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  • Using Hashtags Effectively on Social Media

    Using Hashtags Effectively on Social Media

    Using Hashtags Effectively on Social Media

    There are numerous benefits to using hashtags effectively in your social media posts. Hashtags assist in discovery. They allow your ideal clients to find you when you utilize the right hashtags. They can help you stay in touch with existing customers. You can boost a marketing campaign with a well-planned strategy around hashtags. Utilize hashtags to actively research what your competition is doing on social media as well as track current trends using hashtags. The all-mighty hashtag also helps ensure that your content shows up with similar content, which increases discovery. However, this only applies if you have a strategy and are using the right hashtags. So we will be reviewing why it is essential to use hashtags and on what platforms. The general rules when using hashtags. What types of hashtags you should use.  We will also review how you research hashtags and how to put your hashtag strategy into play.

    Why Use Hashtags?

    Remember when you used to go to the library. Before computers, you would go to a large wooden stack of drawers somewhere in the middle of the floor. When you opened the drawers, you would find thousands of cards. These cards cataloged the contents of the library and made things more manageable. #Hashtags are the card catalogs of social media sites like Twitter and Instagram. They help organize all the posts that are uploaded daily into neatly organized buckets of things that are alike. Hashtags help you quickly find something you are looking for, and they help you get noticed! Hashtags are little organizational powerhouses when appropriately utilized.

    Additionally, hashtags can also help you build your brand, build brand loyalty, and increase engagement. Since all of these things are key for businesses, we think it makes sense for you to have a comprehensive hashtag strategy.

    Additional Notes on Hashtags

    A couple quick notes on hashtags, first use hashtags that will help your audience find your content on Twitter and Instagram. Hashtags are not functional on Facebook except for the inside of groups if the group uses hashtags as a way to organize topics. When posting an update from Instagram to Facebook, make sure you clear any hashtags and check all of your @tags.  Secondly, research hashtags before using them and make sure your content belongs in the hashtag, and the hashtag is active on the platform you plan to use it on. Thirdly, the best way to research a hashtag is on the platform you wish to use it on, sure some of the apps are okay, but the most up to date and accurate info is within the platform.

    Rules to Make Your Hashtag Strategy More Effective

    If you want to have an effective hashtag strategy, there are some general rules to follow. These rules include some vital do’s and don’t like the following: Do research all the hashtags you plan on using and Don’t use hashtags that have millions of posts associated with them. Check out the full list below.

    Do These Things As Part of An Effective Hashtag Strategy

    • Create Content Specific Hashtag lists for yourself.
    • Have a brand-specific hashtag or hashtags.
    • Utilize community based hashtags. Community-based hashtags are ones that indicate a specific service, location, industry or event
    • Research the hashtags you competition is using
    • Review hashtags that influencers in your niche are using
    • Utilize hashtags that are specific to your niche
    • Use at least one hashtag in every Instagram and Twitter post
    • Research hashtags before you use them
    • Include hashtags in your content after a few line breaks or in the first comment

    Don’t Do These Things As Part of Your Effective Hashtag Strategy

    • Use the same hashtags for every post
    • Utilize hashtags that have millions of posts
    • Create a Facebook post and leave Instagram only hashtags in it
    • Use hashtags that have been banned on Instagram
    • Create a post complete with hashtags without researching the hashtags used
    • Utilize hashtags that don’t apply to your content.
    • Make your post look “spammy” by overfilling it with hashtags

    An Effective Hashtag Strategy and What Hashtags to Use

    Everyone wants to know what hashtags they should use on their social media posts, and what I have realized is they want a one size fits all answer. Unfortunately, that answer doesn’t exist. Why does it not exist? Because your content is different from everyone else’s content, and because your audience is different from everyone else’s audience. So nobody can tell you to use these 15 hashtags, and you will be successful. No app can promise you that if you put in your best hashtag, it will give you the best 20 to grow your business, it does not work like that. Instead you must research your niche and figure out the number and quantity that works best for your specific profile.

    Researching Hashtags

    The first step in researching your hashtags is to define your niche and create your customer avatar. Knowing your avatar creates a specific target for your content, therefore, making your research more accessible.

