Always Being Social

21/01/2025

Unless you’ve been asleep for the last few days you will have heard that there’s been big changes to the Instagram grid layout.

We now have the portrait grid view and it’s here to stay.

This means if you’re still posting square images there will have to be changed to how you create your content.

And here’s what you need to know:

- Your grid now displays as portrait or rectangles instead of squares.

- For static image posts, stick to a 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px). I’ve been recommending this for ages, so no surprises there.

- BUT the profile grid preview now crops posts to 3:4, so make sure nothing important is near the edges, as it’ll get chopped off.

- However the roll out from square to portrait is still being rolled out - so make sure that you still optimise your posts and stick all text to the safe 1:1 square zone.

Other sizes to think about:

When it comes to reels and story videos, always upload in 9:16 – and if you’re adding a cover to your reels make sure all text is kept to the safe area..

Instagram is clearly pushing video content more than ever, so we need to adapt.

I know this update has annoyed a lot of people, but it’s a good reminder that Instagram isn’t ours to control – we’re using their space, so we have to roll with their changes.

The old Instagram may be gone, but leaning into video content will help you stay visible and grow.

If you’re feeling unsure or have questions, I’m always here to help.

Drop me a DM or ask in the comments ❤️

04/01/2025

Hey my darlings,

I thought that since I’ve been MIA for a while, we needed a little reintroduction, so here goes...

I’m Jo, founder of Always Being Social - see me as your social media wingwoman!

Originally from Guildford but Manchester’s been my home for nearly 20 years now, and honestly, I bloody love it here. I’m a true adopted Manc.

I’m married to Matt, mum to Ava and Max, and we’ve got our gorgeous cockerdor Lola, who has destroyed my house but I flipping adore her.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me planning my next holiday (I’d be permanently on one if I could ) and disco-dancing my way around the house in leopard print.

And here’s not such a fun fact - I’m turning 50 next year (WTF?!) so I’ve decided to make some changes in preparation.

We’re kicking off with Dry January, getting fit, and giving keto another bash because the perimenopause weight gain is giving my large arse a right kicking!

I started Always Being Social back in 2019 after agency life nearly broke me and has been the best decision I have ever made I bloody love it .

And I bloody love working with small business owners like you who need someone in their marketing corner.

So that’s me!

Tell me one fun fact about you in the comments.

I’d love to know more about you ❤️❤️❤️

02/01/2025

First off, let’s talk about the obvious - I’ve been a bit AWOL on here!

December was bonkers and I needed a bit of a breather which I loved!

But I’m back now and ready to ease into 2025.

And what better way to kick things off than by sharing what you can STOP stressing about this year?

Let’s bin those bad social media habits and focus on what really works

❌ Posting just for the sake of it.

Remember quality over quantity.

Posting random pics of your day isn’t going to do your business any favours.

Really understand your offering and what your audience is interested in.

Have a content plan in place.

❌ Thinking more followers = success.

Nope, it’s about ENGAGEMENT.

I’d rather have 200 engaged followers than 2,000 bots who don’t give a f@ck!

❌ Trying to be everywhere at once.

Are you trying to be on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn?

Pick your lane and master it before you spread yourself too thin.

❌ Perfection paralysis.

Are you waiting for your post to be perfect before it goes live?

Forget it.

Done is better than perfect every single time.

❌ Ignoring the numbers.

Your analytics are GOLD.

Don’t just slap a post up and hope for the best.

At the end of each month, check what works and do more of that!

What social media bad habits are you going to leave in 2024?

Let me know below 👇

03/12/2024

If 2024 has been a tough year for your social media marketing here’s how we can work together in 2025 to get you the results you want.

I know how hard it is to run your business as well as trying to navigate the ever-changing world of social media.

It’s bloody hard.

But you don’t have to do it alone - I can help you.

All packages are bespoke to your brief and depend on what level of investment you have.

