Meaghan

  • Online Marketing, Social Media Advertising

    Unwrap Success: Crafting a Winning Holiday Marketing Strategy

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    The holiday season is a magical time, not just for celebrations and gift-giving but also for small businesses looking to connect with their audience and increase their sales. At Tidal Creative Group, we believe that a well-crafted holiday marketing strategy can be the ultimate gift to your brand. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key elements of an effective holiday marketing strategy and how our Holiday Marketing Strategy Sessions can help you achieve your business goals this season.

    The Power of a Holiday Marketing Campaign

    The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. There’s gift shopping to do, cookies to be baked, holiday parties to attend, decorations to put up, and so much more. If you’re a small business owner, it’s critical to be prepared.

    Around the holidays, you may notice revenue changes and higher competition in your industry. Some businesses slow down this time of year, while others begin to see more customers than usual. The November and December holiday season yielded a 6% jump in sales in 2022.

    If it’s a slower season for you, you can spend this time preparing for next year when things go back to normal. Another option is to ramp up your marketing and try to overcome the lull in business.

    Advertising costs tend to increase around the winter holidays because of two reasons. One, people are spending less time using their devices, and two, so many businesses are advertising. Based on what I’ve seen with Facebook and Instagram ads specifically, it’s not unusual for costs-per-click (CPC) to increase by double or more than their averages.

    That’s where a powerful holiday marketing strategy comes in.

    With a well-thought-out plan and proper execution, you could see significant increases in your holiday sales. Consider the success story of a Northeast Florida acupuncture and wellness clinic we assisted in holiday marketing – they reaped an extra $15,000 in sales over three days during Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, and Cyber Monday specials in 2021. And here’s the kicker, they spent less than $150 in ad spend!

    In the subsequent year, they outperformed themselves, garnering nearly $3,000 more in sales during those same three days. There is potential for a substantial return on investment. Imagine what hitting numbers like this would do for your conscience around the holidays. How much time could you take off without any guilt of making your business goals for the year?

    Exclusive Holiday Marketing Strategy Sessions

    Our Holiday Marketing Strategy Sessions are priced at $250, a fraction of the expected ROI. We’ll begin our 90-minute session by reviewing your:

    • Business details and goals
    • Current marketing efforts and budgets
    • Past marketing successes and failures

    Then we’ll jump into possible sale ideas, effective copy you can use, and even design recommendations. You’ll leave our session with a multi-channel plan for every step you need to take and a schedule for when you need to complete it. If you’re feeling pressed for time, we can explore options for us to take the reins.

    About a week later, we’ll touch base for a brief check-in meeting before your promotions go live to see how everything is looking.

    Ready to supercharge your holiday season profits? Secure your spot now!

    Boost Your Holiday Sales with a Marketing Strategy Session

    The holiday season is fast approaching, and you can unwrap success for your business with an impactful strategy. Our Holiday Marketing Strategy Sessions are here to help you easily navigate this festive time of year. I’ve been working with wellness professionals on their holiday campaigns for four years now, and I’m excited to share what’s worked for others.

    Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your holiday marketing game and ensure a successful and joyous season for your business.

    Click here to book your Holiday Marketing Strategy Session now. Availability for the Holiday Marketing Strategy Sessions ends on November 10th. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember for your business!

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  • Social Media Marketing, Social Media Tips

    The Ultimate List of Social Media Holidays for Your Instagram Content

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    We know how important it is to keep your audience engaged as wellness professionals, but we also understand how difficult it can be to come up with new and exciting content. That’s why we created this ultimate list of social media holidays – perfect for wellness pros like chiropractors, acupuncturists, wellness coaches, nutritionists, or yoga therapists.

    These holidays provide the perfect opportunity to share relevant content, connect with your followers, and even attract new people. From Self-love Month to World Menopause Month, these special days and weeks are an excellent way to spark conversations, offer advice, or simply celebrate wellness.

    And a quick reminder – don’t forget to look up and use any relevant hashtags if you post about these holidays. They tend to change from year to year, especially when there’s a non-profit organization behind the “event.”

