Beth Hicks Digital

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Beth Hicks Digital

I help small businesses thrive online by using the perfect mix of creativity and strategy ✨

21/05/2024

How do you wish you could show up online?

There often feels like so much pressure to show up "perfectly' online, and for me that means I post much less.

Because 99% of the time, I'm a little chaotic 😅

Which isn't a bad thing, it's just my life definitely doesn't resemble what a lot of businesses online would show. And so imposter syndrome kicks in.

I got asked the above question last week, and my answer was "unafraid to show all the chaos, and just post". Because I know I've got a lot of value to be able to show, I've just been hiding as I've been too hesitant to post.

So I'm taking this as my permission slip to post regardless, create the content I love creating, and embracing the chaos. Will you?

17/05/2024

STOP creating content for every. single. social. media. platform.

There, I said it.

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see small business owners make with their digital marketing strategy. They spend too much time creating content because they're creating content for every single platform.

Trying to create content for every social media platform won't benefit your business. You'll start hating content creation, you likely won't get the results you want, and you won't be creating good quality content.

And whilst for many platforms, quantity is important when it comes to growth, you've got to ensure the content is of the best quality, otherwise you won't get any results for your business.

Instead, look at it like a Venn Diagram.

(Stay with me, I originally heard this from Grace Andrews (Marketing Director for Steven Bartlett and Diary of a CEO), and it makes so much sense that I now use it to explain this to all of my clients)

First look at where your ideal customer spends the most time online. Then, look at where you enjoy spending time and creating content. There will likely be a few platforms in both camps.

You then need to look at where the crossover is, and this is where you need to focus your efforts first. You'll find content creation much easier, the quality of the content will be higher, and you'll be reaching your ideal clients with your content.

Then once you've mastered this platform, you can start looking at some of the other platforms your ideal client spend their time on.

For more on why your digital marketing strategy isn't working for your business, you can read my latest blog post: https://www.bethhicksdigital.co.uk/blog/three-reasons-why-your-digital-marketing-strategy-isnt-working

15/05/2024

I don't care about vanity metrics...

Well, not as much as I care about the metrics that actually get results for my business.

Because whilst they can be a good indicator of which content the community I've built online loves, they don't tell me anything about whether that content is getting me the results I want and need.

So rather than focus on metrics such as likes, comments and saves, I'll look at the following first:
✨ Website traffic
✨ Sales enquiries
✨ Email list sign-ups

It's these that indicate that my content is converting into sales.

These metrics measure my sales content.

The vanity metrics help me measure the success of my strategy in regards to building a community online.

Both are important, but focussing on vanity metrics will always be the second set of metrics that I look at.

Do you agree?

P.S. Do you need something to help you track your digital marketing results? I have a digital marketing tracker ready and waiting for you. Just click this link: https://bethhicksdigital.myflodesk.com/digitalmarketingtracker

14/05/2024

I heard this analogy on TikTok last night (I can't remember who said it though 😭), and I can't stop think about it...

Because it's true, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't travel somewhere new, without putting on Google Maps (or their choice of sat nav/maps), yet I see so many business owners posting online without thinking about things strategically.

And by not investing time into a marketing strategy, you will be just be creating content for the sake of it. Which will get your business nowhere.

Instead think about:

Who you want to be working with
⬇️
Their "pain points"
⬇️
How you can help them
⬇️
What content they want to see

As well as:

✨ Your goals for your content
✨ How you'll measure the success of your content
✨ What you want the end result to be

And THEN start creating content.

P.S. Need help? I've got new digital marketing strategy sessions launching at the end of the week, so sign up to my email list here to be the first to know about it! https://bethhicksdigital.myflodesk.com/join-my-email-list

04/05/2024

Who knew there were so many places to find content ideas? 🤔

03/05/2024

Repeat after me: content creation doesn't have to be complicated, or take up days of your time.

And if you'd like a little extra help, and some content ideas for when you get stuck in a content creation rut, click this link: https://bethhicksdigital.myflodesk.com/contentcreationworkbook

23/04/2024

Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to posting on social media for your business, consistency doesn't just mean posting every day...

