and for that reason, I have actually stopped doing most challenges I see. However 21 days ago a challenge popped up on my facebook feed, and I thought I'll give it ago.  My aim for the month has been to increase brand awareness so as a true marketer I thought I would give it a try.

For 21 days (actually 23 due to a few missed days) I have posted on facebook and instagram, sometimes sharing the content to Linkedin and Tiktok.

So let's look at the stats:
On Instagram:
New followers- 21
Accounts reached- 1719 (down 68.9%)
Accounts engaged- 72 (down 42%)

So statistically the reach was down on Instagram

On facebook my reach was up by 189.1% on my page. This is interesting as I have been mainly posting on my personal page.

In terms of tangible results what have I seen:

1. I have a lot more interaction on my posts, however I'm not sure whether this is just because I am posting more and showing a side of me that I don't normally share 
2. It has encouraged me to show a more human side to the brand which is always beneficial
3. It has given me new ideas for post topics
4. It has actually made me reassess what is working, and I am now debating closing my facebook group and focus on more regular posts on facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
5. I have had some more client enquiries- however I am not sure if this is a direct result of the actions

Was it worthwhile?
Overall I feel the challenge was worthwhile and it has given me inspirations for future posts. It is always worth staying visible and it's encouraged me to post more consistently.

Is there anything better?
That's a hard question. I have also been exploring Linkedin and Tiktok in more depth which has helped raise awareness of my business, and there are definitely more views on Tiktok than facebook. 

Will I carry on?
Yes I will carry on being more visible, whether this is daily or three times a week. It has also encouraged me to share more about my personal life, and encouraged me to present 'work' posts in a different light.

The thing is being visible is important, however it still remains that my biggest source of work is through recommendations and connecting with people, instead of just showcasing on various social media methods. My focus will be on building those interactions with some visibility.

Has it happened to you?
As a marketing pro I know that you need to have your content set up at least one week in advance (well a month in advance in an ideal world). At first this may seem like a huge exercise that takes ages. But actually it doesn't have to - more on this later.

This week has shown me exactly why pre planning content is a non negotiable.

Is it really?

Well the week started as normal, a little hectic but it always is.

Then on Tuesday my husband started coughing so he took a Covid test- negative.
The following morning my phone didn't stop- texts from nurseries, places of work and the Covid app. I followed my instincts and we all tested.

We all came back positive. 

Suddenly a normal working week turned into a circus, everything that wasn't essential went out of the window (my washing basket is the size of Mount Etna!). Our week revolved around childcare; entertainment - Covid doesn't reduce any of a 4 year old boys energy; and the must do jobs.

Luckily my content was planned so that was one thing I didn't have to worry about.

It also meant I was showing up even whilst wrestling a baby, 4 year old and husband.

As my content was keeping me visible I have still been receiving sales & enquiries.

But it's complicated...
Listen I know the thought of planning content is overwhelming. But it is easy to do.
To plan your content ask yourself:
What do my clients ask me?
What are the benefits of my best sellers?
Why should they choose me?

Straight away you have three themes. Now break these into different topics, and

• Write a blog on each topic (or 2 if you can manage it)
• Lift phrases, tips and suggestions for your posts.

Using this system you can actually create 3 months worth of content in 1 hour.

And this way you can have holidays, have unexpected days of and be ill without compromising on your visibility.

After all we want to run our own business to have complete freedom to do the things we love.

So I hope I have shown you why you need to content plan and how easy it can be.

I am now going to crawl back under a blanket and try to chill in the circus!

Take care
Carrie xx


P.S. Don't forget my 30 Minute Marketing Toolkit takes concepts like creating content and breaks them down into smaller manageable 30 minute tasks. You can purchase this here.
​

Last week I discovered an amazing coaching course regarding mindset.

For a while I know my thoughts have been taking control of me and my actions- like a runaway train, often with near catastrophic results.
A result of grief, or a result of my role changing as a Mum or maybe it was just Covid. 

I knew I was having more bad days than good as I have suffered in the past with mindset. I needed to do something. I watched a free webinar and it changed my outlook and ideas. It focused on hypnotherapy. It was really wonderful.

The webinar was a taster of a course. A course that cost more than I have ever spent on me or a training that wasn't qualification based. (Money blocks right here!)
I was tempted, for days I came very close to signing up for it. 

However some very wise business owners made me realise it wasn't the right time and I couldn't devote 5 hours a week.

Now instead of feeling deflated I decided to try and make some changes myself. I asked for recommendations and shortlisted myself to 5 books to start reading. Exploring mindset, big leaps and money thoughts. Here was my shortlist:

Luckily some where available to read now, so I started with 'Just F*cking Do It' by Noor Hibert. I chose this first as she is a psychologist

The course I had intended to complete was also led by a psychologist. It made sense, although I wasn't too keen on the title.

