5 Tips For Hosting an Instagram Takeover!

Instagram takeovers have become globally popular for increasing brand awareness and customer engagement. Normally, this digital event is hosted by an online opinion leader on an Instagram account that is not their own. Depending on the intended goal of the takeover, choosing a host and "poster" (i.e. the person or business creating the posts) comes in all shapes and sizes! 

Today on the blog, I am thrilled to present five tips when it comes to being the hosting account for the Instagram takeover to help make your digital event a success! 

1 | Find the Right Poster.

Yes, as a host account for the Instagram takeover and a digital influencer, you will need to make sure the company, ambassador or individual is compatible for your line of business. Prior to agreeing to an Instagram takeover, research the poster's website, products/services, business practices, etc. to ensure they will connect with your audience. While the standard intent of a takeover is for the poster to gain followers, you don't want to lose followers because their brand does not fit with yours! 

2 | Set the Guidelines. 

There is no shame in setting strict guidelines for an Instagram takeover. Once you and the poster decide on the overall goal of the takeover, set the guidelines based on those goals. Be clear and you will be the less likely to run into issues/problems during the event. Examples of guidelines include the following: using specific hashtags on each post, number of posts, content guidelines, duration of the takeover and even requiring the poster to interact with other users.

3 | Create a Hashtag!

Creating a unique hashtag with promote the Instagram takeover by allowing all of the posts to fall in one local area. In addition, an event hashtag will help other Instagram users follow along! Hashtags will also make the takeover easier for you too monitor should multiple contributors get in on the game.

4 | Promote!

There is no better way to create excitement about the Instagram takeover than promoting in through other outlets. Weeks leading up to the Instagram takeover, share the event on your blog and other social media accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). Not only could this lead to others interested in participating in your Instagram takeover, but also will allow your followers to pose any questions prior to the event. 

5 | Monitor. 

Sure, you've set the guidelines for your Instagram takeover, but there is always a chance the poster could go rogue. However long your Instagram takeover lasts, make sure to monitor the event and do not feel hesitant to make edits as necessary! (Just make sure to let the poster know of the edits you made and why!) Remember, at the end of the day, this is your account and your followers.

If you'd like to learn more about Social Media Marketing and how Magnolia Media Public Relations can help you, use the below form to contact us today!

3 Ways to Network When You're the Newbie!

Whether you just dove into a new industry or you moved to a new area, it is never easy being the new person! Whichever of those aspects you represent, networking is very important to finding your tribe and establishing your company among your peers. While I've covered 3 Reasons You Should Network and How, today I am sharing three ways to network when you're the new kid in town! 

FACT: FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS FOR 21% OF ALL SOCIAL MEDIA REFERRAL TRAFFIC TO WEBSITES.*

1 | FOLLOW, FOLLOW, FOLLOW.

Research which social media tags local professionals are using in your niche, and jump on the bandwagon! Secondly, find business pros like you by typing in a business category and your area into a search engine. For example, "wedding photographers in Richmond Virginia." You'll boost your following, and connect with others who grow your referral base.   

2 | FIND A NETWORKING EVENT!

The age-old trick of turning on your company and (again!) typing in your favorite search engine, "networking events [your city]" or "business networking events [your city]" is the perfect place to start. When in doubt, I suggest browsing the following websites to easily find networking events by zip code: 

3 | DON'T BE SHY.

When you find a fellow industry professional you want to Facebook message or say "hello" to at a networking event, do not be shy! You've done the research, located the event, and drove there, so why toss in the hat now? When it comes to conversations - share your story of how your got started with your company, what sets your business a part, and watch your tribe grow! Oh, and whatever you do, do not forger your business cards!! 

REMEMBER: NETWORKING IS NOT ABOUT COLLECTING CONTACTS, BUT BUILDING RELTIONSHIPS.

*Stat provided by Meltwater. 

Getting Published Where it Counts!

While direct advertising is a great way to get your company's name in the limelight, there is nothing like getting exposure in magazines or on blogs. While there are many places you can get featured, it is important to get featured where it counts to reach your target audience. Today, I am providing tips that will help you start planning to get published in valuable media. 

Know Your Niche.

The best place to start getting press is through media in your niche. If you're a wedding photographer, submit a wedding to a wedding blog or magazine. If you own a golf course, pitch your upcoming, local golf fundraiser to surrounding news outlets. In comparison to submitting to all encompassing publications, recognize your area of specialty and the right publications relative to that industry will raise your press pick-up.

Do Your Research.

Good press can bring traffic to your website, blog and will customer base. However, if you do not make the right pitch than you are making a mistake. Identify the right publications for your company, and make sure you understand each publication and how/what they publish! The easier you make it on the editor and publisher, the more likely you are to get some free press. 

TIP: IT IS BETTER TO REACH OUT AND ASK FOR ADVICE (IN PERSON IF POSSIBLE!) FROM THE MEDIUM YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THAN TO BE THE 100TH PERSON CALLING TO PITCH THEIR COMPANY.

What Makes Your Company Distinctive? 

Whatever gives you and your company an edge will increase your chances of getting published. Editors and publishers stay hungry for innovative angles and fresh spins. Determining what makes your company unique prior to seeking opportunities to get published will help you outline the best bluepoint for submission. 

Patience is a Virtue. 

Yes, it is true that some publications will pick-up your work faster than others; however, this isn't necessarily a good thing. Unless you have an upcoming event that you've failed to promote, do not settle! Some media will take longer to post about your company than others, but more times than not it will be worth the wait! Have patience, and reach out to the outlets you deem the best for your business.

TIP: ONCE YOU GET PUBLISHED DON'T BE AFRAID TO BRAG ABOUT IT ON YOUR BLOG AND SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT DON'T FORGET TO THANK THE PUBLISHER WHILE YOU'RE AT IT! 

If you want to learn more about how Magnolia Media PR can help you get published where it counts, contact me through the form below. 




3 Tips for Planning for the Unplanned

If there is one thing that is guaranteed it is that things are constantly changing, even when you least expect it. I have never broken a bone in my body, and this week I clumsily fell and broke a bone in my hand. As the proud new owner of a hot pink cast, coincidentally on the hand I write with, my schedule was thrown out the window and I came to a harsh realization.

For starters, I had to accept a few things: I didn't plan far enough of advance to relish in "relaxation" of recovery, business doesn't stop even when you want to and you can never plan too far in advance. With that being said, I have survived the first few days of my new accessory by doing three things to keep my business running, even when I wanted to take a hiatus. Today, I am sharing those three tips that will help you plan for the unplanned and stick to running your business when life happens!

1 | Get Organized.

Make a list for weekly blog topics in advance, confirm appointments with your clients, schedule Facebook posts, set business hours...do whatever you need to feel in control and confident. As someone who lives by lists, checking off things I have accomplished (large and small!) is big progress when you are balancing everyday life and hectic surprises. Getting organized will keep you in focus of the day-to-day operations of your business by figuring out what's next and preparing for the unknown.

2 | Set Priorities.

Accepting that you are not Superman or woman is hard to do, but something we have to admit to ourselves when we cannot do everything. Create a daily list of priorities for what comes first. This will help you move forward to getting the most important things to completed first! By setting priorities, you are allowing yourself to check off the "must-do's" with the understanding that somethings on your checklist can wait until tomorrow.

3 | Know Your Limits.

If that unplanned moment in life pulls you away from your business for a few days or delays that important email for a couple hours, that is the best you can do!  If you jump back into business too soon your work will suffer and your clients/customers will be the first to notice. Allow yourself time to relax, recuperate, and refuel your energy.