It's also about creating and maintaining:
✨ A specific tone of voice
✨ Recognisable visuals
✨ A brand personality

You could be posting daily, or two-to-three times a week, but if you're not creating a brand that is instantly recognisable as yours, then being consistent in your content schedule is futile.

You've got to be regularly showing up in a way that is unique, and 100% authentically YOU.

Do you need help doing this? DM me to book a brand social media strategy day!

18/04/2024

Long form content > short form content

Many may disagree, but it's something I 100% believe.

Why? Because:
✨ It's more versatile.
✨ It's better for boosting your website's SEO.
✨ By repurposing the post, it'll save you time.
✨ You can dive deeper into topics you're passionate about.
✨ You're usually creating it on a platform you have more control of.
✨ It makes creating short-form content easier (hello, repurposing content).

To name but a few reasons.

Do you prefer long-form or short-form content?

08/04/2024

Never run out of content ideas again.

Which will you try?

P.S. For more on how to use each of these, head to my latest blog post: https://www.bethhicksdigital.co.uk/blog/5-places-to-find-content-inspiration

07/04/2024

I, like many, hate being in front of the camera.

*inserts joke about there being a reason I'm usually the photographer and not the model*

But the reality is, we're thinking more about how we look, than anyone else ever will. And if some people are judging you for getting in front of the camera, well, they're not worth worrying about.

If you're considering booking a brand shoot, but you're still feeling a little unsure about getting in front of the camera, then I urge you to book the shoot. Because there are things you can do to make yourself feel so much more confident, including:

📸 Get to know some photographers, before you choose who to book with. Feeling like you already know the person who is capturing you at your best, will go a long way towards you feeling your best in front of the camera.

📸 Choose outfits that you feel like your best self in. If you don't feel confident in an outfit (even if others say it looks great), don't wear it.

📸 Stop trying to be someone you're not. I see this all the time on brand shoots. I arrive, and my clients are trying to put forward someone they perceive to be "more professional", when in actual fact they're best off just being themselves, as that creates the best images!

It'll take time before you're feeling your most confident in front of the camera, but these tips will go a long way towards helping you get there!

06/04/2024

Be honest, do you track your digital marketing efforts?

If you do, scroll on, this post isn't for you...

But if you don't, here are three reasons why you should be tracking them!

P.S. Need help tracking these metrics? Click this link to download your own digital marketing tracker. It's ready and waiting, you just need to fill in the numbers! https://bethhicksdigital.myflodesk.com/digitalmarketingtracker

05/04/2024

The best brand images, tell a story 📖

They bring the viewer into the image, helping them picture that exact moment. Whether that is using a specific product, or working with a service provider.

The best brand images help viewers imagine exactly what the outcome of using that product or service could be for them.

This is why I have always been a big advocate for lifestyle brand images. In fact, I rarely offer studio based product photography for this reason. Yes, they can be useful for selling products from your website but they’re not going to help you sell on social media.

And corporate headshots on a blank background won’t help you sell from your website or on social media, especially if you’re a service provider. Because more often than not, they lack personality and detract from rather than enhance your website.

So the next time you’re planning to book a brand photoshoot, consider choosing a lifestyle brand photographer first.

04/04/2024

I used to spend so much time trying to create new, fresh content, because I was so worried that those following me on social media would remember if I posted about specific topics yet again.

It’s a common worry. We forget that social media algorithms only show our content to a small percentage of those following us. That, paired with the fact that they’re so busy worrying about their own content, means the likelihood of them remembering us discussing a specific topic again is slim.

That said, you can do it in a way that feels like new, fresh content while still talking about topics you could talk all day about.

Use this post to walk you through how, and make sure to save it for later!

02/04/2024

Being a small business owner can feel like a very lonely place.

It’s been a bit chaotic over at Beth Hicks HQ over the past 6 months or so. From becoming a full-time freelancer nearly a year ago, to putting the work in to scale my business, to figuring out that is completely not the direction I want to go in, and pivoting once again.

