relatable

 

New norms have reformed our definition of relatability. This has caused content creators to get more creative than usual.

There’s a reason why Influence Network is calling “relatability” the new buzzword for marketing. With the whole world on lock down, many people are scrounging for any type of connection. 

However, budgets shrink in recession. That is only natural, but marketing… that is one that should be left untouched.

“Reducing media investment exacerbates losses” by “66%” according to LinkedIn. Plus, daily digital traffic is at an all-time high… this should give more than enough reason to hop on the digital advertising bandwagon.

Brands need to surf on the edges of relevant and relatable, while staying clear of the rip tide of sensitive topics. Relatability is, objectively, the most important tool in marketing in 2020, so understanding it is the key to riding the 2020 wave.

 

Relatable Marketing

The entire world is experiencing this new lifestyle together. A lifestyle inundated with new restrictions and boundaries. More than ever, people are escaping to the screens for some spark of connection. 

The New York Times outlined the spike in social media usage since the beginning of quarantine. Social media usage is soaring, especially video content. Now the reason why?…That’s interesting.

Snapchat reports that 77% percent Millennials and Gen Zs “say short-form premium mobile video makes them feel like they are a part of a community of people like them”. There is a sense of bonding when people feel connected to a larger group.

Video brings people together. There’s a difference in how engaged you are on a video call as opposed to a voice call. Video calls give you more stimulus to focus your attention. But most of all, it breathes humanity into the interaction. Some of that humanity face-to-face transfers over into video content. 

Now, with the world on its side, video content is shifting in nature. TikTok For Business recently launched around the focus of creating short TikToks instead of studio-staged, fully produced video ads. The low-quality ad creatives movement offers a splash of authenticity, creativity, and humor to traditional brand video content. This “low-quality” content is what makes it truly relatable, something that anyone can pick up their cell phone and make. It’s not a “sales and marketing” tactic, it’s relatable to the point that everyone does it. 

People are craving human interaction more than they ever have. Marketing has the capacity to play on this need. Think about this. The entire world can relate on one situation. This rarely happens. Therefore, this should be thoroughly considered in all marketing. A wider audience of people can be reached with short, relatable stories than ever before.

 

2020. What a Year.

Looking back, I can’t imagine this is how you thought your year would go. However, we must pick ourselves up, dust off, and push forward. Marketers always perch themselves on the edge of each trend, but this is different. Marketing is reworking itself with safety in mind. Here are some brands that have done well with the restrictions over their head:

  1. Heineken’s Back to the Bars campaign has been zoning in on optimism and caution during post-quarantine bar reopening. Their spotlight is on having good times, safely, while supporting local bars.
  2. Dove’s Courage is Beautiful ad features the heroes of the pandemic and how Dove is serving them as best as possible.
  3. Buffalo Wild Wings’ Sports Live On touches our inner trickster athletes, showing the unique creativity of athletes at home. 
  4. Uber’ Thank You For Not Riding actually thanks their customers for not using their product during the pandemic. You can’t get any more genuine than that.
  5. Apple hit home with their Creativity goes on ad. Filmed and photographed amidst quarantine, the video is incredibly relatable, giving hope to millions of creatives.

Each of these ads showcases humans adapting and overcoming overwhelming lifestyle changes. Their success is pinned to the fact that they are relatable. Relatability is not a “trend” like a viral dance or Flappy Bird. Relatability is reality. It is the shared connection between people. It bonds or divides unlikely friends and foes. Wielding it precisely is a superpower, as it gives a brand life. Build your brand’s life right in this time of unyielding uncertainty.

Still curious as to why you should advertise during COVID? Check out some mind blowing stats here.

Does This Word Get Capitalized? A Beginner’s Guide to Copywriting

Does This Word Get Capitalized?

A Beginner’s Guide to Copywriting

Copywriting. It’s everywhere and entwined in almost everything. Ads. Websites. Emails. Marketing, advertising, and sales revolve around this crucial task. Having recently ventured into the land of copywriting, here’s a list of tips, tricks, and resources to aid you on your quest for magnificent copy.

 

The Internet Is Your Greatest Weapon

Get used to asking for help. Along with actually copywriting, referencing others is the best way to learn. The resources out there are boundless and accessed so conveniently. Here are a few online blogs that have become vital to my copywriting process.