That night I started reading. Within 2 pages it was clear this was not what I expected- it was psychology and manifestation.

I have tried manifestation in the past briefly, but I couldn't seem to figure it out. Have you tried it?

After discovering the premise of the book I asked myself do I ditch this and move onto something else, or give it ago? I had nothing to loose.

Task 1- ask for a gift and it will come within 24 hours.
I sceptically thought I will try this and if it doesn't work I haven't lost anything.

Saturday came
Hour 12- I went to work. Within 30 minutes I had a sale of my new workbook. Was this the Universe's gift? Probably not after all you don't create something for a gift.

Hour 13- I waited all day and looked out for something. I knew it wouldn't be much but I looked out.


Doubt crept in... no gift.


Hour 23- I headed home, we ordered our Saturday night takeaway. And I had accepted at this point there would be no gift. Oh well I thought.

Then the takeaway arrived. The first thing they gave us was a bottle of branded Cola. My first thought was hang on this isn't ours. 

I queried and the delivery driver said 'you get a free gift.'

Scepticism jumped it- they are giving it to everyone, it's normal, it's a fluke.

But then I asked myself am I right? We have ordered before and got some fortune cookies and prawn crackers, but never in 30 years have I had a complete bottle of branded Cola. Have you ever received a free bottle?

This was the gift. 

It may be down to how you see things, but I knew that was the gift and the proof.

So now it's onto the next chapter ( experience to follow....)

Have you used manifestation? How has it impacted you?

​Carrie xx

Last week we began to explore best practices for taking action & promoting your business on social media. 
Part of that was starting to consider that we need to do a mixture of posts. Not all sales based & not all tips.

This week I wanted to take you through the types of posts you should be sharing on social media & how to choose the best mix for you.

(The brilliant thing about the list I will be sharing with you, is that you can use it everywhere from facebook to twitter).

Post Categories
1. Content
2. Sales
3. Inspirational
4. Behind the scenes
5. Involvement posts

Within each of the above categories, there are a number of types of posts. After all every single one of our businesses is different. Let's look at each category now and some examples:

1. Content Posts
For this type of post you demonstrate your skills, knowledge & give value to your audience. You can share things such as:

• Tips
• Blogs
• Awards
• Content you have created elsewhere

Some examples of these posts can be found below:

2. Sales Posts
For this type of post you will share things that are related to any products, services or offers. Some types of sales posts are:

• Results- Sharing the results that your customers have had
• Questions- Asking if your audience want a solution you are offering
• Stories- Sharing before and after stories from you or your client
• Proof- Showing results you have created for others, or proof that you know what you are doing.

The trick with sales posts is to make sure that you always include a link or call to action to make sure your audience can take action.

3. Inspirational Posts
For this type of post you are trying to inspire your audience. Examples of inspirational posts are:

• Affirmations
• Inspirational Quotes
• Inspirational Stories
• Inspirational Images​

​
Inspirational posts can be from third parties.

4. Behind the Scenes Posts
For this category of posts the key is to show what makes you and your business from your competitors. You may offer exactly the same products or service as your competitor but you are the reason people will choose you over someone else.

Nowadays your audience wants to see the human side of business as this is what they relate too. And remember people buy from people they like. Share things to give them a reason to like or love you. 
​
Examples of behind the scene posts include:

• Your beliefs
• Your motivations
• Your values
• What experiences you have
• How you are feeling

Behind the scenes posts can make everyone feel awkward, especially if you are an introvert or private person like me.
​Remember you are in control.
If you don't want to show your kids, or have private things that you don't want to share- simply don't. 
Go with your instincts and share what you are comfortable with.

Here are some of my behind the scenes posts:

5. Involvement Posts
For this category of posts you will be sharing things that interest your audience and encourage them to interact. Remember social media is social. Examples of involvement posts include:

• Asking questions
• Polls
• Posts from other people that will encourage discussion
• Emotive statements to instigate a reaction
• ​Funny posts

What should I choose?
Now you understand the types of social posts that you can put out there, you now have to choose the best mix of posts for you.

There is no magic formula.

Every single one of our businesses are different. Each of us will find some posts better than others.
To begin with choose one type of post from each of the below categories & then choose an additional one or two types of posts. 

​
You can select the ones that jump out at you, or see what works well for your competitors.

For 1 month use this combination of posts & test them. See what works well, what you feel comfortable using and what doesn't work so well. Replace or swap the posts you need too.
Once you have 5/6 types of posts that work well, you can always add more in and experiment with other types.

I have known businesses who have just focused on sharing inspirational quotes and succeeded. 

(And remember to make sure that you share 1 selling related post in every 4 posts you publish)

I hope this has helped you understand a little more about creating a winning combination of posts for your social media profiles. 
I would love to know what works well for you?

