Attention Seeker

29/08/2024

Just back from our first holiday in over two years! 😲 I brought my laptop as a safety net, but thanks to good planning and prep before we left, it stayed off (except for one call about the upcoming The Marketing Meetup Hertfordshire event, which was super exciting!).

With September around the corner and our youngest starting reception, I’ll finally have a more “normal” working week.

It’s the perfect time to gear up for Q4, finish 2024 strong, and start planning for 2025.

I have capacity and would love the opportunity to work with you if you need support.

Perhaps you.....

🌎 Need some help with a social media strategy that will capture attention and get results
👯 Want to enhance your team processes for maximum efficiency and impact in managing social media accounts
🚢 Need all hands on deck for your new client wins or an upcoming campaign

With over 15 years of experience in PR, digital, and social media marketing, I offer strategic social media consultancy for Marketing Directors, In-House Marketing Teams, Communications Agencies, and Business Owners.

Do let me know if you’d like to chat about how I might be able to help, or share with your fellow contacts who might need some support as we head into the last few months of the year.

18/06/2024

Had a great time at .collective last week 🏘️ I love it when professionals in the same field come together to support and learn from each other, and the event was full of talented and inspiring people in the construction and property industry.

Thank you .uskuri and for inviting me to speak at the event about using social media to build trust and awareness, which is especially important in an industry where one-time clients are common.

The journey from clients identifying their needs to deciding who will help them achieve their goals is a delicate one. We discussed how to establish a strong foundation to build trust and awareness, making that journey as smooth as possible (I tried to not use too many property puns...) 🧱

For those who attended, I offered a free “Social Media Health Check” as a starting point for improving online presence and attracting more clients. This includes recommendations to help build trust, awareness, and ultimately, happy clients.

If you missed the event but are interested in learning more about what we discussed and receiving a Social Media Health Check, I’d be happy to chat!

08/05/2024

Cyber attacks are becoming a more frequent news headline. An NHS trust today, the Ministry of Defence yesterday, and Tesco and Sainsbury’s before that ⚡️

But it’s not just large companies being hit.

Only a few weeks ago, the government released a report revealing 50% of businesses have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

You might not think it, but social media is a prime target.

So, is your brand’s social media safe from cyberattacks?

I’ve written a bit about how this and to keep your social media channels safe (link in bio).

But the TL;DR version is:
✔️Make 2-factor authentication mandatory for everyone with access to your social media accounts. 
✔️Train your employees on social media security best practices. 
✔️Monitor for suspicious activity and be proactive in identifying potential threats.
✔️Use social media management tools to help you track activity and identify security risks before they become problems

And of course, the obvious ones: Strong passwords, change them regularly, and hover over links to see the real URL before clicking.

Keen to know if the recent rise in cyber attacks has prompted any of the above for your business? Or other ways you’re protecting your brand online?

12/04/2024

It came to my attention this week that it’s been three years since I became "Attention Seeker" (thanks Facebook memories!)🦚🎉 Although social media moves quickly, the third anniversary of entering freelance life has made me reflect on how much has changed in that time and about the future of social media marketing. So, I decided to write a blog about it in the middle of the night, as you do.

Please have a read over a cuppa if you have the time: https://attention-seeker.com/social-media-trends/

Spoiler alert, these are the changes in the last three years that I found the most significant:

🖼️ Aesthetically pleasing content 👉 Raw and relatable content
🎥 Short-form video 👉 Long-form video AND text-based posts
🪙 The Rise of Social Commerce
🔎 Social media 👉 SEO
🌍 Continued Dominance of Facebook, the demise of Twitter, the launch of Threads AND LinkedIn got cool(ish)

So, what does the future of social media marketing look like?

Anyone who claims to know, does not know. But I would bet on a few things staying the same.

The social media landscape may evolve rapidly, with new platforms, features, and trends emerging constantly. But one core principle remains constant: social media, at its heart, is a communications platform.

Despite constant doubts and evolving trends, social media offers unparalleled value for brands. It remains the most effective platform for connecting directly with customers and potential customers on a large scale. By prioritising communication, interaction, and audience-centric content, brands can leverage the power of social media to build lasting relationships and achieve long-term success.

Here’s to the next three years!

20/12/2023

There has been a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour this year. While “authenticity” has always been important in marketing, the rise of AI has made people more conscious of fake content (and blatant Canva templates*) so authenticity is more important than ever.

Consumers want to know more about:
🌱brand’s roots
🧍the people behind the business
♻️ whether they are socially responsible and sustainable

Going into 2024, it’s most important for brands to adopt transparency and share genuine stories.

