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When Twitter was founded in 2006, no one would have guessed that Twitter would become a main hub for creators, entrepreneurs, politicians, and celebrities to connect, debate, and grow businesses. We would all come to love that little blue bird because that little icon gave so many voiceless people voices.

Throughout its lifespan, Twitter gained a name for itself because of the impact it left on society. It wasn’t your ordinary social media platform. This platform helped communities raise money for a local member in need, helped protesters express themselves, and gave people a voice to speak on their views. They were also a news-focused outlet where journalists would come to update viewers on current events right when they were happening.

It has been a great place to grow a blog, connect with others who enjoyed your hobbies, and of course, find funny memes.

While Twitter has been an iconic name in social media, there were dark sides of Twitter that began to take root in recent years, causing investors and users to become concerned.

In the years before Elon Musk purchased it, Twitter was struggling to keep up with the changing social media landscape, leading to the company being less profitable. This was due to the increase in spam accounts, the spreading of misinformation, and cyberbullying.

When COVID-19 hit, more people than ever were online and stressed out. Pair that with the 2020 election, and it was a nightmare for Twitter.

Fast forward to 2022 and the present day. Elon Musk purchases Twitter for $44 billion and quickly gets to work making the changes he sees fit.  This includes removing the little blue bird entirely, and changing to what we know now, X.

His goal was to rid the platform of spam accounts and bots while protecting free speech, but his success on both fronts has been… doubtful at best. Beyond that, his changes have alienated both users and brands, putting the platform on even shakier ground than when he bought it.

Now that advertisers have pulled out of X, more competing platforms like Threads and Bluesky have popped up, and X’s engagement has plummeted.

Where will 2024 take X? I guess we will find out!

TikTok continues to grow in engagement, advertising, and usage, even with the setbacks we have seen with government officials trying to ban the app in the United States.

It continues to be a growing platform with commerce being a major focus in 2024. The app has proven to be a powerhouse for monetizing content, growing a business, building a side hustle, or spreading awareness.

The great thing about TikTok is that even if some of your videos don’t go viral, you can still build a strong following and presence as a brand.

Let’s look at a few ways you can see fast results with this successful content marketing strategy.

Prioritize Compelling Hooks and Calls to Action

Even if your video is full of value, the audience won’t know or bother to find out if your hook doesn’t draw them in. Hooks are the first impression of every video. If it isn’t compelling, they will scroll on by.

Here are a few examples of scroll-stopping hooks:

• Unpopular opinion
• If you have…, start doing this!
• This is what happened when I tried …… for a week/month!
• This is why you’re not …..

Once you nail down the right hook for your video, always end with a call-to-action of some sort. You will want to mix it up from a sales action or an engagement action.

Here are a few examples of calls to action:

• Sign up and save!
• Stitch this with your point of view!
• Give us a try
• Send this to a friend who needs it

On TikTok, It’s Okay to Broaden Your Horizons

Pushing your content out to a wider audience will help you not only boost your video performance but also cast a wider net to broaden your audience on the platform.

Once you nail down the videos that perform the best and the demographics of those who engage with your content, then you can begin to target smaller more qualified audiences.

Produce High-Quality Videos

This is the easiest strategy: create high-quality, full-size videos. This makes your videos look more aesthetically appealing to the viewer. When you go to record a video, make sure it will fit the frame size of 9:16.

Users tend to engage with content that fits naturally into the feed and gives a cinematic feel.

Have a Variety of Formats Available

Your audience wants to see a variety. Some users may be in the right mood to watch a ten-minute video about your product, while others only have the attention span for a quick one-minute video.

Keep them on their toes and provide a variety of formats to your audience. You also want to provide them with not only product videos but also engaging content that gets them laughing, smiling, or shaking their heads.

While you implement this strategy, remember the key to building a strong presence on any platform is consistency and authenticity. Don’t bend your values to accommodate the latest trend; find what works for your brand and stick to it. A true customer will appreciate your brand’s unique approach.

Local community outreach is often overlooked as a marketing strategy, but in reality, it is a major part of whether a small business scales or fails.

This is because when you build a strong relationship with your local community, it unlocks new opportunities and gives you access to different types of promotions. Community organizations such as your local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce are great examples of how your brand can build a strong relationship while increasing promotion.

The connection between a small business and a local community is easy to understand, but how to achieve this may not be. So, here are a few tips on how to build a relationship with your local community:

As mentioned above, first on the list is joining a community organization. There are many organizations and business networks in a community that provide advocacy on behalf of local businesses. Small businesses are what make up a city or town and because of this, the community is more likely to advocate for your brand.

For example, connecting with local chambers of commerce can add a lot of value. Their goal is to provide businesses with networking opportunities through local events, directories, and programs. These types of organizations are a great way to meet potential business partners or clients.

