Maven & Muse Media

03/09/2024

Last week, I attended a networking event, and a colleague asked me my thoughts on Google's algorithm updates.
When they started asking me about it, I had no idea what they were talking about.

Why had I not seen any SEO person I followed on any platform talking about this?

So I spent the long weekend nerding out and looking into it, and sure enough, it's actually happening.

This article popped up in my research- it's long but worth the read. There's a lot of good nuggets in here.

Discover Google's stance on AI content in 2024. Learn how to avoid penalties and maintain SEO rankings with quality AI-generated content.

30/08/2024

Use this information as you will.

If you've ever done a VIP Day with me, you know that one of the pieces of homework you get assigned is to brain-dump the problems people come to you with. 🙃

Because....

Humans are motivated by pain, and marketing is all about emotions.

30/08/2024

In March, I started putting actual effort into staying consistent on my LinkedIn profile.

Clients- yes- on it but....

Like so many other marketers, my social media gets treated like the cobblers kid.

(If you don't know what a cobbler is; look it up and then come back)

When I started getting serious about my intentions with the platform, engaging with like-minded people, and only accepting requests from people I had met, my reach went from nothing to averaging 400-500 Impressions a week consistently for three months.

Keep scrolling for what 500 people actually looks like.

On September 23, Erin Waynick Photography and I are teaching an in-person LinkedIn Workshop in Fort Collins, you'll leave with an updated profile and new headshots to add to it.

You can find all of the information linked below.

If there is one platform that is genuinely converting for service-based businesses these days, it's LinkedIn.

Let's work.

https://www.mavenandmusemedia.com/marketing-guides/linkedinnovate-unlock-your-potential-and-elevate-your-business-on-linkedin

28/08/2024

FYI, if you're buying followers on your biz account(s), cancel your subscription.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a new rule that states creators and brands can’t buy fake followers on accounts they use to make money.

Here's the rest of the ruling.

The Federal Trade Commission today announced a final rule

28/08/2024

Over on the blog, I admit how wrong I was, and it is a reminder that no matter how long you've been a fan or how savvy you think you are online, there's always something new to discover.

As a business or an organization, some people might know about you but do not KNOW about you.

Read about my embarrassing social media fumble.

https://www.mavenandmusemedia.com/blog/2024/8/19/the-social-media-fumble-how-i-dropped-the-ball-on-packerseverywhere

19/08/2024

Do you hate social media or do you hate the way scrolling makes you feel?

Does your business treat social media as an afterthought?

Are you only active on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms when you have a sale or event happening? If so, you’re missing out on social media’s immense potential to drive consistent engagement, brand awareness, and, yes, even sales.

Let’s flip the script of only “selling” on social when something is going on and gain a comprehensive strategy for going “all in” on social media – not just when it’s convenient, but as a core part of your overall marketing efforts.

Are you in or out on your social media marketing? Your community already knows the answer, but we can change it.

We start at 10:30 am on 10/10

Early Bird Tickets are still available
https://eastcoloradosbdc.com/2024-unstoppable-conference-presentations-details/

19/08/2024

Your marketing needs more contrast. Why?

This New Balance ad nails it by playing with the contrast between high fashion and everyday life.

When they say their shoes are "worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio,"

New Balance is tapping into a universal appeal that goes beyond typical consumer groups.

On one side, you have supermodels—symbols of style and elegance—walking the fashion capitals like London.

On the other side, you have dads in Ohio, who represent practicality and comfort, with a straightforward approach to life.

This contrast shows New Balance's unique place in the market:

They make products that aren’t just for the fashion-forward but also for the everyday person.

Via Mark Jung

16/08/2024

It's lonely out there posting and feeling like you're shouting into a void.

Whenever I meet for a new consulting session, and we discuss why they booked time with me, the first thing two-thirds of people say is that no one engages with their posts.

To which I ask if they are engaging with their community?

And the answer is usually No.

If you aren't engaging on others posts what's the motivation for them to engage on yours?

If you want to stand out, stop lurking and start commenting. You'll start setting yourself apart because the majority is afraid to comment on a post.

