Running an effective social media competition
Running social media competitions are a great way to increase engagement on your channels and get your consumers actively involved in your business!
By asking your audience to participate in a contest or competition, you help to drive brand awareness and grow your followers while providing a little something extra for your fans that we know they will love!
Are you wondering where to start? Here are our top tops for running an effective social media competition:
Know your objectives:
In order to determine the success of your competition, it’s important to know what your objectives are in the first place. Common objectives could be to increase your followers, grow your email marketing database or increase brand awareness.
These objectives will help you to determine the right call-to-action to include in your competition so you can get the results you’re after!
Be aware of the rules:
Facebook in particular has some strict rules when it comes to hosting a competition on its social media platform, so it’s vital to know the guidelines before starting.
Rules to note include ensuring you don’t ask people to “share” the competition on their timeline, citing T&Cs in the post and acknowledging that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
You can view the full list of rules here.
Create engaging artwork:
There’s no denying that all our favourite social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram are crowded with competitions and posts from many other brands and businesses, so to really make your competition stand out from the crowd, you need some engaging and creative artwork. Bold text and an enticing image will go a long way in encouraging people to participate!
Keep it simple:
People are busy and time poor, so it’s best to make the entry requirements for your competition as easy as possible. Simple things like asking them to “like” the post and comment why they want to win are easy ways to increase the number of entrants.
Add an advertising budget:
Now that you’ve put in all the hard work in creating a great competition concept and accompanying artwork – it’s time to make sure people see it! Boosting your competition post with a Facebook and Instagram advertising budget can significantly grow the post’s reach so more people can enter!
Do you need help coming up with engaging content on your social media channels? Here at Melbourne Social Co we are the experts! Call us today to find out more about our services or visit our website.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
4 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand
Regardless of whether you’re a business owner, employee or on the hunt for new work, developing a professional personal brand on and offline is a great way to establish authority and credibility within your industry.
So how can you build your personal brand, in order to showcase the best 'you' possible? Here are 4 places to start.
1. Audit your online presence:
Do a quick google search on your name. Are you happy for a potential client or employer to see those search results?
One of the simplest and easiest ways to start creating a professional personal brand is to audit your online presence. That means going through all your social media channels and removing any unprofessional images or content so you can put your best foot forward! Yes - that means deleting those party pics from your high school days. Make sure you use a professional profile picture and only post content you’d be happy for a client or potential employer to view.
(If you're not quite ready to remove your historical happy snaps, you can always set these particular social media profiles to private. Just be careful when accepting friend requests from co-workers or industry peers.)
2. Create a LinkedIn profile:
After you’ve audited your existing online presence, the next step is to create a LinkedIn profile - if you don’t already have one. LinkedIn is a great way to showcase your experience and skills, search for jobs, seek new business opportunities and network with likeminded industry professionals.
It’s important that you create a standout profile that will draw the attention of potential clients, customers or employers. Here’s how!
3. Secure a personal website:
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, why not create your very own personal website? Having a personal website is one of the best ways to increase your name ranking on Google and provide a professional hub where you can present your experience, skills and expertise in your field. Don't worry, your website doesn’t have to be extensive, it just needs to showcase your resume, some great blog posts, an 'about' section and contact information.
4. Add some value:
In order to separate yourself from your competitors and present yourself as an authority in your industry, it’s always important to provide value to those you connect with. A good way to do this could be by writing a blog on your personal website, adding some great tips and tricks to your social media posts, or offering to help out a new connection to make a lasting impression.
Do you need help showcasing your personal brand online? Here at Melbourne Social Co we are experts at getting your brand “out there!”
Contact us now for more information.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
Which Instagram Archetype Are You?
We are slightly obsessed with Instagram here at Melbourne Social Co and considering we spend a bit too much time scrolling through our feeds, we’ve noticed a few different user trends emerging.
From the foodie, to the hashtagger, to the selfie queen… Read on below to find out which archetype category you fall into!