And with the chaos, comes the imposter syndrome. I’ve been working so hard ON my business, that some areas of working IN my business have been pushed aside.

This has been made worse by the fact that because I’ve got out of the habit of posting online, I’ve then lacked a load of confidence and continued to be silent. And then it’s just the same cycle from then on.

Spending time on social media hasn’t helped, as it’s a highlights reel 90% of the time.

But within this chaos, I’ve finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In part this is due to the work I’ve put in, but it’s also been because I’ve:

✨ Attended workshops that I’ve left feeling much more confident about my work, in part due to the amazing people I’ve attended them with and the uplifting environment they created there.
✨ Had messages from previous clients reminding me how much they love their images.
✨ Had a fellow tog and branding expert comment on how much they loved the new branding and website (which I’d created myself).

It’s not much but little comments like that can make the world of difference.

If you’ve worked with a small business owner recently, here are a few ways you can pay it forward to:
👉 Leave a testimonial.
👉 Recommend them to friends.
👉 Let them know you’ve loved the work they’ve created.
👉 Pass on any opportunities that you think they’d be a great fit for.
👉 Engage with, and leave lovely (genuine) comments on their social media profiles.

They’re seemingly quite small ways to make a difference but they can really brighten a small business owner’s day.

27/03/2024

It's been a minute, and it's about time I reintroduce myself (or introduce myself if you're new here)...

I'm Beth, and I help business owners just like you, to show up confidently online and get yourself more sales. All whilst reducing the amount of time you spend marketing your business, because I know that you didn't start your business so you could spend all day in front of a computer creating content.

You want to do more of what you're best at right?

In short, I'm the team member you didn't want to admit you needed.

How do I do this? Through creating scroll stopping images of you (and your brand), and by helping you nail your digital marketing strategy!

So if you're a small business owner who wants:
✨ A no fluff, simple digital marketing strategy that actually works
✨ To feel confident and excited to show up online
✨ To have a bank of visual content ready to use

Then send me a DM!

📸 of me by Georgia-Beth Branding Photography

12/03/2024

In case you needed this reminder...

08/03/2024

It's no secret that I originally bought a camera on a whim because I decided it would be cool to photograph my gap year adventures on something other than a phone...

I never planned to fall in love with photography, but it became the perfect creative outlet for me.

So it made sense to combine my two passions, horses and photography, and become an equine photographer while I was at University (studying something completely different, but still horse related).

I knew horses, and I could get the best out of them to create the best images for their owners. It made complete sense.

I spent the first two to three years of my photography business solely photographing horse portraits. But I then branched into rural brand photography. Again, this made sense, as, as an ideal customer for a lot of these brands, I'd know exactly what I would want to see online, and I sought to replicate that. It also added another income stream to my business.

But I love variety, and I love creativity, and with my ADHD, two genres of photography just weren't quite enough to satisfy the urge to be creative, as well as continue to thrive as a photographer. Luckily for me, I'd established a good reputation for myself, and previous clients started asking for me to photograph their weddings or families.

Through doing these shoots, and taking on brand shoots from people in different industries, I soon learned what I loved, and hated to photograph.

Studio based photography is a definite no-go.

But lifestyle brand shoots, country weddings, equine portraits, and equine fine art photography? I absolutely love them, and there is rarely a photoshoot I come back from feeling exhausted. Buzzing is probably a more accurate term.

And the best part? I get to create stunning images for my clients that they will love, while doing a career I love too.

07/03/2024

The key to the best brand photography, is to tell a story 📖

It brings viewers into the image, and helps viewers connect with the image on a much more personal level than just a single product.

I’ve found one of the best ways to start, is through capturing the product, service or person in a lifestyle setting. I’m talking:
✨ Products being used how they’re intended
✨ Products being placed strategically within a setting they’d be found in.
✨ A service being carried out
✨ A brand headshot where that person works, not just in a studio
✨ Behind the scenes of the business

Then it’s about ensuring the lighting (avoid midday sun if you’re just using natural light), composition, and timing of the image are right, so that you can capture the tiniest details.