Remember it's called SOCIAL media for a reason.

14/08/2024

Nothing screams "I love my job" more than having to keep explaining to people why they can’t put links in the Instagram caption.🙃

Seriously, you have to stop. They aren't live links, and people are tooooo lazy to type that link into a browser.

Let's make Instagram more about community and less about restrictions. Instead of links, why not come up with a catchy call to action (CTA) that encourages your followers to comment on your post and start a conversation in the DM's? It's all about fostering engagement and connection!

Need help, HMU. My inbox is always open.

13/08/2024

School starts soon in Northern Colorado, which means that even if you don't live there, it's time to start thinking about your Holiday Marketing campaigns.

For a successful holiday marketing season, you've gotta be acquiring future customer attention now. 😳

If you're near NOCO join me as I present on holiday social media marketing through the Larimer SBDC we begin August 28th.

Wednesdays, August 28th - September 18th, 2024$45 for full series or $15 each individually. The series includes Maximizing Meta Business Suite at no cost

12/08/2024

I never imagined that when I decided to go to this National Park, I would be able to connect such a modern aspect of social media to the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde, but it happened.

Mesa Verde has a lot to teach us as entrepreneurs and humans about how we view the evolution of human connection, communication, and adaptation—principles deeply relevant to understanding and navigating the other world of social media we coexist in today.

I am just returning from my annual digital detox. This year, I stopped by the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde, and they blew my mind. (Dear Reader: Mesa Verde in August is VERY hot. )

29/07/2024

🔍 Uncovering business wisdom in unexpected places! 📚💡
Did you know The Baby-Sitters Club books are secretly a masterclass in entrepreneurship and digital marketing? 🤯

(It's BSC for those in the know.)

In my latest blog post, I break down how Kristy, Claudia, Stacey and the gang taught us about:

Market research 📊
Brand building 🏗️
Customer loyalty 🤝
Adapting to competition 🏃‍♀️

Turns out, middle school drama and babysitting adventures were preparing us for the business world all along!

Check out the blog to see how your childhood faves might be the key to leveling up your marketing game.

Drop a 📚 if The BSC was your jam growing up.

https://www.mavenandmusemedia.com/blog

26/07/2024

While your customers are distracted by the news cycle, it seems like a perfect time for a little social bio Zhoosh. Let's do a $10 10-minute FLASH SALE and clean-up on one of your social media platforms' bios.

Comment ZHOOSH and which platform bio you want to be cleaned up, and I will invoice you and email you an SEO and scroll-stopping Bio back.

This offer is only valid until until July 30th.

$10 -10 Minutes of my time- Updated Bio for you.

Let's Goooo!!

25/07/2024

🎅🏽☀️ Christmas in July? It’s never too early to prep your holiday marketing!

Hi! Thanks for allowing me to guest pose in your feed today- I tried to find the most unChristmas Christmas photos 🎄

Product-based businesses: I know you don't want to, but it's time to start thinking about how you want to sleigh your social media game this holiday season? 🛷✨

The “Holiday Ship Style & Shoot” package - is the secret sauce to making your products irresistible on social media! 📸🎁

You’ll get:
* 20-30 user-generated-style images
* 4 scroll-stopping Reels
* Bonus B-roll footage

Why it works:
* Authentic-looking content that feels relatable
* Lifestyle shots that help customers imagine using your products
* Versatile assets for Instagram, Stories, and email campaigns

Don’t let your holiday marketing be a last-minute scramble! Book now and have all your assets ready by October 25th.
Limited spots available - registration closes September 25th!

Thanks for letting me crash your feed. Now back to your regularly scheduled scrolling. 📱

https://www.mavenandmusemedia.com/marketing-guides/user-generated-lifestylecontent

24/07/2024

Let's take a moment and talk about your LinkedIn profile photo

I look at a bunch of them every week (after I meet people at networking events usually), and here's a majority of what I see:

❌ Sunglasses
❌ Partners
❌ Kiddos (love them, but put "Boy Mom" or "Girl Dad" in your headline instead)
❌ Animals (Let them make a surprise appearance on the Zoom instead)
❌ Selfies (especially in the car...but hey, safety first, kudos to those in the car AND rockin' their seatbelt!)
❌ Thirst traps (yes, we've all seen them...duck lips aren't those extinct?)