    January Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Self-Love Moth

    January 4 – National Trivia Day

    January 12 – National Hot Tea Day

    January 19 – Good Memory Day

    Third Work Week of January – Sugar Awareness Week

    February Social Media Holidays

    First Friday of February – Wear Red Day (American Heart Month)

    February 4 – World Cancer Day

    February 14 – Valentine’s Day

    February 20 – National Love Your Pet Day

    Last Day of February – International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day

    March Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Endometriosis Awareness Month

    First Friday of March – Employee Appreciation Day

    March 8 = Women’s Day

    March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

    Beginning the Last Sunday in March – Sleep Awareness Week

    April Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Move More Month

    April 9 – International ASMR Day

    Second Saturday in April – Baby Massage Day

    April 22 – Earth Day

    Last Full Week of April – National Infertility Awareness Week

    May Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Correct Posture Month

    May 4 – May The Fourth (Star Wars Day)

    May 12 – National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

    Second Sunday in May – Mother’s Day

    Last Monday of May – Memorial Day

    June Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

    June 8 – Best Friends Day

    June 21 – International Yoga Day

    Third Sunday in June – Father’s Day

    Whole Month – Men’s Health Month

    July Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

    July 4 – Independence Day

    Second Week After the 4th of July – Everybody Deserves a Massage Week

    July 17 – World Emoji Day

    July 24 – International Self-Care Day

    July 26 – Holistic Therapy Day

    August Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – National Breastfeeding Month

    August 9 – National Book Lovers Day

    August 11 – Annual Medical Checkup Day

    August 22 – National Rainbow Baby Day

    August 26 – Women’s Equality Day

    September Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Healthy Aging Month

    Whole Month – National Pain Awareness Month

    September 11 – Patriot Day

    September 13 – Positive Thinking Day

    Third Full Week in September – National Rehabilitation Day

    October Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – World Menopause Month

    Whole Month – Spinal Health Month

    Whole Month – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    October 1 – World Coffee Day

    October 10 – World Mental Health Day

    October 15 – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

    November Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Movember (Men’s Mental Health Awareness)

    First Wednesday in November – National Stress Awareness Day 

    November 11 – VeteransDay

    November 14 – World Diabetes Day

    Fourth Thursday in November – Thanksgiving Day

    December Social Media Holidays

    Whole Month – Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

    December 1 – Rosa Parks Day

    December 7 (Evening) – Hanukkah

    December 24 – Christmas Eve

    December 31 – New Year’s Eve

    And there you have it! If you need more ideas and help, we prepared a free download of 50 Social Media Prompts to provide you with content ideas for a WHOLE YEAR! These prompts are designed to inspire you and make your social media planning easier. Download the free guide now and start planning your content today with less stress.

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  • Uncategorized

    Best AI Writer Tools for High-Quality Content Creation in Digital Marketing

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    AI has been celebrated as the next big thing in the marketing industry in recent years. However, despite its advancements, an AI writer cannot replace the extensive skillset of a human writer. While AI can generate content quickly and efficiently, it lacks the creativity and critical thinking skills that are essential to creating engaging content that resonates. AI-generated content is often riddled with inaccuracies and inconsistencies, highlighting its inability to review and edit content for consistency, language humanization, or to perform fact-checking.

    The Guardian reported that ChatGPT, an advanced AI writing tool, utilized non-existent articles from the newspaper as references while answering questions. We used an AI writer generator to get us started here and received a statement that we later discovered had no article to support it. Upon fact-checking with the AI tool, it confirmed that there was no evidence for the article in question. And here’s its response below:

    Laughable and definitely not good for search rankings. 

    At Tidal Creative Group, we understand the value of AI and human skills in content creation. Our team sparingly uses AI writing tools to assist our human team in creating high-quality, personalized, and engaging content that resonates with the intended audiences. Combining AI’s efficiency with human creativity and critical thinking allows you to create unique content that meets your needs while keeping the brand voice alive.

    Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about how an AI writer can support your content creation efforts. We’ll share our team’s experience with AI writing tools and how we’ve leveraged them to create exceptional content that drives results.