Remember using the right combination will help you promote your business. But to make marketing really work for you, you must have the complete marketing magic not just promotion. More on this next week.

Carrie x

We can work so hard on building our businesses, but one of the things we must get right are the basics of social media.

On Monday in my group I did a video covering how to get the basics right for social media. And I wanted to share the tips with you here.

1. Be in the right place
There are so many platforms to choose from and it is vital to choose the right social media platform. So how do you do this?

• Identify where your ideal client is
• Identify the best platform if you are a selling to a business or a person.

If you would like more assistance on identifying the ideal platform, then check out my free quiz here.

2. Set it up well 
There is no point in being on social media if your profile is not filled out correctly. Make sure your bio or about me section tells your followers:

• who you help
• how you help them
• what is special about you

Social media platforms regularly change so try and check this every month.

3. Social media is not marketing
Promotion is one part of marketing.
Social Media is one form of promotion.
As social media is one form of promotion, you need to combine it with other forms of promotion, such as email marketing, networking, exhibitions, leaflets and advertising etc.
You can grow a business with just social media, but it will be a lot harder to do.
The businesses who utilise social media in the best way possible are the ones who combine it with other promotional methods.

4. Remember your overall goals
You need to set marketing goals regularly (for more information on this have a look at my DIY marketing planning package).  To achieve your goals you need to make sure all of your promotional methods contribute towards these goals.  If you want to attract more people to your website, make sure your social posts direct people to your blogs.
If you want to attract customers, include sales posts on your social media page.

5. Plan & Schedule
A few weeks ago, life got a little hectic. As a result I missed a few days of posting. This would not have happened if I had scheduled my posts in advance! It had a negative impact on my business as it meant people were not hearing from me.
Now there are lots of ways to plan your social media, from the old school spreadsheet (which I use) to specialist programs. It doesn't matter how you plan, it just matters that you plan.
Depending on the platform that you are using, you may be able to schedule your posts in advance, which can definitely help when life gets a bit crazy!

6.It's social media NOT selling media
The idea behind social media is to create links with people and a community. Your posts should encourage interaction and engagement, from asking questions to commenting on what others are saying. All of this will help build a community and increase engagement. In other words it will make people love your brand and also spread the word. A great way to do this is to also show insights into your personal life.

7. Don't overpromote.
Do you know one of the easiest ways to loose followers is to just sell? People do not want to see sales post, after sales post. They see this everywhere and social media is a place to switch off from this. Now I don't mean don't ever sell. But keep your selling posts to every 1 in 4. The best businesses use a mixture of posts for social media (more about this next week!)

8. Value, value, value.
We are using social media to promote our businesses. If we are in the early stages of building a business (or we have been in business a while) we need to prove what we can do. Your audience probably doesn't know you from the women in the street, so why would they buy from you? They buy because you give them value and they like you. So make sure you are always giving value in your social media.

9. Visual is king.
Whatever platform you use on social media, visual is king.  Always include images (or videos if you can) as visual posts will be seen a lot more than plain text posts.

​Now if you follow these 9 steps you will have the basic foundations of your social media sorted. It will mean that the hours you spend online will be worthwhile and you won't feel frustrated with the lack of likes and sales. As with anything social media is NOT a quick fix. Instead it takes time and energy but when used well and with the right mixture of other things it can help you grow your business.

As always if you need help planning your social media, get in touch or why not check out my Skyrocket Your Social Media workbook. If you want to understand all of the elements of marketing check out my Attracting Customers Bootcamp.

If you have any additional hints or tips please share them below.

Lots of love
​Carrie x

How are you doing right now? I mean really how are you doing?
Let's face it, things are scary and a little worrying right now. One of the biggest problems I hear on daily basis is knowing whether you should market your business.

The simple answer: Yes! 
The long answer: Yes but be careful not to cause much damage.

Right now economies are all over the place, and as small business owners we can support the economy by continuing to sell and promote our business.
We can also help our customers by offering them solutions in the forms of our product or service.
However it is vital we do this in the right way.
Here are my top tips for promoting your business right now:

1. Don't cash in on the crisis.
Using phrases like 'Hot Covid-19 offers' and 'Coronavirus sale' will not benefit your business now or later on. So please do not be tempted to use this. Make sure in everything you do & say you don't add to the panic.

2. Keep customers informed.
Right now we have control over very few things, but by remaining open and honest with your customers they will have control over how they work with you. So please stay visible and convey the right information.

3. Tact is key.
Now is not the time to be bragging to everyone on social media how much you have earnt. Now is the time to be circumspect with what you say to who. Yes if you are speaking to a client share your success, but don't shout it out to everyone. I wouldn't want to follow someone who is telling my they are earning hundreds of thousands if I am on furlough and worried about feeding my family. 