The Foodie:
The name says it all doesn’t it? This Instagram user loves to snap every meal they have, and every coffee they drink. So don’t you dare touch your food before they photograph it! They are commonly found at all of the cool cafes and restaurants... especially those known to have great lighting and stunning interiors!
The Hashtagger:
Perhaps they’re on the hunt for more followers or maybe they need a lesson or two in hashtagging etiquette, either way we see this Instagram type pop up on our feeds all too often! You know you’re a hashtager if you post at least 15 – 20 hashtags per post, and sometimes even comment on your own posts multiple times with the tags!
The Selfie Queen:
This Instagram user has a good chance at becoming the next Kim Kardashian with the number of selfies they take! It doesn’t matter where they are or what they’re doing, it’s always a great time for a #selfie!
The Baby (or pet) Lover:
The baby (or pet) lover has a feed filled with pictures of their children or their fur-babies. They are their pride and joy and they love to capture all the cute and quirky things that they get up to.
The Fitness Guru:
The fitness guru loves to post snaps of their meal preparation, gym workouts and amazing bodies. They are experts in their field and their feeds are positive and inspiring!
Do you fit in any of these Instagram archetypes or have we left any out? Comment and share which one you are below.
If you need help using Instagram for your business, then get in touch with our team of digital marketing experts at Melbourne Social Co today.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
Working with Digital Influencers
If you're working in marketing or PR in 2016, you've no doubt heard of influencer marketing. For those of you that haven't - influencer marketing is essentially collaborating or partnering with digital influencers (or social media celebrities) to assist in the promotion of your brand.
Influencer marketing is one of the most powerful ways to increase brand awareness and build trust in your brand in an authentic and engaging way.
By tapping into the large following of likeminded influencers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, you can put your product or service in front on your consumer in a way that really makes a difference for your business.
So if you’re looking to begin working with digital influencers, here are some great ways to get started!
Social media takeovers and collaborations:
One of the best ways to grow your brand awareness and to develop trust with your consumers is by getting a key digital influencer to create co-branded content or even 'take over' your social media channels. An influencer could share a “day in their life”, create a series of images that showcase your products, write a blog filled with their top tips and tricks (tying back to your product or service) or take their fans on a 'behind the scenes' tour of your brand.
Consumers love to engage in content created by their favourite online personalities and by tapping into their fan-base, your collaboration is likely to attract more followers for your business accounts as well.
Giveaways:
There’s no better way to get people engaged in your brand than by doing giveaways! Everyone loves a free product or service and consumers are more likely to engage and interact with your promotion if you tap into digital influencers to share and promote the giveaway to their followers.
Product reviews:
While you may know that your product or service is great, one of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner is convincing your consumers. Using digital influencers to recommend your brand is a great way to do this, as they have a huge loyal and trusting fan base that are eager to hear more about their reviews and recommendations. A recent study has shown that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from peers or trusted authorities and likewise, a massive 72% of people rely on social media to inform their purchasing decisions. So what are you waiting for?
Are you looking to tap into the power of digital influencers to grow your business? Here at Melbourne Social Co we specialise in working with social media celebrities to take your marketing strategy to the next level!
Get in touch with us today to find out more!
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
How To Stay Motivated As A Business Owner
There’s no denying that being a business owner is hard - if it wasn't, everyone would be doing it! And sometimes, staying motivated can be a challenge, especially when you have to deal with the day-to-day ups and downs of running a business.
However, staying motivated, positive and inspired is a must - both for yourself, your employees and ultimately your business!
Unsure how? We've put together our top tips for staying motivated as a business owner to try now.
Remember why you started:
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of your business and the stresses that come with it, and sometimes we forget why we even started our business in the first place! Maybe you started your business because you were really passionate about an idea, a product or a service. Maybe you wanted to help people? Maybe you wanted to be your own boss. Regardless of the reasons, it’s important to take some time to reflect on this drive you had when you started, why you wanted to create your brand and channel that through everything you do!