Next, get friendly with your neighbors.

Start by introducing yourself to other local businesses in the area and ask if you can swap business cards with them. Many businesses will allow you to put your business cards on display at their register for shoppers to see to increase visibility.

Also, hang out at neighborhood events or host one yourself. The best way to get your name out there is by knowing the people you live next to and building a strong relationship with them.

Lastly, spruce up your local SEO.

Let’s say you meet someone at an event or in the neighborhood and they can’t remember the name you provided them, but they know the service. If your Google My Business is up to date and your website has strong SEO, they can search for your service and have your business pop up as an option.

This is also important for locals who are looking for a product or service you provide. More than likely, they are searching for the best-rated company out there, and if your community building is strong and your profiles show it, locals are more likely to choose you.

Community building doesn’t have to be hard. It can be a lot of fun once you start to participate in local events and networking groups. Think of it like hanging out with a group of friends. On top of that, it is crucial for any small business to thrive.

The first customers are always the ones closest to you.

One of the first steps for any small business is building a community around its brand. This is easier said than done for most, especially when your expertise isn’t marketing.

No worries, I’ve got you covered with three audience-building tips every small business owner should know.

Before we dive in, it’s important to know what will affect the type of audience you attract. Every brand persona is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Keep in mind these four things that will affect the type of audience you attract:

1. The industry you are in.
2. The trends that are changing almost daily
3. How you position your brand to others.
4. The platforms you are active on.

These all play a key role in the audience you will attract to your brand. Now let’s get into how you can attract them.

The one you always hear is to know your audience. This may seem redundant but it’s for good reason. It’s just like cooking a meal. If you don’t know the ingredients, you can try to wing it, but it usually doesn’t come out as great. If you don’t know the ins and outs of your audience’s wants, preferences, and dislikes, your marketing will fall flat and you won’t attract individuals who are interested in what you offer.

Next, it is important to know that your brand won’t please everyone and you don’t want to. If you like to create products for book lovers, your audience isn’t the same as someone selling cybersecurity products. Your brand won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but once you find those people, it makes all the difference.

Lastly, you should always be true to who you are as a brand. Like I said above, you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay, but you shouldn’t bend to a different audience just because you want more customers. Find the platforms you NEED to be on, where your target audience spends most of their time, and keep your messaging consistent across all platforms. It may not be an overnight thing, but the results will come if you stay true to who you are as a brand.

Audience building really boils down to just being yourself. You, as a unique individual, started this company for a reason and that is what you need to show to your community.

Online shopping has become a go-to source for many consumers over the years. Why? Because it’s so much easier to click a few buttons and have your new pair of shoes or furniture come straight to your door than it is to get dressed and maneuver a giant box into your car.

Because of this, many retailers have been finding new ways to advertise their products online, and retail media networks are becoming the newest major player for brands.

The reason this form of advertising is growing and will continue to grow in 2024 is because retail media advertising allows the retailer to advertise their product on other retailer networks.

This means that instead of someone clicking on a casserole recipe and seeing your ad pop up on the side, they are actively shopping online through networks such as Amazon when they see your ad pop-up.

Let’s be honest, a consumer will more than likely shop for your product when they are already shopping for new things compared to if they are just trying to cook a dinner for their family.

While this is quickly gaining traction in the advertising world, many marketers still don’t know why it is important.

Let’s fix that.

Reason #1: Brands are reaching customers who are already interested. 

When a brand advertises on a retail media website, it can reach shoppers who are already actively shopping or in the mindset to purchase. So, when they are scrolling for new shoes on this site and see your ad for a different style of shoes or maybe a matching purse, they are more intrigued to click on your product.

The more they see your brand popping up on other retailer sites, the more relevant you stay to the consumer.

Reason #2: The customer conversion journey is usually shorter.

Retail media networks cut out the maze of third-party sites and send the customer directly to you.

For example, if your ad pops up on Instagram while the customer is scrolling, and they want to view the product, they would have to go into your profile and click on your link to take them to your website.

Or they would click on the product ad and shop through Instagram instead of your full website.

Retail media networks cut out the middleman and provide a seamless shopping experience for the customer. We all know that the easier it is to get something, the more likely it is that the item will be purchased.

Reason #3: It’s easier for the shopper to find what they are looking for.

It’s all about the right ad placement and while a shopper is scrolling through another retailer site looking for a specific product, your product may be just what they need, making their shopping experience quicker and your ROI higher.

This advertising space is relatively new, but with time I know this will become a major player in how retailers advertise their products. With everything I mentioned above, who wouldn’t?

Storytelling is the way into a person’s heart. Whether it’s a story of how someone grew a business or a fictional love story, great storytelling captures the attention of the reader.

