Extra credit : Google Analytics on this blog

 

Week 12 Part B

 For this week's assignment I left comments on Suraia Taylor blog and business Comfortable and fit. Matthew Winkle's Sammy's Slime was next. Julia Hunter's Jewlw's AI was the third and fourth was Jose Luna's sustainable landscaping business Punto Verde.

Week 11 Part A: Using AI, Social Influencers, LinkedIn, Conversation based Social Media

   This week, I decided to dive into how AI can be used for social media marketing and content creation. I’ve been watching AI grow from the sidelines for a while now, but I’ve only recently started really paying attention to how powerful these tools have become. What I’ve found is that AI isn’t just for coders or big tech companies anymore. It’s actually something I and anyone else trying to grow a brand, can use right now.

  One of the biggest ways AI is changing the game is with content creation. Tools like ChatGPT can generate posts, social media ads, etc. You just give it a topic or a few key points, and it puts together something surprisingly good. If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to post/write, this takes a lot of that stress away. It’s  a writing assistant on call.

   Another area I looked into is AI-generated art. This part honestly blew my mind a little. With DALL·E or Midjourney, you type in something like “vintage space-themed coffee shop logo” and within seconds you’ve got a bunch of original designs to pick from. Some of them need a little editing, but the time and creativity it saves is huge. We tried this in another business and were able to quickly put together promotional images that would’ve taken hours (or money) if we went the traditional route.

   AI is also starting to play a bigger role in customer service and automation. You can use chatbots to answer questions and help customers without needing to be online 24/7. That’s especially helpful if you’re running a small business like us and don’t have a team. Some tools will even analyze your posts and tell you the best times to publish or what tone works best with your audience.

   After digging into this a bit, I can definitely see the value. AI might not be the perfect fit for everything, but it’s a serious tool in the toolbox. If you’re building something or trying to grow your presence online, it’s like a secret weapon.

Week 15 Part B: What We Can Learn from Facebook and Other Analytics

 Every other week, I check my Facebook analytics to see how my content is doing. This month’s review gave me some clear takeaways about what’s working and what needs improvement.

The first thing I noticed was that more people were liking, commenting, and sharing my posts—even though fewer people were seeing them overall. This shows that Facebook’s algorithm is favoring posts that get real interaction, not just lots of views. It reminded me that it’s better to create posts that start a conversation than to just post often.

One big success this month was video. Short videos, especially those under a minute, got much more engagement than photos or links. People are clearly interested in quick, visual content that’s easy to watch and share. I plan to make more of these moving forward.

I also saw a shift in my audience. Most of my followers used to be between 35 and 44, but now more of them are in the 25 to 34 age range. This younger group may want different kinds of content, and I’ll need to adjust my posts to better connect with them—possibly by changing when and how I post.

One challenge I noticed was a drop in clicks to my website. Even though people were engaging with posts on Facebook, fewer were clicking through to read more or shop. This tells me I need to make my content more useful and complete right inside Facebook, instead of always trying to send people elsewhere.

Instagram showed some of the same trends. Posts with interactive features like polls and slideshows (carousels) got more attention. When I invited people to participate, they responded. It confirmed that people don’t just want to see content—they want to be part of it.

All of this showed me that analytics are more than just numbers. They help me understand what my audience likes and how I can improve. I’ll be focusing more on videos, using interactive features, and making content that works well within each platform. I’ll also adjust my strategy to better match what younger users seem to enjoy.

In a fast-changing digital world, looking at analytics regularly helps me stay on track. The data is there to guide us—we just have to use it.

Week 17: Final Post

   My experience with social media has evolved this semester and reshaped my personal and professional use of these platforms. Once, social media was just a way to keep in touch, showcase my not-so-serious side, and do some half-hearted promotions. Now, it's all about strategy. Anything less and I'll be talking to nobody on these platforms. Anything more and I might become a social media overlord. So, I think I hit the sweet spot here.