    AI Writing Tools We’ve Tried for Content Creation

    Jasper

    Jasper is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps its users create high-quality content. What sets Jasper apart from other AI writing tools is its ability to generate creative and engaging content across various formats, from social media posts to blog articles and more. The difference between Jasper and ChatGPT is their intended purpose. While ChatGPT is great for many things, Jasper is specifically designed for businesses’ everyday use, making it perfect for marketing and sales content. With Jasper’s help, businesses can achieve their promotional goals and create results-driven digital marketing content!

    We have been using Jasper for over a year to create content, and we can attest to its impressive capabilities. The templates and chat feature have been particularly helpful in generating ideas for our content calendar. If you want to try Jasper out, click the link to sign up and see how it can improve your content creation process.

    It’s important to note that while Jasper is great at generating ideas and content, it should not replace your content strategy or human involvement. We offer coaching services to assist you in developing a content strategy that utilizes the potential of Jasper and other AI tools while maintaining your unique brand voice and messaging.

    Adobe Firefly or Canva

    Adobe Firefly and Canva are popular graphic design tools that have made content creation much easier for non-designers. The two companies have made the design process incredibly user-friendly. Adobe Firefly’s AI technology streamlines the process, while Canva offers a vast selection of illustrations, stock photos, stock videos, fonts, and templates you can customize.

    These tools have AI features that automate text placement, suggest color schemes, and recognize objects, allowing users to create designs in minutes. But impressive as they are, these tools still require clear instructions from the user to get the desired output.

    We recently had great success with Canva’s Text-to-Image AI feature when we used it for one of our social media clients. The image created by the AI was visually appealing and effectively conveyed the message, resulting in increased engagement, clicks, likes, shares, and conversions.

    However, despite these tools’ convenience, they are still far from perfect. Poor AI design or photos where a person has multiple hands is just one example of how AI graphics tools can still make mistakes. It’s essential to double-check the output and have human oversight to prevent errors.

    Overall, Adobe Firefly and Canva are excellent tools for creating graphics, and their AI features have made the process more accessible to everyone. While these tools are incredibly helpful, it’s important to remember that the human touch is still crucial in design.

    Grammarly

    Grammarly is a writing tool that helps writers spot grammatical errors quickly and efficiently. Our AI writer, Jasper, creates great content, but it’s not always free of grammatical errors. Since 2016 we’ve used Grammarly to enhance our content creation process – before AI writers showed up on the scene. The tool helps us quickly identify grammatical errors and suggests alternative sentences.

    Grammarly recently introduced a feature called “GrammarlyGo,” an on-demand generative AI tool that can quickly compose, rewrite, ideate, and reply. It’s contextually aware and accounts for personal voice, offering relevant and personalized suggestions. This feature is particularly helpful for those who struggle with writer’s block or need help brainstorming ideas for their content.

    BONUS! Metricool

    Metricool has been our go-to social media management and scheduling tool for over a year, and we couldn’t be happier with its performance.

    One of the things that made them stand out from other tools is their focus on new and innovative ideas. We were thrilled to hear about the recent AI assistant tool integration into Metricool. This new addition has given us even more convenient options for creating and managing content. Overall, we consider Metricool the best social media tool out there, and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants to simplify managing their social media. The reporting options are comprehensive and easy to customize. 

    AI writers are becoming increasingly necessary in digital marketing. They provide a simplified approach to generating high-quality content, saving businesses valuable time and resources. While AI has the potential to revolutionize digital marketing, humans will continue to play a crucial role in the creative process, particularly in strategizing. Interested in learning how to use AI better to enhance your digital marketing efforts while maintaining a personalized touch? Schedule a coaching call and I’ll show you how to best use it in your business.

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  • Uncategorized

    How to Protect Your Facebook from Scams and Spam

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    As a business owner managing your own Facebook page, you must be aware of the many Facebook scams and phishing attempts that may try to trick you. In Q4 of 2022, Meta removed 1.8 billion pieces of Facebook spam. Not only is it dangerous to your business, but it can also harm the customers who interact with your Page.

    Keep reading for some things you should watch out for to protect your Facebook Page and personal account.