As AI becomes a tangible force in our daily lives, brands can leverage its power for productivity and workflow but should focus on human creativity and authentic storytelling.

After a mammoth review of various trends reports and predictions (notably , , , and ) here’s what I have drilled down to four essentials for social media marketing in 2024 👆

I’d love to hear your thoughts - are you already adopting any of these? Or have any made you think differently?

*the irony of this post is not lost

#2024

25/08/2023

I was called a social media champion this week and I think I quite like it…

Over the years I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve encouraged (fought for even) the social media teams to sit at the table from day one.

Brands and agencies that don’t put social first tend to be the ones wondering why their efforts aren’t delivering…

The ones who summon their social teams at the eleventh hour to "share some posts"… that have already been created and look like ads! 😳

Swipe 👈 to read my case for why all marketing teams should be "social first" 🥊

05/05/2023

There's a big, historic event happening this weekend... but should brands see this as an opportunity to engage with online audiences, or keep calm and carry on? 👑

The answer lies in understanding what the target audience wants.

recently shared some stats that may help with that. Swipe 👈 to read those.

And here are some other tips to help be part of the Coronation conversation:

🔹Tap into a sense of nostalgia: Events like the Coronation can evoke emotions and a sense of familiarity. Brands can use this to connect with people and influence future behaviour. However, given the negative levels surrounding the monarchy, it may be better to invoke nostalgia about the country rather than the Crown to avoid a possible 'reverse halo' effect.

🔹Inclusivity and diversity: The Royal Coronation is an event that represents the entire nation, and it is important for brands to be inclusive and diverse in their approach. Avoid any marketing communications that may be perceived as exclusive or biased towards a particular group.

🔹Respect and permissions: While official rules and guidance around social media posting aren't clear, it's important to not use images found on the internet without getting permission first.

🔹Storytelling: Use the Coronation as an opportunity to tell a compelling story that resonates with your audiences, such as the history and tradition behind the event or a connection that it might have to the Royal Family. This will allow the message to remain authentic and relevant and avoid exploiting the event for commercial gain.

Remember, to effectively engage with your audience during this historic event and beyond, the most important thing is understanding your audience's preferences.

02/05/2023

I feel very fortunate to have received this amazing testimonial from Cheryl Luzet, CEO of Wagada Digital 🌟

Cheryl leads a team of experts who are always strategy-focused, backed up by data, and dedicated to delivering real results. I'm thrilled to have played a part in supporting their knowledge and development.

But it's not just about the work - everyone at Wagada is genuinely lovely to work with, ambitious, and fun. I truly enjoy working with this team, and it's an honour to have received such kind words from Cheryl!

01/05/2023

Twitter's future has been an increasingly hot topic, and seems to be coming to head after several reports suggesting that its demise is imminent.

The concerns are that under Elon Musk's leadership, Twitter has become more like a forum where those who pay the most get to shout the loudest.

Twitter's reputational collapse under Musk's toxic brand and his decisions to drive out expertise and scare away celebrities, bully reporters and reward bad actors, is also contributing to its decline.

It almost doesn't matter if this is deliberate sabotage or blundering stupidity; the upshot is that Twitter is dying, and nothing is thriving in its place. These reports provide clear pointers to Twitter's pending and probably inevitable car crash.

If your brand relies on Twitter as part of your social media strategy, it might be time to consider alternatives.

Twitter is no longer a trusted place for a brands reputation.

28/04/2023

Have you heard of Lemon8 yet?

It's the newest social media platform that's quickly growing in popularity, especially among the Gen-Z audience 🍋

has had over 17 million global downloads since its inception, making it a noteworthy player in the world of social media.

Swipe 👈 for all you need to know right now and a few considerations before adding it to your social media mix.

What do you think?

Will Lemon8 be part of your social strategy?

16/04/2023

TikTok's global ad revenue is expected to reach $15 billion this year and the platform boasts a growing user base, which currently sits at over 1.53 billion users.

But, despite its success, the app has been under fire over data privacy concerns and the scrutiny has only increased recently, with potential bans looming in the US and beyond.

What does this mean for the social landscape, and how can marketers prepare for the potential fallout?

Swipe 👈 for my summary of why there are growing concerns and what to do about it.

Let me know any questions in the comments 👇

23/03/2023

I'm thrilled to share this testimonial from my client Aspia Space. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dynamic and innovative company.

Aspia Space was founded in 2021 and is pushing the limits of Earth Observation data, bringing together experts in astrophysics, deep machine learning, and commercial strategy to provide its clients with cloud-free satellite images and bespoke data intelligence.

