What happened to Tik Tok?

Tik Tok, an app thats used for creating any kind of video you could imagine! From DIY's to dances and memes, this app is loaded with nearly endless hours of entertainment.  However, as most know, on July 31st fear and sadness is what filled the app when President Trump announced he was going to shut down the app.  With many young influencers, brands, and talent agencies using the app to grow their careers/businesses, the app shutting down would cause a great loss for many users.  Is it really going to be shut down though?

The reason President Trump wanted to ban the app was because of the accused "Chinese Spyware" that collects information from millions of users and sends it to the Chinese government.  However, Microsoft has come up and is talking with the President about the company taking over the app instead.  The company states: "[Microsoft] is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury," TikTok also stressed that the users data was stored on a "US based server that is also backed up in Singapore." As each day passes new information arises and changes, so the future of TikTok will depend on what happens within the next week. 

Why does TikTok appeal so well to Gen Z? With a large number of teens using the app, there's a few reasons why the platform is one of their favorites.  With an algorithm catered to each individual based on their likes, short easy to view videos, and nearly endless scrolling, it's hard not to accidentally spend hours watching these short skits.  While all these contribute to the success on the app, there is also success from Gen Z itself within the app itself.  Anyone who has the app downloaded is able to create whatever content that they choose, and the authenticity from each individual is celebrated.  For example, a new Beyonce song comes out, a user can create a dance to that song, next thing they know some major Tik Tok users copy it, then they both become viral.  

With the possibility of the Microsoft deal possibly falling through, and some unsureness about the future of TikTok, many users are beginning to transfer over to Triller to continue their content creation. Triller functions and looks similarly to TikTok, but includes a social star button, and automatic video swiping.  Some TikTok stars have already taken advantage of Triller and moved content to this app instead. With all this back and forth with TikTok, it's hard to say where the app will end up, but one way or another, we'll soon see.  

Written by Abby Weese, Rebecca Adele PR and Event intern

Instagram Has Helped Make Shopping Easier

If you are like me, you spend half of your days scrolling through your Instagram feed double tapping on different posts and watching funny videos or memes. Again if you are anything like me, we also follow way too many clothing brands and cosmetic companies that continuously post new items. When I first had Instagram, you would have to write down what the item was you were interested in and look it up separately on the internet. Now? You can just tap once on the post and a link pops up that you can click on and it will take you directly to the product page and website. How convenient is this?!

Being able to shop on Instagram makes it much easier for shoppers the buy items. Shoppers like me who have no will power when it comes to online shopping! It is also gives companies an opportunity to grow their brand awareness and open up areas for more revenue. If you are advertising the product you might as well sell the product in the same place right?

Instagram is still for watching fun videos and seeing cute posts of your friends, but branching out into a new area can be a big step in a new direction. What do you think social medias will do next to make shopping even easier for the consumer??

Written by LeAnn Frank - Intern at Rebecca Adele PR and Events

Branding Your Small Business on Social Media

Do you find it challenging to stand out from other businesses on social media? With nearly 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S. we understand it is no small task to stand out; however, here are 6 tips to  point your business’ social media accounts in the right direction. 

1. Develop a color palette

Color may seem unimportant compared to other factors of your business, but it is one small

detail that will make your life much easier. Colors represent brand personality and meaning,

which relates to target consumers. For instance, we associate the color pink to femininity or

being sweet in comparison to red signifying courage or excitement. Take a look at the differet

meanings in the logo below just by changing the color. Based on these two images, which

bank would you entrust your money with?  

 https://www.newdesigngroup.ca/graphic-design/psychology-colour-advertising/

2. Create a logo
If you do not have a business logo already break out your sketchpad! Logos are crucial in brand
awareness and personality. It should include your color scheme, insight on what your business does, and your business name in a legible font. It is also important to keep your design simplistic due to size variations. If you find yourself struggling with design reach out to designers, students, or colleges for assistance. Once your logo is created it needs to be your profile image on all of its social media platforms for branding purposes. Establish your brand’s voice

3. Maintain a Brand Voice

A challenging step is building and maintaining your brand’s voice. A useful tool is to think

of your business as a person and how that person can connect to different audiences. Social media expert Stephanie Schwab’s helpful guide on finding a brand voice lays out several factors, including:

Tone. Be clear to followers about what and how the brand will communicate online. Is your brand cheeky and irreverent or serious and formal?

Language. What type of language will the brand use online? A young hip brand might get awaywith more slang or a niche brand may use more acronyms and industry-specific language

Purpose. Identify the main reason the brand is on social media? Is your goal to educate or entertain? 

https://damolade.com/how-to-create-a-social-media-style-guide/

4. Be consistent across platformsWhether you are posting on Facebook or Instagram, your business posts should be consistent.

If you want to feature a community event your business participated in you can post about it on whichever platforms you please; however, make sure the content is not identical. The reason your content needs to vary is you are talking to different audiences. Facebook tends to have older active users compared to Instagram and to gain their attention you have to appeal to them in different ways. 

5. Know your audienceAn essential part of your business’ success is knowing your audience. As mentioned above we want to relate to different audiences and make them aware of your brand. Ask yourself questions like the ones listed below to gain greater insight:

- What is going to make someone buy your product rather than the competitions? - What are consumers saying about me and my competitors? - Who is purchasing your products?- Who is in your area?- Who is currently following my social media accounts? 

https://www.hueandtonecreative.com/blog/tag/Buyer+persona

6. Build relationships The most important tip of all is to build relationships! If viewers post comments or ask questions, try to respond within 24 hours. This demonstrates the passion and care you have for your business. A simple thank you for liking a post or responding to a negative comment in an appropriate way will show viewers that you are a professional and deserve their business. Mistakes do happen in business, but remain transparent and display appreciation to those communicating with you. 