    Going Down

    Researching hashtags requires you to go down a bit of a social media rabbit hole so make sure to set a time limit, bring a pad and paper, and drop a trail of breadcrumbs so you can find your way out! Now, go onto Instagram with a singular mission of finding niche-specific hashtags. The more specific, the better as more conversation (engagement) is happening around super niche hashtags. Go to Instagram and search a fairly general hashtag in your field, look at the top posts and pick one you are attracted to and seem to match your brand aesthetic.

    Scroll down and see what other hashtags were used in the post, select one that is more specific than your original, and see what you discover on that page. After a few rounds of this, you should be arriving at some niche-specific tags and going, man, I didn’t even know somebody did (fill in the niche-specific blank). Make sure you are writing the more specific hashtags down or adding them to a custom list of tags by the theme which it goes. Whenever your timer goes off immediately remove yourself from the situation so that you don’t lose your entire day. Repeat for each one of the types of posts or themes you post.

    What you Are Looking for When Researching

    You are looking for what are often called “community hashtags” They are hashtags that target a specific service like #weddingphotographer or a product like #freshlybakedbrownies or an industry like #gasgrillassemblers. Community hashtags also can focus a particular event #memorialday5K or a particular location #NYCwinebars or even a day of the week #wateringwednesday. These are all much more specific than hashtags like #photographer #brownies. Your ideal hashtags probably sit below this level; for example, I could search #dogs, and while hunting underdogs, I discover the hashtag #puggles and quickly discover #pugglesofNY. While reviewing those tags, I find two super specific tags #pugglestruggle and #everydayimpugglin.

    Next Steps

    After researching and looking for unique niche tags you will want to double back and take a look at posts from your comphetition, industry leaders and influencers withing your area and see what hashtags they are using. Is your competition killing it on a hashtag, but they have no competition there? Is an influencer identifying an upcoming trend in a hashtag? Also, pay attention to how many hashtags, where they place them, or any other differences that could indicate a change of preference of your audience. I do not recommend doing this first because it may limit your focus, and you may not find the most exciting tags.

    Putting Your Hashtag Strategy to Work

    How to Start if Never Had A Strategy

    If you have never had a hashtag strategy and don’t have lists of hashtags you use for specific posts, you are pretty much starting from scratch. The first thing you will want to do is to create hashtag lists for each theme. Keep these in a document you can access from any location. I also recommend creating hashtag lists for specific holidays, events, and other significant occurrences. Put those particular hashtags on your content calendar. Your next step is to begin utilizing these hashtags and seeing what works.

    For each post, use a core list of hashtags specific for that content. If there are a couple of additional tags for a post you want to use add them on to that post, not into your core list. Test some posts with the hashtags in the caption after some breaks. Test others with the hashtags in the first comment. Finally, test some posts with five hashtags, some with fifteen, and some with thirty. What works best? Measure the success of each post based on the actual numbers. Not your gut feeling. Revisit each core list every few months and trim the dead weight and add new niche hashtags.

    If You Had A Hashtag Strategy Before

    If you had a hashtag strategy before and you broke your hashtags into content specific lists, I would recommend testing your lists against one another and see how they do. In some cases, you may need to combine the best performing hashtags from your old and new lists. If that is the case, just select the best-performing ones from each and create that third list and use that going forward. If the original list outperforms your old collection on every post for every category. Then you have a #winning hashtag strategy, and you go with your new list.

    In Conclusion

    To sum up all the key points here:

    • Hashtags are essential tools you should utilize on your posts
    • There are some best practices for hashtags like research before you use
    • You should always look to use niche hashtags and hashtags with less than 1 million posts
    • Build your own unique content specific hashtag lists to use with your posts
    • Regularly measure what is working and refresh as needed.

    Keep these tips in mind, and you won’t hate hashtags ever again!

  • Create Engaging Content With Quality Photos

    Create Engaging Content With Quality Photos

    A Different Kind of Photo Shoot

    At JRH Graphics we tend to do things a little bit differently, so it should not really surprise anyone that we approach photo shoots differently as well. We don’t like to shoot in the studio. Whenever practical, we like to shoot in your neighborhood, where you live and where your business is located. Our photo shoots are “in the wild” as we say. This type of shoot encourages real-life engagement which leads to greater engagement online. So what does a photo shoot in the wild look like? How do we decide what photos to take? What do you wear?

    Well, aren’t you lucky… we are going to answer all your questions in this post!

