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Latest Twitter Trends & Updates for 2020

Happy New Year from SmartSolutions! With the dawn of a new decade, there’s no better time than now for your business to put social media at the forefront of your company’s marketing operations. Here’s a quick look at some of the top marketing trends and platform updates for Twitter as we begin 2020.

Topic Following

A look at the Twitter web redesign from 2019.

In 2019, Twitter made a handful of platform updates — from introducing dark mode to a complete redesign of the web app. However, there’s one update in particular that could benefit business accounts as a whole.

In late 2019, Twitter announced the ability to follow specific topics across the platform — breaking from the traditional account-only following process. By following specific topics such as “marketing,” specific sports and teams and more, users are being exposed to more tweets from accounts they may not follow individually, thus lending businesses the upper-hand in getting in front of potential new followers.

Marketing: Twitter Threads

Utilizing Twitter “threads,” which allows users to send multiple tweets in one organized manner, is nothing new. However, companies should be aware of best practices in how to use these threads to help market their products or services.

A perfect example of how to utilize Twitter threads was from the Disney+ account just weeks before their launch of the streaming platform. The account tweeted out a 400+ tweet thread that detailed each and every item launching on the platform.

The thread was successful for multiple reasons. For one, the tweets were sent out one at a time (instead of in one big batch), thus ensuring the tweets were spaced out and would remain seen by followers. By using one tweet for each title, it also allowed users to quote-tweet or retweet their favorites, creating engagement opportunities that wouldn’t normally be seen by one tweet alone.

Ongoing Shift to Video

Social media’s shift from emphasis on photos to an emphasis on videos continue, and Twitter is no exception. Whenever possible, using your Twitter account to distribute quality video content can have two- and three-times the engagement rates as a standard, static photo. Consider investing in quality video content for your company’s social media platforms in 2020.

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping you tell that story. 

Looking to give your company’s social media marketing presence the boost it needs to start seeing a more positive return on your investment? Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Client Spotlight: Dillen & Ari

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping them tell that story. Our latest client spotlight feature is Dillen & Ari, the studio of Dee Batista specializing in hand lettering and design — with an emphasis on licensing for commercial application.

In their own words

A look at some of Dillen & Ari’s notebooks and custom design work.

“Dee combines her talents as a hand letterer and designer to create clean, playful and bright designs that can be applied to a variety surfaces in different categories. She runs her Miami-based studio in lettering and custom typography, working with licensing agencies on surface and print designs.

Dee’s product designs can be seen mainly on homeware, gift, and stationery goods such as greeting cards, journals, agendas, notebooks, notepads, passport holders, desk/home decor, tote bags, mugs, tumblers and more – most of which have been sold at local stores as well as department stores such as Walmart and TJ Maxx. Dee has also created special promotional and advertising pieces for A+E Networks.”

More about their products

From hand-lettered, inspirational journals to home decor and enamel pins, Dee’s style with Dillen & Ari products focuses on the glitz, the glam and the inspirational.

To learn more about Dillen & Ari, such as their products and licensing information, you can visit them at dillenari.com.

 

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping you tell that story. 

Looking to give your company’s social media marketing presence the boost it needs to start seeing a more positive return on your investment? Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Client Spotlight: Fine Moments

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping them tell that story. Our latest client spotlight feature is the Fine Moments, a custom stationery company offering their customers the finest in holiday cards, birth announcements, custom invitations and more.

In their own words

A sample of one of Fine Moments’ custom holiday designs.

“We are a consortium of designers, lettering artists and illustrators from around the world, who come together to offer unique, one-of-a-kind stationery designs. Jason Carberry founded Fine Moments in 2005, primarily as an online provider of custom holiday cards, birth announcements and other stationery items. In 2008 we were approached by Tiny Prints to make our collections exclusive to their customers. Since then, our collections have lived and evolved through various partnerships and acquisitions, before deciding to go independent again in early 2019.

Since our inception we have had the privilege of working with great online partners such as Tiny Prints, Wedding Paper Divas and Shutterfly, as well as retail partners such as Walgreens, Costco and Target.

You will notice that our collections are small; this is by design. We wanted to provide you with a glimpse of our design capabilities, but our focus is to create custom designs unique to you and your special occasion. If you like a design within our current collection, you are able to order these now on this site. If you don’t find a design that fits your needs, no worries, as we would be more than happy to customize something just for you.”