Your profile photo is your first impression to the world wide web.

If you've been here a while you know that I'm fully supportive of phone photos, that not all content needs to be professionally taken.

What your photo needs, though, is simple, clean backgrounds. Just you. Your face. Most importantly, your eyes. 🤩

Your LinkedIn profile photo is another photo that does not need to be professionally taken. However, on September 23rd, I am teaming up with Erin Waynick Photography where you will learn LinkedIn best practices from me and receive 20 updated headshots to use on your LinkedIn and other social platforms.

Check out the link for all the info and to save your seat.

ww.mavenandmusemedia.com/marketing-guides/linkedinnovate-unlock-your-potential-and-elevate-your-business-on-linkedin

24/07/2024

This week's Maven Movement email was a vulnerable one to write 🫠 but I also included a special Flash Sale for the Muse's who subscribe. 🥳

Maven Movements go out on Thursdays- drop Muse, and I'll add you to the list.

23/07/2024

Will I see you in October?

https://eastcoloradosbdc.com/what-we-do/2024-unstoppable-womens-business-conference/

🦸‍♀️Unstoppable Women's Business Conference | Learning Tracks

Are you looking to advance your business acumen and gain deeper professional insights? Unstoppable is your chance to learn from local industry leaders in the competencies you're looking to build.

The 2024 Sales & Marketing track features women at the top of their game who are ready to share what they know with you!

✔️You're free to attend courses on any of our track options, including:
- SALES and MARKETING
- SOFTWARE andTECHNOLOGY TOOLS
- BUDGET, FUNDING, and OPERATIONS
- HR and COMPANY CULTURE
- WELLNESS and LEADERSHIP

Early Bird Tickets Save You 25%!

💯 GO 'ALL IN! 💯
https://bit.ly/Unstoppable-Women-2024

19/07/2024

Been here since this was how one consumed their Netflix.

17/07/2024

Remember AIM when the emoji first came out? When you went from typing this :) at the end of something. To typing this :) only to automatically show up like this 🙂 and blew your damn mind?

Remember trying to out AWAY message someone in your group of friends? You don’t... yeah me neither. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Show some emojis love and share your favorites with us- I went first.

Happy Emoji Day!

16/07/2024

If there’s so much stuff on Prime, why are people hocking affiliate links for the same things?🤔

It’s Prime Day, but let’s talk about supporting local businesses instead of buying a bunch of stuff, let’s be honest, you probably really don’t need from Prime.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create local jobs, keep money in our neighborhoods, and offer unique products you won’t find 100 other people wearing the same of.

I get why you might be Priming up, but I encourage you to counterbalance and visit your local shops as well this week.

Because the secret to life is: Balance.💁🏻‍♀️

I know from a local business you’ll find:

Personal service from people who care
High-quality, curated items
A chance to directly impact your community’s economy

Keep in mind: Every dollar spent at a local business generates three times more benefit to your community than a dollar spent at an unfranchised chain.

Let’s spread the love for our local businesses- tag your favorites below.

15/07/2024

Pro Tip: When big news events are happening and if you are running an ad campaign on social- put it on pause.

Your content competes with the news cycle, and let's be real: when a big worldly event is going on, people are scrolling for info on said event, not looking to buy a new t-shirt or book a coaching session with you.

This also goes for your content; if it's scheduled and a big news event happens, reschedule it for maybe 48 hours later.

Remember, your business content's biggest competitors are the news cycle, pop culture updates, and dog videos.

Why pay ad spend on time YOU know people are definitely scrolling by?

13/07/2024

There are A LOT of summer events happening out there right now, and this is your reminder that when you post about the event you will be at the day of your event it’s almost like you didn’t post that you would be there at all.

In case you didn't know- the algorithms can have up to a 72 hour lag time.