   Throughout the research carried out this semester, I found numerous groundbreaking methods for connecting with customers. The one that impressed me the most was short-form video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. When I saw how some businesses were using these platforms to create quick, engaging videos that captured attention while conveying essential information, I knew I had to give it a go. 

   Taking this all in pushed me to rethink what I was doing with my privacy (in not just a Facebook, but also in an online world at large). And it led to a surprising final project that wasn't at all what I'd first envisioned.

   Because of these new strategies, my business is noticing real changes. Engagement is way up, with levels of comments, shares, and direct interactions that are translating into way more visibility. I don't just have more followers since the implementation of these strategies; the actual people who follow me seem to be paying way more attention and are interacting way more with the stuff I put out. And folks are definitely showing way more interest in my products. All this improved visibility and attention has definitely led to more inquiries and sales, too.

   My ease in navigating social media platforms and their offerings has blossomed into confidence, thanks to the direct experience that I've gained through this course. I've spent time on several platforms, learning their ins and outs, and how best to utilize them for my interior design business. I've also done research on successful (and not-so-successful) practices that other businesses have used. This, combined with my firsthand social media experience, has given me a much clearer picture of how I need to be operating on those same platforms in order to see positive results.

Week 16 Part B: Building Out Our Strategy

Week 1

Monday kicks things off, a couple of hours to map out the month's tone and set the stage by scheduling all posts across platforms. I'll implement strategies specifically designed to attract new followers, including engaging with popular accounts within the niche, and creating shareable content to encourage organic growth. I’ll spotlight a recent project on Instagram and curate some pins for Pinterest. Given our current follower count, I'll specifically include strategies aimed at attracting new followers, such as targeted hashtags and possibly collaborative posts. On Tuesday, I’m spending about an hour giving my followers a behind-the-scenes peek via Instagram Stories. Midweek Wednesday, I'll dedicate 90 minutes to sharing a client's glowing testimonial on Facebook and refreshing my Houzz portfolio with the latest pics. Thursday  about an hour making a project walkthrough for Instagram Reels and responding to comments and messages. Friday wraps the week with 90 minutes digging into analytics (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite) to see what's clicking, plan specific actions based on these insights, and adjust accordingly to enhance follower growth.

Week 2

Monday starts with two hours posting striking before-and-after transformations on Instagram Pinterest to attract new followers. Tuesday gets an hour focused on a post highlighting fresh trends and promoting any upcoming events or workshops on Facebook, with extra attention to promotion to boost visibility. Wednesday’s hour and a half is all about community vibes on Houzz and interactive Q&A fun on Instagram Stories, advertised beforehand to maximize participation and engagement. Thursday, I’ll share project update videos on Instagram. Friday, another deep dive into the data helps refine strategies specifically aimed at improving follower count and engagement.

Week 3

This Monday, two hours to schedule weekly posts spotlighting our commitment to sustainable, beautiful, eco-friendly design visuals for Instagram and Pinterest, explicitly crafted to resonate and engage more followers. Tuesday's hour is dedicated to featuring a professional spotlight or cool collaboration on LinkedIn to extend our reach. On Wednesday, an hour will go into a storytelling moment with a customer video on Facebook and fresh Houzz content, designed to be engaging and shareable. Thursday is another quick hour of engaging helpful design tips on Instagram Stories and Reels, planned strategically to increase visibility. Friday closes the loop with analytics review, planning targeted actions to boost follower engagement.

Week 4

On Monday I'll spend two hours showcasing a recent favorite client project on Instagram and getting active in Pinterest community boards, both specifically targeting follower growth. Tuesday’s hour is for cross-posting promotional highlights on Facebook and Instagram, strategically planned to enhance visibility and attract new followers. Wednesday, I'll invest 90 minutes into giving Houzz a portfolio facelift and posting an engaging Instagram video highlighting special design elements, again focused on enhancing our visibility. Thursday is a community day—one hour responding to comments, messages, and keeping interactions personal to maintain high engagement levels. Finishing strong on Friday, another 90-minute session goes to analytics review, with targeted actions identified to adjust strategies and improve follower growth for the month ahead.