Here are some blogs for content strategy and marketing news:

  1. Buffer Blog – Buffer is an infamous social media scheduling platform. They host a variety of resources that can help writers try to figure out what and how to say things.
  2. MarketingProfs – MarketingProfs runs a tight ship when it comes to webinars, courses, and articles about anything marketing. They often post tip articles to give their audience a leg up in marketing.
  3. Hubspot – Hubspot is a great resource to help you coordinate a successful content strategy. They are devoted to growing businesses and their brands, so make sure to check out their “Resources” pages!

For general writing tips, reference:

  1. Regarding the title, there are plenty of websites that will automatically capitalize your title. Some even do it to certain writing styles!
  2. You can find help on punctuation on The Punctuation Guide.
  3. Grammar is an entirely new game in copywriting. It doesn’t have to be strict and formal, but the grammar does have to match your branding and audience. Susan Gunelius palpably breaks down the subject in Entrepreneur.
  4. Starting from scratch? Take a look at Joanne Wiebe’s post, “The Ultimate Guide to No-Pain Copywriting (or, Every Copywriting Formula Ever)”. Wiebe outlines simple formulas that deliver significant results.

All in all, there are a plethora of resources you can utilize in creating the best copy possible.

 

Let It Be, Let It Free

Let the words flow on the paper without judgement and over analyzation. The first draft is always rough, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. Free writing allows your brain to spit out all the thoughts before self-doubt clouds your judgement.

Vivian Wagner from Psychology Today describes freewriting as, “where we play and experiment, where we make connections and form thoughts.” Freewriting opens an honest part of your brain, not littered with rules and standards. This is where the best (and worst) ideas are thought up. 

I encourage you to write/type whatever comes to mind first. Disregard grammar, the need for continuity, and spelling. That will come with time and the second draft!

 

KIS – Keep It Simple!

NextCore Media’s COO and Co-Founder, Christian Ladigoski, likes to use the phrase “Is it simple enough for a 3rd grader to understand?” If someone has never heard of your idea, product, or service, you need to explain it in an understandable manner. Sure, writing sprinkled with elegant words and elongated sentences can be beautiful, but not in copy. How is someone going to read a 10-paragraph essay about your company’ awesomeness when they don’t even read the 3-word ad in the subway?

Copy should pop and be easily understood. Complexity delays people from enjoying what you’ve written.

 

Review Again…and Again… and Again…

The moment you realize there is a mistake in your copy is an embarrassing one. That’s why you must catch mistakes with profuse review from not only yourself, but as many others as possible. Fresh eyes catch errors that yours might not catch. You know what you’re trying to say, but will others? 

Review is polish to tarnished silver. If you want your work to sparkle, you’ve got to put in the effort. An extra review never hurts!

 

Concluding Copy

Copywriting is a highly sought out skill. With so much of the world’s eyes glued to the internet, writing becomes necessary to speak to the masses. It drives everything from awareness to conversions, while sparking conversations and shares. Proper and efficient use of this skill stands out on a resume and gives a leg up over competition. Hone your skills wisely, my friends.

Happy writing!

Mission Im-PURPOSE-ible Explaining Your Brand Vision & Mission

Mission Im-PURPOSE-ible

Explaining Your Brand Vision & Mission

Why?

Of all the question words, this one looms over your head like a hawk circling prey. The word gets especially confusing in business scenarios. According to Gallup research, only 41% of employees knew the reason in which their company stands and their company’s differentiating factors. That’s scary. This points to a problem with a lack of training or worse… weak, forgettable vision and mission.

Image Source

Just got chills thinking about it! Don’t let your vision and mission go sour. Let’s talk about ways to revitalize them!

 

Mission vs. Vision

These two are commonly mistaken for each other. HubSpot does a fabulous job explaining the difference. A mission “clarifies the what, who, and why of a company”, while a vision statement explains “where the company wants a community, or the world, to be because of the company’s services.”

Basically, the vision statement is the why and the mission statement is the how. Vision is the purpose for a brand’s existence and explains the brand’s or company’s social responsibility.

 

The All-Encompassing “Why?”

A company or brand “why” is not impressive sales revenue, or the number of products sold. (Although it is nice when you have those things.) 

Let’s start from the top. What problem do you wish you could solve as a person? Excessive waste? Poverty? Hunger?

Yes, we want to solve them all, but you have to narrow it down based on company/brand values. Visions are broader statements that need mission(s) to clarify them. For example:

 

“Here at MagicalUnicornCompany we work to save animals and people while protecting the planet we hold so dear.”

 

Okay, that’s great. How are you doing that? Are you creating minimal waste, providing clean water to needy areas, or using only cruelty-free products? A customer can’t possibly know what you’re about through that bland blanket of a vision statement. You need to supplement it with goals in your mission!

