Now, if you’ve been following along with me these past few months, you can guess my feelings about giving Meta access to even more of our time, energy, and money. On the other hand, I DO love an efficient tech stack. The idea of one less app is pretty appealing.

Is Edits actually good enough to replace tools like Canva or CapCut, though? Before you cancel any subscriptions, here’s what you should know:

Edits is intuitive, but with limitations

Thus far, users are saying Edits is pretty intuitive for non-designers! It also lets you post directly to Instagram and gives you full access to Instagram Reels features that social schedulers don’t have.

However, it doesn’t let you stitch together multiple video clips, due to its basic editing capabilities. Edits is also not ideal if you rely on templates to make Reels – it doesn’t support them. And, if you don’t like working on tiny screens, you won’t like that Edits is only available to use on your phone. 

Compare that to tools like CapCut and Canva, where you can:

• edit videos on both mobile and desktop
• access an extensive library of templates and assets
• use more advanced editing capabilities, like combining multiple video clips

Canva is also an especially good option for small teams and organizations, because it offers easy sharing and collaborative editing. 

Keep in mind, however: Canva and CapCut require a paid plan to unlock some of their more helpful features and libraries, and non-designers may find it to be less intuitive to use.

Ultimately, it all comes down to which option best fits your style, your time, and your business needs. Your video editing skill level – and how complex you want to get with your Reels – will help determine which tool is right for you.

Over the past few months, it seems like online marketing (social media) has been turned upside down. From the latest (infuriating) Meta updates to the TikTok ban, to the possibility of breaking up Google’s search and advertising tools, major changes seem to be hiding around every corner.

For small businesses that rely on these tools to connect with clients, big shifts like this can feel overwhelming. But what’s causing these sudden changes, and how can you prepare for what’s next? Let’s break it down.

Why Are These Big Changes Happening Now?

Government Pressure

Governments around the world have been scrutinizing the tech industry for monopolistic practices and privacy concerns. In the U.S., we’ve been working to break up companies like Google to cultivate more competition in the tech industry. Similarly, TikTok has been banned in other countries like Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Somalia due to “data security concerns” – and the U.S. is following suit. 

Politics

With tech giants like Zuckerberg and Musk getting more involved in questionable politics every day, they’ve zeroed in on social media’s ability to spread information. They’ve made it their mission to silence those speaking up, keep us isolated and in the dark, and prevent us from organizing further.

How Can Small Businesses Roll With the Changes?

1. Diversify Your Online Presence

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Do your best to show up on multiple platforms – but remember to put the most focus on where your audience is now or is headed next. 

While you’re at it, you’ll want to re-engage with or start building your email list, and make sure your website and SEO are dialed in, so your small business won’t be entirely reliant on a single external platform. Heck – maybe it’s even time to give Bluesky a go! 

2. Explore Video and Experiment With Trends 

Platforms are prioritizing short-form video, live streaming, and other content trends. If a given trend or format makes sense for your business, giving them a test drive can give you a competitive edge. 

Signs are pointing towards a video-centric social media world, so think about what video content would look like for your small business. (if the thought of video makes you cringe, we have a few tips to make it easier!)

3. Choose Community

Platforms may change, but folks will always value connection and quality content. Build a loyal online community by being genuine, telling your story, and using your unique skills and knowledge to help them through their struggles.

The Gist 

Yes, the digital landscape has been shifting faster lately. But small business owners are no strangers to adapting and being resourceful. You’ll need to mix up your strategies, try out new content formats, and focus on nurturing your audience to navigate the changes ahead effectively. Big changes are inevitable, but the silver lining is that they’re also opportunities to experiment with and nurture new ideas.

Ready to future-proof your online marketing strategy? Let’s start planning for what’s next together.

Maybe you didn’t even get the details, and you just heard that “something” was happening between WP Engine and WordPress.

Tech folks like me had some Big Feelings about it. (nerds having strong opinions? Who could’ve predicted?! ) For business owners, however, it all probably just sounded like another potential stressor that you don’t need!

So, let’s just get this out of the way now: no, you don’t need to panic!

