Social Marmalade

This is pretty much how I am during the day at the moment. .. lots of filming for the new season launches… then it’s back to my desk each evening for planning, editing, writing and sharing content for my fabulous clients. It’s a full on time of year, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Sadly, it does mean I have decided not to run any workshops this year. So sorry if you were waiting on dates. DM me if you’d like to talk 1:1, especially you’re thinking of starting a new business or need a steer with your socials. ❤️

When is it sensible to stop drinking coffee in the day?! 😉

Her first General Election!

This little monkey has been keeping me busy over the past few weeks, but I’ll be back online over the summer once the children are in camps and I’m not so distracted by this gorgeous little face! 💕

Just a reminder from you fabulous women launching a new business or idea and are feeling the Insta-fear!

It can be a bit overwhelming navigating Instagram for your new business venture but don’t worry, I’ve got your back! 💪 With the right guidance, you can master this platform, impress even your children and shine ✨

Here’s a just gentle reminder if you’ve been comparing your account to others’: The algorithm is designed to show you the best content, so it can set unrealistically high standards in your mind. You don’t know how much time they spend in the day on Instagram or how long they’ve been on the platform and behind those flawless posts and videos often lies a professional team crafting them.

Embrace the imperfection, take the leap, and just start creating your own content, it’s so much better to just go for it and learn as you go. It’s okay if it feels awkward at first – we’ve all been there!

When you’re ready to raise your Instagram game get in touch with me as I can help you with a strategy and offer you honest, friendly feedback and advice. I offer workshops or one-on-one sessions tailored just for you, much quicker and more efficient than a course!

Drop me a message to learn more! 🚀✨

As a half Aussie I am so excited to share this event with you… come and see, and even buy some fabulous Aboriginal artwork by the lovely Jackson Baker who is living/working locally for a year.
This Sunday 17th March 2.30-8.30pm…

If you’re feeling the pressure to share more reels, but you just can’t, it’s ok, you can do both and still grow! 😉

There’s no argument that Reels are helping small businesses, creatives and organisations grow their accounts, but there’s still a compelling case for sharing posts on here too…

Have a look at your professional dashboard to see what’s working, but more importantly try sharing messages in a different way to maximise your reach. Not everyone is watching Reels so I for one recommend a mixed approach with each piece of content serving a purpose.

My favourite types of posts have to be:
1. Inspiring photos (travel, interiors, fashion, lifestyle, art)
2. Storytelling (ten snippets from the week, behind the scenes, You, transformations, your journey)
3. Customer / Collaboration
4. Funny quote or meme (highly shareable!)
5. Look book (esp fashion & again interiors)
6. Educational / opinions (similar to this!)

Do share this to come back to as a reminder and let me know if you are either feeling a bit stuck with your content strategy or you need some fresh ideas you can actually implement. 🍊⚡️💥

Instagram (and business!) can be brutal can’t it!

It’s really tough to admit this, but I really messed up last year. I had been on a roll but took a few wrong turns, didn’t really keep up on my own Insta and have really paid the price this year…

I know Insta has changed, but I know that in all honesty I can’t blame the algorithm, it’s my content & strategy that needs to change! (Anyone else feeling this?!)

The good news is I have made ALL the mistakes so you hopefully don’t have to. That’s why I feel I’m your shortcut to getting ontop of your insta!

These include:
✔️Inconsistent content & frequency
✔️Not collaborating
✔️Weak hooks
✔️Loosing confidence on camera
✔️Relying on stories, as if was quick & easy but do t actually help you to grow
✔️Sharing the same old stuff and not enough storytelling
✔️Not having as much fun with it
✔️Post & running!
✔️Not having a proper funnel & newsletter
…. I could go on!

So why on earth am I sharing this? Well, I think there are too many creators & experts sharing their growth stories & successes and I hope a bit of reality might be nice change from the norm! Plus, I hope you know I get it when you are in a similar boat.

Plus, I think but putting it out there I’ll be forcing myself to do something about it!!
I want you to hold me accountable now 👊
I know it’s not a quick fix. So watch this space as I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet! 💥

It will actually be interesting to experiment more on here, follow my own advice and share what I learn with you if that’s ok? I would also LOVE to hear what kind of content you’re engaging with most, is it the tips, the stories, the comedy, ideas or all the above?

Just remember if ever you’re feeling a little overwhelmed just know, we’re all just figuring this all out! x

I’ve watched hours of videos, listened to podcasts and read a lot of blogs and articles recently and these are 5 of the most commonly mentioned tips on how small businesses can grow on Instagram in 2024.

