the let's get social (media blog)

One Conversation Away: How to Finally Get Your Social Media Under Control

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:45:06 GMT

Hello friends, it’s time for some social media words of wisdom.

I want to start with this: if your social media feels messy, inconsistent, or just… exhausting right now, you’re not alone.

We have barely begun Q2 and I’m already seeing so many small businesses across Ohio struggling to keep their accounts active and profitable. And honestly? It makes sense.

You didn’t start your business so you could spend your nights:

Trying to figure out why your Instagram reach dropped
Wondering if you should be on TikTok
Or staring at a blank “new post” screen at 9pm second-guessing everything

So the real question is: how can we fix it?

Because the cycle is real. And frustrating. And way more common than you think.

Here’s the good news: every single time we take a look at a business’s social media, there are opportunities…usually a lot of them.

Opportunities to:

Improve conversions
Simplify your process
Get creative
And most importantly… reduce the stress

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh, outside perspective to completely change the game.

Your Brain Has Enough Tabs Open Already

Social media isn’t what it used to be.

It’s not just posting a photo anymore. Now it’s:
captions, hashtags, timing, engagement, reels, stories, local SEO… the list goes on.

And when you’re not an expert in all of that (most people never are), you end up:

Buying courses
Watching tutorials
Spending hours trying to “figure it out”

Only to then spend more time actually doing it. And what suffers? Your business.

Most business owners end up in one of two places:

Posting inconsistently out of guilt
Burning out and disappearing for weeks

(If that sounds familiar, you’re not the problem. The system is.)

At the end of the day, managing social media on top of running a business is a full-time job in itself.

What Actually Changes When You Get the Right Help

Here’s what we see happen when business owners stop trying to do everything themselves:

Things get simpler. You gain clarity. You have accountability.

And you start seeing results that actually matter.

Not “viral for a day” results. Real, local, relevant results.

The kind where:
Someone sees your post → clicks your profile → walks through your door.

Because for most small businesses, the goal isn’t going viral.

It’s getting in front of the right people , at the right time , in your actual community .

And that starts with understanding:

What’s working
What’s not
And what small changes will make the biggest impact

What This Actually Looks Like (In Real Life)

Here’s a quick look behind the scenes:

Because I never want this to feel like vague marketing advice… here’s a real example:

95,000+ views
Over 70% of those from non-followers
2,500+ interactions

That means this content didn’t just reach existing customers. It reached entirely new people in the area who had never seen this business before. And that’s the goal. Not just posting to stay active. Not just talking to the same audience over and over again.

But getting your business in front of new people—consistently.

And no, this didn’t come from posting every day or chasing every trend.

It came from having a clear plan, understanding the audience, and focusing on what actually works.

So… What Happens in a Free Consultation?

Let me be clear…this is not a sales pitch disguised as a meeting.

We actually dig in.

We look at:

Your accounts
Your metrics
Your industry
Your current content

And just as importantly what you’re not doing yet.

From there, we help you figure out things like:

Are your profiles set up to be found locally?
What content actually makes sense for your audience and your schedule?
How can you stop reinventing the wheel every week?
Which platforms are actually worth your time?

(And yes—we’ll share exactly what tools and systems we recommend, too.)

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out First

This is where people get stuck.

They think they need to come in “ready”—with clear goals, a full plan, and all the right questions.

You don’t.

That’s our job.

Bring us:

Your half-finished content calendar

Your scattered ideas

Your “I know I should be doing more but I don’t even know where to start”

That’s exactly where we do our best work.

Whether you’ve been winging it for years or you’re just getting started—we’ll help you build something that actually fits your life and supports your business.

It Starts With One Conversation

Let’s be honest - your inbox is full of people promising you a million followers.

But they don’t know you.
They don’t know your business.And they definitely don’t know your community.

We do things differently.

We start with a real conversation.

If you want to learn more, head over to our services page to see how we support small businesses like yours or book your free consultation.

Let’s see what’s possible.