…okay, now that you’re breathing a bit easier, let’s distill all the mess down into what matters for You, a human whose organization may just happen to have a WordPress website:

A longtime beef between WP Engine and WordPress came to a head.

If not, here’s the abbreviated version: the co-founder of WordPress (Matt Mullenweig) has been big mad at WP Engine, a dedicated WordPress webhost. Mullenweig doesn’t love that WP Engine is, essentially, making big bucks because of WordPress, without giving more back to the open-source community. 

(side note: if you’re like, “what’s the deal with web hosting?” here’s an oldie-but-goodie where I explain what a web host is, and what makes a good one)

After Mullenweig called out WP Engine publicly, they hit back with a lawsuit claiming defamation, and even extortion.

So, long story made very short, WordPress.org blocked WP Engine from accessing their servers. This meant that, if your website was hosted by WP Engine, all of those quick-and-easy “Update Now” buttons on your Plugins page stopped working.

If you love other people’s drama and want to know the full story, here’s the top of the rabbit hole: WordPress’ post stating that WP Engine is banned from their servers.

“Wait, do I need to quit WordPress forever now?!”

I’ve talked for a loooong time about how outdated plugins can leave your website vulnerable to hacking. Not being able to easily update plugins is a big deal! Understandably, a lot of folks wondered what they should do in response to this drama. 

Is it time to run screaming from WordPress altogether?! In my humble opinion: no, you don’t need to cut WordPress from your tech stack.

• If your web host is anyone but WP Engine (or Flywheel, which is owned by WP Engine), none of that drama affects you at all!
  
• If you are on WP Engine and still feel concerned about this dust-up, you do have the option to move your website elsewhere.
  
• Hosting aside, WordPress is still a completely FREE platform, which lets you update content without knowing how to code, and it’s a powerful, extensible platform that can offer a lot of helpful functions for your business. 

So, yeah, take a deep breath and relax. WordPress is still a reliable tool, and you don’t have to completely rebuild your website anytime soon. (well, unless you want to)

You don’t really need to worry about moving to another web host, either (yet).

If you’re on WP Engine and you’re stressed about it, never fear: WP Engine has already created and deployed a workaround so they’re able to run automatic software updates again. That means things are basically back to normal from a customer perspective.

If you still feel uneasy after hearing all of this, though, I don’t blame you. I’m a longtime Flywheel fangirl from the days before they were acquired by WP Engine, and I feel wobbly about this situation, too.

The main thing to remember is that, if you were already thinking about changing things up, this could be a good excuse to start exploring alternatives. And, better yet, you have some time to think about and test those other options, and determine if they’re the right fit.

“So wait, how do I protect my website in the future?”

I believe that your website should be YOURS once it’s built, and there’s a lot to be said for being able to take your website wherever you want. There are a couple of things you should make sure are happening, so you can move house when it’s time:

• Regular backups. Most any decent web host will do nightly backups of your website, in case anything goes wrong, so if yours doesn’t, it’s time for an upgrade.
  
• Regular plugin updates. So many websites get hacked or break down entirely because their plugins weren’t updated regularly. You’re keeping your website more stable, secure, and easier to move by doing those updates–and some web hosts will do this for you.

If reading those two bullet points made you start sweating, I’ll point you towards Kronda at Karvel Digital, who wrote up an awesome overview of updating your plugins manually, setting up backups, and even migrating your entire website. Her Automation Club is a great resource for this and other time-saving integrations in your business tech!

If you just don’t want to tangle with ANY of this, however, you can always find a website pro to handle it all for you. As a starting point, take a peek at our very affordable and all-around-awesome WordPress Website Maintenance Plans.

Overall, I’m annoyed that this kerfuffle between WP Engine and WordPress caused so many small business owners to panic over something they may not even fully understand. But, hopefully this helps you make sense of it all, and breathe easier!

Find us on DesignRush: Discover web design services here.

They’re usually not as earth-shattering as we think, and even when it feels dire, we learn from those stumbles and figure out how to do better next time. 

Still, I’d like to help you avoid a few of those early mistakes, by sharing a few things I wish I’d known during Upswept Creative’s first year of business:

1) Your Small Business is Not For Everyone.