Week 16 Part A: Developing Our Marketing Strategy

In the highly visual and competitive world of interior design, crafting an effective social media marketing strategy is essential. Understanding which platforms best align with our business and leveraging the right tools are key factors for maximizing  marketing efforts. 

Selecting the Ideal Platforms

Different social media platforms cater uniquely to the interior design industry: Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing portfolios, inspirational content, and visually appealing transformations. Facebook is excellent for building community, direct customer engagement, and promoting events or special offers. Houzz is specialized for interior design professionals to showcase projects and find clients.

Implementing Effective Tools from the Semester

 From our semester’s exploration, Later seems to be the best fit for our business. Also Meta Business suite helps us efficiently manage Facebook and Instagram content in one place, schedule posts, analyze performance metrics, and engage directly with our audience. It simplifies social media management and enhances interaction capabilities.

Tools I Enjoyed Most and Why

 Meta Business Suite streamlined content management, engagement, and performance monitoring across crucial social platforms.

Time for Social Media Marketing

Given the visual intensity and engagement-driven nature of interior design, dedicating 1-2 hours daily is optimal. This ensures consistent audience interaction without overwhelming other commitments. 

Thinking into the future

Social media is constantly evolving. We have to regularly review and adjust our strategy, adapt to new platforms and trends, stay responsive to analytics insights and audience feedback, to ensure our presence remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful.

Week 15 Part A: Google Analytics

 Google Analytics offers powerful features that can assist with business decision-making and marketing. Here are five key features that stand out for their potential:

1. Real-Time Reporting

The Real-Time Reporting feature allows us to monitor user activity on the website as it happens. This insight helps assess the effectiveness of the content and the format. For instance, if a new post is published real-time data can show how users are engaging with it, enabling us to make adjustments to maximize performance.

2. Audience Demographics and Interests

Understanding the audience is crucial for creating content and marketing efforts. Google Analytics provides detailed demographic information, including age, gender, and interests of website visitors. This data helps businesses create more targeted and relevant content, improving both user engagement and experience.

3. Conversion Tracking

Conversion Tracking enables our business to measure the effectiveness of our content in achieving specific call to actions. By setting up these goals, we can identify which strategies are driving conversions, leading to more informed decision-making.

4. Traffic Sources Analysis

Knowing where traffic originates is essential for marketing strategy. GA breaks down traffic sources into categories like organic search, direct visits, social media, and referrals. This analysis helps businesses allocate resources focusing on channels that yield the highest returns.

5. Behavior Flow Visualization

The Behavior Flow report visualizes the path users take through a website, from the landing page to exit. This feature highlights where users drop off or continue their journey, providing insights into user experience and website structure. By understanding these patterns, we can optimize site navigation and content placement to enhance user retention and satisfaction.

Week 14: Social Media Management Tools

   Managing social media can quickly become overwhelming—creating content, scheduling posts, tracking performance, and engaging with your audience all require significant effort. Thankfully, several social media management tools are designed to simplify these tasks. This past week, I explored four popular tools: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social and Later, to understand their pricing, and overall effectiveness.

   Hootsuite is a well-known platform, offering comprehensive features ideal for businesses. Although it previously provided a free option, as of March 2023, Hootsuite no longer offers a free plan. Its paid subscriptions start at $99 per month, covering one user and up to five social media accounts. Higher-tier options include an advanced plan at $249 per month for unlimited accounts, and custom enterprise plans. Hootsuite is a great choice for businesses needing features like analytics, scheduling, and team collaboration.

  Buffer is simple and affordable. It offers a free plan, allowing management of up to three social media channels with ten scheduled posts each. Paid tier start at just $6 per month per channel, with user friendly interface, efficient scheduling, analytics and AI insights. 

   Sprout Social is the premium option, starting at $199 per month per user. Its strength lies in advanced analytics, social listening tools, and CRM integration, suitable for larger businesses.

