Social Marmalade

Do you have a LinkedIn page setup? When was the last time you shared content on it or reached out to connect with someone? Beth @sociallyoxford is a fellow marketeer and made the switch from Instagram to LinkedIn over 18 months ago and hasn’t looked back. Not only has it enabled her to lean into her content strengths, it has helped her connect with higher value clients to support her business growth. And she doesn’t have to create trending Reels, have a huge following or live her life on the screen. This is a revelation and might be just the right move for those of you who would like to connect with professionals, are B2B , or would like to build your personal brand, and are finding it challenging on Instagram. Killer stat : Reach from Lives like this is 12x on LinkedIn! What are we doing here 😂😂 Don’t worry Instagram, I still love you, however, I’m definitely going to book a 1:1 with Beth to sharpen up my LinkedIn as for my business it’s a bit of a no brainer. If you’re interested in a workshop please let either of us know, if there’s enough demand I’ll persuade Beth to run one in Hampshire. Otherwise any questions, thoughts, comments, please share below… ⬇️ Thank you Beth, loved this live! #socialmarmalade #marketingasmallbusiness #smallbusinesstipsforwomen #linkedinmarketing #socialmediaforsmallbusiness #oxfordshirebusiness #hampshirebusiness

Have you considered using jumping onto LinkedIn? Would you like to find out a little more about his platform? If so, please join me here tomorrow (Thursday 16th May) for a Live Chat with LinkedIn expert Beth @sociallyoxford 🎙️ We’re going to discuss how Beth has been helping businesses connect and build their network on LinkedIn, find out how the platform is working now, how much content you need to realistically share and some other useful tips. Hopefully this will be a great starting point for those of you interested in building your presence there. Particularly if you are a school, B2B business, freelancer, service provider of consultant. Please feel free to ask any questions in the live or send me any in advance (Dm me). Live will run 12.30-1pm Don’t worry if you miss it, I’ll share the video so just watch the replay. 🔂 Can’t wait! #socialmarmalade #linkedinforbusiness #socialmediamarketing #socialmediacontentideas #socialmediastrategy #socialmediaforsmallbusiness

If you’re feeling the half-term overwhelm, I hear you! Is it just me or is it particularly tough to show up at this time of year? I don’t know if it’s the weather, the pasty skin or the fact that Instagram just seems incredibly tough to get traction on this year, it’s not just you feeling that! ❓So what can we do? Take a step back from the noise and appreciate where you are, how far you’ve come and WHY you are doing what you do. Not all of us need thousands of followers or views, but what you do need is a strategy. And I promise you this doesn’t have to be overly complicated once your break it down. I think one of the BIGGEST issues on this platform is we are all seeing people in our industries smashing it daily. We then set unrealistic goals (mostly around views and followers) which leads to us feeling crap when Instagram isn’t delivering the results. Sound familiar? Before you go any further, maybe ask these questions: ❓WHY did you start your business in the first place? Was Instagram at the heart of it? ❓if you had the opportunity to talk in front of 500 people in a room about your business, wouldn’t you feel really proof of yourself? Why do we beat ourselves up so much when we only get a few hundred views? Maybe tweak your goals ❓Are you really focused on nurturing your existing audience? Have you been answering questions, responding to DM’s and engaging - that’s the biggest opportunity. ❓What can you do to make what you do a little better, do you look at your Analytics? ❓If you really want to pull that Instagram lever, are you ready to invest in it (time) and can you sustain it, can you monetise it? I’m working with a few retailers and service providers at the moment as they are ready to pull a few levers. I can’t sadly take any more clients on until after summer, but I can offer 2-hour consultations to help you formulate your strategy and offer support. Just get in touch if that’s you. ✨ #socialmarmalade #sm

Let’s face it, Instagram doesn’t need me right now! It’s way too saturated with festive finds and fun! This is such a busy time of year on the ‘gram I tend to use it for sharing stories (fun bits mostly!) and of course I’m on my client campaigns, as it is the season for them! 🎁✨🎄 Behind the scenes I’m doing a lot of prep work for 2024 which I can highly recommend if you can squeeze in the time. At the bare minimum DO take a look at your Professional Dashboard and take a look at the performance of your content and your audience stats. You can select the dates to go back 12 months! ❓Can you see patterns, look at Engagement and Reach ❓Is it time to mix it up and experiment a little more ❓Should you show up more ❓Does your actual audience match your target audience ❓What time are your audience active ❓Do Reels perform better than posts or should you do both ❓What are your goals for 2024 💥Now is a brilliant time to test new content! Go on, try it! What are you up to behind the scenes or are you leaning into the holidays now? Don’t worry if so, we can come back to this again in January! I’ll be bringing back planning session for any of you looking for a little guidance on your social media strategy for 2024.. keep an eye out for dates very 🔜 ✨👌💥 #socialmarmalade #smallbusinessmarketingconsultant #smallbusinessmotivation #marketingstrategytips #behindthescenesvideo #lifeasafreelancer #marketingfreelancer