4. Be careful with words and images.
We don't want to see lots of happy crowds of people or bustling festivals all of the time. It just makes us feel more alone. By all mean share some images like this if they are relevant to your copy, but be aware of your customers feelings. Similarly be careful with phrases like 'get in touch' and 'buy now'. We are constantly told to stay away from people, so don't tell your audience the opposite.

5. Focus on your benefits.
Make sure you focus on the benefits you bring to customers. Now is the time to be telling people exactly the amazing changes you bring to their lives. Don't forget to mention what you do virtually too. The key now is to support the situation your customers are in right now.

6. Behind the scenes is so important.
Share what you are doing at home, share the top tips on video conferences, or working remotely. Share what will help your customers survive this time.

7. Educate, entertain and inform.
If your customers at home being them inspiration, and provide them with entertainment. Write blogs, create videos, give them knowledge. They will remember the companies who make this time a lot easier.

8. Be you
We need human interaction now, so being human is vital. If you have a bad day, talk about it But remember point 9.

9. Optimism is key.
Even after this ends and life returns to normal we need to stay optimistic and positive as companies. Work out your next marketing strategies and how you will convey positive messages. The future looks a little bleak, make sure you are shining a light. No matter how small.

Please, remember to keep going and keep promoting. To survive we need to do this and we can all keep visible whilst this is going on. I would love to hear if you have any more hints or tips for marketing at the moment.

If you are looking for a clear guide on how to market your business, or want to put in a plan for the next few weeks, why not book a Virtual Focus Hour where we can get an action plan ready and started.

In the meantime I would love to hear how you are promoting right now?

Take care and stay safe
Carrie x

Whether you are just starting up, short of cash or need a quick blast of income, sometimes you need a way to market your business on a shoestring budget.

Here are 10 ways you can market your business on a shoestring budget:

1. Network
This can be online or offline, but go and connect with. Don't use the internet as something you just post to, use it to interact and forge some genuine connections with businesses who may then recommend me.

2. Create a freebie
This is one of my favourite ways to market a business. Create a quick infographic or freebie and put it online. Make sure it helps your ideal clients with the problem they are facing now. Share it to groups, send it to customers. Just get it out there. If you are looking for a way to create a freebie try Canva. I love using Canva so much and it's free.

3. Build an audience
Once you have a freebie use it to build an audience. Let people have access to your freebie if they give you their email address, or join your facebook group. Emails are my favourite way of building relationships and they are so vital because they are more likely to be seen.

4. Do a talk
Get on a facebook group or attend a networking event and do a talk on what you know. Don't forget to tell them about your services too.

5. Ask for reviews and recommendations
Contact your last customers and ask them if they will leave you a review, or take part in a recommendation scheme. Try and utilise word of mouth marketing.

​6. Offer a discount
OK so this isn't really free, but offer a discount voucher to your audience to help boost your sales in the short term

7. Hold a competition
This is one of my favourite ways to create a buzz. Hold a competition to get lots of engagement.

​These are some of my favourite ways to market on a shoestring budget. If you have another method share it below.

I love giving out information and helping small businesses grow into incredibly amazing ones.

Too help small businesses grow I give out free weekly tips in my Marketing Monday videos. Every week I talk about a new tool, technique or I just share marketing advice. Completely free.

It is so simple to get this information, not only do I share it on facebook, I have a Youtube channel where you can find the videos at any time.

Simply click here to access the channel.

Some of the most popular videos include:
How to use Facebook Lives 
Who influences your customers buying decision
An introduction to marketing
An introduction to email marketing

Now if you want notifications of every time a new video is launched, simply sign up to my email list below and you will get information straight into your inbox.

I would love to know how you have found the videos and whether they have helped you grow your business?

Love Carrie xx

Who here is fed up of the noise on facebook and social media?

In the last 3 days I have counted over 100 ads for one course to help you grow your business. How I wish there was a way I could switch off the ads. 

This got me thinking about using social media for what it is really meant for- being social. And I decided I wanted to help a group of female business owners with big dreams by not only providing marketing hints and tips (which I do on my page). I also wanted to provide a safe space for ranting, or for the days where you just don't feel it.

So I have created Marketing for Female Entrepreneurs

So why should you choose this free facebook group? Here are 5 reasons;

1. We need support.
No man or woman is an island and we are not programmed that way. So this provides a community and support for you to grow your dream business.

2. Your friends may not get it.
If your friends are not on the crazy entrepreneurial rollercoaster this is a place to make friends who are.

3. We are really nice!
We are all in the same boat and we don't let nasty people in the group.

4. You can get advice from other business owners.
Struggling to find the right wording? Tired because you have had no sleep? Find advice from others.
​
5. Free advice 24/7.
Ask me anything at any time.

So if you are ready to come and join, simply click here:
www.facebook.com/groups/marketingforfe

We can't wait to have you with us!
Love
Carrie xx