   Later specializes in visual platforms, particularly Instagram. Its free plan allows users to manage one profile per social platform with up to 30 scheduled posts per month. Paid plans, begin at $18 per month & offer enhanced scheduling tools and a media library. Later seems to be a greatt choice for brands that are active on Instagram and Pinterest.

   Choosing the right tool depends on specific needs, budget, team size, and social media strategy. Buffer and Later provide affordable and user-friendly options, suitable for small businesses. Hootsuite offers some more features for businesses ready to invest in advanced tools, and Sprout Social is best for larger organizations needing detailed analytics and integration.

Week 13 Part A: Online Advertising - Analysis of the Marketplace

   Scrolling through Instagram and Facebook these days feels like walking through a digital marketplace. It’s an endless stream of curated content, from influencers doing day-in-the-life content to sponsored ads promoting products one never knew they needed (but now somehow want). Social media advertising, powered by AI and algorithms, has become not only a dominant marketing force but also a fascinating experiment in psychology. After diving into articles from Buffer and Hootsuite about how the algorithms function, it’s clear we’re witnessing the evolution of advertising from the broad traditional media to the precise work of digital targeting.

  What stands out most in the advertising on Facebook and Instagram is how visual and immersive it has become. On Instagram especially, where image is everything,(remember when everyone scolded Andre Agassi for saying that in a Canon commercial?) effective ads use high-quality, clean visuals with a bold call to action like Learn More, Shop Now, or Swipe Up. For instance, I recently saw an ad for an electric cargo bike that caught my eye because of a clever video showing it carry children and pets with ease. The ad led to a beautifully designed landing page that seamlessly walked me through the product’s benefits and, surprisingly, offered a limited-time discount. That’s when It hit me: modern ads are less like billboards and more like subtle nudges inside the user experience.

  Not all ads hit the mark. Some feel repetitive, clunky, or oddly placed—like when I see car insurance ads on Instagram that are clearly not aligned with my interests. These are typically the ones that feel like digital white noise one scrolls past without a second thought. What’s more annoying are aggressive retargeting ads that follow me after I’ve browsed a product once. Google “camper van” out of curiosity once and I suddenly find myself haunted by it on every platform. This is where the algorithm’s hyper focus becomes a double-edged sword. While it can be helpful in resurfacing a product you were genuinely interested in, it can also feel like a mattress salesperson who refuses to leave you alone, even after you’ve walked out of the store.

   In newspapers or magazines, ads were based more on general population than personal behavior. Nike might take out a full-page spread in Sports Illustrated, hoping to capture the attention of a broad audience. Billboards and radio spots still serve this purpose, they're more about reach. The philosophy here is that the more people hear about it the more chance of the message reaching the interested parties. But with social media, instead of rolling the dice and hoping the right person sees your message, platforms like Facebook and Instagram fine-tune the message to match the person.

  Traditional advertising still holds its place in some industries. For example, local service businesses like a dentist, a smog check or car wash can benefit from physical signs or local radio. There’s something about seeing an ad in the open that gives it a sense of credibility. But it lacks the adaptability and performance metrics that digital advertising thrives on. Online ads can be tested, monitored, and adjusted within hours. This level of feedback isn’t possible in legacy formats.

   Interestingly, some digital ads still mimic the old-school methods—showing the same generic content to everyone, regardless of interest. You can tell when a brand is doing the bare minimum with its targeting. These are often the least effective ads, and they serve as a reminder that just being on social media isn’t enough; using it well requires understanding the platform’s language, visuals, and its users.

   At the end of the day, I find social media advertising more effective—but only when it’s done thoughtfully. When it’s personalized without being pushy, and interactive without being invasive, it becomes part of the experience rather than an interruption. The line between content and advertisement continues to blur, and as consumers, we’re becoming more fluent in spotting when something is crafted for us or just tossed into the feed. And as creators or business owners, understanding that distinction might just be the key to making it.