I’ve asked a lot of business owners who they think their offering is for, and they’ll often say, “oh, I think everyone could benefit from this!” They’ll rattle off several audiences or reasons why, and sure, it all sounds reasonable.

And yet, that’s often where new businesses start to lose their way: even if “everyone” could conceivably benefit from what you offer, it’s not really FOR everyone! 

Don’t believe me? Consider this: your offer is not for people who aren’t ready to make the change you’ll bring them. (not everyone is!)

It’s not for people who will have you losing sleep, because they don’t respect the boundaries you’ve set around your work. 

And it’s definitely not for people who aren’t willing to pay what you’re worth. 

If you want to dodge this mistake, start thinking about who’s READY for you. Who has the right mindset? Who has the resources? Who is ready to put their money where their mouth is and invest in your services? 

Then, start zooming in on what those folks have in common. You’ll likely find that it’s far easier to sell your work!

2) Don’t Go All-In on Social Media.

This is maybe a funny thing for me to be saying–I literally offer social media services, after all. And don’t get me wrong: social media can be a valuable investment!… as long as you’re ready for it.

What often happens, however, is that a lot of scrappy entrepreneurs start from zero, thinking that social media will be the magic bullet that gets everyone buying. 

I was no exception! But then, reality hit me: success through organic social calls for a LOT of consistent effort, put in over time. When I was in that early stage of business, I didn’t really have the time or money to throw at social, so my feeds were inconsistent–and inconsistency is often the thing that kills your visibility on social. 

I couldn’t patiently wait for the return on my organic social media efforts, either. Newer businesses usually need a faster return on a smaller investment, and that’s often an investment of time. When you need to book new clients fast, dusting off your Instagram account after several months of ignoring it won’t do the job.

The fact is, as a brand-new business, I’d have been better off focusing on networking, partnerships, or email marketing to build my foundation–and so will you. Then, you can move onto social media to widen that circle once you’re well-established.

3) Only Sell the Work You Want to Do.

In that first year as a solo entrepreneur, I needed to get paid! That led to me taking on a downright unhinged variety of projects: 

• I designed posters and flyers. 
• I dug into hand-coded HTML web pages. (a more common occurrence 13 years ago than it is nowadays!) 
• I worked with all kinds of folks, from tiny budgets to big needs. 
• I took product and real estate photos. 

Here’s the thing: I knew the online space is where I really shine. I knew I wanted to work in WordPress. I knew that in my heart, but for some reason, I slapped all of those other services up onto my website anyway, because I knew I could get paid for them. 

Basically, anything in the design and marketing realm that I thought I could do reasonably well was fair game… but so many of them WEREN’T things I wanted to do all the time! They were merely paychecks.

There are two HUGE reasons why you should only actively sell the work you really want to be doing in your business: 

1. it’s much easier to market and get really good at two services than 20!
2. There will be times when no amount of money is worth doing something you don’t want to do.

Note that this does not mean that you can’t accept other work, if you need to! If you’re feeling the baby business blues and are strapped for cash, it might bring you more peace in the short-term to take those less-than-ideal projects. But, if you don’t enjoy doing those projects, don’t actively sell them.

How did my small business fare in the end?

Well, I’m writing this blog post, so clearly, I made it through the ups and downs. I definitely learned some things the hard way (oops), but now I have a team, and have focused down into websites, social media, and email marketing. It’s 13 years later, and my workdays are much simpler, money comes more easily, and I’m working on projects that I’m actually excited about!

Hopefully, you’re well on your way to a business that lasts 10 years, 20 years, or more! (?!) But if you’re over those early humps and feeling growing pains, jump onto our weekly email series, Social Media Snack Break, to get some help delivered straight to your inbox.

So that we’re all on the same page: let’s define email marketing. It is a powerful marketing tool that uses email to promote goods or services, while also developing relationships with customers. In other words: consider email marketing a form of “direct mail” using the internet.

