Getting Started with Social Media

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Instagram, Social Media, Website Stuff, WordPress

Welcome ! By the end of this blog post you will have an understanding of where to start in your journey to get your business online, how social media can help your business and what to avoid.

I run a virtual office from my home managing social media, creating websites and helping business clarify their next step.

Some might think social media is a hobby. Even though it is fun, I am also qualified to manage social media accounts and I am constantly researching to stay up to date with trends.

Where Do You Start?

  1. Secure your name.

I am Canadian so I start with both .ca and .com top level domains for my website name.  Even if you don’t want to use all the social media platforms right now, secure your name for the future. I start with https://www.namecheckr.com/ to make sure I get the same name for Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and any new platform that might come out in social media. 

  1. Choose your platform

Website Platform Consider starting with a landing page for your business website if you aren’t ready to start with a full feature website. You will have an online presence while you create content for your website. First you need to decide which platform is best suited to your needs.

There is oodles of information about which platform is best.

But, the question you need answered is:

Which platform is best for you?

I use Word Press. The downside is that there requires some learning depending how comfortable you are with technology. You could hire a designer to get you started and then take over for updates. Once your theme and template is set up, it is an easy blogging platform. You are not limited to what you do and you have complete control for future growth. The top three ecommerce website builders for small businesses are Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. But it is like renting. You don’t own your site.

Shopify – Easy set up for an online store. Easily manages multiple payment methods and outranks other website builders in SEO.

Etsy – Showcase and sell homemade goods online

Wix – Simple way to set up a landing page but design options are limited and SEO is better for Wix than your website.

 3. Choose a host.

You might recognize the name GoDaddy but I find that GoDaddy is notorious for charging extra for unneccesary addons. I use Ionos. I probably pay a bit more for their service but it’s like paying cheap insurance for when a website goes down or gets attacked. I know that I can phone them in the middle of the night and get an immediate resolution.

Tip: Know your host, your passwords and where your name is held.

As a security feature know your authorization code.

Don’t leave this information only up to your web designer.

  1. Choose your social media platform.

Now more than ever: Social media is the only game in town.

When managed properly, social platforms help create community, grow your audience, promote your products, and drive traffic to your website which will ultimately grow your business.

Ask yourself: Which Social Media Platform Is Best for My Business?

As a social media expert, a question I often get asked by small business owners is “What social media platform should I use for my business?” My answer is always the same: I say, “That depends”. It depends on who your target audience is, who your ideal customer is, where they are hanging out, where your passion lies and what you have time for.

  • Your own website

You need your own website and blog. Small businesses that relied only on Facebook as their business page learnt this lesson October 4th ‘21, the day Facebook and Instagram went down. You need your own domain so that you have control over your own business page. Relying solely on Facebook, or any social media platform is like living in someone else’s tent.

  •  Facebook

Facebook is still king. You need to set up a Facebook business page from your Facebook personal page. Facebook will shut you down if you try to run your business from your personal page.

There are more than 50 million small businesses using Facebook Pages to connect with their customers (Source: Facebook). 4 million of those businesses pay for social media advertising on Facebook.

Whether you love it or hate it; Facebook still has the largest audience with over 2 billion users. Facebook ad campaigns (if done right) are highly effective. Plus, you can take advantage of the many extra and free features like Private Groups. Facebook is almost mandatory for your social media presence. Do NOT use your personal Facebook page. Set up a separate Facebook business page.

  • LinkedIn

92% of B2B (Business to Business) marketers prefer LinkedIn. LinkedIn gives your business legitimacy. The first place another business, a bank, a prospective employee, or potential client is going to check you out is on LinkedIn.

Anyone who wants to advance their career should also be on LinkedIn. There are lots of free courses to learn how to maximize your LinkedIn profile. If you have a library card you can access LinkedIn Learning for free.

  • YouTube

For high exposure, YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google, but you need good video content.

  • Instagram

Instagram is more than just pretty pictures. Engagement is higher on Instagram than all other platforms with 500 million daily active users waiting for your interesting, entertaining, follow-worthy content. Plus, products can be purchased directly through Instagram.

Besides having 90% of users following businesses on Instagram, it also has the highest engagement rate. Your business should have an Instagram business account.

Social media marketing for businesses is no longer an option.

  • You need a strategy, and that strategy doesn’t mean just posting. Posting without engaging is like opening the door to a party, yelling to everyone how wonderful you are and why they should like you. Then, leaving and closing the door behind you.

Before you hit Post ask yourself these questions:

Is this interesting?
Are you adding value?
Would you talk like that to your mother?
Are you listening or yelling? Listen louder than you yell.
Are you being true and consistent to your brand?
Do you know your audience? Are you wasting their time or adding value to it?
Are you being appropriate to the platform and your tribe and ideal client?
Consider your hook, your insights, and your call to action on every post.