    Before The Photo Shoot Begins

    Before each shoot begins we will discuss what types of images you wish to get from the shoot. We will also review key aspects like how we will be portraying the brand in the images. Are the shots a part of a planned campaign?  We can also review what the overall feel you want from the photos. We will review the specific photos we wish to capture for posts we have planned as well as ways to get some more versatile images that can be used in multiple situations. We always try to capture as many shots as possible at every shoot.

    Some Important Pre-Photo Shoot Questions

    What to Wear

    We have discussed the intent of the shoot and the message you wish to convey in the photos we will be capturing. So now, what about the styling? We may tell you what we envision for a specific shot or the overall feel but it is up to you and what you have in your closet. No matter what, make sure that whatever you decide on, matches your brand. That is the most important recommendation we can make. Other than that we recommend bringing a few versatile options with a variety of complementing accessories! Mixing and matching is the name of the game to get the most looks out of one shoot. Blazers, jackets scarves and statement jewelry help transform a look in seconds. Always bring great shoes, but wear sneakers as we will be walking a lot.

    Where are we going:

    Once the location has been picked we will scout it out and set up a plan of attack based on what shots you are looking for. We are flexible and can make changes on the fly so if you spot a shot you want while taking another one just let us know. We also may need to change a shot because of crowds or lighting etc. We roll with the punches and we will get the shots. Again, bring a pair of comfortable shoes. We will be moving and heels are not running shoes!

    So What Else

    We will take as many shots as possible from a variety of angles, sometimes the photos you don’t expect to look great look awesome. During the shoot I will be talking to you, working with you, and trying to keep you relaxed but we will also be capturing candid shots. Move around, play with the way your body bends, pose, then act naturally and sometimes be goofy. The more relaxed you are in front of the camera the easier it will be to get the shots we want.

    Oh yeah… How long and how many shots?

    On average a shoot will consist of 3-5 shots will take about 90 minutes depending on the distance between location, the number of people, and outfit changes, etc. The result is generally 150-200+ unedited images. Which converts to about 10-12 Awesome shots and 20-25 good shots if we vary outfits, angles, and even props. This is enough images to get you through a month of social media posts. Which is exactly why each monthly social media client above self-managed gets one shoot a month with their package.

    It’s Photo Shoot Day

    On photo shoot day we will meet at the specified location and review the purpose of the days’ shoot. Like a broken record, I will remind you that each photo should have a relatable story and every client and product should be approachable and have a personality. Once we begin the pace usually goes something like this… Uncomfortable photo, I try to make you laugh, we chat, I shoot, you laugh I continue shooting, you pose, I shoot, pose again, and then on to the next shot. The idea is to shoot candidly and comfortably. We move, we chat, we shoot, we look for a different backdrop, we move again, we shoot again. The same applies to the products- we just have to help them move!

    Getting the Shots In

    We work to finish our shot outline but sometimes we don’t so we try to stack the front end of the shoot with the necessary pictures and the back end gets the supplemental images. Expect about 50 varying angles, poses and/or positions per shot. Feel free to change up accessories during a shot but save outfit changes for between shots.

    Remember we are shooting in public so sometimes we may need to wait for another group to vacate an area. Conversely, when we are shooting many people tend to steer clear of an area, if it is an essential area for a business or building we will need to act fast so we aren’t negatively impacting a fellow business.

    So That Is It!

    We hope this post helps you understand what to expect. Our number 1 objective is to get the shots we need to build engaging content for your website, social media, and other campaigns. But almost as important is having fun. These shoots are meant to be laid back and enjoyable so don’t worry you will look great so have fun!

    Want to know more?

    If you are interested in learning more about any of the services we have to offer or want to schedule a free 30-minute consultation call? Just fill out the form below and we will happily answer all the questions you have or set up your consultation call. We can’t wait to help you tell your winning story!

  • 9 Types of Posts Every Business Should Try on Social Media

    The 9 Essential Posts for Businesses on Social Media

    This post is aimed at those businesses just starting out on social media and for those looking to diversify what they are posting to make sure they are hitting the recommended 80/20 ratio. When you are just starting out it is easy to feel overwhelmed by a posting calendar, and if you are stuck in a rut it may be hard to see a way out. These 9 social media posts are a great way to round out your content and make sure that you are educating and informing your followers.