Why would we want to use email as a marketing tool? Isn’t everyone on social media now? While it’s especially true that we’re spending more time using social messaging sites and apps these days, statistics show that the vast majority of us still rely on email communication. Over 90% of consumers check their email at least once a day, with Millennials and Gen Z accounting for 93% of email users. The majority of us check our email before we check in on our social media accounts.

Yes, email is important, but why make a bigger fuss about it now? Since 2020, we’ve seen a decline in organic website traffic across most industries, which is bad news for a lot of us. Email open and click rates, however, have increased, without a matching increase in sends. This tells us folks are turning to and relying on email communication for information and updates.

Let’s get more specific about the factors that make email marketing more effective than social media:

Email gives you direct access to your people

In the same way a friend welcomes you into their home, a customer invites you into their inbox when they opt into your mailing list. You don’t get in unless they grant you access. This means messages shared with them via email have a much greater chance of being seen than posts you share on social media, and being well-received.

People tend to trust email more than social media 

With the increase in untrustworthy and questionable accounts on social media platforms, the direct relationships you form through your email marketing become even more valuable.

Email provides a respite from social media

Social media can provide useful real-time updates, but fatigue is real, y’all. Folks need a break from the 24-hour news and information cycle, and they also want ways to stay connected on their own schedules. Plus, email inboxes are chronological, not influenced or controlled by an algorithm. This means your message has a much greater chance of being read.

Engagement is more likely to increase

With the dramatic increase in remote work situations (not to mention the less-awesome fact of folks working fewer hours or not at all), we’re all spending a lot more time online. This increases chances of your emails being read, received, and hopefully acted upon.

Email creates a more direct connection

There are a few key factors that lead someone to open an email. They’re looking for help, some kind of assistance for a concern they have. If they don’t need something in the immediate future, they open emails from you because they know, like, and trust you, and they consider you a valuable resource. Building further on the know/like/trust aspect: you hear and see your people; the experience they have with you feels personal.

Now here’s the thing: you know and I know that we’re using our email marketing to stay top-of-mind with current and potential customers. We got bills to pay! That said: your email list isn’t just a list of buyers – they’re a list of flesh-and-blood people. Take time to serve them and acknowledge their needs rather than constantly selling to them. Developing that relationship will lead to increased sales and loyalty in the long run.

Interested in seeing how email might fit in your marketing toolkit? Let’s chat about it!

When you’re a new service business, there’s the temptation to take on every client that pays. Even if you may not want to work with a client, you might say yes just to get revenue flowing. (We’ve all been there!)

But, if you’re an established business, there’s the fear of shifting who you serve. Maybe you’re bringing in a stable income with clients who were really exciting to work with back in the day… but now the work doesn’t quite light you up like it used to. Or, maybe your existing client base doesn’t align with your vision for the future.

Whatever the reason, that awkward twinge in your gut is your body telling you to think about client fit. Paying attention to client fit benefits your business, and starting now will bring you more peace and profit in the year to come.

Client fit builds an audience that’s absolutely right for you.

It feels scary to say no to bad-fit clients when you’re new. It’s even scarier to start building a new audience when you’re comfortable with the one you have. 

But, when you think about where your business could be a year or two from now, do you want your inbox to be full of inquiries from this type of client? If you don’t want that, but you keep saying yes to them anyway, you could end up growing an audience you never wanted in the first place.

You’ll save time by ensuring a clear and respectful relationship.

Even when a client needs what you have to offer, the client fit could fall short in other ways:

• Do they work in an industry that doesn’t fit you, or that you even find to be… boring?
• Does the client expect you to be available 24/7, or outside of business hours? 
• Are they asking for fast turnarounds or last-minute changes that you aren’t able to easily accommodate?
• Do they micromanage you when you’d rather be given creative freedom?
• Do they want to be totally hands-off when you prefer to build a more collaborative relationship?

When a client’s needs don’t align with your work style, you take on a bigger headache than you would for a client who fits you well… and you won’t even get paid more for your trouble! Sounds like a bum deal, doesn’t it?

Paying attention to client fit means that you’ll have a client who understands what you need from them and respects your boundaries. You get paid and get to work with someone delightful!

Client fit builds the potential for more ideal clients to come through with less effort from you.

