Rowena Fernando Social Media Specialist

14/11/2024

Do you ever feel like your social media could use a spark, but you're just not sure how?

If you're constantly feeling uninspired, it might be a sign to switch things up. (👋 Been there, too!)

The way I see it, social media should be something you enjoy creating. When we feel excited about our content or anything really for that matter, it shows and that energy is contagious!

Here are a few ideas to help you reignite the fun:

✨ Create what excites you if you;'re always pushing long-form posts but find them draining, switch to shorter captions or mix things up. Experimenting keeps things fresh!

✨ Show your true self; don't be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine. People connect with people, and your genuineness resonates.

✨ Remember, done is better than perfect. Easier said than done I know but here's a true story.

When starting this business, I was invited to do an Instagram live. I said yes but was filled with dread. To make matters worse! My screen blacked out during the stream, so I couldn't even see myself! Every flaw seemed amplified when I saw the recorded version later that day!

To me, it felt like a disaster! But months later, someone reached out, sharing how hearing my story had inspired her to take that action she was on the edge of to leave her employment and start her own business.

It was a reminder that sometimes, what feels imperfect to us can be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

✨ Enjoy the journey.

What's your favourite way to keep social media fun? Drop your tips below!

30/10/2024

Is consistency the secret sauce for successful branding?

✨ When hearing the word consistent is the first thought that comes to mind how often you should post?

That's just a part. It's also about maintaining a consistent profile image, tone of voice, branding colours/fonts and visual aesthetic across your platforms.

It all works together, helping you become recognised and, over time, can help build trust.

Aim for consistency, whether it's your profile image across different platforms, content schedule, or fonts, colours and all of the little details.

Your brand's success lies in your hands. Keep it consistent, keep it engaging & watch it thrive! 💪

Is your brand aesthetic consistent across all your platforms?

www.rfva.co.uk

22/10/2024

So, last week didn't quite go as planned, yet it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 🙌

Originally, I had a lovely trip to France lined up, but when plans shifted at the last minute, I decided to embrace a slower pace and use the time to catch up with myself and my business instead. After all, I had booked the time to be off, so it felt right to embrace that.

And guess what... It turned out to be just the tonic that was needed!

Last Thursday, I attended the Riviera Connect Expo, and it was incredible.🎉 Bumping into so many familiar faces and old business buddies, all while meeting new connections to the day, reminded me just how well-connected we are down here in the South West.

Here are a few takeaways from my time at the event:

✨Reconnecting with so many people in one space truly reminded us just how much we can learn and grow when we open ourselves up to new connections.

✨Collaboration is key! Chatting with others reminded me of the incredible support that there is from local businesses. There's a genuine willingness to collaborate and lift each other.

✨It's so lifting being surrounded by other business owners so passionate about what they do.

When working from your home office, it can be all too easy to get a bit consumed in the day-to-day tasks and not get out and about enough. But, attending the Expo certainly reminded me just how important it is to take time to network, even when it's busy.

My only regret is that I was so in the moment that I didn't even take my phone out to take any pictures! Doh!

Were you there too?

18/10/2024

Did you know I offer one-time digital marketing services, too?

Yep, that's right, should you be looking for one-time support, be it an audit, a bundle of blogs for your website, or a few emails to boost a campaign, I can help!

One-time services are perfect for launches, campaigns, or creative projects like a new website.

I can help you supercharge your digital assets and provide content to support you when you need it most.

Who are they for? 👇

Business owners who prefer spontaneity but may require some additonal help.

Businesses with a marketing team need extra hands for some of the moving parts, be it story designs to push a campaign, an email marketing series, automation set up or additional posts to boost what's in place.

Ready to take your content to the next level? Send me your inquiry today by visiting my website!

16/10/2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a brand stand out? Hint: It's not just about the products or services; it's more often than not the stories behind them.

Knowing a back story can help personalise and better connect with your people on a deeper level because it seeks out those who share your views or values.

Great, but how exactly do you do it?