AI Unleashed: Enhance Your Social Media Strategy with Simple Tools

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 01:49:00 GMT

From the Toledo Metro area, across all of the US, small businesses are discovering the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their social media strategies.

“Busy” doesn’t exactly begin to describe the small businesses that we operate and support… and we know how important it is to keep finding new ways to do things more efficiently. Fortunately, AI isn’t just for use by tech giants. The opportunities it offers are becoming increasingly accessible, providing tools that can automate and enhance daily tasks, especially content creation. For a quick ‘how to’ keep reading to learn how ALL small businesses can leverage AI to streamline their efforts and achieve remarkable results.

AI for Content Creation: Don’t Post just to Post!

One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is being consistent about their content. While we highly suggest letting us create a free social media calendar for you , AI tools like Lately and Writesonic offer solutions by automating the content creation process. The easier that you can make creating high-quality posts for yourself, without requiring significant time investments, the more likely you are to stay on the social media posting wagon or putting up a quick post just to say you did it.

Lately: This AI tool automatically turns long-form content into dozens of pre-tested social posts, helping you leverage every blog, email, newsletter, and video by creating shareable social media content.

Writesonic: Perfect for those needing quick, effective copy, Writesonic can generate blog posts, ads, and more, based on just a few input lines from the user.

ChatGPT: We really like simple… and ChatGPT is at the forefront of where all other AI technology is chasing. By creating one conversation, you can actually create and save a persona for your business that can be carried through all of the posts and content you will continue to make.

Simplifying Social Media Management with AI

Beyond content creation, AI can optimize how small businesses schedule and manage their social media activities. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite use AI to suggest the best times to post, maximizing audience engagement without the guesswork:

Buffer: Analyze past interactions to recommend optimal posting times and automate your posting schedule.

Hootsuite: Provides detailed analytics and automates post scheduling across multiple social platforms.

AI-Powered Analytics: Understand Your Audience Better

Understanding what actually resonates with your audience, and therefore what you should create more content similar to, can be daunting. AI-driven analytics tools like Canva’s Magic Write integrate nicely into content creation, offering not just design but also data-driven suggestions to improve your content engagement:

Whether you are a small business in NW Ohio, or have moved to a larger metro area, AI tools are becoming more and more of a ‘MUST’ to stay competitive and make your business stand out from the rest. They aren’t just for those looking to leap into the unknown future of marketing anymore - they provide a logical step for any small business towards more strategic, efficient, and engaging social media management. AI is making do-it-yourself social media management more accessible and more effective than ever before. Make sure you are taking advantage!!!

If you're looking to explore how AI can enhance your social media strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation . At KAE Social, we specialize in integrating cutting-edge solutions into your marketing efforts, ensuring your business not only keeps up but stands out. BUT most importantly, we bring your authentic voice, passions and reasons for being into the equation to capture moments and visuals that keep your followers coming back time and time again. THIS is our superpower!

Contact us today for a free consultation , and let’s work together to harness the power of AI to boost your digital presence!

#Winning: 10 Hashtag Hacks to Make Your Posts Pop

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:54:39 GMT

The hashtag dilemma…if you are caught somewhere in between love and hate of these tiny but mighty content gems, #ReadOn!

Believe it or not, hashtags can help take your brand from a hidden gem to a local staple, whether you're a social media pro or just trying to keep your company visible. As a leading social media agency based out of Perrysburg, Ohio, KAE Social understands the tremendous impact effective hashtag usage can have. Read on to learn how they can help enhance your visibility AND engagement from Toledo to Cincinnati to Columbus and everywhere in between. ��

Here are ten of our favorite hashtag hacks designed to ensure your posts not only POP but also zoro in on your potential customer’s intent and interests. ��

1. Keep things Relevant and Simple

Choosing the right hashtags involves balancing relevance and simplicity. Stick to tags that are easy for your audience to remember and search, avoiding overly complicated or obscure hashtags that can dilute your message (as soon as someone spells it wrong, you miss out!) We love Hashtagify to help you easily find the most relevant hashtags to increase your content’s reach and engagement. #KISS