 

Don’t Let Specificity Be a Restraint on Vision

There is a way to be too narrow with your vision, as well.

 

“Here at MagicalUnicornCompany we work to feed all blonde zebras red oat grass.”

 

Now, this is incredibly over-exaggerated, but the point is clear. Blonde zebras are incredibly rare and the red oat grass makes this vision even harder to accomplish. This statement could be a means of accomplishing the goal of “saving the zebras”, but not a great vision. Extreme specificity can be a major pitfall in vision statements. Your company/brand must make promises that can be kept and continually push your team to be better!

 

The Sweet Spot

There is a sweet spot between narrow and broad that is unique to every company or brand. Resources are essential to this sweet spot range. Some companies have access to funds, equipment, and people that make them more able to conquer larger goals quickly. 

Smaller businesses may not have those specific resources in abundance, but in many instances, they have a group of dedicated individuals. Dedication, motivation, and determination are resources in themselves and are often harder to establish in larger settings.

Coca-Cola positions itself nicely in their sweet spot. They start out very general and save-the-world-y in their Purpose & Company Vision page, but establish achievable missions in their Sustainable Business page. Coca-Cola chunks out what they mean from that lofty business vision through each defining mission goal.

 

Mission Possible

Fleshing out why and how requires hefty brain power. Once you do think you have it, take a day or two to let it settle. Ask yourself on a fresh brain whether the words in each statement accurately symbolize intentions. Unwavering dedication to the creation of strong vision and mission statements will prove to be invaluable in the brand/company journey. 

And look at that… this mission just became possible!

Use Your Powers for GOOD: Positively Change the World with Your Instagram

Use Your Powers for GOOD:

Positively Change the World with Your Instagram

Sometimes you can feel powerless about things going on in the world. Problems seem too big to tackle on your own. However, we all need to remember the superpower at our fingertips… the internet! Yes, it is commonly used for evil, but you can change the way you use it! Let’s unpack some ways for you to use your Instagram powers for good!

 

Own Your Imperfections

Imperfection breathes life into the human profile page. Owning every part of yourself can give others the confidence to own it themselves. Topics such as mental health have taken a forefront on many social media platforms.  

One way Instagram has helped our generation is through breaking down the confined construct of beauty. Today we have a much broader, more inclusive definition of beauty. Users have broken down the long-standing, highly specific beauty standards to give self-confidence to the younger generations. 

 

Find Your Internet Superpower

Everyone has a superpower…. Some ease tension with laughter…. Others write with empathy entwined in every word…. A few use artful color to express what words cannot. Once you find your power, employ it positively. Create content with love and lightness in mind!

 

Highlight Positivity 

Draw attention to the world’s superheroes and amazing events. You never know when a positive post might change someone’s day! Also, by posting the positivity, you might find some positivity in yourself. So that’s a win-win.

 

Start a Donation

Pick a cause that is close to your heart. Then, publicize it through your Instagram. Explain why it strikes you and your followers might gain interest in the cause, too. Your followers might even have a change of heart! ❤

One of our fabulous clients is the Stan Lee Foundation. They generously donate to programs that provide effective education. Check out their initiatives to learn more! This is definitely a worthy cause to donate to!

 

Listen

The world is changing minute by minute. Post with others in mind. What is going to help your followers get through this tumultuous time? Instagram has so many wonderful capabilities to be explored in a positive light. I wish you luck on your quest…. Use your powers wisely, my friends.

Wazzup Dawg? A Reflection in Brand Voice

Hey.

Hiya.

Hello.

Greetings play a major role in how you see someone. Addressing your boss with the same verbiage of a college frat boy might not go over too well. So, what about brand voice? What kind of conversational should your brand be?

The answer lies crocheted into your brand image quilt. When contemplating voice for a brand, you need to make it clear and intentional. Above all, you must remain resolute in who you are as a brand. Before we jump into conversationality, let’s discuss brand voice.

 

Brands are People too

Pick 4 adjectives that correctly encompass your company/business/brand. Then build around them. Imagine your brand as a person. Is this person a hipster millennial bursting with blunt authenticity? Or is this person loving-natured with empathy bursting at their seams? Whatever you choose, own it. Your brand is one-of-a-kind, so portray it as such.

 

Spectrum of Conversationality

Back to the original meat of the story. In the context of this blog, conversation is based on how reserved or blunt you want to be. Conversationality is a spectrum. Some people are quiet and introverted while others are so extroverted, they are constantly talking. Brands express the same qualities people do. Below are brands that represent their brands proudly and where they place on this spectrum.