✨ Share your why. What led you to build the brand? Was it born out of some kind of frustration within your industry? Be it sustainable packaging in the hospitality or retail sector, for example. You were fed up with how wasteful all the excess packaging was and really worked hard to find a better solution.

✨ Showing the processes of how your products come to life.

Do you have an innovative way of producing your items or a quirky handmade approach that people love because it's so authentic, original and interesting to watch?

There's an independent Cornish handmade jewellery brand I absolutely love. They often share their adventures hunting for beautiful bits of sea glass, and I just love watching what they get up to.

✨ Highlight success stories or testimonials. Social proof is always good and helps others visualise their success with your products or services.

When people feel connected to your story, they will more likely feel connected to your brand.

What's the story behind your business? Let's hear it!

www.rfva.co.uk

11/10/2024

Would you like to hand over the marketing reigns of your business?

Whether you're an established retailer, a service provider, or a growing brand, working with me is more than ticking boxes. ✅

I like the collaborative approach, which means that together, we'll co-create a strategy that not only engages your audience but also liberates your time, allowing you to focus on what you love. 💡

When speaking to my clients as to what led them to work with me, for most, it has been the constraints of time.

They all wanted to have an online presence but admitted how it was always the first ball to drop when things took a turn for the busier, meaning they were stopping and starting without any real strategic approach, and so they found me.

If you'd like some help with your digital presence, get in touch or visit my website to see more info on ways to work with me.

PS: If you need something a little more ad-hoc, I can accomodate this with fixed monthly retainers for 10-20 hours to support you with one-off types of tasks should this suit you better.

www.rfva.co.uk

10/10/2024

Today is , and while I don't generally post on awareness days, this one gets me reflecting on my own freelance journey.

When starting this business, little did I know it would also be a massive self-awareness journey!

Patterns I assumed were down to circumstances of where I was before or where I worked yet only to realise this was not due to any external environment, but more so patterns of behaviour within myself.

Being your own boss has many benefits, but in my experience, it's also meant learning how to properly care for myself, and that includes mental health, too.

My sweet spot for feeling good is a combination of things (Which has taken a few years to discover), but a huge part is now staying active because this one action naturally leads to so many other little healthier habits.

Be it via the daily walk, gym, yoga or whatever. This simple habit gets those good feelings flowing while boosting my mindset. I guess they call it the afterglow for a reason, right?

But then there's also something to be said about using your hands to create stuff! Upcycling, painting things in our house, or a recent hobby is dried flower arrangements! Crafting, I find to be somewhat therapeutic!

Digital connection doesn't have to feel distant; what I have found via various memberships or business challenges is how people can truly be so supportive. You can find your tribe online for accountability, to have your back and to uplevel skills if you so desire; in truth, some of my best collaborators are those I've found online. When working from home for me, this sense of connection has changed the game.

Let's take a moment to prioritise our wellbeing and share what works for us. Do you have any tips and tricks that help you take better care of yourself while running a business yourself?

07/10/2024

Ever feel as if you're putting all your marketing eggs into one basket?

Who doesn't love organic social media for building a brand or promoting a business? It gets you out in front of wider audiences and can help you build a loyal customer base; what's not to love?

But let's be honest, it is not the only strategy to employ!

If you're looking to grow your brand, you might need to incorporate a few more digital marketing strategies to reach your goals, such as:

💌Email Marketing
🎯Targeted ads
🎥 Brand or Influencer Collaborations
🤝Or even user-generated content that builds trust or shares customer experiences in raw and real ways.

Have you ever wondered why so many online stores offer a 10% discount the second you visit their site? This is so they can retarget you, offer irresistible discounts via email and nurture the warmth of your interest.

Diversifying your strategies may help maximise all of your digital opportunities to better enhance each other to meet your customers/audiences at different stages of their journey with you.

Ready to expand your digital footprint? Let's chat! www.rfva.co.uk

04/10/2024

Does anyone selse find that the best way to clear your head from any digital overload is a walk in the fresh air?

I must say, I'm so lucky to live in such a beautiful region in South Devon. There really is an abundance of natural beauty literally on the doorstep, and it truly does serve as a perfect reset when the digital demands of what I do start piling up a bit.