More about their products

From the most beautiful holiday designs to custom birth announcements, Fine Moments offers some of the finest custom stationery available today to consumers. Exclusively in December 2019, users can get 20% off their first order by using promo code SOCIAL20 at checkout!

To learn more about Fine Moments, such as their holiday and various other stationery lines, as well as complete customization options and more, you can visit them at finemoments.com.

 

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping you tell that story. 

Looking to give your company’s social media marketing presence the boost it needs to start seeing a more positive return on your investment? Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Latest Facebook Trends & Updates

Always keeping business owners and digital marketers on their toes, it’s never a dull period when it comes to Facebook updates and trends. We’re diving into some of Facebook’s latest announced changes, and what you need to know when it comes to best practices.

Changing Image Ratios

When it comes to organic posts and advertising, generally a square (1:1) image ratio has been best when it comes to reaching audiences and capturing a large chunk of the news feed. Now, that’s changed.

To follow closely with what Instagram has done, the maximum image ratio that will now be accepted (without being cut off by the preview) is a 4:5 ratio. This is important for businesses to note, as it means captivating content will take up more of the news feed and, in turn, could garner more impressions.

Trim That Text

For years, Facebook has been trending toward a “less text, more content” approach when it comes to ads and organic posts. In October, Facebook took another step toward this shift, by trimming the amount of text seeing before a “read more” badge is displayed. What used to be four lines of text before getting cut-off will now be three lines, and not a single word more.

Moving to “Creator Studio”

In the past, scheduling posts or updates was as easy as going to your company’s page and beginning to type. Alas, that is no more — although, if you’re looking to just make a quick post, this will still work.

Scheduling future posts or ads now requires page administrators to utilize Facebook’s new “creator studio.” To learn more about the creator studio, click here.

A look at Facebook’s new “Creator Studio.”

Algorithm Updates

As always, Facebook is toying with the news feed algorithm — and it usually means bad news for business pages. The latest algorithm update was no exception.

The algorithm changes go closely in-hand with the aforementioned “less text, more content” approach. More emphasis will be placed on engagement, such as reactions, comments and shares (although, not likes, as Facebook looks to do away with those). The best way to ensure engagement, such as comments? Organic content, with little text.

Testing New Photo Layouts

Always experimenting with different formats, layouts and styles with their news feed, Facebook is apparently testing new image-formatting options for multiple images that have been posted in the feed.

A look at Facebook’s new testing of image layouts. (Image via socialmediatoday.com)

 

Need help with your Facebook marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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2019 Holiday Season Marketing Tips

It’s finally November — which means if they haven’t already, it’s time for small business owners to begin thinking about their holiday season marketing strategies.

Nearly 20% of annual retail sales come during the holiday season — with hobby, toy and gift stores reporting the highest share at roughly 30%. And whether it be utilizing your company’s social media or offering deals and hosting in-store events, the holidays can be some of the most profitable times for small business owners.

Organic social media posts

When it comes to social media content, not only do users engage more with organic content such as images and videos, but it’s also useful for “cracking the code” that is Facebook and Instagram’s news feed algorithms. More organic content drives more engagement, which means more prominent features in the news feed, which in turn drives more engagement — you get the picture.

Proper email marketing

With a proper email marketing strategy, not only are you reaching customers where they already are — over 99% of users are opening their inbox at least once every day, according to HubSpot — but you’re also creating an opportunity to personalize your interactions with them. (Of course, be careful not to spam your customers’ inbox!)

Hosting in-store events

Utilizing some of the marketing methods mentioned above, promoting and hosting in-store events can be an excellent way to not only drive people into your business’ storefront, but it can also be a great way to connect with customers on a personal level, putting a face to your store.

Different in-store events that could be used as loyalty-building opportunities could include seasonal events featuring in-store specials with food and drinks, or even a holiday sip ‘n’ shop with a creative giftwrapping demo and class — all supplies included for those who shop that night. Regardless of the event, using social media and email marketing to drive customers and potential customers into the store to meet and greet with your staff, while receiving exclusive deals, can go a long way toward building a loyal customer for years to come.