    Facebook Scams and Spam to Avoid

    1. Phishing Emails

    Even if they seem genuine, any emails from Facebook should be treated cautiously. Scammers often send phony emails that resemble those that Facebook would send you, but they usually utilize @yahoo.com, @hotmail, or other generic email addresses. Facebook has its official email accounts. Double-check the email address before responding or opening any links.

    Here are some of the official email addresses that Facebook/Meta uses:

    2. Violation Scams

    Scammers may try to trick you by sending fake copyright infringement notices or other violation announcements that say they are from Meta. They might ask you to click a link or take other actions while warning you that your account might get deleted. Avoid falling for these Facebook scams, as they can result in your personal information being stolen and potentially losing access to your account.

    Remember that Meta will not reach out to you through a Page or Group on Facebook. If something is wrong with your account, you will receive a notification directly from the platform itself.

    3. Fake Ads

    Be wary of ads promoting “guaranteed page growth,” “1,000 likes for $10,” or anything with abnormal like rates. While rapidly growing your Facebook Page may be tempting, keep in mind that fake likes may harm your Page in the long run.

    4. “Too Good to Be True” Offers

    If someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, Facebook scammers may promise to promote your company page to millions of people in exchange for a small payment. However, most of these so-called promotions are just automated accounts or fake profiles that won’t do anything for your company.

    Tips to Avoid Facebook Scammers

    To protect your Facebook Page, here are some helpful tips on how to stay alert and vigilant:

    1. Enable two-factor authentication on your Facebook account to enhance security.
    2. Keep a record of your interactions with Facebook and monitor your Page regularly to detect any fake profiles or suspicious activity.
    3. Make sure you only grant Page access to people you trust.
    4. Consult a social media specialist or an expert if anything seems fishy to you on your Page.

    By following these tips, you can keep your company’s Facebook Page safe from spammers and scammers while growing a real and active audience.

    Need Help Learning How to Manage Your Facebook Page Properly?

    We can help guide you! Our digital marketing coaching and training services are designed to assist business owners in enhancing their online presence and reaching their target audience. We provide personalized strategies to increase engagement and ensure effective customer communication. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you succeed at using social media in your business.

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  • Social Media Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Tips

    Can Google Ads or Facebook Ads Help Your Service-Based Business?

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    Are you wondering if Google Ads or Facebook Ads are the way to go for your service-based business?

    To answer this question, we first need to understand the purpose of each ad type:

    • Google Ads allow you to reach potential customers when they’re trying to find a solution.
    • Facebook Ads (or Meta Ads as they’re called now) are shown to users when they’re on the platform checking out their friends’ posts and updates – they’re better for brand awareness and getting traffic to your website than for getting bookings.

    *Remember, Facebook/Meta Ads post to Instagram too. Placements are configured when creating the campaign.

    Let’s review the benefits of using Google Ads or Facebook Ads to get your services in front of the right people.

    The Argument for Google Ads

    Google Ads help to get your business in front of the right people at the right time. When people search for a solution to their problem your product or service addresses (whether they know it exists or not), your company can show up at the top of their search results with an ad on Google.

    Currently, Google uses “Ad” in bold letters to show the user which are ads versus the organic search results (a result of SEO). They’re usually the first few results and a few more towards the bottom of the page.

    Google Ads are targeted ads based on search queries. This means that people searching for what you offer will be more likely to click through and find out more about your business, call you, or send you their information. With Google Ads, you customize your ad targeting so that it shows up for specific keywords related to your business.

    The Argument for Social Media Ads

    Social media has transformed how consumers interact – it has become an integral part of business. Through social ads, businesses can tap into this space and create relationships with their customers that may not otherwise exist.

    Using social media ads, you can show tailored content specifically to certain groups of people based on audience targeting. It’s a great way to create engagement between customers and your brand – which can ultimately lead to more purchases due to stronger relationships.

    Depending on your chosen objective, social ads can get more traffic to your website, create brand awareness, capture leads, promote an app, or get people to convert (in my experience, the sales objective is best for retargeting warm leads).