Finally, make sure you proofread your post!

Embrace the power of your brand identity.

(Branding should be #1 but I have found it can be overwhelming. So, start the list at number 1, the easy to-do stuff. Don’t let this stall your progress. Just keep it in mind, let it evolve, enjoy & trust the process.)

Own your story, your differences and what makes you stand out.

Be aligned with your ideal client, target audience, and eventually your tribe.

Spend time on your visuals: logo, fonts, colours, and style.

`           You must love this. It has to be you.

Be true to your brand in everything you do.

Who                 are you connecting with?

What                is your purpose and value?

Where             is the best platform to accomplish this?

Why                 are you doing this?

When               is the best time to post this?

Follow these suggestions and watch your business grow.

 

If you have any questions about this please email me at eileen@eileendreams.com

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Social Media for Good

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Instagram, Social Media

Let's Use Social Media for Good

simple image drawing of little bubble person saying love you

Let’s Harness the Positive Power of Connectivity

I am a fan of Oprah’s Super Soul podcast, and lately she’s been featuring Arthur Brooks, where they delve into the wisdom shared in their co-authored book ‘Build the Life You Want.‘ Arthur Brooks shared profound insights into the realm of social media that I won’t delve into here. However, their podcast has been a true inspiration, compelling me to extend my modest mission of utilizing social media—mainly Instagram—as a force for good.

I started my Instagram with the intent of expressing gratitude, and it has been a life-changing positive experience for me. My Insta followers, who send me private messages of encouragement and gratitude of their own, uplift me daily and encourage me to continue sharing what might otherwise seem geeky or trite. Public Instagrammers like @gurdeeppandher, @beemeadowfarm, and @semofoundation, continually inspire me to remain positive and re-affirm my belief in the goodness of humanity.

In an era dominated by social media, where the digital landscape often seems flooded with a mix of mis-information and emotions, there is an opportunity for individuals to collectively steer the narrative towards positive change. Rather than succumbing to the pitfalls of online negativity, let’s use social media for good, fostering meaningful connections, spreading positivity, and making a tangible impact on the world around us.

Spread Positivity and Inspiration:

Social media has the potential to be a source of inspiration and positivity. Instead of succumbing to the trend of sharing only the highlights, let’s use our platforms to spread messages of encouragement, motivation, and kindness. Sharing personal achievements, uplifting stories, and positive affirmations can create a ripple effect, brightening someone’s day and contributing to a more optimistic online environment.

Support Causes and Charities:

One of the most impactful ways to use social media for good is to champion causes that matter. Share information about charitable organizations, fundraisers, and community initiatives. Use your influence to amplify the voices of those working towards positive change. Whether it’s through sharing donation links, volunteering opportunities, or simply raising awareness, social media provides a powerful platform for collective philanthropy.

Connect and Build Communities:

Let’s use social media to build communities based on shared interests, passions, and goals. Platforms offer a space for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and offer support. By fostering positive and inclusive communities, we can break down barriers, promote understanding, and create a sense of belonging that transcends the digital realm.

Educate and Inform Responsibly:

Social media is a vast repository of information, and with this comes the responsibility to share knowledge responsibly. Let’s contribute to a culture of accuracy and thoughtfulness by fact-checking information before sharing, promoting critical thinking, and sharing educational content that enriches the lives of our online communities. Being mindful of the information we disseminate can contribute to a more informed and enlightened digital society.

Practice Digital Well-being:

Using social media for good also means taking care of ourselves and our digital well-being. Encourage positive conversations, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and prioritize mental health in online interactions. By being conscious of our digital habits, we can contribute to a more supportive and compassionate online environment.

As users of social media, we have the power to shape the narrative and influence the digital landscape. Let’s make a conscious choice to use social media for good—spreading positivity, supporting meaningful causes, and building connections that transcend the digital divide. In a world where our online presence is increasingly influential, the collective decision to focus on the positive aspects of social media can pave the way for a more uplifting and connected global community.

If you have any questions about this please email me at eileen@eileendreams.com

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Why You Should Be Using Instagram to Grow Your Business Updated

by | Feb 6, 2023 | Instagram, Social Media

Instagram is more than just pretty pictures.

Viewer engagement is higher on Instagram than any other platform with 500 million daily active users waiting for your interesting, entertaining, follow-worthy content. With over 1 billion active monthly users, it is a valuable tool to grow your customer base and build brand awareness. By using Instagram, small businesses can connect with their target audience, showcase their products and services, and interact with their customers in real-time.