2. Mix Popular and Niche Tags

A strategic mix of high-volume and niche hashtags can dramatically increase the reach of your posts. Popular hashtags bring wide visibility, while niche tags, like those specific to Ohio or Perrysburg can connect you with a targeted audience more likely to engage with your content right away. Everyone from Ohio knows #OH-IO and if you live in Perrysburg, you know that you could use #Pburg to show you're truly local. AI won’t know that, am I right?~ ��

3. Create Brand-Specific Hashtags

Develop unique hashtags that reflect your brand’s identity to build a community and create a sense of belonging among your followers. We know this can be easier said than done… and building a living breathing community in itself is a massive skill to learn! With that being said, developing brand identity within a community (think #swifties) who then uses these hashtags in their posts organically increases visibility and can create a rich archive of user-generated content. This takes time, but it is worth a shot, right?! �� #KAE4theWin

4. Capitalize Each Word for Readability

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can make a big difference. Improve the readability of your hashtags by capitalizing the first letter of each word in them. This makes them easier to read at a glance and reduces the risk of misinterpretation, making your tags more accessible and engaging. Better yet, make a list with them already capitalized so that all you have to do is cut and paste! #LifeHack ��

5. Limit your Number of Hashtags per Post

So, you might have noticed that some platforms like Instagram allow for up to 30 hashtags per post! Does that mean that is the right number to use? Absolutely not. Sometimes less is more, and in reality, using too many can seem desperate or confusing. We recommend using only 3-5 hashtags per post, depending. The safest bet is to be deliberate about your hashtags and make sure they align with your content. Remember- you have to keep the platforms and algorithms happy too! ��#ContentMatters #SorryForAllTheHashtags

6. Leverage Trending Topics

Sometimes the best thing that you can do is follow what others are doing! Participate in trending hashtag topics (when appropriate) to get your content in front of a larger, more active audience. Regularly check platforms like Twitter and TikTok to identify trends that align with your brand and can bring the right surge of traffic to your page. �� #Trending

7. Analyze Your Hashtag Strategy Like a Social Media Agency

We might love emojis ��️, but we also love facts ✅. And the fact is, we don’t approve of spending time on anything unless it’s data driven. Make sure you monitor which hashtags perform best using tools like Keyhole or Socialbakers . This data-driven approach allows you to refine your strategy, ensuring you use the most effective tags to connect with your target audience. This allows you to stop guessing, and start monitoring! ��

8. Use Hashtags in your Stories and Bios

Expand your hashtag strategy beyond posts by adding them into your stories and bio. This makes these elements more discoverable in search, extending your reach and enhancing your profile’s visibility. Stories are becoming more and more of a method to get in front of a larger amount of your following, and hashtags can help to drive your message home. #MindBlown ��

9. Use Interactive Polls with Hashtags

Boost engagement and visibility by using interactive polls that encourage followers to use a specific hashtag. This fun interaction not only increases your content's reach but also strengthens your community building and can make an event or fundraiser even more memorable.��‍�� Create something unique to your business, ask a question and watch the results roll in. #FunForAllAges

10. Scheduling Tools

Optimize the timing of your posts using scheduling tools like Buffer or Meta Business . These tools help automate your posting schedule, but also make suggestions that can help you time your posts for the most engagement. Coordinate with Canva to help make appropriate sized images for your posts on each social platform for a completely polished thread!

If these 10 tips inspired you…..wonderful! If they left you feeling more overwhelmed and stressed than when you work up this morning, Contact us for a free consult and tell us about your business goals. We can help. ��

We specialize in creating digital strategies that are fun, engaging, and most importantly drive results for all of our Ohio business owners in our Perrysburg community and beyond!

Stop Scrolling for Social Media Content Ideas!