Week 12 Part A: Using Business Specific Online Tools

  Today, business owners must adopt tools that make collaboration, connection, and visibility not only easier, but smarter. This past week, I checked out a variety of platforms ranging from collaboration suites and networking hubs to review-based sites and niche social platforms. My goal was to figure out which ones are worth the time, and which might actually help the way I work and connect.

  The first set of tools I'll write about were collaboration platforms, and I have to admit this is an area where I’ve previously underestimated the potential. While I'm comfortable working independently, there's no denying that cloud-based tools like Slack, Trello, Notion, and ClickUp have made remote teamwork smoother and smarter. I quickly tested a few and found Notion to be the most flexible for my own work. It feels less like a project manager barking deadlines and more like a digital whiteboard, great for organizing ideas, tasks and research in one place. If I was managing a team, I’d absolutely rely on one of these to keep everyone moving in the same direction.

  Shifting focus to professional networking, I returned to LinkedIn with fresh eyes. I’d created a profile a while back but never fully tapped into the potential of its group communities. This time, I joined a few groups related to entrepreneurship, sports tech, and AI. The conversations happening there—ranging from discussions about ethical AI to niche grant opportunities for athletic startups—were Kind of useful, however feeling a little transactional. For anyone looking to find strategic partnerships, this platform still has plenty of value.

   Next, I explored Meetup, which felt like stepping into the analog world from a digital doorway. Unlike LinkedIn, Meetup is less about resumes and more about shared tech and creative talks, entrepreneur groups, and even athletic meetups. I found a group for sports tech founders and another for AI startups that occasionally meet online and in person. What I enjoyed most is how organic it felt. You're not there to pitch, just to connect. And the most meaningful partnerships come from a conversation that doesn’t start with “Let me sell you something.” If used intentionally, Meetup can be a great supplement to more structured platforms like LinkedIn.

I also revisited Yelp and Google Reviews. Many years ago I launched my tennis instruction business based on a review of my sole student's father. He mentioned: "Great with children" somewhere. His words gave life to a business that has kept me and my family blessed to this day. I feel indebted, forever. These days I work out of private clubs and am not allowed to bring in guests or provide services to non members. If I were to to start out of city parks again one day. Google and Yelp would be my first station.

  Finally, I dipped into the vibrant and chaotic world of TikTok and live streaming platforms like Twitch. Though my work doesn’t revolve around music or gaming, I saw how these platforms could be adapted to fit a wide range of content. I watched coaches break down sports drills in bite-sized clips, artists livestream their creative process, and small business owners share behind-the-scenes moments that felt more authentic than any polished ad. TikTok, in particular, has a unique ability to make something go viral with just a few seconds of well-timed storytelling. While I may not adopt these platforms immediately, I can absolutely see their value in building trust and engagement, especially with younger audiences.

  In the end, what stands out is how each of these tools carve out a different space in the digital world. No solo platform does it all, but together, they create a network of possibility.

Week 11 Part B: AI, a Social Media Engine

   In the world of digital marketing, AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a tool that’s reshaping how people and businesses approach their online presence. I was drawn to explore how AI is not only changing the game but actually building the stadium. It’s fascinating to watch AI move from behind-the-scenes automation to front-and-center content creation. Whether writing posts, generating visual artwork, or optimizing strategies, AI is becoming the teammate we didn’t know we needed.

   The most obvious and practical application of AI in the social media is content generation. ChatGPT, Grok, and Claude allow creators to brainstorm, structure, and polish content in a fraction of the time it used to take. I’ve personally experimented with AI-generated writing and found it to be a solid starting point when I’m stuck or short on time. For example, inputting a few simple prompts like “tennis footwork drills for beginners” or “how to promote mental toughness in athletes” will return well-organized, readable drafts that I can shape into my own voice. While I would never recommend relying only on AI to speak for you—authenticity is branding—it can absolutely help streamline the creative process.