Set goals:
For those occasions when feel like your business is at a standstill and you're stuck in a rut, it’s a good idea to set some realistic goals and work towards them! Start with something small like improving your brand's social media presence or writing a blog. If you're feeling ambitious, plan towards something larger like opening a new bricks and mortar location or running a big marketing campaign.
Each time you achieve a goal, make sure you stop and reflect on how far you’ve come.
Look after yourself:
Sometimes a weekend away, or a big sleep in can do wonders for your physical and mental health and not to mention how you run your business! By looking after yourself, you give yourself the energy and the resources to do the best job you can.
Make sure you make yourself a priority and schedule in some much needed ‘me’ time, whether that’s to hit the gym, curl up on the couch with your pooch or family, or watch trashy TV (Keeping Up With The Kardashians anyone?!)
Do you need some help setting or achieving some of your business’ goals? We're here to help!
Contact us now for more information on how we can work together to continue to grow your business.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
How To Make Your Social Media Content Go Viral
It’s the dream for all marketers (and business owners) to make your social media content go viral… There’s something exciting about getting your content in front of thousands of people around the world, in turn growing your social media engagement, following and driving leads.
Unfortunately, there's no exact science to creating those highly clickable posts that go from zero to a thousand views in under 5 minutes. However, there are some things you can do to give your content a fighting chance out there in the wide world of social media!
What are they? If you want your social media content to generate as much buzz around the globe as the recent break-up of celebrity favourites Brangelina, read on for our top tips.
Speak to your audience:
Great content is born out of comprehensive social media strategy, that defines your messaging, tone of voice and importantly, your target audience. When planning your content, you shouldn't necessarily be thinking about how to get it in front of everyone - it’s all about getting it in front of the right people! To do this, you must define who your audience is, what their interests are, and create content that will really speak to them. The more engaged your audience is, the more likely it is that your content will be shared.
Encourage User Generated Content:
One of the most effective ways to get your audience engaged is by encouraging them to participate in creating user generated content. By asking consumers to actively participate and engage in your marketing campaigns, you'll generate buzz and take your social media campaign to new levels. But beware - followers are notoriously lazy today, and will only engage in user generated content campaigns if there's an incentive in it for them. Think free product samples, educational ebooks, access to exclusive content and so on.
The more user generated content being created around your brand and marketing campaigns, the greater the reach of your campaign, plus you will seriously enjoy some of the great content your consumers come up with!
Make an emotional connection:
When crafting social media content, don't forget, the most effective posts are the ones that make your audience feel something. Whether it’s joy, sadness, happiness, trust or fear, (although we wouldn't necessarily recommend scaring your audience!) capturing the emotions of your target audience will increase the potential for your content to be shared and liked by many around the globe… Much like the recent news of the Brangelina break-up!
Tap into trends:
Every day there are new trending topics that millions of people around the globe are sharing, commenting and engaging with. A great way to increase the chances of your content going viral is by tapping into these trending topics and leveraging them in your businesses social media content. This includes using trending hashtags as well.
Do you need help creating social media content that can generate some serious buzz?
Get in touch with your digital marketing experts Melbourne Social Co today!
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
5 Reasons Why Your Social Media Marketing Isn’t Working
As we all know, social media marketing is an essential part of any business marketing strategy, as it’s a great way to connect with your consumers, increase brand awareness, drive sales and a whole lot more!
However, implementing social media for business takes time and effort and requires a strategy to ensure you engage your audience, build a following and direct the right people to purchase your product or service.
If your social media marketing has been a little lacklustre lately, here are 5 reasons why it may not be working:
You’re not consistent:
One of the biggest downfalls of social media marketing is not being consistent enough across all existing social media channels. Whether you’re too busy to post regularly, or your content and tone of voice isn't consistent across platforms and the rest of your branding, your social media will suffer. Consistency is required to develop trust, engage your consumer and get results! This can be done with an experienced social media manager who can create engaging content on a consistent basis and distribute it at optimal times.