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:58:32 GMT

Let us say this again. STOP SCROLLING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT IDEAS! We have ALL done this too many times to count, are we right? (It’s ok, be honest!) ��‍♀️��‍♀️��‍♀️

Let us set this up for you: You need to make a post on your socials, so you start scrolling Instagram, looking for fun or exciting, trendy and popular ideas in Ohio and before you know it you have spent nearly an hour reading and watching videos from ‘experts’ in every format, have sent a few to your friends to get a laugh, tried to refocus on your company and now- you are just too overwhelmed to try to create one for yourself. Sooooo you put the phone down and wait until later to tackle the social post. THEN, later comes and goes and it suddenly is tomorrow when it starts ALL OVER AGAIN.

Does this have you nodding your head? Can you relate? Is this a trap you find yourself falling into day after day? Well, read on friends! We have some golden information to share with you that can make your life much, much, easier when it comes to coming up with effective and engaging content material.

After years of learning, studying, researching, paying for courses both on our own, and for our clients, we have found a SOLID way to optimize your time, and energy. This will help to focus on WHO will see your posts, not fall into the rabbit hole of going viral or getting millions of new followers like you see so often on your feed. Don’t get us wrong, when this happens it is AWESOME, and it feels great….but….you own a business in Ohio and need the right people seeing your content, not just views that will never, ever, turn into customers/clients/patients here in Ohio.

Your social media needs ensure these things:

1) People that see your content ��

2) People engage with your content ��‍��

3) People want to see more of your content ��

4) They eventually become a customer/client/patient/etc. ��

5) They know how to get in touch with you ��

Wouldn’t it be a relief to format and create your content that speaks to your audience, will get their attention, AND give them something useful to see?

We have it.

It will grab their attention (hook) , give them an idea on what you are going to discuss ( copy) , be related to something they want to know more about (info) . THEN, you just need to connect ALL of this together with a nice pretty bow (bridge) , and end with a way for them to make the next step however you choose (CTA) . That is it. No more scrolling, no more wasting time, no more trying to chase your way through the algorithm. Lets.end.trying.every.single.method.you.come.across.from.random.paid.influencers!

If you want to learn more about content creation, caption writing, my recommendations on where you can look for help (We have a couple of AH-MAZING sources we can send you) or get a custom content example for your industry, be sure to visit our contact page and drop us a message! We’d love to see how we can help.

Until next time friends, carry on, love one another, and let’s get social!

Staying Social While Avoiding Burnout: 5 Tips for Streamlining your Social Media Marketing

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:05:34 GMT

We know as an entrepreneur you might already know quite a bit about social media marketing.

For business owners across Toledo, Perrysburg, Sylvania and beyond, managing social media effectively is both an art and a science. As competition intensifies, it becomes crucial to not only maintain but also optimize your social media strategies without letting it take over your life - You went in business for something else other than being a social media expert, right?! We are going to assume that you already know enough to be dangerous with your socials, but maybe a few tips on how to take it into a higher gear would still be helpful. We all get it, time is money - So, here is what you can do to save more time and make more money!

1. Master the Art of Content Repurposing

Instead of constantly creating new content, look at repurposing what you already have. A single blog post can be transformed into a series of quote graphics, a short video, and several tweetable tips. This approach maximizes your content’s lifespan and reach while saving you considerable time. Platforms like Canva (free version can take you pretty far!) allow for quick reformatting of existing content into fresh visuals, making this task even easier. To start, work your way through the content on your website. What can you reuse to direct people to more information on your website? Are there FAQ's that you can repurpose into social content? How can people best get in contact with you? Your website or blog are a great place to start!

2. Develop a Template System for Images and Responses

Create templates for your most common types of social media images and customer responses. This not only maintains brand consistency but also speeds up the creation process. Tools like Adobe Express offer easy-to-use template options that can be customized for any type of post. Similarly, having a set of pre-written, customizable responses for common inquiries or comments can streamline engagement, ensuring you’re always ready to interact without the need to craft individual replies each time.

3. Schedule Thematic Content Blocks

Instead of planning on a post-by-post basis, consider thematic content blocks. For instance, dedicate a week to a particular theme or campaign, and align all posts around this theme. This method allows for bulk creation and scheduling of content, which can be particularly efficient for seasonal promotions or recurring events. It also helps your audience know what to expect, which can boost engagement and anticipation. Having a tip day, staff highlights, or other themes specific to your business can be very helpful for consistency, and is just the beginning of helping potential customers know they can rely on you.