DEALS!

Finally, one final way you can work to build a loyal customer base is perhaps the simplest, tried-and-true way: promotions, deals and coupons.

Everybody likes to feel like they’re getting the best deal possible, right? Utilizing the aforementioned tactics of social media and email to offer your customers exclusive coupons, deals and promotions not only creates a brand awareness, it creates further shopping opportunities for your customers where they otherwise might not have been looking. You’re creating sales by reaching them when they’re not expecting it, and you’re creating a loyal customer by offering them incentives to shop with you, whether that be for the very first time or as a returning customer.

 

Think you know your social media marketing stuff? Take our SmartSolutions Social Media Quiz to get your official score today!

Need help with your holiday marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Client Spotlight: Great Lakes EXPO

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping them tell that story. Our latest client spotlight feature is the Great Lakes EXPO, the premier trade show for fruit and vegetable growers, greenhouse growers, farm marketers and more.

 

In their own words

“Over three days, the program includes sessions on fruit crops, vegetable crops, other specialty crops, greenhouse crop production and marketing, farm marketing ideas and operations, farmers’ markets and organic production and marketing. There will also be sessions covering a diversity of general interest topics, including food safety and labor.

Presentations will be made by researchers and Extension educators from Michigan State University, other Land Grant universities and industry. Many of the education sessions will offer credits for Michigan and Ohio Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators and Certified Crop Advisors.”

The 2019 Great Lakes EXPO and Michigan Greenhouse Growers EXPO, held at DeVos Please Conference Center and the Amway Grand Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, features more educational opportunities and trade show exhibitors than ever. With over 4,000 visitors from over 40 states and seven Canadian provinces, the Great Lakes EXPO features 70+ educational sessions and workshops and over 450 exhibitors in an expanded trade show over a three-day period.

 

Learning more

From beginning organic production to farm marketing, to utilizing social media marketing and more, any of the EXPO’s over 70 educational sessions and workshops will help growers from all walks and industries learn more about improving their businesses practices. To see the upcoming 2019 lineup of educational sessions, click here.

Early bird registration is now open. Register by Friday, November 15th to receive early bird pricing discounts. To learn more about the discounts, pricing and registration, click here.

To learn more about the 2019 Great Lakes EXPO and Michigan Greenhouse Growers EXPO, such as educational session information, pricing, registration, event details and more, you can visit them at glexpo.com.

 

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping you tell that story. 

Looking to give your company’s social media marketing presence the boost it needs to start seeing a more positive return on your investment? Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Importance of Instagram in 2019

For owners of a business of virtually any size, social media is a vital component of a successful marketing plan. However, one of the fastest-growing social platforms, Instagram, is proving to be one of the most valuable pieces. Why should brands, especially those with more visually-leaning products and services, be focusing more on Instagram?

Why Instagram? Volume.

First and foremost, there’s just a few people active every day on Instagram — well, 500 million, to be exact. Over half of Instagram’s monthly active users are logging in daily, and actively engaging with brands and peers on the platform.

With the daily active, not just monthly, growing almost every day, Instagram is quickly rising to the top of the social media marketing channel ranks.

Cohesive with Facebook

As mentioned in previous posts, Instagram is now owned by Facebook, which means a cohesive advertising and marketing plan can be managed for both platforms at one time. Now, not only are your accounts linked together for easy management, but your brand’s advertising on Facebook can run on Instagram as well and vice versa.

By running advertisements in Facebook’s “Ads Manager,” you can opt to have the same ads running on Instagram, as well, under the same budget — and bonus, not only will it give that ad more exposure, it will also give your profile on Instagram more exposure as well.

Seeing More Engagement than Facebook

With higher engagement numbers becoming more and more the primary focus, businesses and brands are looking for any and every avenue to increase engagement rates across their pages. High-quality images and content, for example, are seeing a 23% higher engagement rate on Instagram than they are on Facebook.

But it’s not just that the brands are seeing higher engagement rates among their followers — they’re also seeing engagement rates as high as 10x higher on Instagram in general than they are on Facebook — making Instagram a nearly invaluable tool to exhibit your company’s services or products to potential customers.

 

Think you know your social media marketing stuff? Take our SmartSolutions Social Media Quiz to get your official score today!