You’re posting overly promotional content:
We get it! You love your business and you want the world to know about your amazing product or service, but unfortunately not everyone wants to engage in your promotional content all the time. That’s why it’s best to scale back on your promotional content and introduce content that engages and entices your audience into your communications strategy. A great question to ask yourself before posting is, “would my audience find this interesting?” Here at Melbourne Social Co we feel that if you offer your audience engaging content that adds values to their daily lives, they're going to be more likely to follow and trust your brand, and consume your sales message when you do post it.
You’re not on the right networks for your target audience:
Too often businesses think that they need to be across all social media platforms to be effective. However here at Melbourne Social Co, we believe it’s important to choose the right channels (even if it’s one or two) and to do them really well!
A digital marketing expert (like us) can help narrow down your target audience and recommend the best channels to reach that audience so you can get the best results.
You don’t have an advertising budget:
If you’ve created some amazing content but no one is engaging in it or your reach is really low, then you may need to think about your advertising budget. Recent studies have shown that only 3-6% of your audience will see your content on Facebook so it’s more important than ever to invest in advertising to get your content in front of the right people! Facebook and Instagram advertising is a low-cost advertising option that will really make a difference to your social media marketing.
You don’t have a point of difference:
The internet is flooded with businesses just like yours, so it’s vital to determine a point of difference across all of your digital marketing content. Points of difference could be beautiful imagery, unique aspirational quotes, captivating videos… the options are endless! Let your high-quality and engaging social media content separate you from the crowd.
Are you struggling to cut-through with your social media marketing? Or are you having difficulty creating consistent high quality content that engages with your target audience?
Get in touch with your digital marketing experts at Melbourne Social Co today.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
Want to learn how to put together your own professional social media strategy?
Take our Social Co Academy Short Course
Five Tips For Networking Success
Whether we like it or not, an essential part of our careers is networking, as it’s a vital way to meet new customers/clients, share new ideas, drive word-of-mouth recommendations and perhaps make some great new likeminded friends!
If you’re unsure of how to nail your next networking event or meeting, read on below for our top tips.
Be prepared:
Whether you’re about to walk into a meeting with potential clients or attending an event, make sure you are prepared! Being prepared means thinking of some great conversation starters or questions and determining what your “elevator pitch” is. An elevator pitch is your chance to explain who you are, what you do and what you are passionate about in around 30 seconds. The trick is to practice this pitch so you capture your audience’s attention and entice them to stick around and continue to talk to you.
Other ways to be prepared include planning the right outfit ahead of time, figuring out how to get there, and making sure you get to the meeting or event early so you're not feeling rushed or stressed out when you arrive.
Be friendly and conversational:
Coming across friendly and approachable will go a long way in helping you to meet new people and make great connections. This means being aware of your body language, your tone of voice, the way you speak and make sure it is coming across as approachable and relaxed as possible.
Ask questions:
For those of you who don’t like to talk to much (and for everyone else as well!) make sure you ask questions. Asking questions is a great way to learn more about other people and to become inspired by other’s passions, skills and experience.
Share your passion:
Everyone has a story, but what captures people’s attention is when you share your unique selling point. What is it about you that makes you stand out from the crowd? Usually that will be what you are passionate about, the very thing that makes you tick! Sharing your passions is a great way to win people over with your enthusiasm and make a lasting impression.
Follow-up:
Now that you’ve done a great job at networking, remember to follow up. Ensure that you exchange business cards, or connect via social media so you can continue the conversation and make lasting friendships or business relationships. LinkedIn is a great platform for keeping in touch with likeminded professionals or potential customers/clients so don’t be afraid to add your new connections. As a general rule, it’s best to follow up within 2 days of meeting the person so that you're fresh in their minds.
Do you need help getting your personal brand or business out there? Your digital marketing experts Melbourne Social Co can help!
