Blog

2 types of Images You Need for Your Social Media and How to Create Them

1/18/2021

Photo courtesy of The Divine Group

This month, we are excited to feature a guest blog from The Divine Group. The Divine Group been doing brand photography for many years and we wanted to get her input on how you can get great social media photos to engage your audience. Here's what they had to say:

As a brand photographer, I get asked, "What images should I use for my social media posts?"

Although every brand is different, here are some basic ideas that translate for most personal brands.

1. Photos that you can turn into graphics!

To create these- you will want to shoot your subject (your products, yourself, your subjects) on a blank background. I recommend white because it's versatile and easy to add text and logos too.

Position yourself off to the side so you can add in text later and make graphics to announce your new products, courses, or services!

Photo courtesy of The Divine Group

2. Action photos of yourself or your products!

These are great tools for storytelling and can be used to talk more about what you do or what your product does.

How to create them-
Hiring a brand photographer will be the most efficient way to get these images from a time standpoint. A good brand photographer will help you create the shot list and set up the session so you get what you need.

Financially, if that's not an option, pairing up with a friend or fellow business owner is the next best thing! Have a content creation day where you go out and take imagery for each other. Don't have a business bud? Ask a friend or a partner to help you out.

Doing it yourself can work great for product brands, but be more challenging when it comes to showing your face. You can buy a tripod for your phone with a timer and set up self portraits in a location with great natural light.

Keep in mind, each brand is different, and a lot of my clients hire me to do specific imagery and then they create some of their own, especially if you like creating content. If it's something you loathe, hiring it out and having a friend help can make life as a business owner a lot easier.

Have more questions about what images to take? You can always reach out, happy to help! Check out The Divine Group for more information.

Spotlight On ForSquare Consulting, LLC

8/27/2020

This week, Amy met with Aaron Forsman with Forsquare Consulting, LLC. Aaron and his wife Nicole, own and operate a local event planning business, but they don't stop there! They love helping people plan their important events from baby showers to weddings, but wanted to continue helping them after the event by guiding them in to the next phase with insurance and family/retirement planning. Whether you need auto, home or life insurance, family and retirement, or income planning, they can make sure you have the right coverage for you!

Spotlight on Melanie Schmidt, Minnesota Title

7/29/2020

Let's welcome Melanie Schmidt from Minnesota Title. Melanie is in Amy's BNI networking group and is always a joy to talk wth. In this video she took the time to meet with me to talk about what's happening in the real estate market during the summer of COVID-19, how things are changing and what's new!

Check out the video and let us know what you think.

6 Tips To Keep Your Social Media Profiles Up To Date

3/18/2020

When is the last time you got the opportunity to stop and think, "Are my social media platforms up to date?" Now is the perfect time to seize that moment. Like most business owners you're focused on the daily grind, website content is usually the last thing on our minds, even for those of us who do it for a living. We thought we would take the time to remind you to GET YOUR PROFILES UP TO DATE now that the entire world is watching!

Since many of us are working from home over the next few weeks with the recommendation of "social distancing" on our minds, our time on the internet is skyrocketing. If someone goes to your Facebook page and it's the information isn't current or you haven't posted in awhile, they may think the temporary closure is permanent and move on to your competition. So how do you get things up to date and what's important? We're glad you asked. Here are 6 things to help bring those social media profiles into the current:

Update your business information: Double check everything from your phone number to the address. Make sure your message is consistent across the board starting with your description and ending with your about me. Your followers like to see the same BRANDED content and consistency. For those of you thinking you don't need to add information to the "Our story" feature on Facebook, you should think again. Now more than ever, potential clients are reading into the backstories of the people they are supporting, make your story known, and get it up-to-date NOW!
Update cover photos and profile pictures: Nothing says your business is still thriving like updating your photo content. There are several apps that can generate a custom design or you can google the proper dimension so it represents your brands. Remember, each profile should look similar, so people know they are visiting YOUR company. Pro-tip: The cover photo for Facebook desktop and mobile can look different, so be sure to design your photo so it showcases well on both.
Update your content calendar: Whether your content calendar is a simple spreadsheet with a few links, or 3 months of content planned out, it's important to have ideas and goals to keep your customer-base engaged. There are days when we post something off the cuff to our followers, but most of the time, we should have our content planned out. Having an idea of what to post on a given day makes all the difference between being scrolled past, or sparking interest in a new client. If you aren't sure where to begin, we can help. You can even check out one of our previous posts on content calendars by clicking here.
Keep posting: Consistent posting is key in keeping people hooked to your business online. Let's face it, right now...everyone is online. We will refer to number 3 for the content calendar, but most importantly, find a schedule and stick with it. If you want to post 3 days a week, do it! If you want to post 5 days a week, do it- BUT STICK WITH IT!
Clean out your social media inboxes: One thing that often gets put by the wayside is checking in on your social media inbox. We're not just talking about messaging people back (which should be done with the same haste as your emails), but you also need to comment back and interact with your followers. We know, it's hard to keep track, but now is the perfect time to comment on those posts from last week or reply to a customer. Your response doesn't have to be lengthy, but you do need to take the time to engage your customer.
Make sure your website contact information is up to date and working: A lot of times we don't remember to update our website with a new phone number, policy, or address if we've changed suits. Now is a great time to thoroughly read your own content, and make sure you stand by every word on your platform. This includes going through the pages of your website to make sure everything is running properly, this is typically an afterthought and shouldn't be. If it isn't, update your information. A contact form that isn't working is costing you customers!