One of the primary benefits of using Instagram for business is its visual nature. The platform is designed to showcase images and videos, which makes it an ideal place for businesses to showcase their products, services, and overall brand image. By sharing high-quality, visually appealing content, small businesses can engage their followers and create a positive image of their brand.

In the social media marketing world, your goal is for your ideal clients to know, like, and trust you, and Instagram provides the optimum platform to achieve that goal. You can easily chat with your followers, use polls, and follow metrics and insights for market research to increase engagement and grow your business. Customers can even purchase directly from your Instagram shop. From your bio, you can provide a link to your website or landing page or follow any action for your campaign strategy objectives.

In addition to building relationships with customers, Instagram also provides small businesses with valuable insights into their audience and the performance of their marketing efforts. By using Instagram’s built-in analytics tools, businesses can track the success of their posts, understand the demographics of their audience, and identify what type of content resonates best with their followers. This information can then be used to inform future marketing strategies and optimize the impact of their efforts.

Instagram also provides small businesses with the opportunity to run targeted ad campaigns. By using Instagram’s advertising platform, businesses can reach a highly targeted audience with specific interests, behaviors, and demographics. This can help businesses to maximize the impact of their advertising dollars and reach their ideal customers with a highly relevant message.

From a marketing perspective, Instagram can take your ideal clients through each phase of the marketing funnel:

  1. Awareness – Grab your client’s attention through posts, stories, reels and highlights.
  2. Interest – As followers enjoy your content, their interest and engagement grows.
  3. Desire – Now your client trusts you and desires to purchase your product.
  4. Action – Your client is compelled to take action thanks to the relationship you have fostered.
  5. Advocacy – Client advocacy is where your client now advocates for you and becomes your brand ambassador.

Instagram has the ability to reach a large, targeted audience. With over 1 billion active users, businesses can use hashtags, location tags, and influencer partnerships to reach their ideal audience. This can help businesses expand their reach, build brand awareness, and increase their customer base.

Instagram also provides small businesses with the opportunity to interact with their customers in real-time. By responding to comments and messages, businesses can build relationships with their customers, address any concerns they may have, and provide personalized support. This can help to increase customer loyalty, create brand advocates, and drive customer engagement.

From a heart felt person-to-person business perspective, Instagram fosters community within a tribe that is uniquely your own. With a targeted Instagram marketing strategy, you can also attract your ideal client and increase your business.

In conclusion, Instagram is a valuable tool for small businesses looking to grow their customer base and build brand awareness. With its visual nature, large audience, ability to interact with customers, powerful insights and advertising capabilities, Instagram provides small businesses with a cost-effective way to reach their target audience and drive growth. Whether your business is looking to increase its brand visibility, build customer relationships, or drive sales, Instagram is a platform that should not be overlooked.

 

https://www.instagram.com/eileendreams/

 

 

How To Do Your Very First Instagram Post

How To Do Your Very First Instagram Post

by | Jan 16, 2021 | Instagram, Social Media

Getting Started with Instagram

You can follow along with these screen shots of my phone as I create a post. Or, you can skip to the bottom of this page for a numbered list of directions.

 Open the Instagram app

Click on the + on the top right corner of your phone

You will get a drop down called Create New that gives you options

Choose: Feed Post

 

Choose your photo from your phone’s photo Gallery

Edit your photo,

straighten the horizon and choose a filter, if you want.

Click on the Blue arrow at the top right corner of your phone to get to the page where you write your message

 

 

Type over Write a caption….

Write a comment that add values and invites engagement

Add hashtags

Tag People

Click on your photo and start typing your Instagram name to tag yourself or anyone in the photo

Tap the blue check mark at the top right of the page

Add location

Click on your photo and start typing your location to tag yourself or anyone in the photo

Share to Facebook

When your post is live answer people’s comments

First Steps to Make an Instagram Post

  1. Load the Instagram app on your phone.
  2. Open the Instagram app
  3. Click on the + on the top right corner of your phone inside the Instagram App
  4. You will get a drop down that gives you options.
  5. Choose Create New
  6. Choose: Create post
  7. Choose your photo from your phone’s photo Gallery

– Edit your photo,

– straighten the horizon, choose a filter, add text and stickers if you want

  1. Click on the Blue arrow at the top right corner of your phone to get to the page where you write your message
  2. Type over Write a caption….

– Describe your photo with a comment that add values and invites engagement.

  1. Add hashtags
  2. Tag People

– Tap on your photo and start typing your Instagram name to tag yourself or anyone in the photo

  1. Add location

– Click on your photo and start typing your location

  1. Share to Facebook if you want to
  2. Tap the blue check mark at the top right of the page to load your post

TaDa!! Good for you!! You did it! Have fun!!