Our social media marketing strategy has been focused on growing awareness and generating new client leads for Aspia Space, and I'm thrilled to see the results that we've been able to achieve together.

Thank you again for your trust and for allowing me to be a part of the Aspia Space journey. I look forward to continuing our work together and achieving even more success in the future 🚀

21/02/2023

Deinfluencing has been growing in popularity since the start of the year. Here’s all you need to know:

👀 The hashtag currently has over 200 million views on TikTok, where the trend first began.

🙅‍♀️It is about advising to NOT buy something. It’s about being honest and transparent about products (more so than services) that are popular, mostly because brands have invested in an influencer marketing campaign to help promote them.

⏰It was only a matter of time before influencer marketing had to change. That’s why deinfluencing and isn't just a trend.

👍But don't give up on influencer marketing just yet! It's not going anywhere, it's just evolving into a more authentic space.

🤝Brands should reevaluate who they choose to partner with and focus more on working with real people who align with their customers’ values. By doing so, you can create more authentic content that resonates with your audience and builds a stronger, more loyal customer base.

📸An alternative to influencer marketing is a UGC campaign (User Generated Content).

If you need a hand with creating authentic, shareable and likeable content that gets more eyes on your brand then pop me a DM.

15/01/2023

Been having a play with over the last couple of weeks and I’m still in awe of its capabilities 😯

Can you tell which of these☝️was created by AI and which one was a recent email I wrote?

Rest assured, I’ll never use AI to write marketing copy but there’s so many ways that this is a game-changer for us all.

Its possibilities could lead to some very good results if used cleverly, responsibly and morally!

I’m excited to explore it more.

What about you?

13/12/2022

Every month I run a content planning session for independent business owners in the Attention Seeker Social Club and this Thursday I’m opening it up to anyone who wants to sort their content for the festive season 🥳

In this session, we will create six posts so that you're not going silent on social media, but can take the time off, and ensure you're not scrambling around for content in January.

The session will be this Thursday 15th December from 10.30 – 12.00 pm 🗓

You deserve a break this Christmas, but don't miss out on the crucial period to reach more people. 

The time between Christmas and going into the New Year is known as “Q5”. 

The majority of businesses switch off as there is a preconception that users don’t go on their socials throughout this period.

But, it’s quite the opposite. 

People will still be on social media – and it may even heighten in this period due to many people having some well-deserved time off to do some guilt-free scrolling! 

So, let's set you up to maximise this opportunity!

Leave a comment or send me a message if you’d like to join and I’ll send you the zoom link 🎅

18/10/2022

I’ve always worked with ‘big’ brands and loved it but one of the reasons I became a consultant was to help small, independent business owners - especially after the pandemic!

I’m lucky to be working with a mix of clients at the moment, not just in size but industry.

But over the last few months I’ve been working on helping Indy business owners. The ones who wear EVERY hat and juggling all the plates, so inevitably their social media marketing is at the bottom of the list!

If that’s you, I can help 👇

The Attention Seeker Social Club has been running with a small group of 20 since June.

They can come to me with any marketing questions, one to one or in our private group, and every month we spend one hour collectively planning the following months content.

Our November content planning sessions will be tomorrow, Wednesday 19th (13.30 - 14.30) and Thursday 20th (10.00 - 11.00).

If you run your own business and are flying by the seat of your pants when it comes to your social media, and want to try one of the content planning sessions, let me what day you want to join and I will send you the details.

You can find out more about The Attention Seeker Social Club in the link in my bio too.

18/08/2022

28/07/2022

Yes, even still images. Because it’s still okay to post those too!

The new full-screen Instagram feed is being rolled out so even if you have it, you will see tweaks in the coming weeks or even months.

Combined with the confirmed shift to video, this means you should now always post in 9:16 vertical format - including photos.

Are you going to miss the square or are you enjoying the new vertical format?

I’m personally enjoying playing around with the vertical style!

29/04/2022

There’s never enough time in the day is there?!

And I bet that if you run your own business, your social media is at the bottom of your never ending to do list.

But social media can make a huge impact on your business by helping you reach and connect with potential customers.

It deserves your attention.

But I know it’s hard.

Even if you do set aside time to post, knowing what to post is a minefield…

And that’s why I’m starting The Attention Seeker Social Club.

To help business owners like you to captivate attention, build connections and convert followers to customers without it taking up more of your valuable time.

So you can get more done in less time.

So you can get all your social media questions answered by me.

So you can be inspired and share experiences with fellow business owners who are in the exact same boat as you even if they’re in a totally different industry.

So you can discover how to make original content and stand out from the competition in a way that suits you.