4. Integrate Social Listening Into Your Routine

Staying up to date on what's trendy and what feels like it’s from 1990 can be pretty challenging for business owners. Simplify this task by using social listening tools to keep tabs on industry trends, brand mentions, and competitor strategies without manually having to search for this every day. We also say this with love: If you are spending any time on your social media, keeping tabs on trends is a MUST so that you aren't completely wasting your time. Streamlining this is more important than ever! Tools like BuzzSumo or Mention provide real-time alerts and insights, helping you stay on top of relevant conversations and adjust your content strategy accordingly. This proactive approach saves time and ensures your content remains relevant, engaging, and up to date.

5. Recognize When It’s Time to Go Pro

Managing social media effectively can absolutely be a full-time job, especially as your business grows. If you find yourself spending more time on social media than on other critical business activities, if keeping up with the latest digital trends feels overwhelming, or if your social media strategy and ROI is unknown, it might be time to hire a professional (or at least have a free consult with one). A social media manager or a specialized agency like KAE Social can take the load off your shoulders, bringing expertise and efficiency to ensure your online presence truly shines.

Streamlining your social media efforts doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means working smarter to maximize both your time and results. For Ohio-based businesses looking to enhance their digital strategy and reduce some unwanted business stress, these advanced tips can make a significant difference in their business footprint and the consistency of their digital strategy. And when you’re ready to take your social media to the next level, consider reaching out to us! KAE Social is always here for expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you turn your social media from a time sink into a powerful business tool.

About KAE Social: We are a locally owned Toledo Ohio based social media marketing company. We support small to medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs through thoughtfully customized social media strategies, content, marketing, and management. Contact us today to set up a free social media consultation!

making your social media content SHINE.

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:53:23 GMT

No matter what industry you are in, when it comes to keeping up with the latest trends and ensuring your social media content is solid, many people get overwhelmed and brush it aside. DON’T give up! We’ve got some easy, trending content ideas that are sure to make your life a little easier, no matter what your level of confidence may be….read on, friends!

Easy Content Idea #1:

We love our community events, am I right?! From county fairs to local festivals, there’s always something happening in your area. Even if you are not actively participating, commenting, sharing or talking about upcoming community events are a easy and great way to be a part of what is going on near you. This not only shows your community spirit but also helps you connect with your audience on a personal level.

Easy Content Idea #2:

Nothing speaks louder than the voices of satisfied customers. Feature testimonials and stories from your most loyal customers/clients/patients or even from a brand new one. If they are willing to snap a quick pic, even better! Faces and people are relatable, and help build your reputation without saying a word. Show your potential customers that you value their feedback and experiences. Simple and easy but oh so important. And who knows, it could lead to more reviews which is a BIG WIN.

Easy Content Idea #3:

People love getting a peek behind the curtain. Share behind-the-scenes photos and videos of your team at work, product creation processes, or even a day in the life at your business. This humanizes your brand and builds a deeper connection with your audience. Easy trends such as boxing or unboxing products, before and after a style update or service completed or even just employees getting ready to start (or end) their day are all great ideas!

Easy Content Idea #4:

Take advantage of Ohio’s seasonal changes and holidays. Create content around seasonal promotions, special offers, and holiday celebrations. This keeps your content timely and relevant. A quick video clip of ANYTHING (water, flowers, nature, unlocking the door, playing with the kids outside, literally anything you can grab, with a relevant post and a few hashtags can make this a complete idea for any type of business.

Easy Content Idea #5:

Position yourself as an expert in your field by sharing valuable tips and educational content. Whether it’s how-to guides, industry insights, or tips related to your products or services, this type of content can establish your authority and attract new customers. Show yourself in your element (or showing what you do) can be a strong content idea anytime of the day, any day of the week.