The reality for working for yourself is it can get lonely/uninspiring at times! The only solution I find is to get out and set up the laptop somewhere comfortable to feel inspired again. I find that I’m way more productive, happier and even met some friends ✨ So I’m ending my day here feeling festive, jobs done and I’m full of new creative ideas. It beats procrastinating and being distracted by the washing/mess at home! (Anyone else?!) I’m really up for some changes next year and I was thinking regular laptop working sessions for local marketeers to work side by side would be quite a fun idea. Anyone keen (even if marketing is just one of many hats, you count!) ? Venue @retreatelcotpark #socialmediamarketing ##socialmarmalade #smallbusinessreality #smallbusinesslife #berkshiresmallbusiness #wiltshiresmallbusiness #berkshiremarketing

This is the content your audience want to see more from small businesses! Here’s your content strategy…. I have been working with small brands for over 5 years now and I’ve definitely found there’s been a big shift towards keeping content buckets tighter around the business and sharing more this kind of content vs the highly curated images. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still got to look good, but it’s more about the people, the behind the scenes , the stories, sharing ideas and tips and showcasing your expertise. And of course the customers experiences count for a hell of a lot too. Today, I’ve been catching up on the new @sproutsocial report which supports what I’ve been advising clients. 🍊Highlights: The main reason people follow a brand on socials is to : 1. Stay informed about new products and services 2. Access to exclusive deals 3. Content is enjoyable to watch 🍊And what people would like to see more from brands: 1. Authentic non promoted content 2. Transparency on values and business practices 3. Info on how products sourced or made 4. Educational content related to brand’s industry 5. UGC and testimonials There’s your high level content strategy.. 👍 The next step is implementing it for your business and creating the right content in the right places.. that’s where I can help! My 1:1’s are the perfect opportunity to sit down, plan out your content strategy and get you on the right track for 2023/24! I have availability in October / November if this sounds like something you need. ✨⚡️ #socialmarmalade #contentstrategytips #contentstrategymarketing #smallbusinessowners #smallbusinessmarketingtips #berkshirebusiness #hampshirebusiness

What’s ONE of the fastest ways to grow on Instagram in 2022? ↗️An effective Reel strategy will massively help your business get in front of a new audience, but more importantly offer huge value to your existing followers. If you don’t have time to sit down and learn it all online come along for this three hour workshop @westridge_studio where I’ll show you HOW to create reels and some of those editing tricks to create engaging videos. We’ll cover adding music, text & covers too. Save any reel’s you’d like to know how to recreate and I’ll show you how to do it! This is my LAST workshop here until September so it’s a great opportunity to jump on Reels this summer x DM me if you have any questions or book in the bio x #westberks #westberkshirebusiness #hampshirewomensbusiness #reelsworkshop #instagramreelsworkshop #womeninbusinessuk

Anyone else battling the Monday Blues? What a Jubilee that was! It was definitely a fitting celebration for Her Majesty The Queen to celebrate 70 wonderful years. This has to be my favourite moment - I too like to have a little Marmalade on hand at all times! 🍊❤️ Back to reality now… *sigh* have you got any pick me up ideas? #socialmarmalade #platinumjubilee2022 #marmalade #queenjubilee #smallbusinesslife

Do you enjoy the benefits of flexible working? Does it make me unproductive to work in this way? No! I can do everything here that I can in an office and it’s a only a few minutes to set up and I can crack on! There are a lot of conversations happening around the topic of flexible working, @pregnant_then_screwed @mother_pukka are leading the way. Personally, I know I’m incredibly lucky to have space and clients I can work with in a completely flexible way. It’s all about quality output not time on a seat. It wasn’t initially obvious that this would be my path if I’m honest. When I moved out to Hampshire I had high hopes of keeping my career alight, but the reality made it impossible without full time extra childcare. Would I have made enough to cover that 🤷‍♀️ It’s really very hard to find a balance and I just hope the conversation keeps moving forward. I am so motivated in my role as I desperately want to help people find success on their own terms, with their own businesses as there are so few flexible options available. I know many of you have set up your own businesses to make it work for your family life, was this out of necessity or choice? Do you enjoy the benefits of working flexibly? #socialmarmalade #flexibleworking #workingmumlife #hampshirebusiness #flexappeal