If you’re building a referral-based business, it’s even more important to pay attention to client fit!  When your existing clients refer others to you, they’re most likely to refer you someone who’s just like them.

Think about it: if you just wrapped up working with the Client From Hell, would you want them to send you even more clients like them? Whether working with them was boring, frustrating, or just more than you bargained for, you know you don’t want to do it again.

On the flip side of that, if you just finished your work with an ideal client who was absolutely lovely to work with… do you want them to tell all of their like-minded friends and colleagues about you?

I think I can guess which option sounds better to you.

It doesn’t have to be hard to assess client fit, either.

Not sure whether you have the bandwidth to suss out whether a client fit is pitch-perfect? Even a brief conversation with the client can give you enough information to feel sure in your choice, or enough red flags that you know to pass them onto someone else. Spending that 15 minutes of time up-front could save you hours upon hours of time and frustration!

How can you shift your marketing or your consultation process to start making sure those dream clients come thru?

What’s in a Consultation?

A consultation is an excellent opportunity for you and your potential agency to get to know one another. A successful consultation allows both parties to learn about each other, clarify goals, and hopefully create a plan to work together.

While you may want to jump right into discussing the specifics of what you need, the creative team will benefit from understanding your business. Sharing a bit of your history and your mission will give your team a more accurate picture of who they’ll be working with.

What Makes You Unique?

You’ve chosen an agency likely because of their design expertise. They’ll want to know more about what you do, as well. Share details about your industry that may be relevant to the project. Include what sets you apart from your competitors. Let the team know why you’re the best at what you do!

Who Do You Serve?

If you already have distinct personas for your typical clients or customers, be sure to have that information handy. If you’re just getting started, think about who you’d ideally love to work with. Your agency may already have experience with that audience! 

You’ve Got Goals, Yeah?

You’re ready to level up your business. You want better brand recognition, more bookings, or maybe it’s time to hire new staff. Your agency will want to know what you hope to get out of this collaboration, and why you chose them as a potential partner.

Your goals will also help the creative team determine the full scope of your project. New website functionalities and integrations can make doing business a lot easier, and thethe team should know what works best.

How Much Time Do You Have?

In order to ensure a successful collaboration, both parties must be crystal clear about timelines. Say you’ve got an event planned in your future. Do you need your new website launched before then? If so, be sure to bring this up during your consultation. 

Something else to consider when thinking about timelines: feedback. You’ll need to factor in time on your end for reviewing mockups and drafts. Include ample time for sharing your feedback and reviewing revisions. Be as honest and upfront about your schedule.

Running your business is your priority, of course. Keep in mind, though: you’ll be working with another business whose priority is to deliver a top-notch project to you, their client. Use your consultation to get a sense of what’s expected of everyone involved.

But Really, What Do You Need?

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll be chatting with folks who are experts in their field. They’ll know all the bells and whistles necessary to bring your project to life. Ideally, your consultation will include a discussion of specific content and resource requirements. Make sure there is a clear understanding of who is responsible for each item. This will not only help your agency partner draft an accurate proposal, it will give you a better idea of what you may need to contribute.

This sounds like a lot to consider, huh? It can be… but finding the right team to bring your vision to life is worth the effort. 

If you’ve got big marketing goals for your business, you know we’re ready to help! Jump on a consultation call with us to get started!

I get it, too–it’s a tool with a lot of potential, if you know what you’re doing! Some of those changes, however? Mmmmaybe aren’t so positive.

I won’t tell you how to live your life  But if you’re going to embrace AI, I do want you to know what you’re getting into.

First, answer this question:

• Will you be writing all of your copy yourself?
• OR, do you want to hand off copywriting entirely?

“I have to write my own copy.”

If you’re writing your own copy, using AI for marketing copy can actually be a helpful time-saver. Got a topic to write about, but find yourself staring at a blinking cursor and feeling stuck? Asking an AI such as ChatGPT to write about that topic can give you a starting point to work from. 

If you go this route, make sure that you: 

1. check the copy for accuracy, because there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
2. make edits to fit the type of marketing (social, email, blog, etc.).
3. revise the copy so it sounds more like you, and less like a robot.