As much as I love what I do, using technology to help passionate business owners digitally market themselves, I also realise the importance of balance and taking breaks, going completely offline!

I know how tempting it is to resist taking these moments, especially when you're literally so deep into the tasks at hand. But, when there's always a task to bounce between, it is within those moments, especially, I believe this kind of balance is key.

Being present online is important. But being present offline is just as essential.

How do you find your balance between work and downtime?

02/10/2024

Tired of juggling everything in your business? Let’s lighten the load!

Running a business has many requirements. Yet the balance of creating amazing customer experiences, leading your team, and developing new products and marketing can feel like a full-time job on top of your main full-time job!

When working together, each month contains a content plot and plan call to map out current goals, gather assets, and follow or refresh the strategy to ensure our efforts are fresh and aligned with the revolving goals of the business.

This frees up your time so you can focus on what you do best! 🙌

What’s the one task you’d love to delegate?

If you’re looking for someone to lighten the load, why not download my pricelist and book a free 15 min chat to talk about your needs? https://tinyurl.com/429ck3a7

30/09/2024

Ever wondered how some brands just stand out in crowded markets? ✨

Let's take a look at the Ordinary Skincare.

They keep it simple, focused, and REAL.

No frills, no fancy or even particularly pretty packaging. Just good quality formulations backed by science and research.

Their whole USP is based upon "no frills" to keep packaging costs down to pass on quality to the customer which attracts loyal customers (and their products actually work!).

It's proof that when you lead with authenticity and offer genuine value, you build trust, and trust turns into loyalty.

The Ordinary shows us that staying true to your brand's values will always help you stand out, even in a saturated market. 🎯

What's one core value you'd never compromise on in your business?



www.rfva.co.uk

05/07/2024

It's HARD!

People don't always see the hard work you put in to be where you are today. Being a full-time social media manager isn't always a bed of roses.

👉Like the countless hours spent researching the best strategies. Staying up late sometimes to meet deadlines or missing out on personal time to ensure all content is perfect.

👉 I've made mistakes too. Trying to master every platform instead of focusing on what works best, learning the hard way that sometimes less is more.

This is why I created content creation retainers. They provide creative support without a massive or ongoing commitment unless you want it to be.

These retainers can enhance your journey, offering you the opportunity to focus on your business while we take care of your social media needs.

Imagine the relief of having high-quality content ready to go without the stress and time commitment. Whether you need help with social media posts, email marketing, or one-time content creation, I've got you covered.

DM me the word HELP, and let's chat about how we can make your social media presence shine without burning you out! ✨

www.rfva.co.uk

03/07/2024

⬇️Feeling the Pressure to Improve Your Online Presence?⬇️

You're Not Alone!

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed with the growing pressure to stay connected online, especially when customers keep asking if you've posted new arrivals on Instagram or shared your latest newsletter!

We all know the value of keeping our audience engaged, but finding the time and energy to manage it all can be another story.

Remember, we all have only so much time, headspace, and energy in a day. It's okay to give yourself some grace.

🌟 One Step at a Time: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, one task from start to completion time can take the pressure off.

🌟 You could create and schedule your posts for a week or two in advance so you're covered, giving back some breathing room and a sense of achievement.

🌟 Seek Help: Whether it's hiring a social media manager or using content creation services, you don't have to do it all alone. Getting support can free up your time and ensure your online presence is consistently maintained.

Plus, taking care of yourself enables you to better manage your business. So, it's okay to step back, take a breath, and tackle things one at a time. www.rfva.co.uk

Follow for social media tips.

01/07/2024

🌟 Struggling to demystify your Instagram insights?

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, recently highlighted a crucial point: "Keep an eye on your insights for a few days after you post, not just for the first few hours."

Instagram's algorithm works in a way that your posts can continue to reach new audiences over time.

1️⃣ Reach vs Engagement: You can check how many unique accounts saw your post (Reach) and how many interacted with it (Engagement). Doing so helps gauge initial impact and ongoing interest.