Easy Content Idea #6

Partnering with other local businesses can be a great way to expand your reach and create engaging content. Highlight these other companies can magnify your views, add some new followers and create a solid partnership with others around you who will become your biggest supporters!

Easy Content Idea #7

Interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and contests are a quick, effective way to see what your followers think about a topic. This not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable insights into your customers’ preferences and interests. It literally does not get any easier than this one, post a question, add a couple of options, and monitor the answers. As a followup post you can address the results. Two-for-one content.

Keeping your content fresh and engaging is key to connecting with your audience and growing your small business in an intentional, planned out structure. By incorporating these trending content ideas, you’ll not only stay relevant but also build a loyal and engaged community around your brand. So, go ahead and give these ideas a try, and watch your online presence soar!

Have any content ideas that have worked wonders for your business? Share them in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! Remember to follow along on our socials, and say hello when you do!

Happy creating! ��

KAE Social – Your go-to partner for creative and impactful

social media strategies for small businesses in Ohio. Let's grow together!

KAE Social Media Manager Bailey takes photos for a social media client

winning customer hearts on social media

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:37:52 GMT

Welcome to the digital party, where every comment, like, and share can turn a casual browser into a loyal customer—or not.

But what's the secret sauce!? Answer: Top-notch customer service. In the bustling social media streets of Toledo, Ohio, where everyone is vying for attention, how you treat your followers can make or break your brand. Let’s dive into how blending stellar customer service with savvy social media strategies can catapult your brand to star status.

Why Customer Service on Social Media is a Game Changer

Not only is it A game changer, it is THE game changer. Imagine you’re walking in downtown Toledo, and you step into your favorite local coffee shop. You expect a warm greeting, a familiar face, and maybe even your usual order ready before you ask. Social media is your digital storefront, and customer service is that warm greeting. When a customer leaves a comment or sends a message, they’re stepping into your virtual shop. How you respond can turn a one-time commenter into a raving fan.

Social media powerhouses like Sprout Social emphasize that customers now expect brands to be responsive and engaging online just as they would be in person. Ignoring a customer online has become just as bad as having rotten customer service in person - Definitely not cool.

Crafting Engaging Customer Interactions: KAE Social's Tips and Tricks

Now, how do you make sure every interaction is a high-five and not a face-palm? Here are some quick tips to keep your social media interactions fun and fruitful:

Be Swift and Sweet: Timing is everything. Respond to queries quickly but warmly. A speedy "Thanks for reaching out!" goes a long way.
Listen Like a Pro: Use tools like Hootsuite to keep an eye on what customers are saying about you. This isn’t just about damage control; it’s about showing you care.
Keep It Real: Authenticity wins every time. Whether it’s resolving a complaint or sharing a user’s post, keep your interactions genuine. Your followers can smell fake a mile away, even over the internet!

Real-Life Wins: Companies Excelling in Social Customer Care

Let’s take a leaf from the books of brands that are rocking their customer service on social media:

Zappos: Not just a shoe giant, but a giant in customer delight. Their quick, quirky responses make customers feel heard and valued.
JetBlue: Quick to respond, and even quicker to resolve issues, JetBlue’s Twitter support is like a helpdesk with wings.

Both these brands showcase that whether you’re in Toledo or Timbuktu, excellent customer service on social media can turn issues into opportunities.

What’s Next? Continuous Improvement and Engagement

The world of social media is always evolving, and so should your strategy. Keep tabs on emerging trends, and see how you can continuously improve your engagement. Tools like BuzzSumo can give you insights into what’s hot and what’s not.

Remember, your goal is to make every follower feel like they’re the most important person in your digital room. With these strategies in hand, you’re not just participating in the social media game—you’re playing to win. Remember, great customer service on social media isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about fostering a community that fans love being part of. Let’s make your brand the most loved in town!