    • PRODUCT POSTS
    • CUSTOMER POSTS
    • EMPLOYEE-CENTRIC
    • A DAY IN THE LIFE
    • MOTIVATIONAL
    • FOOD POSTS
    • IN THE HOOD POSTS
    • GIVEAWAYS AND CONTESTS
    • EDUCATIONAL

    Product Posts

    These seem easy but be sure to constantly post or repost the same content about your product. Keep it fresh. Get content from your customers or “product in the wild” posts. Also, make sure to highlight what features and benefits users will get from your product that differentiates it from the products of your competitors.

    Customer-centric Posts

    Customer-centric posts focus not only on the overall customer experience but this is also where a lot of your user-generated content comes from. User-generated content is huge for a business because when you share that content the creator is much more likely to also share the content with followers. And beyond that it shows followers you care about how you engage with your customers and encourages them to share without even asking.

    Day in the Life

    Highlight things that usually happen at your company a pre-opening chat, lunchtime discussion, shared news about employees. Remember Instagram is very visual so make sure you have a good brand appropriate visual if you are sharing on Insta. Think of these as a quick filtered peek into the back of the house.

    Motivation

    Yes, you see these all over the place, motivational quotes on #motivationalmonday or any other days of the week when a little pick me up are in order. Keep these visuals and the quotes brand-appropriate and try to share posts that you find meaningful and provide followers with background about your business.

    Food

    Want some more social media gold? Then post about food, babies or dogs!! Food is a great way to have a fun light post mixed in… feature a new restaurant or favorite dish. These non-branded lighter posts are a great way to break up some of the content you post. And while they are not branded, you can always figure out a way to tie them back to the brand or business.

    Neighborhood Posts

    I call these the “In the Hood” posts. They touch on the things happening in the community around you. It does not mayyer if they are lighthearted and silly or seriously important. What is important is that you are engaging the potential clients that are immediately in your area. Its another avenue you an use to tell your story and sho people why they should believe in your brand. These posts also allow you to partner with other businesses in your neighborhood to magnifying your reach.

    Giveaways & Contests

    Product launch, new item, a special time of the year… make it super special with a giveaway or contest. Its a great way to gain followers. Encourage them to follow you on social media as a way to be eligible for prize. You can also generate interest by givving away free tools that help followers solve a problem. Keep in mind that if you are running a contest or giveaway make sure to post appropriate disclaimers and follow all posted rules!

    Educational Posts

    Remember you are trying to establish yourself as an expert in your field you should be EDUTAINING your followers. When you EDUTAIN you are providing information that is Educational Useful and Entertaining. Share fun little bits of knowledge or inside info on what you do. Ask them what they want to know and then educate them. The type of info should be useful to help people win trivia contests in bars, you are not teaching them how to be an astrophysicist.

    Employee-centric

    These are probably the hardest to do but they are also what gives any business a heart on social media. These are peeks into what the culture of your business is. Remember however to always be on brand! Below are two broad options for employee-centric posts, I recommend regularly using both.

    Employee Takeover

    These on Facebook and Instagram and are combined between the story and your feed with just a couple refined images in the feed that are on brand and the rest the story. The story can be less refined it is set up to be snapchatty for a reason!

    Employee Profiles

    These are a bit harder but they are great for morale and a great way to feature specific employee on social media. Ask a set of questions to an employee and take some cool fun photos and viola.

    The 9 Essential Posts on Video

    Jonathan reviews this important Framework for businesses in a video. A video he ironically did as part of one of his one challenges based on creating Video Content for each of the 9 Essential Post Categories!JTBBJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGRUYxcUZlcjhYdWslMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUwQQ==

    Things to Keep In Mind

    With all of these posts it is imperative you keep a few things in mind. The most important being the 80/20 Rule of Social Media. 80% of what you post should be informative, entertaining and useful for your followers with only 20% being promotional. And secondly, you are looking to engage customers and position yourself as an expert in your field. Conversations will get you followers! Useful information gets you followers! Real engagement will get you followers! Hounding and sales pitches will get you ignored!

    Need more assistance?

    We are here to help. JRH Graphics can provide you with sample posts and social media recommendations customized for your business? Get these 9 Posts Customized

    Or get the 9 Posts Worksheet to do it yourself

    Want to schedule a free 30-minute social media consultation with a member of the JRH Graphics team? Just tap that link! We would love to sit down with you and see how we can help!

     

     

    https://jrhgraphics.com/product/free-30-minute-social-media-consultation-call/