Personally, I’m working on number 3 as a priority this year as consistency was something I really failed at last year and it killed my growth. If I could add a 6th it would be collaborations.. but don’t worry I’ll talk more on this in the coming weeks, as it’s a huge part of any social media strategy!

I’d love to hear what you’re focused on to grow this year…

It’s a notoriously tough time of year, especially on the platform!! (No, it’s not just you!)

✨Why not sprinkle a few likes and positive comments around to fellow small businesses you love today. 💕 They’ll get a little boost and you’ll hopefully see more of their content in your feed.

Keep doing what you do best, things will pick up again x

Hot topic! 🔥
One of the most frequently asked questions that I think leads nicely into the second most frequently asked question… How often should you share content!
Hopefully I’ve covered both. (Let me know if not!)

There really is no right or wrong here, you know your audience so if they’re on social media just choose the best place for you. Take into consideration the kind of content you like creating as an individual or team. If you hate video you really won’t get on with TikTok but if you love writing and are a witty sort, Twitter or Threads could be a good fit. Facebook might just be the place if it’s working for your business and you know how to use it. But, if you need more growth it might be you have to think Instagram or LinkedIn, depending on the type of business you have.

Personally I’d only jump onto more than one platform if you really have the time and resources to, as it’s not always as easy as just resharing content across. It’s no 5-minute job!

Let me know if you’re ready to ask these questions and you need some help answering them….

We all have those days when we’re stuck for ideas and don’t want to show up and be on camera. Luckily the there are lots of different content ideas that are still valuable and useful to your audience, but don’t require you to perform to camera!

I’ve spilt these into Product & Service but feel free to mix and match!

Let me know what’s your favourite type of content you enjoy sharing at the moment.

The predictions are in for Instagram in 2024..

You’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of new features coming that we haven’t yet seen in the U.K 🤯For example, has anyone got a Broadcast Channel up and running?

Expect:
✨More messaging options and spaces for break out conversations for nurturing small communities
✨Shopping in the app (TikTok are doing it well)
✨ Longer videos so it won’t be so much about short, quick transitions and clips
✨ More monetisation options for Creators. Influencers are going nowhere and so why not work with them!!
✨ Live streaming to get bigger, the desktop version is now ‘Live Producer’ so it can be more like YouTube
✨ New editing features in Reels
✨ Help discovering more brands you’re interested in and new content ideas
✨ AI features (I’m still not convinced it can write a good caption!)
✨ Spammy Mail and Bot Accounts disabled, so don’t panic if you see a drop in followers this week after a break
✨ More features in stories, I’ve noticed the views have really picked up in the last 6 months , some better than the main feed!!

One thing that won’t change, have a strategy, be yourself, don’t overthink it or be afraid to just try out ideas! The best marketing tool is YOU so get in front of the camera this year if you can, and if you need any help or a refresher I’ll offer a workshop in Feb or I have 1:1 consultations available to make sure you’re on the right track and you have a solid plan and the knowledge to approach your Social Media Marketing. Just message me!

Did you know 62.2% of Instagram users say they use it to follow brands so they can research and learn more about their products. That’s why I love using Gift Guides at key times of the year to help my clients showcase their products in an inspiring and useful way.

If you’d like to learn how to create your own branded gift guide using Canva and think about themes in the run up to Black Friday and Christmas come and join this FREE mini online workshop . I’ll share how to use Canva templates creatively and simply so you can create your own branded guides for all your marketing channels. 🍊✨💡

Just message me privately and tag anyone below who might find this useful!

Autumn Calling.. if you’re a product business or retailer it’s time to get busy! ✨🍊🎃

I can’t actually believe we’re halfway through half term.. No time to overthink things, we’re entering the busiest season of the year, are you ready?

If you’re a product/retail business we really need to start talking Black Friday and Christmas Sales. It is NOT the time to shrink away from from your marketing, if anything we need to ramp it up! If you haven’t already, this is a good week to make a plan for your upcoming promotions and events, and think about lead-in times to promote them. Can you collaborate with others? Are there any local publications you can get in touch with for some PR? Are there local groups cross promoting small businesses you can be part of?

As for our friend Instagram, I wouldn’t even worry about over sharing or overthinking things.. (the big brands don’t!!) I challenge you to show up a little more than you are currently!