    Facebook and Instagram ads work really well for brand awareness and traffic. They’re also great if you have a download or quiz for lead generation. One Facebook Lead Ad I created for a health coach with a digital download gathered hundreds of email addresses in a month with less than a $100 budget. Over seven months, they spent about $500 in ad spend and brought in over 1,300 leads in the form of email addresses.

    Should You Use Google Ads or Facebook Ads?

    There are several things to consider when deciding which type of digital ad is the best fit for your business.

    • Budget is obviously a major factor. Pricing varies between the two and across social media networks, but both are cheaper than traditional advertising methods like television commercials or radio spots.
    • How much time and effort can you put into creating and managing the ads?
    • Advertising goals – Do you want website traffic, people to engage with your posts, leads, purchases, or something else?
    • What type of audience are you trying to reach? This includes demographics like age, location, and interests, but also where your potential customers or patients are in their journey to make a purchase or schedule a consultation.

    Ultimately, it’s important to remember that both types of digital ads can effectively achieve your business goals if managed properly. To be honest, you should probably be using both, and maybe even LinkedIn Ads too.

    Here are some more of my insights that will help you when deciding to use Google Ads or Facebook Ads:

    • Social media ads are often easier to manage for beginners but do require design work upfront and tweaking throughout the campaign term.
    • Don’t waste your money on DIYing Google ads if you don’t have time to check on the ads and keywords weekly at the minimum. It’s better to hire a professional who knows what they’re doing.
    • Running larger campaigns across multiple platforms may be preferable if you need maximum exposure.
    • If building relationships with customers is most important to you, then investing in social media advertising would make sense over relying solely on Google Ads.

    When it comes down to it — test the different options to determine which is most effective for your business goals.

     

    Need help with your online ads? I’m certified in Google Ads Search, and we’ve helped clients create digital ads for several years now. Reach out if you’re ready to take the next step in your online marketing!

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  • Social Media Marketing, Social Media Tips

    Should You Use Hashtags on Instagram?

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    As social media continues to evolve, one of the most talked-about topics right now is whether or not to use hashtags on Instagram. I’m sure you’ve seen influencers dancing around on reels lately, telling you that hashtags are a waste of time and no longer work.

    I disagree.

    The Argument FOR Hashtags on Instagram

    Hashtags tell Instagram what your content is about. They’re a great way to categorize posts, making them visible to users who otherwise may not have found you. However, generic or overly used hashtags like #acupuncture or #yoga are often flooded with other people’s posts, decreasing their effectiveness. Do some research and identify several “long-tail” hashtags like #acupunctureforfertility or #therapeuticyoga.

    I’ve discussed the importance of using regional hashtags to improve your local social media presence, so I won’t go into it too much here. The basics are to search neighborhoods, town/city names, and abbreviations for your area to find your local hashtags.

    The maximum number of hashtags allowed per Instagram post is now five. It used to be 30, but in February 2024 Instagram rolled out this change. Since you are limited to only five hashtags, make sure they are relevant and directly related to your content. Using none at all will leave your content hidden from potential viewers. 

    Evaluate Your Hashtag Performance with Instagram Insights

    While celebrities and influencers with thousands to millions of followers may not find it necessary to use hashtags, your Instagram Insights will give you a better idea of what’s right for your account. 

    Screenshot of Instagram Insights

    In the above screenshot, you can see there were 878 impressions from hashtags compared to 423 attributed to Home, Profile, and Other. That’s more than half and is reason enough for me to continue using them.

    Check out the insights on your single image and carousel posts to see how many impressions are from hashtags versus from the home feed. This will give you an idea of whether using them has been worthwhile for your account up to this point. You may find out that hashtags aren’t really working for you, in which case I’d recommend doing some hashtag research to find some new ones. 

    Get Expert Help with Social Media Management for Your Small Business

    Ultimately, quality content will encourage others to follow your page and turn followers into customers or patients, not hashtags. But remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to using hashtags – it all depends on what works best for you!

    Need help managing the social media accounts for your small business? Tidal Creative Group can help! Learn more about our services here and if you don’t see something that works for you, feel free to email [email protected] to discuss other options.

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