About KAE Social

KAE Social is a boutique social media agency located in Toledo, Ohio. We are a woman owned and operated small business specializing in amplifying your brand's online presence across various social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Our services include content creation, community engagement, advertising, comprehensive analytics, and personalized social media photography (local for Toledo, Ohio). Not sure how a social media agency can help your business? Contact Us for your free social media audit & consultation!

creating a social media calendar that actually works

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:34:59 GMT

social media used to be a place where we'd simply write what we were doing at an exact moment in time.

'I'm having dinner in Toledo!'

Then we started adding photos...then polls, tagging locations and businesses, selflessly promoting our kids, our parents, selling and reselling things, creating ads, reading the news... the list goes on and on. Social media has truly transformed into an entirely different part of our daily lives, and now is a necessity for most.

If you are a business owner, social media can be a black hole of time spent if you don't come up with an organized, efficient and engaging plan. Sounds easy enough, but how do you start doing that? What tools do you need to research and utilize? And how can it help you stand out from the crowd, especially in small yet competitive areas like Toledo and Northwest Ohio?

Solution: creation of the foolproof KAE Social (media) calendar .

Crafting an Effective Social Media Calendar

Social media isn't an after thought for us, and it shouldn't be for you either. Any successful project has a plan- we don't just hope it all turns out for the best. It starts with a well-thought-out social media calendar, or blueprint. This ensures consistent content delivery but also allows for strategic planning around key dates and events relevant to your audience. Here are some beginner steps to create a social media calendar that actually works:

Audit Your Current Social Media Status

Before diving into planning, look at your current social media status. Example tools are easy to find, like this audit template from Hootsuite . This will provide insight into what's working and what's not, what is worth checking up on including details you might have overlooked or not even thought about. Other monitoring measures like determining where your website visits, sales, or other conversions are coming from also help paint the current picture of your metrics.

Set Clear Goals

Whether you want to increase engagement, improve organic website traffic, or boost sales through your Instagram store, your goals will dictate your content strategy. IT IS A MUST! Having clear, quantifiable goals is critical to knowing how you're doing so far, and what you need to do to get where you want to be!

Understand Your Audience

Your content HAS to meet the preferences of your target audience. Platforms like Facebook Insights offer valuable data on audience demographics and behavior, and even using tools like the US Census can help identify who to target given the populations and statistics in your local area and beyond. You need to know who you are speaking TO before you can decide HOW to give them what they want to hear.

Plan Your Content

Mix it up and get creative with your content types to keep your audience engaged, and make sure you take notice if you're getting a lot of interest from a certain type of content. It is also important to recognize when the content you're putting out

gets crickets (it’s not always the algorithm!)...... Incorporating a mix of educational, entertaining, and promotional content can enhance engagement, as Forbes highlights in The Power Of Storytelling For Your Business: Unleashing Your Inner Storyteller . Make sure you visit our Tips & Tricks to download our social media calendar template (our personal fave) for a head start on organizing your planning, and get your efforts on track. You can plan out your content, track your conversions & monitor other insights to keep things organized right from the start!

Schedule and Optimize

Use scheduling tools like Buffer , Plann , Meta Business Suite , or a multitude of others to plan your posts in advance. These tool are amazing and will save you so much time once you choose your fave. Some are free, and nice to trial as you decide what features you love, and can’t live without. Timing your posts when your audience is most active can significantly boost engagement!

Analyze and Adapt

Continuously monitor the performance of your posts. Use the insights gained to refine your strategy, experimenting with different content types and posting schedules. Make sure to track this all in your Content Calendar so that you can know what is working for your goals and what's not!

About KAE Social

common social media marketing mistakes to avoid

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:10:59 GMT

social media is a constantly adapting and evolving necessity for small businesses in today's world, and it can be both a blessing and a curse for the solopreneur trying to do-it-all (believe us, we've been there!)

when used properly, social media can be SUCH a powerful tool to connect with your audience, build your small business brand, and ultimately drive growth. however, we all know that social media marketing can be a bit daunting, and mistakes are common... and can be a HUGE expense of time for those already lacking extra. at KAE consulting we've seen firsthand how certain common mistakes can hinder a brand's online potential, and it's so exciting to see when those faux-pas are reversed! we thought we'd share some of the common pitfalls to steer clear of to help you create a social media plan that is engaging, efficient, and above all CONVERTS!