In marketing, it is just as important. You want your brand to leave a good impression on your audience and the way to do that is through strategic storytelling techniques.

So what makes a story successful? Here are three tips to help you:

First, you want to focus on the words you use. How you tell your story and the words you use play a huge part in how your audience reacts. Remember, the words you use will paint a picture in the minds of your readers, so keep it simple and don’t overcomplicate it.

Next, you want to use emotion in your story. Any good story makes the reader feel something, whether that’s nostalgia, joy, confidence, etc. – nail down what emotion your brand wants to portray to its readers and focus on bringing that emotion to light.

Of course, you also want to be relatable. You too have dealt with the same challenges, and your resolution is what got you to where you are. This is where you should be pushing your product or service as a solution. Use examples of how these played a role in helping you overcome a challenge. Especially in today’s world, relatability and hyper-personalization are key to keeping your audience coming back for more.

So, if you didn’t catch the point of this article, here it is – storytelling is what makes marketing so great. Every commercial you see, magazine feature you read, or video you watch on social media is telling a story.

Let’s talk about the concept of influencer marketing and how it has been one of the most transformative shifts in the marketing world.

Social media is continuing to dominate the digital space and with the growing reliance on online personalities, brands have recognized the immense potential of influencer marketing.

With this realization, the position of Influencer Marketing Manager has emerged in many marketing departments. In this article, we will take a quick look at the role of an Influencer Marketing Manager so you can determine if it is right for you!

What is an Influencer Marketing Manager?

As influencer marketing continues to grow, so does the role of an Influencer Marketing Manager. So, if you have been thinking to yourself “Would I make a good candidate for this position?” here is what to expect.

• Crafting influencer marketing strategies that align with the brand’s goals and resonate with the target audience.

• Sourcing influencers who complement the brand’s values, image, and target demographics.

• Managing smooth and productive collaborations with influencers.

• Overseeing the planning and execution of influencer campaigns.

• Handling the negotiation of contracts, payments, and collaboration terms with influencers, protecting the brand’s interests.

• Supervising the content created by influencers.

• Using data to measure the success of each campaign, and adjusting strategies accordingly.

The Role of an Influencer Marketing Manager

As influencer marketing continues to grow, so does the role of an Influencer Marketing Manager. So, if you have been thinking to yourself “Would I make a good candidate for this position?” here is what to expect.

You must be adaptable and flexible. The influencer world is constantly changing with new platforms, trends, and technologies and it is up to you to stay relevant and choose what is best for the brand you work for.

You need to know how to build connections with the creators. You want the individual to feel passionate about whatever it is you’re promoting, which means you need to understand the interests and preferences of each creator.

You need to understand the legalities of influencer marketing. The last thing you want to do is cause a PR nightmare when a creator posts a video stating your team “forced” them to lie about a product. Stay ethical with every partnership you create and encourage real feedback.

You need to be creative. Every brand out there is jumping on the influencer train which means we will begin to see a lot of copycat videos in the feed. You want your brand to be unique. Follow the trends but don’t be general about it – make your own style.

As the creator community continues to grow, the role of the Influencer Marketing Manager will become more critical in each marketing department. So, what do you think? Are you up for the challenge?

Being a small business in a busy digital space can be challenging and intimidating. Your ultimate goal is to find a way for your brand to stand out above the crowd and in order to do this, you need to future-proof your marketing strategies.

Future-proofing your brand means taking the necessary steps to keep it relevant and successful in the face of future challenges, changes, and preferences.

But don’t worry, future-proofing doesn’t mean you need a crystal ball. Instead, it’s about staying agile, creative, and innovative in your marketing approach.

So, let’s talk about how you can ensure your brand stays at the top of your customers’ minds for years to come.

First, continually stay up to date with new trends. 

Remember the Tamagotchi craze of the late ’90s? Things change quickly, and so do consumer preferences. To future-proof your brand, you must keep your eye on the prize (new trends.)

Follow social media, read industry news, and attend conferences. Knowing what’s hot now and what’s likely to be hot in the future can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Next up is humanizing your brand. Even though our entire world is dominated by screens and algorithms, human connection still remains paramount.

Telling your brand’s story authentically is key. You aren’t just selling a product, you are creating a community.

Additionally, your content plays a big role in creating that community while also future-proofing your brand. If you focus on creating high-quality content that includes informative, shareable, and entertaining pieces – you’re set to have your posts being shared for months or even years.

With that said, in the future, attention spans may continue to shrink. We’ve already seen the focus shift away from long-form content toward short, snackable content. If you want to keep your content relevant for longer than 24 hours, you need to infuse your marketing with humor, creativity, and memorable pieces.

