Social Media Strategy for a New Account: Getting Started

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Creating a social media strategy for an existing account is really rather simple. That is in comparison to creating a social media strategy for a new account. Why is that? A new account does not have an audience yet. Instead of stressing about what your audience may or may not like, here are some tips for creating a social media strategy for a new account.

Chances are you are not the first person to launch social media for the specific niche group you are looking to reach. You are also not the first person to launch a social media account for a business. Use this to your advantage. How you may ask?

Steps to take before creating a social media strategy for a new account:

1. Study the competition

As you begin thinking about your business and what you are trying to accomplish on social media, understanding your competition is a great place to get started! Let’s say you make guitars and want to sell them on social media. You probably won’t end up with the number of followers Fender has, but it is a great place for you to see what content the audience is responding to!

Before creating a social media strategy for a new account, make a list of businesses that are like yours, big or small, and do a social media audit of those channels. It doesn’t need to be intense. Look at their posts, read the captions, examine the audience response, and build your strategy based on where they succeeded and avoid what fell flat. If this seems like a daunting task, we offer assistance in social media auditing of competition (and even develop a social media strategy for you – if you decide it’s easier to take that off your plate).

2. Know Your Audience

This might be difficult to understand since you have yet to create a social media strategy for a new account, but knowing your target audience is necessary! Maybe you own an ice cream shop and are located near the local high school. Your target audience would more than likely be ages 14-18 to reach those at the high school.

Think about in terms of where you’re located:

  • Do you have a product that is only sold in one physical location? Keep your audience local.
  • Are your services or product available to purchase online? Learn who your buyers are to better attract the same people online.

Think about your product or service:

  • Are you a candy store in a small neighborhood looking for new customers? Keep your audience local.
  • Are you a finance professional looking to help small businesses with all their finance needs? Target small businesses online and market straight to them.

You may not fit into the exact scenarios above, but you get the idea. Knowing your audience and where to find them is the BEST way to create a successful social media strategy.

3. Know Your Business

Especially when you are first starting, determining exactly what your business is might be difficult. For instance, you might be a freelancer who has a variety of skills and is not sure what you want to focus on.

Maybe you want to write exclusively, or maybe you want to create a menu of options to market out to small businesses and nonprofits. Whatever your business is, this needs to be determined before you can truly create a successful social media strategy for a new account.

Answer these questions and see if this helps you get to know your business better:

  • What are we trying to sell? (consulting, freelancing, physical product)
  • Who is our target marget? (Gen Z, Millenials, etc.)
  • What are our buisness goals? (growth, awareness, sales)
  • What is our mission?
  • What is our vision?

Once you have answers to these questions, you will be able to serve your customers better making creating a social media strategy for your new account easier!

Now you are ready to start creating a social media strategy!

Creating a Social Media Strategy for a New Account:

For starters, know that a social media strategy is different than a content strategy. You will want to work on a content strategy as well, but getting a social media strategy in order is important to understand why you have a social media account.

  1. List out the social media accounts you have or want. (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)
  2. Determine a strategy for each of the platforms you have listed.
  3. Start by looking at the audience. What is the age demographic, what is the reach, how can you obtain organic reach?
  4. Understand that you will need to curate content specific to each platform in order for it to be truly successful.
  5. Determine how often you will post, when you will post, and when you will engage with others.

Once you have completed these steps, your social media strategy will be ready. Major tips though, know that the strategy should not be deviated from while also understanding it may need to change based on trends. This usually comes into play when determining a content strategy, but that’s another post for another day!

If you have questions or want help in creating a social media strategy for a new account, we are here for hire in freelance and consulting!

Why Creating Instagram Graphics in Canva is a Good Idea.

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Why Creating Instagram Graphics in Canva is a Good Idea

Creating Instagram graphics in Canva is simple! There are some things to keep in mind. Here are some reasons to get started.

In our Beginner’s Guide to Canva post, we talked a lot about how to get started in Canva. We walked you through ways to make simple graphics, but now, let’s get serious. Canva makes it easy to create content for nearly anything, but Instagram is our favorite.

Disclosure: I am not getting paid to talk about Canva. I sincerely think it is an incredible tool for marketers (especially those with a limited budget) to create engaging content. IF you have the budget to do so, hire a graphic designer instead of using Canva.

Reasons to Create Instagram Graphics in Canva:

1. It’s easy to use!

Instagram Graphics in Canva - It's Easy to Use!

It is simple to create Instagram graphics in Canva. When you are just starting in Canva, there are templates available to you which help give you a starting point on content creation.