Wazzup Dawg

1. Flex

There is nothing modest about this feminine hygiene brand. In their “Have the most comfortable period of your life” ad, the spokesperson makes what could be an uncomfortable topic comfortable. The ad employs humorous truths while addressing what the buyer wants to hear. Nevertheless, the brand never fails to promote their relatable, blunt, and humorous voice in every piece of copy.

RANK: 9.5

PERSON: Your activist cousin who is always ready to party down

2. Mailchimp

This email marketing platform always plays on their quirkiness not only through their voice, but in their funky graphics. Mailchimp perfectly places themselves in the categories of knowledgeable and fun, giving a friendly vibe to the consumer. They showcase their true colors in their Marketing Tips Blog.

RANK: 6

PERSON: Quirky neighbor with a bunch of interesting facts

3. Dove

Dove is known for their Self-Esteem Project that helps young people reach their full potential. The company is unwavering in creating a supportive, and caring voice to ensure authenticity in their audience.

RANK: 7

PERSON: The most caring, selfless friend/family member you have

 

Express Your Brand

Brands are people. Personality should fly off every piece of content your brand puts into the world. Often, branding is the only way to differentiate product/service offerings from competition. Make your voice shine by surfacing the voice that encompasses your brand. That is how your brand will shine in a content-crowded world!

Your Guide to Social Media Video Dimensions

Your Guide to Social Media Video Dimensions

“Lights. Camera. Action.” used to mean crazy heavy equipment and intricate costumes. Now, video creation has taken a new meaning… a more bare-bones approach. With our ready access to cameras, content can be created at seconds notice, especially social media content.

HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, BUSTER!

Before you post away, let us talk about the dimensions for each social media platform!

 

Instagram

Instagram video content grows more viral every day (especially when you are sitting bored in your house.

For killer Instagram Feed videos follow these tips:

  • Videos can only be 60 seconds, but the shorter and more impactful the better!
  • You can only post up to 4 GB.
  • Formats:
    • For landscape, use a 16:9 aspect ratio with a 600 x 315 minimum.
    • For square, use a 1:1 aspect ratio with a 600 x 600 minimum.
    • For vertical format, use a 4:5 aspect ratio with a 600 x 750 minimum.

For IGTV follow these tips:

  • Use only vertical and full screen for these shots.
  • Resolution minimum of 720 and an aspect ratio of 16:9 or 9:16.
  • Videos can be max 10 minutes and a minimum of 60 seconds.
    • Some accounts have access to more time.
  • You need to use a .mp4 format.

 

Facebook

Facebook’s inclusion of live video streaming has been monumentally important in the current situation. To stay on your game, use these tips:

  • For landscape videos, use 1280 x 720 dimensions with 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • For vertical videos, use 720 x 1280 dimensions with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
  • Maximum of 120 minutes for video length and 4GB for file size.
  • You can use .mp4 and .mov videos.

 

Stories

Stories have become an integral part of the Facebook and Instagram experience. Make sure you know what’s what!

Instagram Stories:

  • Use 1080 x 1920 dimensions (with a 600 x 1067 minimum).
  • Use a 9:16 aspect ratio
  • Keep the file to under 4GB and the length under 15 seconds.
  • Make sure your video is an .mp4 or a .mov.

Facebook Stories:

  • Use 500 x 500 with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
  • 4GB is the maximum file size taken.
  • Don’t go longer than 15 seconds

 

YouTube

YouTube is a platform designed for occupying hours of a viewer’s time. Make sure you are

YouTube video dimensions are as follows:

  • 240p resolution: Use 426 x 240 dimensions.
  • 480p resolution: Use 1280 x 720 dimensions.
  • 1080p resolution: Use 1920 x 1080 dimensions.
  • 1440p resolution: Use 2560 x 1440 dimensions.
  • 2160p resolution: Use 3840 x 2160 dimensions.
  • Maximum length of a video is 12 hours or 128 GB.
  • Don’t go smaller than 426 x 240 or larger than 3840 x 2160.
  • Aspect ratio is 16:9.
  • File types include:
    • .wmv
    • .mp4
    • .mov
    • .mpegs
    • .avi
    • .WebM
    • .flv
    • 3GPP

 

Twitter

Ah. The network for professionals… and nonprofessionals. Whatever you use it for, make your videos look pristine! *chef’s kiss*

Twitter Feed Videos:

  • For landscape videos, use 320 x 180, 640 x 360, and 1280 x 720 dimensions.
    • Bitrate ranges should be between 256K, 768K, and 2048K, respectively.
  • For vertical videos, use 240 x 240, 480 x 480, and 640 x 640 dimensions.
    • Bitrate ranges should be between 256K, 768K, and 2048K, respectively.
  • 512MB is the maximum file size with a maximum of 140 seconds.
  • Videos cannot be bigger than 1280 x 1024 and no tinier than 32 x 32.
  • Use .mp4 videos on desktop.
  • Use .mov videos on mobile.