The only constant in the marketing world is change. Stay alert and be open to trying new things. Don’t be afraid to pivot your strategies when necessary. Embrace change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Continuous improvement is the key to staying relevant.

Remember, the future is yours to shape, so don’t be afraid to dream big and take risks. By following these strategies, your brand will not just survive, but thrive, in the marketing world of tomorrow.

Okay, creators, it’s time to gather ’round, sip on your favorite beverage, and have a little chat about the current state of the creator community. There’s no denying that we’ve all witnessed a significant shift in recent times, and it’s got me thinking: Are we heading in the wrong direction? Is everything about selling a product now?

Let’s dive into this topic together.

It’s The Era of Endless Product Drops

Remember the good ol’ days when creators were primarily focused on sharing their talents, passions, and unique perspectives with the world? Now, it often feels like the primary objective is to drop a new product every other week.

It’s like a never-ending parade of limited edition this and exclusive that.

“Swipe up for a discount code!” It’s a phrase that has become as common as “Hello” in the creator community. While it’s nice to save a few bucks, it is starting to feel like other content is overshadowed by the incessant promo codes.

Additionally, the fear of missing out is real, my friends, and creators often use it to create hype around their product launches. But sometimes, it seems like the excitement is more about securing that limited edition product than the actual value it brings.

What happened to the excitement of sharing personal stories or teaching new skills?

Authenticity Seems to Be Minimal 

Remember when authenticity was the secret sauce to being a successful creator? Now, it sometimes feels like we’re trading that authenticity for a piece of the commercial pie. While there’s nothing wrong with making a living, we shouldn’t forget that our unique voices and creativity are what got us here in the first place.

This leads me to my next point: creators are being accused of “selling out” as soon as they talk about how great a product is and that can also be a bit disheartening. While we don’t want to be sold to all day every day, we shouldn’t automatically criticize creators for talking about a product they appreciate.

Let’s remember that sharing a brand or product doesn’t automatically make someone a sellout. As long as the product adds value and aligns with your values, there’s no shame in it.

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing inherently wrong with creators selling products. In fact, it’s fantastic that so many talented individuals are able to monetize their passions.

However, it’s crucial that we maintain a balance.

Let’s not lose sight of what brought us into the creator community in the first place—our love for creating and sharing.

Let’s continue to encourage creativity, authenticity, and real connections. After all, the creator community thrives when it’s a place for inspiration, learning, and, of course, a little fun.

Happy holidays everyone! For many, this is an exciting time for memories, food, and gifts – but for marketers, this is the busiest time of the year.

This is your last chance to reach your KPIs and boost sales before year-end, and to help you make the most of this month, we’ve put together a list of 12 days of digital marketing strategies that you can use to reach your goals now and into 2024.

Day 1: Create a plan before jumping in.

Before you begin any marketing campaign, it’s important to be prepared. Define your target audience, set your goals, and decide which channels you’ll use to reach them. This will help you stay organized and focused throughout the holiday season.

Day 2: Optimize your website for better searchability.

Your website is your digital storefront, so make sure it’s ready for the holiday rush. Optimize your site for speed, ensure it’s mobile-friendly, and update your content to reflect the season.

Day 3: Get creative with the holiday-themed content.


Content is king, so make sure it’s relevant to the season. This could be anything from gift guides to holiday how-to’s.

Day 4: Be highly active on social media.


Everyone is on social media during the holiday season, whether they are looking at what their friends are doing for the holidays or they are looking for new things to get themselves. This is the time you want to be overly present on their feed. Create holiday-themed posts, run social media ads, and engage with your audience.

Day 5: Don’t skip out on the discounts.


The holiday season is all about deals and discounts, so make sure you’re offering your customers something special. This could be a discount code, free shipping, or a gift with purchase.

Day 6: Don’t forget about your email subscribers.


Send out personalized holiday emails with special offers, gift guides, and discounts.

Day 7: Collaborate with creators.

We all know how beneficial influencer marketing can be, so if you’re not using creators during the holiday season – you’re leaving money on the table, friends.

Day 8: Run some contests and giveaways.


Contests are a great way to engage with your audience and drive traffic to your site. Offer a prize that’s relevant to the season, and make sure your contest is easy to enter.

Day 9: Remind your customers you’re here.

Use retargeting ads to get in front of the customers who have already visited your site or added items to their cart.

Day 10: Create helpful gift guides.

Create gift guides for different categories, such as “Gifts for Him” or “Gifts Under $50” and be sure to include your products as well.

Day 11: Tailor your content to be different.


Personalized marketing is much more effective than generic marketing. Use customer data to create personalized emails and ads.

Day 12: Track your results and change what you need to.

Use analytics to track your progress and see which strategies are working best. Use this information to refine your campaigns and make the most of the holiday season.