Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast
In today’s fast-paced digital world, influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and drive tangible results. But how can businesses, including those with less glamorous products, thrive with influencer marketing?
Let’s dive into the insights shared by Yuliya Gorenko of Mishka Agency Agency on how to craft a successful influencer program that goes beyond awareness and becomes a powerful customer acquisition channel.
The Evolution of Influencer Marketing
Many believe influencer marketing is a modern phenomenon, but the concept has existed for centuries. Influencers have always shaped opinions, from local leaders to global celebrities. With the rise of social media, influencers now have a platform to reach millions worldwide. This shift has made influencer marketing a cornerstone for businesses looking to scale.
Why Businesses Should Leverage Influencer Marketing
At its core, influencer marketing capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers trust people they relate to more than ads. Collaborating with influencers—whether they’re niche micro-influencers or global powerhouses—can give your brand credibility, visibility, and, most importantly, sales.
Key Steps to Build a Winning Influencer Program
- Define Your Goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve—whether it’s awareness, lead generation, or direct sales.
- Select the Right Influencers: Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Assess metrics like engagement rates, audience demographics, and previous brand collaborations.
- Provide Clear Guidelines: Outline the messaging and objectives while giving influencers creative freedom to connect authentically with their followers.
- Track Performance: Use custom URLs, coupon codes, or affiliate links to measure the success of your campaigns.
Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with a few influencers, analyze what works, and gradually expand your program based on data-driven insights.
Overcoming Common Mistakes
- Ignoring Audience Insights: Ensure influencers’ followers match your target market in terms of location, age, and interests.
- Lack of Tracking: Always track campaign performance through measurable KPIs.
Overpaying Influencers: Develop a fair compensation structure based on metrics like engagement rates and ROI.
TikTok Influencer Partnerships: Challenges & Opportunities
TikTok offers unique opportunities for brands to reach highly engaged audiences. However, challenges like fluctuating video views and platform-specific algorithms require brands to approach TikTok influencer campaigns strategically. Focus on storytelling, allow creative freedom, and consider performance-based compensation models to maximize ROI.
When to Hire an Agency
If you’re just starting out, you can manage influencer marketing in-house. But if you’re scaling or need expert guidance, an agency like Mishka can streamline processes, manage relationships, and help maximize your ROI.
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Branding, Jen Vazquez Photography Blog, MERGE
You’ve just received your professional brand photos—congrats! These images are more than just pretty pictures; they’re powerful tools for elevating your business. Now, let’s make the most out of them! Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your brand photos to boost your online presence, attract clients, and strengthen your brand.
1. Add Them to Your Website
Your website is your digital storefront, so let your brand photos shine there first!
- Homepage: Update your header image, about section, or hero banner with eye-catching photos that represent your brand’s vibe.
- About Page: Use personable, relatable shots to introduce yourself and your team.
- Services Page: Add images that illustrate your offerings in action or behind-the-scenes moments.
- Testimonials Section: Pair testimonials with brand photos to create a cohesive, polished look.
2. Level Up Your Social Media Presence
Your brand photos are perfect for creating a professional and consistent look across social platforms.
- Profile Picture & Cover Photo: Use a strong headshot or brand-related image for a cohesive first impression.
- Content Creation: Pair your brand photos with valuable captions for posts, reels, or carousels. Think about sharing behind-the-scenes shots with tips about your business or a fun fact about you!
- Stories & Highlights: Keep your brand present by using photos in Instagram highlights or daily stories.
3. Refresh Your Marketing Materials
From print to digital, your brand photos can help tie everything together.
- Business Cards: A professional headshot or brand-related image adds a modern, personal touch.
- Email Signatures: Include your photo in your email footer to humanize your communication.
- Brochures & Flyers: Incorporate images that resonate with your audience and highlight your services.
4. Design Eye-Catching Lead Magnets
If you’re using a freebie or downloadable to attract leads, your brand photos can elevate its appeal.
- E-books or Guides: Add your photos to the cover, introduction page, and throughout the content to align the visuals with your brand.
- Workbooks or Templates: Use images to make the materials more visually engaging.
Landing Pages: Include your brand photos to personalize the lead magnet’s sign-up page.
Need Photos?
We’d love to help you capture photos that not only let’s your brand stand out and help with visibility, but also that you love and that helps you book more clients!
