Social Marketing Etiquette

I get frustrated when I see small businesses exclusively using social media and even email marketing to announce sales, offer coupons, boast of deals, etc. 


The 80/20 rule is that social media should be 80 percent non-promotional. What you post -- the type of content -- should be consistent with your brand. So if all you ever do is desperately ask your audience, friends and clientele to spend money that's ALL you're known for. Congratulations, you've just branded yourself. Sadly, you might brand yourself right out of your business, because that's NOT why people tune in on social media.  (Unless your small business is a coupon blog!)


Guess what else? People will tune you out and turn you off if everything you do appears self-promoting. Congratulations, you just lost fans and potential business. Because if it looks or smells like an ad, it just went in the garbage. And because you sound like a broken record. Desperate. Uncaring about the relationship, which is really what matters when it comes to connecting on social media. 


What else can turn off people from your social media posts and email newsletters? Stock photos and graphics and flashy images that look like....ads. 


Marketing isn't advertising. Marketing is relationship-building and storytelling. Marketing is editorial. 


Keep tuning in! I'll be publishing tips on how you can tell stories, build relationships and keep your clients and potential customers tuned in!

Art for Africa

Click on the image to go to gallery of images.

Some interesting facts about small businesses

Small businesses. I have a passion for them. Even before I began working on my own for myself and understood the hardships firsthand. Maybe because they represent so many of the wonderful things about America and the potential to live out your own dream. Or because I have watched with fascination as friends became entrepreneurs. Or because I love good ideas and hard-working folk. Probably all of the above and more. 


Did you know, according to the Small Business Administration: 

-       There are 27+ Million Small Businesses in the US.

-       Between 60% & 80% of all new jobs created in our country can be attributed to Small Business.

-       But sadly nearly half don't survive five years. 

What can we do about it? Support small businesses. Encourage others who have small businesses. Be a client. Be a customer. Be a cheerleader. 

Lauren

I met Lauren about a year ago, during a photo shoot for the Sacred Heart-Griffin POMS squad.

This week, I shot her senior photos. I had a great time, and I hope she did, too! I love that Lauren is outgoing, friendly toward everyone and always smiling! I can tell she is a strong, determined young lady with a great faith and a good big sister. Her mother is sweet and caring, and I enjoyed getting to know the three of them! 


Here are my very favorites from our session: 

What photojournalism looks like...

Shortly before I left for Africa, I spent the morning with this family in Raymond. They purchased one of my two photojournalism packages and planned out a very typical family fun day that incorporated them doing all the things they love. Donny barely knew I was there most of the time, and the images were a great representation of my vision for family photography. Here's a few that I got from that day. Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Operating trains!

Jumping the track!

Genuine fun at home!

On a call with mom.

Flying a helicopter.

Being silly with dad!

Exploring in the yard.

Swinging!

Ready. Set. JUMP!

Going to bat at the community sports complex.

Swing!

You can't get me out!

And he slides safely home!

A quick family photo on the pitching mound.

Stopping to pick flowers for mom. 

Excuse me. I have to take this call, and it's noisy around here!

Fun on the swings!

Snuggle time!

Making lunch...

...and enjoying the sweet fruits of labor!

Praying before mealtime. 

Thanks for letting me hang out with your family! I had a great time!!