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How to create a stand-out SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY for your small business + how to film & edit videos

Introduction

Growing your presence on social media can seem daunting, especially with so much conflicting advice out there. However, in just over a month, I grew my Instagram following from 25 to 100K by breaking conventional social media rules. I don’t post short videos, I don’t chase trending audio, and my posting schedule is erratic—sometimes only once a week. So, what’s the secret?

It’s Not About the How, But the Why

Before jumping into strategies, it’s crucial to understand the motivation behind your content creation. Ask yourself: Why are you on this platform? Your social media strategy should be unique to you and your goals.

Understanding Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand serves as the foundation for your posts. Start by summarizing who you are and why you create in one sentence—this is often referred to as your brand identity. For instance, mine is: “Chantel Leonart is a watercolor artist and illustrator inspiring you to connect with your inner child and chase your dreams.” This statement informs each piece of content I share, ensuring consistency and engagement from my audience.

Identifying Your Social Media Goals

Once your brand identity is set, define your social media goals. These can include:

  • Collaborating with brands to sell your art
  • Booking out your services
  • Building an engaged community

Write down your goals, including specifics such as timelines and what achieving these goals looks like for you.

Know Your Audience

Your target audience plays a pivotal role in shaping your content. Think critically about:

  • Where they live
  • Their interests
  • Their dreams

Answering these questions will help tailor your content to engage your audience effectively.

Forget the Algorithm—Focus on Your Goals

Many influencers emphasize catering to the algorithm, but it’s vital to prioritize your goals instead. Creating content purely for algorithmic favor can dilute your brand and message. Longevity in your brand is built on authenticity and consistency, not trends. For example, I create over-a-minute long videos that emotionally resonate with my audience, proving that engaging content can thrive even outside the so-called algorithmic favorites.

Crafting Compelling Content

To film and edit videos that resonate, follow this structure:

  1. Hook: Grab viewer attention in the first few seconds, using visual, written, or audio elements.
  2. Value: Provide educational, entertaining, or inspiring content that keeps viewers engaged.
  3. Call to Action (CTA): Encourage your audience to act, whether that means following your journey, signing up for a mailing list, or simply sharing your video.

Tips for Filming and Editing

  • Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Natural light works wonders—make the most of it.
  • Audio: Quality audio is more important than visuals; invest in a decent microphone.
  • Equipment: Utilize your smartphone; modern devices have impressive video capabilities.
  • Aesthetics: Maintain a consistent visual style through color schemes and fonts.

Building a Community

Creating a loyal community requires:

  1. Transparency: Share insights and engage openly.
  2. Consistency: Stay true to your brand identity in style and content.
  3. Involvement: Engage with your followers via direct messages, comments, and personal interaction.

Conclusion

Your social media strategy is more than just the type of content you create; it’s about understanding your brand, your audience, and your goals. By following these steps, you’ll cultivate a community around your art and business that will support you as you grow.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide, I’ve compiled all this information into a detailed workbook that’s affordable and accessible—unlike many other courses out there—and is designed to help you define your own social media strategy.

Keyword

  • Social Media Strategy
  • Personal Brand
  • Goals
  • Audience Engagement
  • Content Creation
  • Hook
  • Call to Action
  • Filming Tips
  • Community Building

FAQ

Q: Why is having a personal brand important?
A: A personal brand serves as the foundation for your content, ensuring consistency and helping to build an engaged audience.

Q: How do I identify my social media goals?
A: Consider what you want to achieve through your social media presence, such as collaborations, community engagement, or sales, and define specifics like timelines and desired outcomes.

Q: Should I focus on the algorithm when posting?
A: Instead of chasing the algorithm, focus on content that aligns with your goals. Authentic and consistent content will ultimately engage your audience better.

Q: What is the structure of a good video?
A: A good video typically starts with a hook to grab attention, follows with valuable content, and ends with a call to action.

Q: What do I need for filming quality videos?
A: Good lighting, quality audio (like a decent microphone), and the use of your smartphone are key elements to creating engaging videos.

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