2️⃣ Growth: Tracking how your content affects your follower count is useful. Are you gaining new followers after specific types of posts?

3️⃣ Performance: Identify which posts generate the most engagement or reach. This insight can help guide you on future content to create.

4️⃣ Timing: You can also check when your audience is most active; this can advise on optimal posting times for your audience.

With an understanding of your insights, you can refine your approach and reach new heights! 💪

Visit www.rfva.co.uk to check out ways to work with me. Or follow on Instagram for more tips!

29/05/2024

Interesting:

A new control will enable you to block all DM requests from non-paying users.

22/05/2024

Can posting longer reels harm your Instagram performance?

I read an eye-opening article on Social Media Today that stopped my scrolling in its tracks! It shared insights from a creator event in New York last week where Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri answered some questions, and there were some interesting takeaways!

While some advice discussed was familiar, like direct, authentic engagement and posting times tailored to when your audience is online, there were a few points that really stood out to me.

🌟Consistency Across Platforms: One key takeaway was the suggestion to "post your content at the same time to other platforms." Initially, I've always avoided this, preferring to tailor content for each platform. But thinking about it, this strategy may better help widen reach and help distribute your content perhaps more effectively.

🌟Beware of Long Reels! Another notable point was that reels over 90 seconds long may actually damage your reach!

Even though we can now upload (manually) reels up to 10 minutes long, it seems that shorter content still reigns strong.

Our content consumption habits have evolved so much over the past five years that our attention spans are shorter, and it appears the masses crave quick, engaging snippets. (but not clickbait!)

If you've noticed a dip in your reach with longer reels, this might be a factor worth considering.

Reflecting on the event notes, it's clear that understanding and adapting to these nuances can impact our performance as digital creators. As someone who's invested in the ever-changing landscape of social media, these points offer valuable direction for optimizing our content strategies.

So, if you're experiencing a decline in reach with longer reels, consider shortening them to keep your audience engaged. And don't shy away from posting simultaneously across platforms to maximize your content's visibility.

Stay ahead of the game and keep experimenting with what works best for your audience!

14/05/2024

Why are interactive features an unsung hero for engagement on Instagram?

From polls to quizzes and interactive stories, these features aren't just fun but also pretty powerful tools for boosting engagement, expanding your reach, and gaining invaluable insights into your audience's preferences.

When you post a poll or quiz, you're not just sparking interaction; you're inviting your audience to actively participate in your content.

And guess what?

Instagram truly appreciates when users engage with your posts! It can significantly boost your visibility on the platform.

But the benefits don't stop there. By analysing the responses to your interactive content, you can gain valuable insights into what makes your audience tick.

Whether it's their preferences, opinions, or interests, these insights are gold that can guide your content strategy and enable you to craft future posts that truly resonate with your audience.

So, if you're not already incorporating such interactive features into your Instagram strategy, now's the time to start. Your audience will thank you for it! 💡

www.rfva.co.uk

10/05/2024

The power of collaboration!

Last June I started working with a new brand with zero presence and a completely new product concept, got to love a challenge. 😊

Yet, let's be real: being a new brand and trying to be seen can pose its challenges, and so here's what I've learned during the process.

The power of collaboration!

We needed more content to help reach wider but not more of my creation, content from customers, or brand partners to offer an opportunity to let others take centre stage, offering a different perspective.

Doing so has provided an opportunity to see the product in different environments and settings. This type of content can speak volumes about a brand's credibility and popularity.

Inviting customers to share their testimonials with images showcasing the products in action has helped spark a connection with others to the brand.

But here's the best part: not only does UGC serve as social proof of our brand's value, but it also serves as a powerful word-of-mouth marketing tool.

When your customers or other known brands in the same industry share their experiences with their networks, they're essentially becoming brand ambassadors, spreading the word far and wide.

So, how can you encourage your customers to create and share content related to your brand? By fostering a sense of community, appreciation, and recognition.

Whether it's through incentivised campaigns, shoutouts, or simply showing genuine appreciation for their contributions, make your customers feel like the stars of the show.

Does your business use UGC – how's it performing for you?