   AI is quite capable in generating images. Midjourney and DALL·E can take a handful of descriptive words and produce stunning digital artwork. I recently tried generating artwork inspired by futuristic tennis courts, and what I got back looked like concept art for a sci-fi film. It’s easy to imagine how this could be used for promotional posters, product mockups, or social campaigns that need an eye-catching visual hook. However, the ethics of AI-generated art aren’t exactly black and white. Many of these tools are trained on existing artwork, and there’s an ongoing debate about whether this is plagiarism. It's something we need to be thoughtful about—especially when using these tools commercially.

   AI is made for tasks like analytics and optimization. There are platforms designed to track how your content performs and then offer intelligent suggestions on when to post, what hashtags to use, and even what kind of media to prioritize. In a way, this takes some of the guesswork out of audience engagement. For someone like me, who’s juggling multiple roles and projects, that’s a valuable time-saver. 

  Video is another area where AI is entering. Pictory, Sora, Synthesia and Runway are capable of taking long-form content—like training footage or interviews—and breaking it down into shareable clips. This is particularly useful for coaches or creators who have a backlog of material but not the time or technical skill to edit it all manually. With a few clicks, AI can identify and cut the highlights, and even add subtitles and transitions. 

But with all this power at our fingertips, I think it’s important to reflect on the boundaries. AI can assist, accelerate, and amplify—but it shouldn’t replace the human element that makes a brand truly resonate. People follow brands because of connection, not perfection. AI might be able to polish your message, but it can’t tell your story, with your humor, or your shortcoming. So while I fully embrace AI as a creative and strategic asset, I also see it as an asset—not a replacement.

Exploring AI in this context has opened my eyes to both its possibilities and its limitations. It’s not just a tool for efficiency; it's a creative partner. Used thoughtfully, it can help a brand grow faster, connect deeper, and stay ahead of the curve—all while letting the human behind the brand focus on what they do best.

Week 10 A: Newsletters

What’s Worth Sharing? 

A well-designed newsletter should feel like a curated space—warm, interesting, and full of personality. Here’s what I’d include:

• Before & After Projects – Everyone loves a transformation. Bonus points for storytelling with a client quote or design challenge.

• Mood Boards & Inspirations – Give readers a peek into your creative mind with seasonal palettes or upcoming project previews.

• Design Tips – Simple, visual, and actionable advice (e.g., “3 Ways to Style a Console Table”).

• Feature a Local Artist or Brand – Celebrate community and build collaborative visibility.

• Behind the Scenes – Progress shots, sketches, sourcing days—people love seeing the magic mid-process.

• Event Invites or Pop-Up News – For the Design Week event, for example.

What I’ve Learned From Other Newsletters

The good newsletters have some things in common. They’re short, image-rich, and not trying to sell with every breath. What doesn’t work? Walls of text, generic content, or poorly formatted layouts. 

Ultimately, our newsletter should echo our brand’s voice: insightful, inspired, and visually driven-an intentional space to connect, inspire, and grow.

Week 9 Part A: TikTok

Given TikTok's immense global reach and dynamic video-sharing format, it certainly has potential for interior design businesses looking to expand their digital footprint. TikTok's algorithm uniquely promotes engaging content, meaning even a new account with few followers can quickly gain visibility if the videos resonate with viewers.

Short, eye-catching videos featuring design transformations, DIY projects, quick tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into our process can naturally appeal to a wide audience. TikTok videos are particularly suited to highlighting dramatic before-and-after reveals that are both satisfying and shareable, enhancing our potential to go viral.

However, TikTok's future, especially in the U.S., is somewhat uncertain. Concerns about data privacy and potential bans mean there's some risk involved in heavily investing your marketing efforts here. While recent attempts at banning TikTok were short-lived, ongoing discussions about data privacy mean it's important to stay informed and adaptable.

Starting with a personal account to get comfortable with TikTok’s features might be a good approach. We could experiment initially, understanding viewer engagement and gradually shifting to a business account, which offers analytics, targeted advertising, and promotional opportunities that personal accounts don't provide.