Because it’s these details in relation to some of the shots above, that really enhance a viewer’s experience, bring them into the story, and help them imagine using your product/service.

So much so that they then choose to buy from you.

06/03/2024

Facebook, Instagram and Threads crashing just goes to show one thing…

Just how little control you have over the community you’ve built on social media.

❌ You’ve no control over whether these platforms will exist in 1, 2, 5+ years time.

❌ You’ve no control over whether a post you’ve scheduled will actually go live.

❌ You’ve no control over whether the social media platforms will allow you to post (how many horror stories have we heard of people getting banned unnecessarily?).

Do you know what you do have control over?

✨Your website and email list.

So if you’re relying on your digital presence to make sales, make sure these are set up correctly!

And that you’re not abandoning them 👀

28/02/2024

Reminder: your social media accounts act as your shop window 🪟

They're there to:
✨ Entice people in
✨ Create interest in your offerings
✨ Encourage people to want more

Social media isn't there for you to sell, sell, sell.

It's there to:
👉 Encourage conversations with you
👉 Get people to sign up to an email list
👉 Drive people to your website and shops

It's those three things that then get you the sales you want/need.

Do you agree?

28/02/2024

As a small business owner, you're probably also your own accountant, website designer, marketing manager, etc.

And when you're just starting out, outsourcing these roles isn't always feasible.

If you're wanting to do your own digital marketing, then make sure you have the following:

💭 A strategy.
↪ Posting content is great, but it won't convert if there is no strategy behind it.

📸 A good quality camera.
↪ And yes, a good phone camera will do just fine initially. But having something that can take high quality photos and videos to help with content creation is vital. Also, make sure you learn HOW to take photos and videos for yourself.

🕰 A scheduler.
↪ Save yourself time by scheduling content ahead of time. I use Planable.

📝 A notes page on your phone.
↪ For all the ideas you are bound to come up with on the go.

💡 Great lighting.
↪ Lighting can make or break visual content. Make sure the lighting you have doesn't break it.

And those are what I would start with. I wouldn't overcomplicate it initially.

If you need help with creating a strategy for your business, get in touch to book yourself a strategy session and work with me to create a social media strategy that works for your business.

27/02/2024

It's time to streamline your content creation process ✍️

🔬 First do your research:
- How can you relate your target audience (making sure it's relevant to your business/brand?
- What are your ideal customers asking?
- What are they inspired/motivated by?
- What are they struggling with?

📝 Next, note down all of your content ideas that come up in relation to the answers to these questions.

💭 How can you turn these ideas into long-form content? Would they suit a blog post, an email, maybe a vlog? I plan this out using Planable's Universal Content Feature.

💻 Then, break each piece of long-form content into 3-5 social media points (I take each of the main points and expand it slightly).

🕰 Create your graphics/reels/imagery and then schedule (again I use Planable for this).

Suddenly, you'll find you've saved time and created more content than you know what to do with!

22/02/2024

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

We need to prioritise long-form content in our marketing.

If you don't know what long-form content is, I'm talking about blog posts, email newsletters, vlogs, or anything like that.

Why?

Because long-content:
✨ Allows you to bring more of your offline personality online
✨ Allows your community to get to know you better
✨ Is easier to repurpose than short-form content
✨ Speeds up your social media marketing

It's a no-brainer, right?

Which will you start with: blog posts, email marketing, or video? Let me know in the comments👇

21/02/2024

Do you want more:
✨ Engagement on your social media posts?
✨ Interaction on Instagram stories?
✨ Leads when you publish sales content?
✨ Subscribers on your YouTube channel?

Then you need to remember to tell your audience HOW they can do this!

Because just posting won't cut it anymore. No action will be taken.

You need to give them a reason to react to their content.

How can you do this?
✅ Ask them a question/ask for their opinion at the end of a post
✅ Use the features Instagram and other social media sites offer (e.g. polls, question boxes)
✅ Ask a leading question at the end of your sales post like: "Do you want more...? Then send me a DM."
✅ Tell them to click the subscribe or follow button.