If you need a content morning a planning session just message me and we can help you get things in place for the silly season 💕

✨Do you need to snap out of the Insta-Overwhelm? ✨

Instagram is such a brilliant platform full of opportunity, but it’s so easy to feel like you’re behind, not doing enough or being punished by the algorithm and therefore treading water.

It’s totally normal to feel the Insta-Overwhelm but the good news, it’s easy to snap out of it.. How?

1. Just take a moment and really think about who your ideal target audience are and what they may need from your products or services
2. Stop scrolling or looking at competitors for a moment and instead write down all your ideas and then start making a content plan
3. Next look at media and what content you want to share where. Ideally it’s your business related stuff on grid/Reels and behind the scenes and ‘other!’ In stories! Obviously there should be a strategy here but that’s the basics!
4. Start one post or reel at a time. Do what makes you feel most comfortable first and you know works, then you can start experimenting and pushing yourself a bit more out of your comfort zone.
5. It doesn’t have to be perfect or get lots of likes. Just a step at a time to get back into it! ✨🍊

John me for a coffee catch up next Tuesday in Hungerford if you can. I promise you’ll leave feeling more motivated!

Alternatively, I have my next workshop on 19th October where I’ll share all those Insta updates and help guide your strategy. Small groups so lots of opportunity for questions!

All the links are on my bio page or just say yes below and I’ll message you x

You’ve got this! ✨🍊⚡️

It’s so great to be back into the normal routine again, and seeing clients face to face is fantastic! Are you finding your feet again after the summer?
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.. read on.

Katherine Sat down to discuss her marketing strategy for and I am so excited to see her take her business forward, as her coaching is something I think many of us need!⚡️

I’d actually never heard of Matrescence before meeting Katherine. It’s the process of being a mother and Katherine and understands the need to support driven women to help them thrive as they transition through early motherhood, both professionally and personally. If you feel the overwhelm, I do encourage you to follow her Insta (it’s going to be amazing!).

You may also be interested in this event: on 26th Sept, Katherine is running a retreat at the stunning with offering women the opportunity to take a day out for some self reflection and help you prioritise well-being. Count me in!

I am so delighted to have been invited to run this 'Passion to Profit' workshop workshop with next week - 12th Sept! If you are n the Portsmouth area and would like to grab a ticket, do come along!

It’s ideal for retail small businesses or those thinking about launching a business…Come along if you want to:

📗 Learn from a seasoned social media expert about the latest trends and strategies in social media marketing. 📗

🖋️ Discover how to create compelling content that resonates with your target audience. 🖋️

⚖️ Understand the intricacies of various social media platforms and how to tailor your approach to each. ⚖️

🌟 Gain insights into measuring the effectiveness of your social media campaigns and making data-driven decisions. 🌟

💬 Network with fellow business enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. 💬

To secure your spot at the workshop and take a step closer to mastering social media for your business, please book your space using the link in my bio!

Almost the last sunset of the school hols.. Now we are here it feels like the summer has flown by! Hope you get to the last of the sunshine this weekend... Just typical isn’t it!!

I promise I am returning to Insta, it’s been utterly liberating to have taken these few months off my own social media marketing and am excited to come back later next week. This is a great trick if you need help easing back.. start with a nice image of a place or product.. then work up to showing your face again!

Lots to share with you and I can’t wait to see what you’re all up to, do let me know if you’re launching a new course, product range, event or other in the comments as I love to be in the loop.⬇️

Coffee meet-up Tuesday 13th June at The Retreat, Elcot - let’s talk about how ChatGPT can help your marketing!

I always love these small get togethers as we can actually have proper conversations, meet other local women in business and enjoy this wonderfully relaxed environment. Plus the coffee is excellent!

If you’re interested in joining please do click the link in my profile to grab your ticket (workshops and Events).

See you there!

It truly feels like the end of an era… this lady was the soundtrack to my youth.

I know this isn’t a normal type of post for me, but I was genuinely touched by the news this evening of Tina Turner’s passing. Her music just reminds me so much of my younger days and my parents, my mother playing her tapes in the car on repeat then again, her songs playing through the walls when my parents had parties... Her tunes would reliably get everyone on the dance floor singing freely, and they still do!

What a woman, what a voice, (those legs!!) and most importantly her timeless energy and resilience which will continue to inspire generations. She just was ‘Simply the Best.’
Rest in peace Tina x

Hashtags 2023… are they still useful?
What do you think, let me know below!

I’ve had a few questions recently so I thought this quick guide to using hashtags would be useful.