So here are all the options on how I can help you:

1️⃣ My Social Media Success Programme
2️⃣ Social media training
3️⃣ Social media management
4️⃣ Social media audit
5️⃣ My Always Being Social Power Hour

I absolutely love working with people like you who want to ditch the confusion and want to get RESULTS from their social media.

Let’s get you Always Being Social in 2025.

DM me the word SUCCESS and I’ll send you the link to book a call with me so that we can talk further.

30/10/2024

Struggling with Instagram?

Based in Manchester?

Then my workshop is for you ❤️

In this three hour, interactive session we will cover the following:

- Social media strategies and objectives
- How to make your bio stand out
- Understanding Instagram’s different formats and how they work in your sales funnel
- How to create content that SELLS
- And how to grow your followers and build an engaged community

You’ll receive practical advice, insider tips, and actionable strategies that can be implemented as soon as you get home.

And you’ll leave this session feeling empowered and equipped with the latest Instagram know-how.

Want to know the best bit?

It’s just £95 per person with tea/coffee and a slice of cake included!

Where: The ClassRooms, Stanley Square, Sale

When: Tuesday 12th November, 10am till 1pm

To book just head to the link in my bio.

Or go to my QR code in the carousel and do the following:

1) Take a screenshot of my QR code
2) Head your photos and the screenshot
3) Click on the QR code and your web browser will take you to my event page.

Simples.

I cannot wait to see you there.

25/10/2024

If you’re struggling with Instagram and you’re based in Manchester my workshop is for you ❤️

In this three hour, interactive session we will cover the following:

- Social media strategies and objectives
- How to make your bio stand out
- Understanding Instagram’s different formats and how they work in your sales funnel
- How to create content that SELLS
- And how to grow your followers and build an engaged community

You’ll receive practical advice, insider tips, and actionable strategies that can be implemented as soon as you get home.

And you’ll leave this session feeling empowered and equipped with the latest Instagram know-how.

Want to know the best bit?

It’s just £95 per person with tea/coffee and a slice of cake included!

Where: The ClassRooms, Stanley Square, Sale

When: Tuesday 12th November, 10am till 1pm

To book just head to the link in my bio.

Or go to my QR code on the last slide and do the following:

1) Take a screenshot of my QR code
2) Head your photos and the screenshot
3) Click on the QR code and your web browser will take you to my event page.

Simples.

I cannot wait to see you there.

23/10/2024

Want to know how you can work with me?

Take a look 👀

Let me know how I can help you today 🙌🏻

Always Being Social offers digital marketing for small business in the UK. Friendly, affordable support for small businesses. Get in touch!

18/10/2024

Big news from Instagram yesterday......

Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s CEO, has confirmed that CAROUSELS get MORE REACH than single posts.

He says:

1. If you show more content there’s more opportunity for engagement and better engaging content means more reach.

2. Plus, if a user doesn’t swipe through the first time, they’ll show them slide two to encourage an interaction - meaning more eyes on you.

BONUS TIP 🙌🏻❤️

He recommends adding music to your carousels to improve the chances of them appearing in searches for video experiences like the Reels tab.

So there you go: Carousels = more reach.

But remember that you need to TEST your own content and see what works best for you.

Reels still have the best organic reach across Instagram, but if your target audience loves a swipe, then give this a go.

So will you be using more carousels in your content strategy?

Let me know in the comments below.

14/10/2024

This is your Monday reminder that you've got this. I know it can feel tough to keep showing up on social media, especially when it feels like no one is listening or engaging - thanks Facebook. But even on the days when you feel like you’re just talking to the void, please remember this: If you’ve helped just one person, inspired just one potential customer, you’ve already made a HUGE difference. Your community is watching, even if they don’t always interact. They’re seeing the work and the effort that you’re putting into it. Every post, every story, every reel matters. You are building trust, connection, and momentum. And remember that the seed you plant today is not the day you eat the fruit.So keep going. Keep showing up. Keep being you. And if you feel stuck with your social media, just remember: I'm here to help you keep going - we're in this together ❤️

11/10/2024

If you’re a Manchester-based, small business struggling with Instagram this one is for you.