Now it is your turn to implement these steps into your small business! We hope you found this information helpful and utilize it in your social accounts. Social media is a powerful tool for brand awareness, but remember to use it to communicate and engage with your audiences too.

Written by: Logan Sellers, Rebecca Adele PR & Events InternSources:https://www.canva.com/learn/introduction-brand-building-social-media/

Activities to Replace Summer 2020 Cancelled Events

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you Covid-19, you make many adjustments in your life to help flatten the curve. Many of these adjustments include our upcoming summer 2020 plans including concerts, sports games, vacations, festivals, parades, and more. So how can you make the most out of summer, while the stay at home order and CDC guidelines are still in place? Here are some of my favorite at home activities that you can do just about anywhere, while maintaining a safe distance.

 

First, I am pretty sure we have all been doing this already, but streaming devices have been my life. When the weather is less than appealing, I hunker down in my comfy chair and blankets, and I watch shows and movies until I get hungry or tired. When this gets tiring or old, I grab a good book. Many authors have been releasing books, or when in doubt read an old classic. Stephanie Meyer is releasing a new book from Edward's perspective for all the millennials out there. 

Concerts have been cancelled or rescheduled due to the virus, but do not fret. Some artists have been performing on Instagram Live or through Zoom meetings with their band. Taylor Swift's Live from Paris concert will be uploaded to Hulu and Disney+ for our at home concert series. 

When the weather cooperates, sunbathing outside or taking a nap in my hammock are my go tos. Hey, why not watch one of those concerts while outside? It may not be the festival atmosphere you're use to, but it's still a good way to unwind!

Our favorite sports teams are starting their seasons back up, and although we cannot be in the stands, we can cheer from our family rooms while eating the same junk food snacks that cost an arm and a leg at a ballpark. No one will give you looks for cheering too loudly or giving your opinion to the referee who doesn't seem to listen to you.

A few more activities might include painting, coloring, puzzling, organizing everything, four-wheeling, socially distant hikes or picnics with friends, or playing Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch. 

Whichever you choose to do, this summer might not be as we planned, but we can still make the best of it in the current situation. Hopefully some of these ideas inspire you to try something new or start something old. 

Written by: LEANN FRANK, REBECCA ADELE PR AND EVENTS INTERN 

Covid-19 Effects on Businesses Worldwide

Covid-19 has caused chaos all throughout the world since it first appeared in late 2019. Now, over five months later, there are lasting effects that the novel corona virus has caused. Not looking at the virus itself, the corona virus has caused many businesses to stop operations and some to close for good. What can we do to help support these businesses that are closing due to the stay at home order and the fact that they do not fall under the essential business market?

Some of the ways we can help is by supporting our local businesses. Small, family owned businesses are especially hurting during these trying times. They have had to cut staff, move to curbside only pickup, and reduce store hours and operations to follow proper CDC guidelines. One way my family is helping our local businesses, is by ordering dinner to go at least once a week from a local restaurant around us that remains open for curbside ordering. If everyone bought a meal from a local restaurant once a week, it would significantly help these businesses out. We can also continue to donate goods to our healthcare workers on the front line. Donating masks, cleaning products, meals, etc. are just some ideas of donations. We're all in this together, so let's make it count!

On a positive note, covid-19 has caused greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions to decline greatly due to the shutdown of factories worldwide. Will this last? Probably not. We are already seeing an increase within different areas and countries with factories and large companies opening back up for production and business. Hopefully, the economy will bounce back, taking into account the proper precautions to help keep greenhouse emissions to a minimum.

Written by: LeAnn Frank, Intern at Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Graduating in Quarantine? How to make the most of virtual commencement!

As the month of May is quickly passing through, so are graduations! While this years' ceremonies and commencements are a little different than usual, it's easy to create a lasting memory for the senior in your life.

An easy way to celebrate with close friends and loved ones is a zoom commencement! Similar to Facetime, Zoom allows you to easily add friends and family to a chat room.  So why not add the whole class of 2020? Although seniors may not be able to walk across the stage, they can walk across their family room with all their friends cheering along side them.  A graduation ceremony memory to last a lifetime. 

As for grad parties, although there won't be a house full of classmates, you can still celebrate all the hard work your senior had done throughout the years with just a few easy steps.  The first and most important thing are decorations! Simple streamers, balloons and table cloths in your dining room can make the space memorable and fun.  For dinner, support local small business by ordering catering for the whole family. 

Besides a virtual commencement and a family sized grad party, there are still more fun ways to honor your grad.  Memory boards are an easy surprise to add to the celebration.  Pick out some of your grads' favorite memories from over the years, certificates of accomplishment, and whatever art work or other achievements your grad has done over their educational years.  

Coming from a family who has a graduating senior, my mom and I teamed up and tried something special for her.  We sent out a questionnaire to our friends and family asking 1. Your favorite memory you share with Grace (my sister) and 2. Any graduation wishes or life advice you wish to impart on the graduate? These were included with self addressed envelopes which we put together in a book with her graduation picture on the front.  Simple ideas can make a huge impact and lasting memory on the graduate, and they can keep them forever! 

Written by: ABBY WEESE, REBECCA ADELE EVENTS INTERN