All in all, these are pretty simple steps to get you updated, but we get it. There's only so much time in the day. Our goal at Spotlight is to do the dirty work for you. If you simply don't have time, or even better, just plain old don't want to, get into touch with us and we will gladly take the tedious tasks off your hands! It's time to turn the Spotlight to your business, and generate a solid social media following now!

Sick of Posting on Social Media and Coming Up With Your Own Photos?

2/22/2020

Photo courtesy of Angela Divine Photography.

Angela Divine Photography and Spotlight Business Solutions have paired up to help YOU take social media off your plate for 6 months! Angela is a local Twin Cities photographer who specializes in offer custom brand photography and we will take care of the social media strategy and posting for you so you can focus on the other aspects of your business!
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This is for you if:⁠
✅Don't know what to post or when to post.⁠
✅ You are spending hours and hours planning your social content every week.⁠
✅You are using stock photos or that 2 year old head shot⁠
✅You are too busy to post consistently.⁠
✅You spend more time on your screen then with the ones you love.⁠
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We are only taking 3 clients and at a very special price, so if you want in, you better hurry. Send us a message if you're interested! We'd love to hear from you.

Social Media Calendars

11/2/2019

Are you creating a Social Media Calendar for your business?

You are a champion when it comes to your business! You schedule your work hours throughout the week. You never miss a coffee date with a new client. You are always on point when it comes to communicating with your clients. You color coordinate your calendars and have your life and business organized!

What about your social media accounts?

Here are 3 tips that will help you create your own social media calendar:

Schedule time each week to plan your social posts for the week. Pick a time that works best for you and repeat that each week. Think about what you want your clients to know, what questions your clients are asking, and how you can bring your personality to your business page.
Now that you have an idea for the week - schedule your posts! Scheduling your posts at the beginning of the week (Ex: Sunday Night) will save you time and energy! Pick the day and time you want your post to hit your Facebook Business Page and enjoy when it hits your timeline!
Stock pile your ideas! As you scroll through your timelines and newsfeeds, save the posts that inspire you! Start FOLLOWING people of like business on Instagram, LIKE similar businesses on Facebook, and get CONNECTED with people on LinkedIn - you never know who may inspire your posts for next week. (Don't forget to give credit where credit is due!)

10 Social Media Post Ideas

10/8/2019

We all know how important social media has become for showcasing our businesses, but it can be hard to keep up with posting daily while keeping things engaging for your audience. It may seem easy at first, but when you sit down at your computer, your mind goes blank! Trust us, it even happens to us from time to time.

So what do you do?

First, we recommend coming up with a schedule. Pick times each week when you want to post and stick with it! Consistency is key.
Second, make sure to keep your audience in mind at all times. What do they want to see? Will they interact your posts? If you can't answer these questions, it might be time to think about a social media audit to find out who your ideal client is and where/what they are interested in on social media.
Put together a calendar of post ideas. We recommend doing it a month a time and reviewing the upcoming month for company anniversaries, product launches, and fun holidays. You can download a free month of post ideas by clicking here.
Ask Questions and get your audience involved! Remember to create a graphic or take a picture to go with each one:
1. Would you rather sit on a beach or climb a mountain?
2. What's your favorite podcast?
3. What are you thankful for today?
4. What's your favorite quote? Share below
5. What was the last picture you took on your phone? Share it below!
6. If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?
7. What is your favorite app to use?
8. Fill in the blank: My favorite way to relax after a long day is ________?
9. What's your favorite _________ (pick the season) activity? Be sure to share what yours is.
10. What is your favorite movie?
Get Posting! Pick out your favorite ideas and start posting. Remember that these are one size fits most, so some may not be relevant and some you may not like, but they are options to get you started and to get your creative juices flowing.

We hope you find these tips and post ideas helpful when you hit a creative road block. If you find you need more content, download our free 30 day social media calendar to get you started. Of course, we are always here to help when you have questions or find yourself stuck in social media land, feel free to reach out!