1. not having a plan

this is a big one. one of the most significant mistakes brands make is approaching social media without a clear, cohesive strategy. as highlighted by HubSpot in this article , having a deep understanding of your own business and where you want to go is key. a great way of starting this can be by completing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of your own business in order to identify what you want to focus on with your social media strategy. define your goals, and ultimately, measure success by adjusting, monitoring, & controlling. in short.. an arrow without a target misses 100% of the time.

2. ignoring the trends

trends in marketing & design are constantly shifting, so if you're going to delve into social media on a professional level, it's important to make sure you're paying attention to shifts in trends. no one wants to be the person posting a meme that is no longer funny because everyone has already seen it float through their newsfeed 50 times. platforms like Social Media Examiner offer valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in the industry, and can often help you keep tabs on what is relevant... and what might no longer be.

3. overlooking audience engagement

so many people in the digital marketing world with tell you 'content is KING!' - well..... over here in social media world, we are here to tell you that content is great and all, but social media is for being social . it doesn't mean much if you push out a whole ton of awesome content and then don't engage with your audience. creating meaningful interactions and literally making friends is what it's all about! make sure you are responding to comments, participating in conversations, and encouraging user-generated content - these are all crucial elements of a successful social media strategy.

4. inconsistent branding across platforms

no one loves going to a beautiful website and then clicking on their social links only to find a completely different impression! make sure you are putting effort into not only your social, but your website, logo, and overall digital presence. these consistencies make sure your business information is recognizable across platforms. no one wants to be confused as to whether they are on the right social media page, or the right website for that matter! Canva.com is one tool we LOVE for creating a consistent brand - they actually have a tool where you can save your fonts & colors, browse fonts, save ideas and templates, and so much more!

5. not checking your analytics

we always say anything worth doing is worth doing well . d ata is a goldmine of insights, but we find that when people think of social media they think it's.. well.. only social. don't leave your results up to chance! by neglecting this information, you miss out on crucial insights that could inform and improve your strategy. we love this article by Forbes that discusses key components of a social media strategy, one of which is adjust. monitor. control. without it, you are on the long and time-intensive road to nowhere.

social media marketing is a valuable (and necessary!) tool for businesses, but can often be a huge time sap if not implemented correctly. looking for a little extra professional support to make your efforts worthwhile? Give us a shout!

welcome to the let's get social (media) blog!

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 21:10:59 GMT

welcome social media enthusiasts! thanks for visiting all things KAE Social, we thought it seemed like it was time that we begin sharing some of our thoughts and ideas hopefully in a way that is understandable and easily digestible for all of our small business owners and entrepreneurs. we know all too well that so many business owners don't have the time to manage their own social media, and have even less time to try to grow or increase it, understand it, make it more effective, increase engagement, make it more educational and entertaining... the list goes on and on and on. so, if you are reading this blog, congratulations! you are certainly a step ahead of your competition and you get a gold star for having the ambition to go about your social media in a business-forward fashion. if you are specifically looking at ways to categorize your social media as one of your business activities, and not like a super-social-happy-hour (even though social media is inherently social) how and WHO you choose to manage it can be BUSINESS CHANGING, and can ultimately take any company to the next level, no matter where you start. we are excited to share more advice, tips, tricks and industry knowledge with you so follow along!

when i created KAE Social, my goal was to make social media marketing accessible and affordable for small businesses. we are here to truly make a difference for those businesses and hone their social media craft to drive leads & conversions to our clients' businesses through their social. but, with that being said, many of our practices can be implemented in a DIY fashion, and even with our clients we find that we often balance the portion that our clients want or are willing to do on their social media accounts! we hope that some of the fabulous tips and tricks that we offer here help you understand your social media's business potential, help you skim hours and weekends off of your social media planning, and truly hone your social media craft down to the science so that it isn't wasted time at the end of the day.

let's make your social media shine!