 

Conclusion

Video content can be a tricky game. If you went through this article and still need a little help with the terminology, check out Metro Productions or Nemorin. They have palpable definition for newbies. Happy editing!

 

Source 1: Social Media Video Dimensions for Every Platform: What You Need to Know from Shakr Video Marketing Blog.

Original Source: blog.shakr.com

Source 2: Always Up-to-Date Guide to Social Media Video Specs from Sprout Social.

 

How Social Media Has Changed Us: COVID-19 edition

How Social Media Has Changed Us:

COVID-19 edition

What’s the first thing you grab in the morning? 

A glass of water? Probably not.

Your toothbrush? Eh.

How about your phone? Think about that. The amount of people looking at their phone within the first few minutes of waking up and/or brushing their teeth is astounding. Doubt me? Google it! You will be surprised at the numbers. 

Social media seems to be running our days and nights. As Newton’s Third Law states: For every opinion, there is an equal and opposite opinion. (Okay, he didn’t say that, but it fits well!) So, we will start out with the negatives and lead to the positives.

 

Immediate Access to Knowledge

Long gone are the spirited debates on random facts such as who played that fiery Italian mother, Sophia, on The Golden Girls. (It was Estelle Getty, by the way.) Since there is an endless amount of information at our fingertips, we never have to wonder. Everything we could ever want to know is right there. We have grown accustomed to this constant stream of new information. The “Now, Now, Now” culture has taken over us. Patience has become a rare virtue, especially when the Wi-Fi is out.

However, the immediate access of information is great in times like today. There is a special need to get constant updates. Amid stay-at-home orders, we can enjoy the many beautiful pictures and stories of people supporting each other in crisis. Elle posted a wonderful article on the unheard positive stories of COVID-19. 

 

Great (and Terrible) for Business

Yup. You mess up and it is pasted on everyone and their grandmother’s feeds. Bad reviews spread like wildfire. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of the fight. If you want more information on this, check out our blog post on battling bad online reviews here. Nothing is private anymore, so image crafting is especially important. Businesses need to spend more time than ever concreting their social media branding. (Shameless Plug 2: this is our specialty, so reach out and ask us how we can help you!)

You get your name out there in the world. People used to spend oodles of money to advertise their business in magazines or newspapers, but you have this access for FREE. Take advantage of it. Keep reading our blog to gather an arsenal of tips and resources you can use in your marketing! (And that was Shameless Plug 3 #whoops🤷 #IPromiseImDone)

 

It’s Raining Politics

It feels like you know everyone’s political standings now. And if you don’t, you can probably check their latest status to get the scoop. There is a strong possibility that you have unfollowed someone because they got way too political in your feed. Twenty seven percent of Americans have blocked/unfriended someone because the person posted certain political views, according to Pew Research Center.

Political modesty works best for companies with customers in all walks of life. “Playing Switzerland” keeps your business in good light with a large array of customers. On the other hand, if something aligns with company values, carefully post it. Be respectful of opposing opinions. People are especially sensitive during this time of uneasiness. If you are running business social media now, it might be best to keep things lighthearted. One business that has been doing a great job with this is NYC rock climbing gym, The Cliffs. They are closed, but they have been keeping their members active with strengthening exercises, live yoga classes, and knot-tying tips. This keeps their members engaged and distracts them from the stressful global environment.

 

Time

The sheer time and effort dedicated to social media is astounding. Social Media Today posted that people spend about 2 hours and 23 minutes a day on social media. It can be predicted that average social media time has increased tremendously with the stay-at-home orders. Social media has become a way to cope with the hours of boredom cooked up at home. 

This is the best time in history to get noticed in the social media realm. Now is the time to get out your best content-creating skills to blow your customers’ socks off!

 

The Wrap Up

There are so many other ways society has molded around social media culture. The advice suggested above may seem a bit airy, but that is the world of marketing. No one method will work for everyone. It is up to you to represent yourself in the best way possible. 

Stay safe everyone!