So, if you’re a newer business that doesn’t have a marketing budget yet, it could actually be appropriate to tag that robot for some help. You’ll be putting your own time into your marketing copy anyway, so a time saving measure like this one is a HUGE win for folks like you.

What if I want to hand off my marketing copy?

If you’ve been reading about AI and thinking, “why don’t I just save some budget and use AI for marketing copy across the board? What’s the problem with that?”

I know, you don’t WANT to write your own copy. You’re busy, you don’t like writing, you’d rather be going on a hike or having some oh-so-precious quiet time.

But sorry, friends, here’s the harsh truth: AI is NOT a substitute for good marketing.

“But why not,” you ask? WELL, here are just a few things our robot overlords can’t do:

• AI doesn’t do unique strategy for your business–it just does exactly what you ask it to. A good copywriter or marketer will come up with strategy as part of their content creation.
• Copywriters and marketers check for accuracy. ChatGPT doesn’t have that kind of quality control built-in.
• An AI “learns” by looking at existing copy… which leads to it generating content that sounds just like everyone else in your industry. (womp wommmmp) Copywriters and marketers, on the other hand, know how to create content that stands out.

The long and the short of it is, if you’re big enough to have a marketing budget, you’ll get much more out of your investment by working with a human being. There’s no algorithm for creativity (well, not yet anyway), and it doesn’t pay to cut corners on quality.

What can I do instead?

If handing off all of your content to a copywriter or marketer feels cost-prohibitive right now, consider hiring an editor or a copy coach to support you! Having an expert eye on the content you create will help you learn to create better content faster, and you’ll see better results from your marketing.

Are you looking for support with your online marketing? Get in touch with us! We can help you rework it all–marketing copy included!–or connect you with a trusted copywriting expert.

Want the tips you need to attract more followers, and build a powerful online presence that truly reflects your business? We’ve got ‘em! Let’s get started!

Wait… what’s the difference between an Instagram name, username, and bio?

Great question! Here’s a quick anatomy lesson for your instagram profile.

Instagram user name: Your Instagram user name is your digital identity on the platform. It’s the name you pick when you sign up for an account and what people use to find and tag you in posts and stories. Your username also appears in your profile’s URL. Keep in mind that you only have 30 characters to work with, and no spaces or emojis are allowed. You can change this every few weeks, but if you change it too often, you might confuse your followers or break backlinks to your profile.

Instagram name: Your Instagram name is what appears at the top of your profile, just below your username. It can be your real name, business name, or nickname, and it’s separate from your username. Your name is an essential part of your brand identity on Instagram, and it’s one of the first things people will see when they visit your profile. You can have up to 30 characters, but Instagram may limit how often you can change it. The best part? Your name can contain emojis and special characters, so feel free to get creative!

Instagram bio: Your Instagram bio is like a mini-introduction to your brand or personality, so it’s super important to make it count! Keep it short and sweet – no more than 150 characters – and highlight who you serve, what you do, and any impressive accomplishments. Use emojis to add some personality and emphasize key brand elements or values. And don’t forget to include a call-to-action to your business links – let your followers know how they can take the next step with you!

…so how do I choose the best user name for me?

A few quick tips for choosing your instagram user name:

There are some basics to keep in mind when picking an Instagram user name: 

• keep it simple and memorable. 
• avoid using numbers or special characters that might confuse your audience
• stick to letters and short, catchy names that people can easily remember. 

It’s also a good idea to check if your username is available on other social media platforms, to maintain consistency across all profiles. 

Use keywords related to your niche or industry.

Using keywords in your Instagram user name is a great way to attract the right followers and grow your biz. Suppose you’re a master gardener, using keywords like “seed” or “plant” in your name can increase your visibility to people searching for those topics on social media platforms like Instagram.

But, don’t go overboard! Too many keywords can make your username too complicated. So, keep it short, sweet, and memorable.

Why keyword research is important before you choose your instagram user name

Before you jump into picking a name, let’s talk about why keyword research matters. By finding the right keywords and using them in your username, you’ll be more easily discovered by your ideal audience, leading to more followers and a stronger online presence. Plus, keeping up with popular hashtags and industry trends can give your profile that extra oomph. 