You will see a ton of Canva creations when scrolling through our Instagram account. It was super helpful to use templates when starting, but these templates are available to anyone on Canva. This means any person who signs in to Canva can post the same content. How do you avoid this? By starting from scratch, of course! We will get to that later.

2. You can create branded content FAST.

Instagram Graphics in Canva - Brand Kit

If you are like me and want to set your business up for success, you should invest in the premium versions of Canva. Though you have access to features in the free version of Canva, the premium version allows you to create a brand kit.

The brand kits allow you to store multiple logos for your brand, select brand colors and add branded fonts. These aspects are available in the design mode, giving you a shortened time frame on how long it takes to create branded content.

3. You have free stock photos at your fingertips!

Instagram Graphics in Canva - Free Stock Photos

No more rummaging through the internet trying to find the perfect free stock photo to include in your content. Canva offers free stock photos, elements, and videos that give your content an edge.

When you unlock premium with Canva, you will have access to ALL the stock images and videos Canva has to offer. If you are serious about your business, consider getting a premium account.

4. You can post directly from Canva to your platform.

Instagram Graphics in Canva - Content Planner

If you have a Facebook page for your business, you can connect it to an Instagram business account! In the content planner provided by Canva, you can schedule content in advance using the Instagram graphics you just created in Canva!

Even though we no longer have a Facebook account, we still utilize the content planner for other platforms. Yes, this is not just usable with Instagram! Connect Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Facebook Group, Pinterest, LinkedIn Profile, LinkedIn Page, Tumblr, and even Slack! Canva makes it all too easy to get you started on your social media content goals.

Creating Instagram graphics in Canva is smart because it saves you so much time!

And what do they also say about time in business? Time is MONEY! Creating content for social media does not need to be terrifying. With tools like Canva, almost anyone can do it. If you are reluctant to try it for yourself or do not have the time, we are here to help!

Reach out to us! We will help create content perfect for your business and your brand.

Until next time,

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Beginner’s Guide to Canva: Creating Content Easily

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You’ve seen the commercials and heard about Canva, but what is it? Here is a beginner’s guide to Canva to help you get started and convince you why you should be using it.

Let me start off by disclosing: I am not getting paid by Canva to talk about their website. I simply think it is an incredible tool for marketers (without Graphic Design experience) to take their content to the next level. If your business requires a need of a graphic designer then hire a graphic designer. This should not take place over hiring a professional who is qualified and trained. Now, moving on.

A Beginner’s Guide to Canva: Getting Started

Setting Up Your Account

Before you get started, decide whether you would like to use a work or personal email for the account. If you are planning to use this for work purposes only and would like to be reimbursed for the cost (don’t worry, this is for premium), consider signing up with your work email.

*Note: You can sign in using social media, but I would advise against doing this. Instead, use an email. This avoids you needing a code generator or a second step to keep you from accessing the site.

Now that your account is set up, let’s really get started!

Setting Up Files

I get it. You’re finally signed in and ready to start customizing and playing with the exciting tools of Canva. Before you get started, I urge to you create folders first. This will get you in the habit of organizing your content instead of having it all thrown onto your main screen. Click “Home” and find the “All Your Folders” section. Click on this and start creating folders based on what content you’ll be creating.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: All Your Folders

I have my files set up based on businesses. This means I have folders labeled for businesses I freelance with to keep all that info together and have separate folders for Moody Blue Media and my passion project Moody Blue Elvis.

Now that you have your folders set up, or at least at a starting point, you can get started on creating content!

Creating Content

Canva makes it easy to create almost any content you may need. Presentations for work, developing a new logo, even Instagram Stories – the possibilities are endless. We will go through a lot of those in the future. For now, let’s create content for this blog post together!

Since I have a premium account, I was able to set up a brand kit. We will go through a brand kit and premium accounts in a later post. For now, see if Canva is a smart tool for you and your business before investing. A lot can be accomplished with the free account.

Create A Design

At the top of the page, click “Create a design.” A lot of options will appear. In the search bar, type in “blog banner” and select that option.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Create a design

A new window will appear with a blank canvas in the appropriate size. Before we get started, make sure to title your new document. This will make it easier to organize your files later. To rename your document, click on the area at the type right of the screen where you see the words, “Untitled design – Blog Banner.” This will remove that title and allow you to type in something new.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Untitled Design

Now is when we can get started.

As you can see, our blog has a specific style we like to keep. All of these designs came straight from Canva, but I lay them out how I want. If you are not quite there yet, you will see a section on the left side of your screen labeled “templates.” This will help you with the layout. All you’ll have to do is edit the colors, text, and imagery to match your brand.