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5. Boost Your Pinterest Strategy
Pinterest is a visual search engine, so your brand photos are perfect for driving traffic to your content.
Create Pins: Use your photos as part of your pin designs for blog posts, services, or freebies.
Profile Branding: Update your profile photo and banner with images that reflect your business.
Pin Graphics: Combine your photos with text overlays to share helpful tips, quotes, or service offerings.
6. Use Them in Ads (If Applicable)
While you don’t focus on Pinterest ads, your photos can work for other platforms.
7. Enhance Your Blog Posts
Professional brand photos add a personal touch to your blog content.
Feature Images: Use photos to create a consistent look for your blog headers.
In-Content Photos: Add images that illustrate the topic or provide a behind-the-scenes perspective.
Author Bio Section: Include a headshot for a relatable, professional touch.
8. Create Consistent Branding for Your Presentations
Whether you’re presenting to clients, hosting webinars, or speaking at events, brand photos can elevate your materials.
9. Update Online Directories or Professional Listings
If you’re featured on directories like LinkedIn, Google My Business, or niche-specific sites, use your updated photos to stand out and keep your profiles fresh.
10. Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose!
One of the best things about professional brand photos is how versatile they are.
- Seasonal Content: Save some images to use in specific seasons or for campaigns.
- Collaborations: Provide photos to collaborators or partners for marketing joint projects.
- Thank You Notes or Holiday Cards: Incorporate them into your client communications.
Final Thoughts
Professional brand photos are an investment in your business, and the key to maximizing that investment is using them strategically. From your website to your social media and marketing materials, these images can help you make a lasting impression and connect with your ideal clients.
Got your brand photos but not sure where to start? Let’s chat! I can help you craft a strategy to get the most out of your stunning new visuals.
Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest, Pinterest Trends
Pinterest Trends Weekly: Let’s Get Together!
What are people searching for on Pinterest? Pinterest collected insights this week around the theme: Let’s Get Together!
This week on Pinterest, people are searching for food and drink ideas, decoration inspiration, and group games to play at their next soirée.
Discover Tomorrow’s Trends with Pinterest
Pinterest is all about looking ahead. With over 522 million people using the platform to uncover future ideas, it should be your go-to source for inspiration and for what’s trending for creating content. By keeping an eye on current trends, Pinterest can provide you with valuable insights into what’s likely to catch on elsewhere soon.
Every week, Pinterest Predicts Weekly showcases actionable search trends, tailored to users across various categories, regions, and demographics. Dive into the details on trends.pinterest.com, where you can explore insights and do content planning around the hottest search queries.
Creative Marketing Summit
Alright, friends! If you’re a service provider or small business owner who’s been searching for a fresh way to boost your marketing game, listen up! This episode is brought to you by the 3rd Annual Creative Marketing Summit. 🎉
This summit isn’t just another fluff-filled event – it’s where real marketing strategies meet creativity, designed to inspire action and save you time. Think marketing experts delivering education packed with actionable tips, powerful insights, and, of course, the chance to network with other service providers just like you.
I’m super passionate about making marketing education accessible, which is why we’re offering a FREE ticket giveaway! Because everyone deserves the chance to find, attract, and book their ideal clients without overwhelm.
Whether you’re a wedding pro, photographer, coach, or entrepreneur – this summit has something for YOU. Don’t miss your chance to learn how to simplify your strategy, grow your leads, and have a little fun along the way.
Head over to creativemarketingsummit.com to grab your ticket!
Alright, let’s dive into today’s episode!
Event Planning & Hosting
- +130% increase in Friendsgiving invitations
- +185% increase in Western party centerpieces
- +40% increase in large group games
- +25% increase in outdoor entertaining areas
- +50% increase in cookie decorating parties
Food Trends
- 3x increase in searches for taco cupcakes (Yes, taco cupcakes!)