Need help with your marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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Monthly Small Business Marketing Roundup

For small business owners, the world of digital marketing can feel ever-changing — and the reality is, it is. Looking to keep up on the latest changes, updates and news in the marketing world? The SmartSolutions monthly marketing roundup has you covered.

Instagram Makes Changes

A look at Instagram’s new “dark mode.” (Image via alextooby.com)

Upon the release of Apple’s iOS 13, Instagram has released a bevy of changes — most notable, removing the “following” tab, a “create” interface for Instagram Stories and dark mode.

By removing the following tab on user profiles, Instagram did away with a feature that many failed to use, if they even knew it was there. Nestled under the “likes” tab, the “following” page allowed you to see the liking and following activity of those you followed. A new “create” feature for Instagram Stories gives businesses and users “template” styles to help create more engaging story content, and the new “dark mode” creates a “blacked out” look for the app.

A New “Messaging” App

Instagram has also released a new app called “Threads,” described as a “messaging app for close friends.” The idea behind Threads was that the platform “saw the need to stay more connected with your smaller circle of friends throughout the day, to communicate what you’re doing and how you’re feeling through photos and videos.”

New Photo Layouts for Facebook?

Always experimenting with different formats, layouts and styles with their news feed, Facebook is apparently testing new image-formatting options for multiple images that have been posted in the feed.
 

A look at Facebook’s new testing of image layouts. (Image via socialmediatoday.com)

New Facebook Business Tools

Facebook continues to make connecting with audiences easier for companies (despite making organic reach more difficult), and that hasn’t changed as they roll out new features in October. Most notably, the platform is giving business pages more lead generation tools in Facebook Messenger, including appointment booking, and new collaborative and monetization features for “stories.” To learn more about some of Facebook’s upcoming changes, click here.
 

Need help with your marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

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SmartSolutions Social Media Marketing Quiz

Now more than ever, a strategic digital marketing plan is vital to the successes of any business, no matter the size. Think you know what makes social media marketing a successful element to this digital marketing plan? Take the SmartSolutions Social Media Marketing Quiz below to get your score!

 

Need help with your digital marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

 

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Top 5: Instagram Business Accounts

In the world of social media, there are as many bad examples as there are good examples. But in today’s day and age of focusing on the negative, we’ve decided to do the opposite. Here’s a look at five of our favorite business Instagram accounts, from inspirational images to innovative marketing ideas.

SmartSolutons — @smartsolutionsmktg

Alright, so maybe we’re a little biased. But look — we believe that in the world of social media, there can’t be enough motivational quotes and business conversations. And on our SmartSolutions Instagram page, that’s what we strive to create. Head on over and give us a follow!

The Checkdown (NFL) — @thecheckdown

While normally a sports league’s official Instagram account might not be considered incredibly information or riveting, the National Football League’s approach is intriguing because they have multiple accounts. While their official @NFL account is dedicated to team news, highlights and more, a few years back they created an in-league brand, “The Checkdown.” This account mimics popular meme- and highlight-styled accounts that feed off “virality,” yet is completely controlled by the league itself.

Business Insider — @businessinsider

Looking for the best business news, updates and behind-the-scenes looks into some of the biggest companies in the world? Business Insider’s Instagram account offers just that. From looks at some of the country’s biggest college football powerhouses and their multi-million dollar locker rooms, to the latest Amazon news and trends on the rise of cannabis, BI’s Instagram page has a little something for every business person.

Taco Bell — @tacobell

While many fast food brands get nationally recognized because of infamous Twitter interactions, some of the chains are beginning to become more active in Instagram. One of the great examples of how to have an effective, yet aesthetically-pleasing Instagram page is Taco Bell — who not only plays on their products, but also some of the more viral items, such as a Taco Bell cruise, merchandise and more.

Costco — @costco

Sometimes, the best example of a good social strategy is just keeping it simple — which is exactly what Costco’s Instagram, very much like their business concept, does. Costco’s profile is all about highlighting some of the exclusive products and deals that only their members can get, helping tease the “exclusivity” of a Costco membership.

 

Every company has a story — and at SmartSolutions, we’re passionate about helping you tell that story. 

Looking to give your company’s social media marketing presence the boost it needs to start seeing a more positive return on your investment? Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!