So you never have to think “sh*t, I’ve not posted in a week!” and hurriedly piece something together.

So you’re never the last to know about algorithm changes and new features.

Sound good?

You can join The Attention Seeker Social Club for only £20 a month.

I've got big ideas so the price will increase for new members joining in future, but the price will stay the same if you join before midnight tomorrow.

https://attention-seeker.com/attention-seeker-social-club/

Help your business captivate attention and grow. Join to gain social media support and create effective content in less time.

28/04/2022

Would you like the benefit of a social media consultant without the cost?

If you run your own business, read on - because social media can be overwhelming sometimes and I have a solution for you!

I love helping business owners to grow their business. I help them to captivate attention, build connections, and convert followers to customers – without it being time consuming or overwhelming, so time is better spent elsewhere.

That's why I'm starting The Attention Seeker Social Club.

This is new, so I want to test what works and what doesn’t.

Therefore, I’m launching for “Founding Members” only.

This means you’ll join at a low price of just £20 a month AND you’ll have it at that price for as long as you’re a member.

As a member of The Attention Seeker Social Club, you’ll get:

🦚SUPPORT: I will be active in the community to answer all your burning social media questions, plus fellow business owners will be able to share their own advice and experiences

🦚A SOCIAL MEDIA STARTER KIT: a simple guide packed with tips and templates to set you up for social media success, including Canva templates and a monthly content planner

🦚MONTHLY CONTENT PLANNING SESSIONS: Plan your content for the month in one hour with me and a small group of fellow business owners

🦚REGULAR PROMPTS & INSPIRATION: I will be sharing suggested weekly actions, tips, current trend insights, and clever examples of content from other brands on social media.

🦚RELEVANT SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS: Short updates to help you understand what the latest social media updates mean for your business.

If you’d like to be part of this and become a Founding Member, the “doors” are open until 11.59 pm on Saturday 30th April.

After then, the club will run for a couple of months before launching at a higher price.

Full details and link to join below.

Hope to see you in the club! 🦚

https://attention-seeker.com/attention-seeker-social-club/

Help your business captivate attention and grow. Join to gain social media support and create effective content in less time.

14/04/2022

Do you...

🟢Run your own business and lack the time or knowledge to use social media effectively?
🟢Have lots of social media-related questions but don’t know where to find the right answers?
🟢Feel like you waste hours creating content?
🟢Feel unsure what impact your content has on your business?
🟢Want guidance on how social media fits in with other marketing channels?

The Attention Seeker Social Club is for you - a community where you get instant advice on social media marketing and create more effective content in less time (without adding more to your To-Do list).

As a member, you will discover how to optimise your social media profiles to capture the attention of your ideal customer, stand out from your competition, create content that your audience will love, and convert followers into clients.

When you join, you'll receive a SOCIAL MEDIA STARTER KIT to make sure you have social media basics right, including how to make that first impression count with optimised profiles, and Canva templates you can personalise with your branding.

Each month, there will be CONTENT PLANNING SESSIONS so you get more done in less time, as well as weekly content prompts and inspiration, and the latest digital marketing news in the form of short, snappy reads so you’re aware of relevant developments only and understand what it means for your business.

For any social media questions, there will be an active community with a breadth of marketing and business experience to bounce ideas off and ask for advice.

I invite you to become a Founding Member.

One of the big benefits of joining as a Founding Member is that you get in at the lowest price this is ever going to be… And you’ll be locked in at this price for as long as you stay a member. PLUS, you’ll be able to shape the entire experience as it grows by giving your ideas and insights.

On Wednesday 27th April, the "doors to the club" will open to become a Founding Member for three days only.

Register your interest by clicking on the link 🦚

https://attention-seeker.com/attention-seeker-social-club/

If you run your own business and struggle to use social media effectively, whether it's a lack of time, ideas or both, the Attention Seeker Social Club is for you.

10/04/2022

Celebrating my first birthday! 🎉🎈

What a first year it’s been for Attention Seeker.

I have learnt so much about myself, about running a business (with two little ones who seem to have spent the majority of the last year ill), and about the challenges and opportunities that face every brand whether they’re small and independent or a global household brand.

I am really excited about the future. Particularly in the very near future I’ve got something to announce that will epitomise what I love doing most - working collaboratively with people to make social media effective but simple and enjoyable 👀

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far - clients, co workers, and collaborators alike. I appreciate you all!

Bring on year two, and beyond! 🎉

20/03/2022

Once upon a time, there was an ambitious entrepreneur, who wore all the hats it took to make their business a success and live their life the way they want to.