There are some great free tools out there, like Instagram’s search feature or Google Trends, but if you’re looking for more in-depth information, you could check out paid options like Ubersuggest and VidIQ. 

The key is to know your customers and their needs, and make sure your username reflects the solution you’re offering. So, let’s get searching and make your Instagram profile shine!

How to find the right keywords to target

Think of keywords as the secret code people use to find what they’re looking for online. By doing some keyword research and choosing the best ones for your business, you can make it easier for potential customers to find you. 

But here’s the catch: you need to be strategic. Don’t go for those broad and competitive keywords that everyone else is using. Instead, focus on specific keywords that have low competition and high search volume. That way, you’ll stand out from the crowd and attract the right people to your business. 

How to use use keywords in your Instagram user name

Ready to optimize your Instagram username and attract your ideal audience? One simple tip is to use relevant keywords in your username. Try incorporating one or two high-traffic keywords that represent your brand and keep it catchy and easy to remember. For example, if you’re a fitness coach for young women, a username like “FitGirlCoach” or “HealthyHabitsHQ” could be effective. 

In conclusion…

I hope this article has left you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world of social media and SEO! Remember, using keywords strategically can truly make all the difference in getting your business noticed by potential customers.

But, if you’re ready to widen your audience on social media, but you’re feeling overwhelmed at the possibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out to Upswept Creative! We’re here to help and would be thrilled to work with you.

Or, if you’re not quite ready to make the jump to done-for-you management, you can get our bite-sized tips in your inbox every Tuesday with our weekly series, Social Media Snack Break.

Keep shining bright, and go get ’em!

You can follow us on Instagram @upsweptcreative for all of our thoughts about social media for modern entrepreneurs

As tempting as it is to take it off your to-do list, it is worth it to keep your email marketing efforts consistent year-round! There are a few reasons you might not have considered, too.

Email marketing helps improve sales.

You’ve probably experienced this as a consumer: a major holiday comes up, and suddenly you’re bombarded with promo emails from every list you’ve joined, and every website you’ve ever purchased from. And then, they disappear for 6 months or a year.

It can get irritating, and also feels, well, kind of gross, right? It’s like that business only thinks about you when they want something from you.

Right now, you probably send out an email blast when it’s a typically busy day or season for you. Still, you’ll often see even more benefit with consistent email marketing.

Every email you send throughout the year is an opportunity to upsell to your current clients. It also keeps you top-of-mind, so when a potential client does need you, you’re the first person they call.

Email marketing can teach your audience.

When I say “teach,” I’m not just talking about giving away free advice. 

Email isn’t constricted by character counts or image requirements, which makes it a great way to educate your audience about what you do.

By using email marketing year-round, you can answer common questions, and talk in more depth about what makes you different from your competitors. People will be able to read your emails and know if you’re the right person to help them before they even reach out to you.

Best of all, email can give your readers a clear sense of who your audience actually is. If they learn that they’re not for you, they can simply unsubscribe–leaving you with a curated list of folks who ARE right for you.

Your email list is all yours!

A lot of your small business pals are probably buzzing about social media, whether they love it or hate it. The thing none of them talk about often enough, however, is that the social media platform controls everything you do on it. Your posts, your connections, the loyal fan base that you worked so hard to build–even whether you have access to keep using it.

With billionaires buying social platforms, banning users for flimsy reasons, and generally behaving badly, you may not even want to stay on a given social platform. They’re not exactly the most uplifting spaces on the internet, after all.

The good news? With your email marketing, you’re in control! No matter what platform you use, you’ve built your list, you’ve created your content, and you decide what gets sent. Research still shows that it’s the best way to reach your audience, and no mysterious social algorithm is going to get between you and your audience, either. 

In short, it’s worth it to keep up with your email marketing all year. It’s going to be the most consistent, and consistently rewarding tool you can use for your business.

Are you excited to level up your email marketing, but don’t know how to get started? You can book an email marketing consultation now, and we can point you in the right direction.