Finally! Thanks for your patience here is the live with the wonderful Fiona @bossyourpr - Let us know if you have any thoughts or questions x

New online lifestyle magazine @luxeinthecountry has launched! Yesterday I had the great pleasure of joining Georgie & Sophie who are the faces behind @luxeinthecountry and we headed to the wonderful @jaxjeans in Hungerford to get lots of video content for their socials. It can be really tricky to do your own videos, especially at first, as let’s face it, not everyone likes jumping in front of the camera (me included!). My role yesterday was to not only film but more importantly support and encourage the team to feel more confident with creating videos and make it fun. 🍊Top top: They don’t have to be perfect and it will take practice! Just be clear WHO you’re talking to and ensure the content is of value 👍🏻Video content is really worth the investment and will really help with building trust, offering value and showing more of your brand personality. You can share it on reels, stories, posts and Facebook ✨Sharing videos consistently will help you reach more people 🙌And if you can collaborate with businesses and brands with a similar target audience - that’s a winning content strategy! We focused mostly on stories and IG video (2-5 mins) rather than reel transitions, but they’ll have some content to create a reel too. In a 3 hr morning session they now have video content for 3-4 features plus some stories, 1 reel and some supporting images for covers etc. I’ve provided the content and in this case, they’ll do the editing. I’m not a video pro, but I do think that for social media it’s good enough! 🍊❤️And some amazing feedback is always a lovely way to finish the day: ‘Thank you so so much for this morning. Quite frankly couldn’t have done it without you!! I felt absolute terrified when you clicked your video on but you were so reassuring and organised that it whizzed by and I think looks great! Thank you, thank you 😘😘😘’ If you need some Insta video coaching, filming or training in 2022 get in touch, it’

⚡️Instagram IGTV is no more!⚡️ Instagram has instead launched Instagram Video - a new tab where all your video content (excluding Reels & Stories) can be found. Why? IGTV wasn’t a huge hit and proved confusing as a separate brand/app. What’s new? 🍊Basically any video content posted to your profile will now be searchable in your Instagram Video tab (look for the ▶️icon under your highlights). 🍊You can post videos up to 60 mins in length. The first 60s will be shown as a preview to your audience mitosis They tap to see the full screen 🍊Videos include posts with animated stickers 🍊It’s a good idea to add a cover that’s optimised for the square - just like Reels. Use a story template in Canva but add a strong hook in the square that’s on brand so your videos are easily navigable 🍊Remember to turn captions on in the ‘advanced options’ 🍊You can add products tags, location tags and people tags/collabs Instagram are developing the video features in the app to encourage MORE video. I am finding it a little glitchy- eg I could attribute this to a series earlier today, captions don’t work, the cover is off (even after editing). But I think these will be ironed out. Enjoy this video and if you need help with your video content strategy do get in touch. I’d love your feedback and thoughts below ⬇️ #socialmediatips #socialmediastrategy #videocontentmarketing #instagramtipsforbusiness #instagramforsmallbusiness #instagramupdates

⚡️Instagram IGTV is no more!⚡️ Instagram has instead launched Instagram Video - a new tab where all your video content (excluding Reels & Stories) can be found. Why? IGTV wasn’t a huge hit and proved confusing as a separate brand/app. What’s new? 🍊Basically any video content posted to your profile will now be searchable in your Instagram Video tab (look for the ▶️icon under your highlights). 🍊You can post videos up to 60 mins in length. The first 60s will be shown as a preview to your audience mitosis They tap to see the full screen 🍊Videos include posts with animated stickers 🍊It’s a good idea to add a cover that’s optimised for the square - just like Reels. Use a story template in Canva but add a strong hook in the square that’s on brand so your videos are easily navigable 🍊Remember to turn captions on in the ‘advanced options’ 🍊You can add products tags, location tags and people tags/collabs Instagram are developing the video features in the app to encourage MORE video. Enjoy this video and if you need help with your video content strategy do get in touch. I’d love your feedback and thoughts below ⬇️ #socialmediatips #socialmediastrategy #videocontentmarketing #instagramtipsforbusiness #instagramforsmallbusiness #instagramupdates

Reel basics. If you haven’t filmed your first Reel yet here’s a quick run through on the basics of how to plan and execute your Reel. Just click the highlights in my bio for the full demo. The actual Reel will come tomorrow!!! 🍊 #socialmarmalade #instagramreeltips #instagramforbusinesses #smallbizuk