Ultimately, TikTok could be an excellent tool for connecting visually and emotionally with clients, especially younger demographics who frequently turn to TikTok for inspiration and entertainment. Yet, keep a diversified social media approach—maintaining a presence on stable platforms like Instagram or Google My Business—to ensure the business remains resilient and visible regardless of TikTok’s future.

Week 9 Part B

 Let's be honest, when people need knowledge fast, they tend to turn to Google. For  the business owner, there's no two ways around it: Having a claimed and well-managed Google Business Profile should be a top priority (and pretty much is the definition of low-hanging fruit). With a few clicks and some minimal interacting with the interface, you can not set your hours of operation and integrate features such as photos and promotional tools that help keep customers informed.

If you have a physical store, you can't beat Google when it comes to helping customers locate you. You provide your address, and map steers likely customers right to the front door. Even better, your customers can update your Google page by posting their own photos and reviews of your business. Keeping the page fresh, responding to reviews, and interacting with the likely-to-leave-some-reviews crowd can make a big difference in the business's performance in Google's rankings.

Google offers so much more than mere listings. For those who have their own sites, adding Google's analytical scripts can provide deep insight into who your visitors are and what they're doing with your site. Even without a site, Google's built-in analytics can offer insights into just how powerful (or not) your cause is—tools to measure the effectiveness of your outreach and improve the experiences of your customers.

Google Workspace elevates things further, providing business-oriented Gmail accounts, powerful cloud storage, collaborative tools, and shared calendars. For team meetings, content coordination, or planning promotional events, Google's integrated ecosystem is set up to streamline and increase your productivity. On top of everything else, the suite contains a number of bonus tools like AI that make working in the cloud even easier.

Google often gets overlooked when we talk about social media, but for small businesses, it can be a real game changer. Local searches performed on Google too often drive more traffic and conversions than some of the oldest and most popular social platforms. I looked at a number of local businesses, and the most successful of all the ones I checked regularly update their Google profiles, have a back-and-forth dialogue with reviewers, and are plainly using analytics to drive their decision-making.

Week 8 Part B

 As I am reading through the Real Purpose of Blogging for Your Business, I immediately realized that our small interior design business lends itself well to Blogs and especially Vlogs. Before and after videos, mishaps and challenges during renovations, occasional awe inspiring projects or simple back stories to design inspiration can all become engaging content. To take this idea further one can approach a producer with the idea of a well polished design challenge/ reality TV.

However, there are times when maintaining a professional or serious tone might be more appropriate, especially if the goal is to emphasize reliability and expertise. For example, a detailed post about selecting the right materials or adhering to building codes or finances, requires serious language to relay the seriousness of the topic and build confidence in our abilities.

successful brands often blend personal stories with practical information to create trust and appeal emotionally to their customers. Yet a legal, or engineering or medical firm can't benefit from personal content in their social media presence.

Week 8 Part A

 During this week, I set up a posting schedule for Leyli's interior design Instagram page, sharing content three times: Monday morning at 9 AM, Wednesday afternoon at 1 PM, and Friday evening at 6 PM. Each chosen based on Instagram analytics, which suggested peak engagement around these times for people interested in lifestyle and interior content.

I used several hashtags, including popular ones #InteriorDesign, #HomeDecor, and #DesignInspiration. These were discovered using Instagram's Explore feature, checking competitor posts.

In addition, I created specific branded hashtags to reinforce my business identity: #DesignByLeyli and #InteriorInsights. These branded tags help followers easily find and engage with our content.

From this exercise, I learned that early mornings and early evenings on weekdays were most effective, especially Friday evenings, likely because my audience is more active and responsive heading into the weekend. Additionally, reposting Instagram content to Facebook broadened my reach significantly, connecting me with a different demographic who interacts more frequently on Facebook.

Overall, strategic timing, targeted hashtags, and cross-platform posting proved invaluable for enhancing engagement and expanding our brand's visibility.