Hosting Social Media Giveaways

Hosting Social Media Giveaways

What a better time than to do a social media giveaway?! Many people are home right now, scrolling on social media and some going through a very rough time. Right now is a great time to treat your followers to an amazing giveaway!

Giveaways not only give you the opportunity to give back/treat your community but you will also establish a great brand personality and identity.

So… how to properly host a Social Media Giveaway? Here are some of our best tips!

 

Know Why Your Hosting The Giveaway 

What is your reasoning for hosting a giveaway? Try coming up with a theme of the giveaway and tell people why you want to do a give away!

Be Clear About What the Reward is 

This is super important! Let your followers know EXACTLY what the reward is, what are they entering for and really show the value of it!

Plan Out a Clear Timeline 

Be clear and precise about the timeline of your giveaway. You don’t want people entering in before or after the giveaway, so be very clear!

Set Definitive Rules and Know Them Well 
Have a Plan to Track Incoming Entries 

Giveaways can sometimes get very confusing. Again, be clear on not only the timeline but the rules and guidelines of your giveaway. Keep it under control and have a set plan to track all your entries!

 

Giveaways are a great way to grow your following and treat your current audience! Some ideas for a great giveaway can be tailored to anyone on the frontline of this pandemic, treating them with an at home spa package. If your a beauty influencer, do  giveaway with your favorite beauty products. If you are a fitness influencer, give away one of your favorite at home workout guides!

Get creative and have fun!

How to Explain Your Purpose 

How to Explain Your Purpose 

When marketing and showcasing your brand, it is so crucial for your audience to know what your purpose is. Your audience is asking themselves these questions:

  • What drives this brand? 
  • Who are the faces behind this brand? 
  • What does this brand or company stand for? 
  • Why do I want to work with or do business with this brand? 

So how in the hell do you get that message across clearly and efficiently?! Don’t worry, we’ve created a step by step guide on how to do that. 

STEP ONE: Define your Purpose

First things first, you have to determine what your purpose is. What is the driving force behind your brand? A good way to think of what your purpose is asking yourself ‘what is my why; why do I do what I do? This has to be deeper and more meaningful than something as simple as making money. Dig deep. 

Some questions to ask yourself to figure this out are:

  • What is the most rewarding thing you or your company has ever done for someone else? Why was it rewarding?
  • How do others describe your or your company impact on their life?
  • If you had all the time in the world to volunteer, who would you or your company volunteer for?
  •  When you look back on these years, what do you want to remember and what do you want to be remembered for?

STEP TWO: Create Content Based on your Purpose 

Once you’ve established your purpose and your ‘Why!, now lets figure out how to create content on exactly that! The best way to communicate this to your audience is through creating content. Content can be curated and distributed onto any social media channel that fits with your brand, into newsletters, company websites, etc. Your content needs to keep your purpose in mind. If your purpose is to educate and teach people about your industry, create more education content. If your purpose is to grow your comedy business because you enjoy making people feel good, create entertaining content. 

Whatever content you decide to make, a pro tip is to utilize the power of video and live streaming. People need to hear from real people. The most genuine way to explain your purpose and brand is to get in front of the camera, talk and interact with your people. Anybody can take cool photos, put words on a page, or make an infographic, but there is only one you. Utilize that! 

What you have to say is SO important and there people in need of hearing it. When you do a video or hop on a live stream, people can see you, hear you and most importantly relate to you.  Be authentic, be real and get your face on camera!

 

STEP THREE: Align Yourself with Organizations with a Similar Purpose

Alright, so we have our purpose, we’re creating awesome content, but how can you really get your message across to your audience? Combine forces with other organizations that have a similar purpose. For example if you are a fitness influencer who wants to help their audience live healthier and happier lifestyles join forces with a healthy meal delivery service, work with your local health food store, donate and become an activist for you local charity that supports something your passionate about (American Red Cross for example. 

No matter what industry your in, it will make you so much more credible to join forces with other influencers, companies in line with your purpose, charities etc. 

 

STEP FOUR: Don’t Just be All Talk 

The most important step. If you’re gonna talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk. You can easily say what your purpose is and go on and on about it, but are you really living and breathing it? Let’s use the fitness influencer example again. If your purpose is to really help others live a healthy and happy lifestyle, you have to do the same! You have to be living that exact lifestyle. Lead or show by example. Put strong actions behind your words to really show your audience how serious you are about your purpose! 

 

Finding your purpose and being able to not only explain it to your audience but to portray it effectively will take your business to the next level!

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