Get in touch with us now to find out more:
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
Easy Ways to Leverage Your LinkedIn Account
One of the most popular social media platforms for business professionals is LinkedIn, as it’s a great way to showcase your experience and skills, search for jobs, seek new business opportunities and network with likeminded industry professionals.
If you have a LinkedIn account or are looking to create one, try these easy ways to leverage your profile now:
Raise your profile:
Your profile is at the centre of all the activity you do on LinkedIn so it’s vital to make sure it represents who you are and your experience in the best way possible. From using a professional photo, to creating an engaging and captivating summary and adding detailed experience sections, it’s important to dedicate some time to creating the best LinkedIn profile you possibly can.
Unsure how to raise your profile? Read our checklist for creating a standout LinkedIn profile.
Get recommendations:
A great way to make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out from the crowd is by utilising recommendations. These could be from customers, clients or past and current employers. Recommendations help to enhance your professional credibility and give your profile a point of difference.
Network!
LinkedIn is a social media platform after all, so make sure you network and connect with likeminded industry professionals that could even become potential clients or customers. You’ll be amazed at the people you’ll find on LinkedIn so don’t be afraid to connect with other industry professionals and join relevant industry groups.
Create a company page:
LinkedIn is one of the top social media marketing platforms for business to business marketing, so if you own a business you need to make sure your company has a page. Having a company page is a great way to share relevant news and updates on your business, provide useful information about your services or product and increase brand awareness through posting regular updates.
Post updates:
Regardless of your reason for being on LinkedIn, posting updates to your network helps to put your personal profile in front of the right people. By sharing relevant articles or even commenting on and liking other people’s updates, you can get your name out there, showcase your expertise in your field and be found by potential clients or customers (or employers!)
Do you need help leveraging your LinkedIn account to attract new clients or business? Here at Melbourne Social Co we are experts at creating and managing professional social media profiles.
Get in touch with us today to find out more:
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
Mastering the Flatlay For Instagram
Flatlays are all the rage on Instagram at the moment. You know, those carefully curated top view shots that are popping up all over your feed? (Think the contents of a handbag strewn across a white linen sheet, or a decadent brunch spread shot from above.)
But how can you master this social media trend? Follow our top tips and you'll be a flatlay pro in no time!
- A light background will make your items pop (think white marble, crisp linen or white washed wood.)
- Test your objects to see if they look good from a top view.
- Leave a little space between your objects to balance your composition.
- Pick a theme (make sure all of your items have a common thread tying them together.)
- Take your photo during the day (and if possible, near a natural light source.)
Need help creating 'double tap' worthy imagery for your social media channels? Eye-catching images are key to engagement and success on Instagram, but do you have time to source and create beautiful images on a regular basis? Our creative team can take care of this for you!
Melbourne Social Co's Product Photography For Instagram Package:
As part of this service, your business will receive:
14 professionally styled product images per month. Our team will style, photograph and edit a series of product images for use on Instagram, (as well as Facebook, Pinterest and within blog posts.)
Together we will plan a look that will not only suit the aesthetic of your brand, but will push you in a new and exciting direction, showcasing your products in the best possible light.
Cost: From $599 + GST per month
Want to get a feel for our style? Follow us on Instagram @melbournesocialco.
Need help managing your Instagram accounts on a daily basis? We can take care of that too.
Tailored specifically to your businesses needs and goals, our team are experts in social media strategy, content creation and audience engagement, and would be more than happy to discuss managing and building your Instagram profile on your behalf.
Contact us for more information – [email protected]
Product Photography For Instagram Package Terms and Conditions:
- These rates are only valid for clients who sign a 3 month booking with Melbourne Social Co. Month by month rates are available, please ask us about these
- Each booking will be specifically quoted after a consultation with the client
- The images created by our team will become the property of your business. We may share these on our website and social media channels from time to time, crediting your business. Please let us know if you don't want us to do so