Your community won't know what you want them to do with your content, unless you tell them to.

Found this useful? Click the follow button for more social media, content creation, and digital marketing tips and tricks.

(Did you see what I did there?)

20/02/2024

Answer me honestly, are your social media posts really working to bring you more business?

If yes, scroll on.

If no, here are 5 reasons why it might not be working for you:
✨ You don't have a strategy
✨ You don't know who you are talking too
✨ You're posting too many sales posts
✨ Your content is boring

and finally, if it's not one of the above...

✨ Your product/service may need work...

Which could you fix?

20/02/2024

A quick reminder that hiring a social media manager doesn't mean they will also be your:

✍️ Blog Writer
🖊 Copywriter
📧 Email Marketer
🤳 Content Creator
🧑‍ Admin Assistant
🎨 Graphic Designer
💻 Website Designer
💰 Paid Ads Specialist
📱 Community Manager
📸 Photographer/Videographer

I've seen far too many roles advertised recently that expect a job candidate to do all of the above within a 40 hour week.

Each of these is a full-time job in its own right.

By expecting someone to do all of this within normal working hours, you're setting them up to fail. (And don't get me started on the salary expectations that come with these job adverts).

If you're someone advertising similar, you need to do better.

17/02/2024

Have we met yet?

I'm Beth, a photographer and digital marketer based in rural (well, semi-rural) Cambridgeshire. I'm also dog owner, horse owner, lover of all things country life and drink a little too much coffee 😉

But more importantly, I’m also the team member you didn’t want to admit you needed, and I’ll help you show up online and get your online presence to become your hardest working team member. You’ll then be free to do more of what you’re best at!

So how can you work with me?

✨ Social Media Strategy: For those who want a little more control on when and how to post, but want some guidance on creating a strategy that works for them.

✨ Social Media Management: For business owners who want to free up more time by leaving their social media marketing who someone who actually loves to do it. You'll then have more time to focus on the areas of your business you're best at.

✨ Brand Photography: If you have your social media marketing sussed, but need the visuals to go with it, then this is where I come in. Let's create more content and images than you know what to do with!

Additionally, I'm also able to offer blog writing, caption writing, and social media or website audits for those that want a little extra support.

Ready to book? Send me a message or email me on [email protected]

15/02/2024

If I can use something to make content creation easier and quicker, you can bet I will find a way to utilise it...

Here are my top 5 apps that I couldn't be without. What would you add?

13/02/2024

Without a strategy, posting on your brand's social media channels is pointless...

You won't know:
✨ Your brand identity
✨ Who you're talking to
✨ Your brand tone of voice
✨ Your core brand messages
✨ What you need to be posting about
✨ What questions you need to answer
✨ Which platforms you need to be posting on
✨ What you need to achieve by using social media

And if you don't know these things, how can you possibly expect your brand socials to work for you?

I'm opening my books up for brand social media and digital marketing strategy days.

To book yours, email [email protected] or send me a message!

12/02/2024

Brand photoshoots are about so much more than just producing some brand imagery...

It's what they can do for your business that makes them so vital.

To book your brand shoot, send me a message or email [email protected]

P.S. My next availability for brand shoots is mid-March and I'm booking up fast so if you want a brand photoshoot, do not hesitate to get in touch!

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https://bethhicksdigital.myflodesk.com/h3twq1zcrl

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It's time to streamline your content creation process ✍️ 🔬 First do your research: - How can you relate your target audience (making sure it's relevant to your business/brand? - What are your ideal customers asking? - What are they inspired/motivated by? - What are they struggling with? 📝 Next, note down all of your content ideas that come up in relation to the answers to these questions. 💭 How can you turn these ideas into long-form content? Would they suit a blog post, an email, maybe a vlog? I plan this out using Planable's Universal Content Feature. 💻 Then, break each piece of long-form content into 3-5 social media points (I take each of the main points and expand it slightly). 🕰 Create your graphics/reels/imagery and then schedule (again I use Planable for this). Suddenly, you'll find you've saved time and created more content than you know what to do with!

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