- +80% increase in garlic butter chicken bites
- +60% increase in mini cakes for birthdays
- +50% increase in cornbread dressing
Gifting Trends
- 5x increase in creative gift baskets
- +45% increase in gifts for teens
- +25% increase in gift basket ideas for men
- +25% increase in laser-engraved gifts
Audience Trends: Curious Celebrations
Gen Z Trends
- +80% increase in Friendsgiving dinner parties
- +75% increase in Friendsgiving aesthetic
- +55% increase in hot chocolate bars
- +30% increase in snack boards
Millennials Trends
- +115% increase in Friendsgiving tablescapes
- +40% increase in masquerade parties
- +30% increase in easy party food for a crowd
- +25% increase in favorite things parties
Pinterest Predicts: Cafe Core is On the Rise
Create coffee-shop vibes at home with Pinterest’s emerging “Cafe Core” trend. Users are leaning into vintage and handmade décor for cozy home coffee stations. Here’s what’s trending:
- +140% increase in handmade mugs
- +85% increase in vintage cafe décor
- +70% increase in home coffee bars
- +50% increase in mini coffee bars for small spaces
- +35% increase in coffee shop interior design
Here is more information that may be helpful!
Content Creation, Marketing
Marketing Workflow Tips for Female Service Providers
As a female service provider, I know the marketing struggle is real! Between managing clients, running a business, and trying to have a life, finding time for marketing can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the good news—you don’t need a massive marketing team or 40 hours a week to get great results. With smart workflows, you can create a system that works for you, saves time, and drives leads. Let’s dive into actionable tips that will help you streamline your marketing efforts.
Batch Content Creation
Batching content is a game changer. Instead of trying to create posts on the fly, dedicate a specific day or block of time each week (or month) to focus solely on content creation. Whether it’s blog posts, social media updates, or Pinterest pins, getting into the creative zone and knocking out several pieces at once will help you stay consistent and save time.
Action Step:
Schedule 2-3 hours each week or a full day each month for content creation. Focus on creating a month’s worth of content in one go.
Repurpose Your Content
One of the easiest ways to save time is by repurposing content across multiple platforms. If you’ve written a blog post, turn that into Pinterest pins, social media captions, email newsletters, and even short-form videos. Don’t reinvent the wheel—just tweak what you’ve already got!
Action Step:
Take your top-performing content from one platform and repurpose it for at least two others. For example, turn a blog post into 3-5 Pinterest pins or a YouTube video into an Instagram carousel.
Automate Where You Can
Automation is your best friend when it comes to marketing. From scheduling social media posts to automating email sequences, the more you can automate, the more time you can save for other important tasks (like focusing on clients). Tools like Later, Hootsuite, or Planoly for social media and ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit for email marketing will make your life easier.
Action Step:
Set up automated workflows for your email marketing. Start with a simple welcome sequence for new subscribers and schedule at least one week’s worth of social media posts in advance.
Create a Content Calendar
A content calendar helps you stay organized and keeps your marketing efforts on track. Knowing exactly what you’re posting and when (across all your platforms) can reduce stress and make the process feel more manageable. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re delivering value consistently to your audience.
Action Step:
Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Sheets to create a content calendar. Plan at least two weeks’ worth of content ahead of time, noting important dates, promotions, or themes.
Focus on High-Impact Platforms
It’s easy to feel like you need to be everywhere—Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook… you name it. But the truth is, not all platforms are created equal for your business. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on the one or two platforms that bring in the most leads and engagement for your services.
Action Step:
Analyze your analytics (Google Analytics, Pinterest insights, or Instagram metrics) to see which platform is driving the most traffic or conversions. Double down on those and scale back the rest.
Delegate/Outsource What You Can
You don’t have to do it all yourself. Hiring help, whether it’s a VA to manage your Pinterest boards or a short-form video editor for social media, can free up your time for high-level tasks. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, outsourcing certain aspects of your marketing can make a huge difference.
Action Step:
Identify one task you struggle with or dread the most and consider outsourcing it. It could be scheduling social posts, writing blog content, or creating graphics.
Track Your Results
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Keeping an eye on your marketing performance helps you see what’s working (so you can do more of that) and what’s not (so you can adjust). Tracking key metrics like website traffic, email open rates, and conversion rates can guide your marketing strategy and help you make smarter decisions.
Action Step:
Set up Google Analytics to track website performance or use built-in tools like Instagram Insights or Pinterest Analytics to track engagement. Check your metrics bi-weekly and make adjustments as needed.
Use Templates to Save Time
Don’t start from scratch every time. Whether it’s email newsletters, Pinterest pins, or social media posts, creating and using templates can cut down your production time dramatically. Plus, having a consistent visual brand across all platforms builds recognition and trust with your audience.
