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/

Switching from Print Journalism to Public Relations

When I first started college, my major was Multi-Platform Journalism. This involved interviewing sources, doing research, and then writing a 600-word article. As I reached my junior year I began to find myself disliking this sort of writing. I had to stick to the facts and nothing but the facts. I began to realize that print journalism was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Although it was too late to change my sequence and restart on the Public Relations track, I did manage to find a loophole.

If you find yourself in the same situation as me, don’t panic! It’s not too late! You can still go into public relations without changing your major! You just have to alter your writing style a little bit. Public relations requires you to think more about your audience and allow your creativity to flow. I find that when writing plans, it is easier to find your photos first and then think of fun and interesting captions to go with them! It is also important to remember that a lot of online readers tend to skim articles. So, you have to capture their attention and keep it with only a few sentences or words! The best thing about Public Relations and writing for social media is that it isn’t routine, every day is something different and that’s why I am so happy to have changed my career path before graduating!

I have been very blessed to be given the opportunity to work with Rebecca Adele PR & Events. In just the three weeks that I have been here I have learned so much! I have been able to break free of the writing style I was so accustomed to and have allowed the creativity to flow. Being here has only made my decision to continue a career path in PR even more certain! So, if you find yourself stuck between the two, my advice is to go for it! Maybe later on in life you’ll find yourself missing print but at least you’ll have the skill set to write for both and your opportunities will be endless!

Written by Tiffany Jackson of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Reflecting on My Summer at Rebecca Adele PR & Events

As my time as a summer intern for Rebecca PR & Events comes to a close, I have a lot to be thankful for and reflect on. I’ve had experience writing and using social media, but I’ve never used these skills in the platform I’ve been able to during my time here.

When I first applied for this internship, I had no idea what was in store for me; I just knew it felt like the perfect fit. Turns out, I was right! This experience has provided me with the knowledge and skills I need to be successful in my future career. Not only have I learned new skills and improved the ones I already had, but it’s been a reassuring experience for me. I always knew I loved the public relations field, but looking back on my time here and everything I’ve done, I know for certain that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I have Becki to thank for that.

From creating blog posts to social media plans to working the events throughout the summer, not a second of it was mundane or boring. I’ve had the opportunity at this internship to do more than just sit in an office day-in and day-out and wait for my dismissal. I looked forward to my work day and the conversation and friendships I’ve built with Becki and Lexie, the other intern.

Normally, I would be very sad to leave this internship forever. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked to stay on with Rebecca Adele PR & Events and continue my internship experience virtually for the upcoming fall semester. Being the last semester of my college career, I know the continuation of this internship will keep my skills sharp and keep me focused and ready when a full-time career opportunity arises.

I couldn’t have asked for a better internship and I can’t think of another way I would have rather spent my summer than here at Rebecca Adele PR & Events!

Written by Shaylee Dillen of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

My Summer at Rebecca Adele PR & Events

I can’t believe my internship at Rebecca PR & Events is coming to an end! It feels like it was just yesterday that I was walking into Becki’s colorful and fun office, being greeted by several cats and her beloved pup, Google.

I looked forward to the 45-minute drive to Solon every Monday and Wednesday because our workdays were upbeat and fun, filled with music, talking and the exchange of ideas. While I did have some experience in social media, I have never done any public relations or event planning. However, Becki made it easy to learn and explained everything I needed to know, while still giving me some room to be creative and think for myself.

My day-to-day tasks included writing blogs and press releases, producing and scheduling social media posts, and marketing for upcoming shows for Avant-Garde and Bump to Bows Shows! Working in a fast paced environment has definitely helped me to work harder and be more efficient and creative in my writing. Being able to see my work being used online was rewarding and made me confident that the work I was doing was relevant and important.

Working with Becki was such a rewarding and fun experience. She was constantly giving feedback and helping me to learn from my mistakes, which is what I was looking for in an internship. Hearing her success story about how she was able to get where she is today was very inspiring, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work for such a successful and experienced woman.  One of the most important things that she taught me is that you can do anything you want as long as you work for it and to not let anyone get in the way of your goals. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Becki is very lucky because her kind and hard-working attitude is inspiring and surely motivating. I am so very appreciative for my experience at Rebecca Adele PR & Events and will use what I have learned for my future career in public relations!

Written by Caitlin Homcy of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Patriotic Party Fun!

If you are someone who loves to throw summer parties, you probably love when the 4^th of July rolls around! The holiday usually includes sweet treats, backyard BBQs and, of course, everything red, white and blue. This summer, try these unique and fun ideas that will make your party memorable and fun for all ages!

What’s the first thing most people think of when it comes to a summer BBQ? Hotdogs and burgers! This hotdog and burger bar is a fabulous and unique way to let your guests serve themselves. You can make it as simple as you would like by sticking some cute signs in/in front of condiment bowls, adding a few American flags and buying patriotic plates and silverware!

Of course you have to have a sweet treat for your guests after they eat from the hotdog and burger bar! Homemade mini patriotic mini ice cream sandwiches are a perfect dessert to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Take homemade cookies that have cooled down and put a scoop of ice cream (any kind!) in the middle. Roll them in festive sprinkles, pop them in the freezer for a while to firm and then serve to your guests!

Want to amaze your guests and have your party remembered for years? Include a fun and games section to organize sparklers, fireworks and poppers! This is a unique and charming way to decorate a table. Simply get a few mason jars and use chalkboard labels so that finding what your guests need is cute and easy.

Written by Caitlin Homcy of Rebecca Adele PR & Events