Direct Line To Your Customers

9/12/2019

How many emails do you get in a day? There’s junk email, work email, personal correspondence, appointment reminders and many, many more bits of information floating in your inbox. Think back to those times that a coupon from Target pushed you from kind of wanting that new office chair to add to your cart and purchasing it. Now, think of your small business. See where I’m going here? If you’re running a business but don’t have an email marketing strategy, you’re not at the front of people's minds. In the fast paced world we’re in today, that’s as good as being forgotten. Here are some reasons why you need to rethink your email marketing strategy yesterday:

Emailing is inexpensive. You don’t have to worry about the price of paper, postage, phone calls, billboards... You can simply type a witty message, create some interesting content, and remind people of why they need your service in their lives now.
Provides a unique personable experience. Segmenting your customer base allows you to design your emails and provide specific information about your services. Emails that contain your first name are 26% more likely to be opened, according to Campaign Monitor. You can diversify them or keep to one standard, but email provides a great tool to get to know your customers and have them get to know you!
Environmentally friendly! By sending emails, you’re eliminating the waste associated with mail people toss into the junk pile. Appeal to your customers and go the electronic route, declutter their lives and send an email!
You’re in everybody’s back pocket. Think about that. It’s like having someone with your business card seated right in their pants, whenever and wherever. Cell phones aren’t going anywhere, and most people link their emails with their phones. You’re accessing people any time, every time.
You can literally see the results. The best part of email marketing is that you can track the results. Who doesn’t love this type of measurable success? For every customer you reach, you can see how your customers are responding, and see how effective your efforts are.

In 2018 there were 3.8 billion people using email. Half of the world is accessible by a couple of clicks, and you’re still not convinced? That number is only going to rise, of all smartphone users 91% of them use their phones to check email as opposed to the 75% that use them to check social media. If you’re looking to gain that additional 16% of consumer, email is the way to go. Spotlight Business Solutions will help you get into the back pocket of your existing customers, and the new ones you haven’t had the chance to meet yet.

Spotlight Session:Making Social Media Videos For My Business is Just Too Scary!

8/9/2019

Are you intimidated by the very thought of making a video for your business on social media? Does the phrase "live video" make your stomach hurt? Are you completely overwhelmed by keeping up with the Social Media "Joneses"
We want to help you overcome your fear surrounding social media video making and putting yourself at the forefront of your audience. This Spotlight Session will be hands-on so you can get the feel for creating your very own video to showcase your business on social media. We will also provide you with the tools to overcome barriers that may be preventing you from creating your own videos.
Brought to you by Spotlight Business Solutions and Sher Nyquist Coaching.
Amy Lauria & Kristina Nyquist of Spotlight Business Solutions will guide you through the process of creating your own video on social media and provide insight on the right tools for the job.
Sher Nyquist, Transformational Business Coach, will guide you in EFT Tapping and breathing techniques. These tools will empower you to surpass your fears and overcome barriers so you can move forward with this powerful vehicle of videos.
Lunch and beverages will be provided.

Reserve Your Spot Now

Travel Often, Eat Better, Feel Great

7/15/2019

Routine can be a beautiful thing, and traveling is the opposite of routine. Sometimes, you’re going to have to face full disrupt head on, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of yourself. Eating healthy and staying active are a way of life, and these important parts of life can sometimes fall by the wayside when traveling for work, or even on a vacation! Traveling doesn’t have to mean gaining ten pounds, eating everything in sight, or returning home and being unhappy with how you look! No matter the diet you abide by, there are numerous ways to stay on track while away from home, too!

Book a place with at least a kitchenette. Wherever you’re headed, make sure the place has a kitchen, and if you can’t swing the full kitchen try and find a place that has a kitchenette. This isn’t an option everywhere, we understand, but by making sure you’re in a space you have the option to cook, you’ll save yourself the painful aftermath of eating out for a week.
Do your research. Before you go, look into which restaurants would be a healthy option, so you don’t end up lost in a foreign town with no idea where to get much other than a steak with a loaded baked potato. Search the area you’re headed to find at least one desirable place to eat out so you don’t wind up frantic and bloated.
Don’t skip your skincare routine. No matter how tired you are, always wash your face. Your skin will thank you, and so will your mentality. There’s solace in routine, and traveling rips you out of it! By maintaining your skincare, you’ll be setting yourself up for great skin, and tricking your brain into relaxing.
(Over) Pack the snacks. Airplanes and airports are one of the worst places to be stuck snackless, because not only do their snacks contain crazy high levels of sodium, they are also very expensive! You may not be able to bring much liquid on the plane, but you can bring snacks. So, overpack them, you didn’t need that fifth pair of pants anyways.
BYO Everything. Create little spa packs to help you relax. Bring your own snacks, raw veggies and fruits, and bring an empty water bottle. By preparing on the front end, you’ll be set up to have a pain and worry free trip.
Mediate, run, go full yogi. Inside, or out, as long as you are making a point to refocus on your body and spirit, you’re doing yourself a favor. Trips can be overwhelming, and there’s never a bad time to sneak away for some meditation or quick downward dog to get the blood pumping.

You should never sacrifice the simple comforts of taking care of yourself, no matter where you are. On the road, at home, in an airport, you still need to make sure that you are doing right by you. Taking time to go for a run, making sure you’re eating right and taking care of your skin are all things that can only be done by you. Nobody is going to lecture you for eating poorly, but you’ll still end up paying for it in the long run. Do yourself the favor of preparing before leaving, and maintaining your self-care while away from home.