They knew their ideal customer used social media and so they created profiles, shared regular updates on their business, added relevant hashtags, and ensured posts were published at the optimal times.

But, despite what they were doing right, their posts got little engagement. They got ground down by working so hard and seeing little results from all the content they shared.

“Damn those bloody algorithms!” they said.

After months of trying and failing to build and captivate an audience, they shared their frustrations and showed themselves on social media - their hard work, their ambition, their purpose.

And people saw it and they were hooked.

No longer did people scroll past a brand and the same old content, they saw the difference and they came back for more because they felt a connection to the brand that the entrepreneur had worked so hard to build.

The moral of the story?

To capture your audience’s attention on social media, tell the story of your brand.

How can your product or service make a difference, or enhance the quality of someone’s life? What memorable moments are there in the evolution of your brand?

What’s your story?

24/02/2022

Please be aware of this in light of the breaking news on Russia invading Ukraine.

Be sensitive to the situation.

17/02/2022

A gesture of kindness can seem insignificant to you, but make someone else’s day.

That goes for everyone, but today is Random Acts of Kindness Day and I'd like to draw attention to how even small acts of kindness can impact ‘small’ business owners.

I say ‘small’ because when you run a business, whether it's solely by yourself or you have a team, it takes just as much energy, determination and motivation as being CEO of a global brand. Maybe more so?!

🎩 You wear all the hats - the admin, the accountant, the creative, the marketer...

I'd like to give you a break today from wearing one of those hats 👇

The Breakthrough is one service I offer, which will give you clear, strategic guidance and help you work through any hurdles you're facing in social media.

If this sounds like something you need, I'm giving The Breakthrough to one business for free as a Random Kind of Kindness.

To put your business forward to win The Breakthrough, just do the following:
🦚 LIKE this post
🦚 COMMENT below with

⌛The giveaway ends at 11.59 PM (GMT) on Thursday 17th February and the winner will be announced on Monday 21st February on Instagram.

📝 Not sponsored, associated, or administered by Meta©.

🦚 About The Breakthrough:

A 90-minute session that’s best if you need support quickly to work through trouble areas. Whether it’s a lack of content inspiration, a lull in engagement, or troubleshooting, this option will provide clarity and clear guidance on the next steps.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* A 90 minute 1:1 session
* A concise audit of your existing account(s) to establish what’s working and what could be improved (I will do this before our session)
* A follow-up email outlining the areas discussed in the session and recording of the session
* Downloadable template monthly content plan and checklists to help you learn good social media habits

More information here 👉 https://attention-seeker.com/services/

26/01/2022

I love looking back at client journeys and celebrating their achievements!

I’ve worked with Baby Sensory St Albans and Harpenden since franchise owner, Nic Owen, took over the business in May 2021.

The previous business owner had a long-standing relationship in the community and had existing Instagram and Facebook accounts, which Nic inherited.

Our main goal was to drive bookings, but we also had to:
🤗build connections with the existing audience
🎯reach new and expecting parents in the local area
👋drive awareness of Nic as the new face of Baby Sensory St. Albans & Harpenden

Whilst Nic knew the benefit social media would bring to her business, her experience was scrolling through her personal feeds.

I helped her learn how to best use social media to achieve her business goals without overloading her with information or making it time-consuming!

An audit of the existing social media accounts gave me the insights I needed into what was performing well and areas of improvement. A three-phase strategy was then developed to catch the attention of new and expecting parents, whilst making a seamless transition for existing followers.

In the first six months, we:
✨Reached >87,000 people organically on Facebook and Instagram (that’s 42% of the total population of the area the franchise covers)
✨Grew the Instagram following by 570%
✨Gained an average engagement rate of 7% on Instagram
✨Created a Google Business page and ensured keywords are placed throughout social media content, which helped Baby Sensory St. Albans sit at position 4 on Google when a user searches for “baby class St Albans” and similar
✨Drove over 600 clicks from social media to the website

All results are completely organic, but to support the organic strategy we implemented two short term Ad Campaign to drive bookings at key times for the business.

Across the two campaigns, the results achieved an average:
✨Cost Per Click (CPC) of £0.36
✨Click Through Rate (CTR) of 3%

I’m very proud of what Nic has achieved – her classes are sold out, her waitlist is growing, and she’s gone from a passive scroller on Instagram, to building her own community and even trying out lots of new social media features, from Live Videos to Reels!

It’s time for a refresh of the strategy now her business has grown, so expect to see even more fantastic results this year.

If you’re in need of a refresh too or would like to chat about how I can help your business grow, check out The Refresh Package on my Services Page: https://attention-seeker.com/services/

Or email me [email protected] 🦚