I’m back to my Small Business Saturday Shoutout! 📣 This week I had the pleasure of meeting up with these fabulous Hampshire business women and see them doing what they do well - speaking with customers! ✨💕 I have no doubt many of you know these ladies, but if you don’t I hope you’ll take the opportunity to check them out. I’ve been lucky to have worked with them in different ways over the last few years and it was wonderful to see them face to face at this small pop up in Hook. Featuring: 💕Lucinda @tlmedit - fashion, gifts & accessories for women 🖤KookyTwo @kookytwo - personalised hand made jewellery, ‘any charm with any chain’ 💚Sarah @turnbullandhooch - homewares and unique gifts 💖 👉If you’d like to shoutout a fellow small business please do so in the comments snd I can share in stories over the weekend x 🙌 #socialmarmalade #smallbizuk #smallbusinessuk #smallbusinesshampshire #hampshirebusinessuk #hampshirebusinesswomen #hampshiremums #hookhampshire #womensupportingwomeninbusiness #smallbusinesssaturdayuk #discovernewbrands #independentbusinesses

This should be the best time of year, sunshine and spring floral displays! We might not have had the sunshine this morning, but I did get to enjoy the sight of this stunning wisteria as I entered the beautiful home of @michellebrowninteriors 🌸. Michelle suggested I get a picture before the storm arrives this afternoon. Oh May, please bring sunshine soon, I remember being tanned last year, you? #beautifulengland #wisteriahysteria #wisteriainbloom #wisteriawatch #hampshirehome #hampshirelife #hookhampshire #interiordesignlovers #hampshirehomes #hampshireinteriordesigners #socialmediahampshire

Who else is enjoying this beautiful weather this week? ☀️ I’m still in the thick of the mummy juggle but I thought I’d set myself up outside to watch the kids whilst I finish off writing a training session I’m running on Friday. I am thinking outdoor Instagram workshops this summer might work a treat? What do you think? #socialmarmalade #jammybusiness #instagramtraining #instagramforbusiness #outdoorofficeday #outdooroffice #outdoorlivingspace #springoffice #myofficespace #mummyjuggle #homeofficeideas #homeworking #workingfromhomelife #hampshirebusiness #hampshirebusinessuk #hampshirebusinesswomen

Are people really interested in seeing behind the scenes of your business? In short - YES!✨ One of the reasons Big Brother (TV show!) was such a hit is we got to see the nitty gritty behind the scenes and get to know the contestants better, not just the glossy edited versions. I think the same goes for social media. Yes you need to work on ensuring you grid is on brand and communicates your messages/values etc But people are also really are interested in seeing more behind the scenes of a business and get to know the people, see the office space etc It’s an incredibly powerful way to build trust and tell your story. You can do this a few ways: 🍊 Video- I love the time lapse feature in my phone, but you can also just film snippets from your day or morning routine and edit and upload as a short video (under 1 min) or as a IGTV if over 1 min. I used InShot app to cut and edit 🍊Stories - for quick 15s videos and images. Such a great option for mixing up content - take images, talk to camera, upload a short time-lapse to music, a boomerang? Do this regularly! 🍊Reels - similarly to stories your reels can be used to share behind the scenes in a more concise way. Again edit your video to 15-30seconds and add captions. Great for getting reach and letting people get to see more of the real you/your business in an entertaining way. I’d share more from my day but sadly the nature of my job requires the use of my phone! Needless to say once I’ve completed my kitchen ‘workout,’ had a coffee and made my plans for the day I’m usually on Zoom with clients, lunch, creating content and it’s school pick up! I’m still working out how to fit a proper workout into my routine - any tips?! (That’s a great idea for a live @accomplishfitness 🙌) Let me know how you feel about sharing more behind the scenes...And no, it’s not boring! ✨ #socialmarmalade #behindthescenes #lifebehindthescenes #morningroutine #mymorningroutine #smallbusinessuk #smallbusi

I remember once being told ‘You don’t sell in Instagram!’ Well let me tell you, you do now! There are 8 ways for you to make it really easy for your customers to buy your products.. If you are a small business and you want to sell on Instagram I strongly advise you to get your shops set up and working. I know many of you are having difficulties with the your existing shops now the new Facebook Shop has launched but don’t put that job on the ‘tomorrow’ pile. Speak to Shopify/Wooho or raise a ticket with Facebook to fix any issues as you need this to work for your business. It’s only going to get bigger, especially when the new checkout function arrives! If you like the video please like or send me a comment. It’s not so easy being on the other side of the camera! #socialmarmalade #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesstips #sellingoninstagram #instagramshopping #instagramshop #shopsmalluk #smallbusinessuk #smallfashionbusiness #shopsmallbusinessuk #growyoursales #instagramtips #socialmediamarketing