I would love to know if this was helpful for you and what other questions you have. Please drop me a line or message me through Instagram.

Instagram

Instagram

by | May 27, 2018 | Instagram, Social Media

Instagram is a social sharing network mobile app, that you load onto your smart phone for sharing photos and tidbits about your day. It started in 2010, was bought by Facebook in 2012, and has more users than Facebook and Twitter. Insta (instant) Gram (telegram) is an easy way to share photos that you can enhance with built-in filters and simple edits. You can share photos and video real time and add fun stickers with details like location, temperature, time, day and mood. You follow friends and people who align with your interests. People can follow you back and make comments about your photos. They find you with hash tags #.

Even if you don’t understand or wish to use Instagram at least set up an account with your branding name to reserve the name for when you decide to join the fun.  My company name is EileenDreams and I missed out on Twitter and got EileenDreamsD – pretty lame. While you are at it, do the same for SnapChat etc if you plan to expand with Social Media….

The easiest way to use Instagram is to use it how it was originally meant to be used:

  • Take a photo,
  • Post it,
  • Add a relevant comment and a couple hashtags.

To Get Started:

  1. Download the Instagram app on your smartphone and sign up for an Instagram account.
  2. Add your profile photo and information. If you are better with a keyboard than a smart phone you can fill in your bio, profile, links, and upload your profile photo on your computer at Instagram.com
  3. Link your new Instagram account to Facebook, Twitter and all your social media platforms and invite your friends to follow you.

There are enough features to edit photos within Instagram itself. There are photo editing tools, filters, tools to level out your horizons, and there is even a rule of thirds grid. Instagram is known for their filters so have fun experimenting with them.

Insanely Simple Photo Editing Sites To Create Memes if you don’t like making your own graphics and are just starting out. (Only use this if you really have to because it screams newbie.)

  • http://www.canva.com/
  • http://www.picmonkey.com/

I only ever use my own photos and I find great pleasure in taking my own photos. (To each his own.)

If you need photos, try these free sites:

  • https://unsplash.com/
  • http://deathtothestockphoto.com/
  • https://picjumbo.com/
  • https://www.morguefile.com/

My 2 favourite graphics sites for images and fonts are:

  1. www.Creativemarket.com
  2. www.inkydeals.com/

Take it up a Notch

First, decide what your goal for this Instagram account is and then have a vision of what you want it to look like. Always remember your own personality, voice, and look. While you should stay true to the look and feel of your brand, some Instagram accounts stay so rigid to their brand that they have become boring.  When I started I just wanted to learn how to do it and jumped right in. If you post photos that are not in line with your branding image you can always delete them later while you are still learning. Authenticity is key so don’t worry if it’s not perfect.

If you want to get fancy with your photo, add text and filters, I use an app that I downloaded to my smartphone called “TextGram”. I have tried others but I prefer TextGram because it is simple and it doesn’t load a bunch of advertising crap onto my phone. With TextGram you can add text, frames, filters, fancy effects and it is fast on done on the fly.

Have Fun 🙂

  • Turn on your phone’s location. Look at other people’s posts and start interacting with them. It is good etiquette to always reply to comments. Manners count just like IRL (in real life).

When I post a meme I always think of Johnathan Christian’s advice: ·

  • “Is it t-shirt worthy?” Sometimes it is just relevant or newsworthy but it helps keep the quality of my posts.
  • Speak to your Uncle (or ideal customer, or friend). Instagram is all about connecting with real people.

Keep your posts positive. You have to be authentic but people turn to Instagram for an instant feel good feeling and appreciate a little smile.
When desperate for an idea; Cat photos always work. This is a proven fact. Seriously.

Try https://ifttt.com/ to save time if you wish to cross post to your other social media platforms.

Ideas To Increase Engagement

Using the search option is a great way to find like-minded connections. If you view someone’s profile and honestly like their photos, they might also enjoy your photos or content and start looking at your posts and may even become a follower.
Take advantage of your profile section with a photo of you, what you do, and the link you want to share. My IG account is a business account but you can set yours up as a personal account and easily change it later if you want to.
When I started I participated in a weekend hashtag project hosted by Instagram. These are fun and always provide an unexpected perspective.
Use #hashtags. (a way to define searches.)
Occasionally there are rumours about Instagram changing the way it feeds. People get in a big panic and post all sorts of things to get to be at the front of a feed. Honestly, unless you have gazillion followers it really doesn’t matter unless maybe you are in high school.

Just continue to keep engaged and authentic, and have fun!

This is my Instagram feed if you are curious. Hopefully you see a theme here:

[instagram-feed]