This means that someone who does not interact with you regularly probably won’t see your post for up to 72 hours after you post it.

I've missed a BUNCH of cool stuff because I saw the post after the event was over. 😔

So do yourself a favor, I know you know what events you will be at weeks in advance.

Share the event info with your community as well ESPECIALLY 72 hours before the event.

Also, TAG the event page & use the location geotag on the post.

Save this and try it before your next event and when you ask where people found out about you. You'll probably get a few more “social media” responses.

Instagram isn't Instant anymore- and well no platform is. 🙃

09/07/2024

People don't want to buy your product or services.🤐

They want to:

✅ Lose weight
✅ Get to their next level
✅ Get a good night's sleep
✅ Find the perfect gift for a loved one
✅ Be part of a community
✅ Make new friends
✅ Relive an old memory

Figure out how to serve them the right way.

When you're creating content, focus on solving their pains or helping them attain a desire.

Let's take this Rainforest Cafe water bottle thing for example. Did I NEED it- absolutely not, but when I went to the Mall of America it was nostalgic.

You are selling feelings- that's all that marketing is.

Also, did anyone else's parents refuse to take them to the Rainforest Cafe in it's prime because it was a "dog and pony" show?

Do that, and they'll want to do business with you over and over again.

08/07/2024

Early Bird Registration for the Unstoppable Women's Business Conference in Northern Colorado has opened!

I am honored to have been chosen to speak for the third year in a row. This year, I will share my thoughts on why social media and digital marketing aren't a once-in-a-while thing—that for your marketing efforts to be successful, you need to be ALL IN on posting and interacting.

I hope to see you on October 10th-Secure your Early Bird Discount Ticket

https://eastcoloradosbdc.com/what-we-do/2024-unstoppable-womens-business-conference/

08/07/2024

Holiday Ship Style & Shoot Sessions are now available until September 25th. I am only accepting 5 clients for this offering this year.

Lifestyle photos and short-form videos are excellent assets for your product-based business because user-generated-looking images and videos stop people's scrolls on social media, and the scroller can relate to the moment/feelings being projected.

User-generated images feel more relatable to a consumer, traveler, and purchaser.

When customers or guests tag your business on social the photos sometimes are not the best, and the captions are not worth the re-share.

Consider supplementing the professional brand photos/videos you've invested in with images that look like the average person took them. With these lifestyle photos/short-form videos, your customer can imagine themselves using your products.

You will receive 20-30 user-generated-looking images and 4 short-form videos (Reels) + B roll footage to use in your Instagram Stories, Feed, Reels, and email marketing campaigns.

Registration open until September 25, 2024 all assets delivered by October 25, 2024.

Lifestyle photos and short-form videos are excellent assets for your product-based business because user-generated-looking images and videos stop people's scroll on social media because the scroller can relate to the moment/feelings being projected. User-generated images feel more relatable to a co

06/07/2024

The 4th is over which means soon you will begin seeing Halloween and even Christmas things in stores!😲

This signals to you that it's time to start planning your holiday digital and social media marketing campaigns.

If you are local to Northern Colorado, the four-part Holiday social media marketing series kicks off on August 28th.

Can't wait to see you!

Wednesdays, August 28th - September 18th, 2024$45 for full series or $15 each individually. The series includes Maximizing Meta Business Suite at no cost

05/07/2024

Business Owner Friends- if you happen to have float in next years 4th of July parade hand out fans with your businesses info. 😎

Literally the most genius thing especially if your float is in the front of the parade.

03/07/2024

This is typically the day I’d say to just enjoy the fireworks and not film or post them to social tomorrow because no one cares.

But….

I just isolated sound from a fireworks show 2years ago to overlay on a client reel- so you do you. 🫠

Here’s a few of my fav 4th photos from bygone years. 🇺🇸

Whatcha doing for the 4th American friends?

02/07/2024

Hey Friends- Erin Waynick Photography and I are canceling this event and hoping to reschedule for September.

Stay tuned for a new date.

If you are interested in the new date comment SHIMMER and we'll let you know as soon as we know.