🍊Personally I’m only adding 3-6 per post or Reel these days and I don’t waste too much time researching them, I’m just start typing them in and choose the most relevant ones for the content that appear in the suggestions.

🍊Think:
1. Location
2. Relevancy to post (think of them as keywords)
3. Community - eg women, over 50’s, industry, foodies etc etc
4. Brand / campaign: and

🍊They are completely out of your control and sometimes you get lucky and get in front of new people, sometimes they don’t. It’s not you it’s the algorithm!

🍊They key is to be specific and targeted rather than using this big broad keywords as you can pick up the wrong audience by following that path. Or getting notifications mg at all as they’re too competitive!

🍊Last point, you don’t own them is you add a brand hashtag to your post. You can’t measure which hashtag actually was the one that worked (unless you just add one and look at insights!) and lastly, don’t put any hashtags in your comments or bio, unless they’re to promote a campaign or community!

Any questions send them over!

Great news for small businesses using Instagram for their marketing.. We can now add up to FIVE URL links to our Instagram profiles!

This must have been the most requested feature on Instagram as let’s face it, Linktree wasn’t ideal (or would you still use it?). Now to think carefully about those links..

Ideas:
🍊My website
🍊Key campaign or events/booking page
🍊Newsletter subscription (ideally with incentive offer)
🍊Free offer (think pipeline)
🍊Recent Blog

If you can’t see this option yet just give it time, it will come!

If you’d like help with staying up to date with your Instagram please join one of my events this month (swipe to the end for details).

Are you setting aside time each month to optimise your website search results? Is SEO on your radar?

Whilst Social Media Platforms offer a fantastic way to build your brand and connect with people, SEO is an essential component of any small business's online marketing strategy. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can improve your online visibility, attract more customers, and achieve long-term growth and success.

We are so lucky to have a local expert, Abbie sharing her expertise in this one-off workshop to walk you through some of the ways you can help your website get seen in searches. It’s 2-hours you’ll business will thank you for!! You’ll need you laptops as we are not going to just talk SEO, but you’ll be able to actually work on your business in the session!

There are still a few tickets left, book online through the link in my profile and choose ‘workshops’ 🍊

Look forward to seeing you there!

I’ve been in a learning zone recently, but shockingly, I realised almost everything I’m reading is online and I haven’t actually read a real book in a while..😱

I used to munch through a book each week but I’ve found that over the last few years my screen time has gone 🆙 and my book reading time has gone ⬇️…

We are all encouraging our children to read real-life books today but its made me think… maybe it’s time to reverse that..

So I’m starting with is this book about change & shedding self doubt.. I bought it a while ago but mows the time I think.. ! It’s called ‘Passion for Purpose’ by Amy McLaren and it’s not a help book but about how to make positive change and she’d self doubt!
It’s proving more useful than a inspirational quote … I’ll keep you posted! (Ironic!)

What are you reading right now? And also, what can you recommend for me next.. I like anything around business, marketing and my new favourite genre.. mountaineering (as I’d never do it but am totally fascinated by Everest) 🗻
⬇️⬇️⬇️

Instagram photos are back.. is that it for video?
New newsletter is out with tips on how to understand the algorithm so sign up to read... - https://mailchi.mp/a8f89e67c287/instagram-photos-are-back-is-that-it-for-video

Hello Monday! Here’s a roundup of what’s being going on on the platform recently plus a few ‘hidden gems’ of my own that I’ve been finding useful.

1. News that you can pay for a verification and customer service as a bundle has been causing a stir. It’s being tested in Australia/NZ at the moment but it could be something small businesses might like to invest in to avoid customers being tricked by clone accounts? At $14.99/month - would you?
2. Photos are back! Yes the algorithm has them on a more equal footing to Reels. This does not mean the end of Reels, but hopefully just the realisation we like our pretty pictures too!
3. Create a Reel as a response to a comment. I’ve seen this all over TikTok and actually love this feature in Insta as it’s a great way to come up with new content ideas and engage your audience.
4. Ever been caught out sharing a Reel without a cover? No more…
5. New Notes feature in your messages. Endless opportunities to send a quick update, promotion, prompt or question to your followers. Live for 24 hrs.
6. Have you ever had your account hacked? It’s the worst. Keep your account safe by adding two-factor authentication and go through the security prompts in settings to stay as safe as you can.

Have a brilliant week.. no workshops this week but do take a look at my website as I have updated lots of Instagram training events for March-May!