Join my three-hour, in-person workshop where you’ll learn all the social media strategies you need to make Instagram a success and there’ll even be cake!

This fast-paced and interactive workshop is designed to take you through Instagram best practices leaving you ready to take on Instagram with confidence.

My workshop will cover the following:

- Social media strategies and objectives
- Optimising your profile and bio
- Understanding Instagram’s different formats and how they work inyour sales funnel
- How to create compelling content
- And how to grow your followers and build an engaged community

My workshop is perfect for beginners and more advanced Instagrammers who are not getting the results they want.

Investment: Just £95 per person with tea/coffee and a slice of cake included!

Where: The ClassRooms,

When: Tuesday 12th November, 10am till 1pm

To book your place:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alwaysbeingsocial/1428036

And if you think anyone in your network will benefit for this workshop please share ❤️❤️❤️

26/09/2024

Happy 5th business birthday to me.

Five years of Always Being Social.

Five years of bloody hard work.

Five years of never giving up.

Five years of showing up.

And I wouldn’t change it.

Starting Always Being Social was the best thing I ever did.

And to celebrate this milestone I’m offering FIVE businesses a mini social media audit for just £99 instead of £197.

So if you need help to get your social media back on track, DM me the word “BIRTHDAY” and we’ll get you booked in.

Have the best day my darlings ❤️❤️❤️❤️

24/09/2024

Want to know what I love?

I love helping small businesses smash their socials.

I love helping my clients clarify their offer and their USPs.

I love empowering them with my social media know-how.

I love creating BIG strategies for their small businesses that get results.

I love how I help them connect with their ideal customers and teach them the sales techniques they need to start making the money they deserve.

I love giving them the confidence to show up.

I love giving them back time so they can do what they’re good at - running their business.

I love how I stop my clients from feeling overwhelmed.

I love how I give them clarity and confidence.

So if you’ve fallen out of love with your socials, I can help you - just take a look at the services I have on offer and let’s chat further.

P.S And if you know of any small businesses who could do with my help, I would LOVE it if you shared my post with your audience ❤️

18/06/2024

Are you invisible?

One of the biggest mistakes I see indie business owners making with social media is that they HATE showing up.

They hate being the “face” of the brand and instead stay behind their logo.

It fills them with dread.

They’d rather be invisible.

But when you’re an independent business this is your secret sauce.

This is what makes you so unique.

Your customers want to see YOU!

They want to know your journey, your successes, your failures, your why.

They want to be emotionally connected with you and this is where the magic happens.

So try and show up, find your own voice, your own visual style.

People will then start to know it’s you when you pop up in their feed.

And we all like familiarity.

It builds trust.

Standing out will make you memorable.

How do you feel about showing up?

—-——————————————————————

🙌🏻 Hey I’m Jo, a social media strategist and trainer.

🚀 I can help you grow your small business with BIG social media strategies and management that get RESULTS.

🛎️ Follow me for social media updates and so much more.

11/06/2024

Stop getting stuck with your social.

Are you a small business owner trying to run your business as well as your social media and feeling overwhelmed by it all?

If so you need to stop and let me help you.

Why?

Because sometimes you need someone on your side.

See me as your social media wing-woman.

I can give you the know-how, the accountability, the confidence and the motivation to get the RESULTS you want and need from social media.

If you want to find out more just DM me the word "SOCIAL"

Have a great day ❤️

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🙌🏻 Hey I'm Jo, a social media strategist and trainer.

🚀 I can help you grow your business with social media strategies that get RESULTS.

🛎️ Follow me for social media updates and so much more.

10/06/2024

WARNING.......gushy, love post incoming.

here’s to 15 years of being Mr & Mrs ❤️❤️❤️

And this is my opportunity to thank you for being my biggest business supporter, cheerleader, listener and occasional brew maker.

Without you, this crazy biz owner life wouldn’t be the same ❤️

P’s You really are my favourite person to annoy for the rest of my life.