Action Step:
Create templates for common marketing tasks, like Instagram posts, blog outlines, or Pinterest pins, using tools like Canva or Google Docs. This way, you’ll just plug in the new content and be good to go.
Batch Your Marketing Tasks
Not only should you batch your content creation, but it also helps to batch other marketing tasks. Spend one block of time brainstorming ideas, another time creating graphics, and another time writing captions. By focusing on one type of task at a time, you’ll get into the flow and be more productive.
Action Step:
Break down your marketing tasks into chunks: idea generation, graphic creation, writing, and scheduling. Assign each task its own dedicated time block during your week.
Take Breaks and Set Boundaries
Running a service-based business often means long hours, but your well-being matters. Set boundaries around your work hours, and give yourself the time you need to recharge. You’ll show up more refreshed, focused, and productive when you take care of yourself.
Action Step:
Block off time on your calendar for breaks, meals, and self-care. Stick to your working hours as much as possible and give yourself permission to log off.
Final Thoughts
Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting up smart workflows and using tools to your advantage, you can make the most out of your time and see amazing results without feeling like marketing is taking over your life. These tips are meant to help you get more organized, feel less stressed, and build a consistent and scalable marketing system that works for you.
Here is more information that may be helpful!
Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast
Unleashing Your Content Creation Power with Jessica Stansberry
Hey everyone, Jen here! Today, I’m beyond excited to share some pearls of wisdom from my chat with none other than the incredible Jessica Stansberry. Jessica is like the queen bee of content creation and a master at helping businesses grow their brands, especially using YouTube. If you’re ready to turn your content into a money-making machine, read on!
Meet Jessica Stansberry
Jessica Stansberry is a powerhouse. With her YouTube channel, email list, and Instagram accounts, she helps content creators and entrepreneurs scale their businesses. She’s no-nonsense, gives you everything she’s got, and is simply amazing!
From Go-Getter to Entrepreneur
Jessica’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a determined 14-year-old who worked under the table to buy her cell phone to a corporate worker who couldn’t imagine staying in a job she despised after having her first child, she’s always been fiercely driven. She juggled various roles, from graphic design to web design, before finding her true calling. Her journey teaches us an invaluable lesson: if you want something, figure out how to get it.
The YouTube Journey
YouTube was a game-changer for Jessica. She shifted from making a modest income from web design to leveraging YouTube for teaching and coaching. Her subscribers soared, and her business took off. Jessica emphasizes being consistent and putting effort into titles, thumbnails, and structured content.
Using YouTube to Grow Your Business
Jessica shared critical strategies for growing your business using YouTube:
- Consistency Matters: Just do it and keep doing it.
- Quality Content: Focus on titles, thumbnails, and the actual content.
- 1% Improvement: Aim to get better every single time you post a video. Small improvements add up over time.
Crushing it with Crash
Jessica’s membership, Crash, is a treasure trove of resources for anyone looking to dive deep into content creation. With her guidance, I went from barely engaging with my YouTube channel to booking clients through my videos!
Local Impact: The Marketing Agency
Jessica also runs a local marketing agency, helping small-town businesses with social media strategies. Her agency’s secret? Being strategic about every social media post to ensure it generates leads and sales.
Balancing Content Creation and Business
Jessica’s advice for balancing content creation with business is gold. Hire help where you’re the bottleneck. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, it can make a huge difference.
Looking Ahead: Embracing AI and Authenticity
Jessica sees AI tools becoming a significant player in digital marketing. But she’s equally passionate about maintaining authenticity. Share your unique story in a way that feels comfortable for you. You don’t have to share everything; just enough to be relatable and engaging.
Final Nuggets of Wisdom
Jessica attributes her success to podcasts for business insights, her active YouTube presence, and her incredible team. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these elements can give you a unique edge.
Get Started on Your Digital Product Journey!
Ready to create your digital product? Check out Jessica’s freebie. It’s designed to help you determine the best digital product for your audience and get you on the right path.
Bottom Line
From her inspiring journey to her practical tips on balancing content creation and business, Jessica Stansberry’s insights are a treasure trove for any entrepreneur. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, there’s something to learn from her experience. Dive into her resources, implement her tips, and watch your business grow!
Gift: + Links
Thanks for tuning in, and as always, work smarter, not harder. Until next time!
Love always, *Jen
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