Make A Design

I like to keep the colors rotating depending on when the blog post will go live, making the background of this featured image white. For teaching purposes, I’ll show you how to change the background color. Click on the blank canvas. It should highlight teal around it. Just above the left portion of the canvas is a square filled with colors. Click on the square, and here you can select the color of the background.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Background Color

Now that the background color has been selected, we can begin adding text.

On the lefthand side of your screen, you will see an option labeled “Text.” When you click on this, several options will appear. Click on “Add a heading” and watch as it appears on the blank canvas. Using the toolbar above the canvas, you can adjust the size, color, and font to your liking.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Adding Text

Using the title of this blog post, I will create the text I like, adjust the sizing, and change the colors to match our brand style.

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Header Text

Adding Flair!

Now, we can dive into the elements Canva has to offer. This is where we can add flair to just about anything! Click on “Elements” on the lefthand side of the screen and type in the search bar “Canva.”

Beginner's Guide to Canva: Elements

Take your time to experiment. Move things around, change font sizes or styles. You never know what you may create until you take some chances!

Here is my final product:

Beginner's Guide to Canva Creating Content Easily - Featured Image

Have questions or concerns about Canva? Reach out! We are more than happy to assist you getting setup and started using Canva. Remember, this is just the beginner’s guide to Canva so there is a lot more to come.

Until next time,

TCB,

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Here’s Why You Need to Keep Pursuing Your Dreams

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What if Elvis gave up? What if he took the easy way out and kept driving a truck instead of entering a recording studio? Where would music be today? Here’s why you need to keep pursuing your dreams.

It has been nearly 60 years since Elvis sky-rocketed to fame overnight. The road to success wasn’t easy for him. When most would have given up, he pressed on and became a household name for generations to come. A name that doesn’t require the last time to know exactly who is being spoken of.

After a year where many people lost jobs or still find themselves in limbo waiting to be called back while job applications go unanswered, taking the easy way out sounds better. Life seems at a standstill for some, much like Elvis was before his return to the stage in 1968. Elvis had bigger and better plans for himself, regardless of what the critics said.

While you may be feeling down and needing to take a job that isn’t necessarily your dream job to make ends meet, it does not mean you should give up on pursuing your dreams just yet.

If Elvis gave up Rock ‘n Roll music may not exist and other genres may have never been taken seriously. There are many reasons why you should give up on pursing your dreams, but instead of looking at the many reasons why, look at the reasons why you shouldn’t.

Why You Should Keep Pursuing Your Dreams

1. There Is Only One You

Will you change the course of music forever? I mean, maybe. Who am I to say you won’t. Out of billions of people on this planet, there is only one you. You have something that may change your field of work forever or maybe just something to change someone’s life. Regardless of what change you will make in the future, it’s a huge reason to keep pushing.

2. You Believe In Your Dreams

You don’t need a million people to believe in your dream. Sure it feels great when you have the support of others, but what really matters is if you believe in your dreams. Make yourself marketable to the employer of your dreams by researching what it takes to work there. Get started on your business plan for becoming your own boss. Start pursuing your dreams right now.

3. You Believe In Yourself

Having confidence, especially in something new, isn’t always easy. You may second guess your ability, but you believe in yourself enough to know you will make your dreams a reality. No matter what it takes, you won’t give up and will work hard at it. You are worth the investment. You are worth the risk.

4. You Deserve Happiness

At the end of the day, your happiness is what matters. If you have a family to support, then there are a lot of factors to consider. Happiness is something you deserve.

Pursuing your dreams is oftentimes scary. There seems to be more risk going into it, but consider what your reward will be. Even though it is difficult to look past right now and into the future, you are always worth betting on.

Subscribe to our blog to learn more about marketing yourself and career tips.

TCB,

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Improve Your Resume In These 3 Easy Ways

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Job hunting is a full-time job. If you find yourself coming up short on interviews, then it’s time to improve your resume! Below are some tips to get you started.

Many of us searching for full-time employment right now probably were not expecting to be job searching at all. From countless unanswered job applications to being ghosted after an interview, job hunting is TOUGH.

If you are looking for ways to improve your resume, or keep yourself occupied, here are some tips to keep your skills top-notch!

Ways To Improve Your Resume

1. Take free online courses

The internet has made it easy to learn just about anything these days. From YouTube tutorials to blogs, there is a multitude of resources at your disposal. Try taking a course through Udemy on a tool you’ve always wanted to try. Building up your skillset is never a waste of time.

2. Volunteer

Your skills are valuable. Nonprofits worldwide are always searching for experts to volunteer their time to consult where needed. This is where you can shine on your resume! Check out Volunteer Match and Catchafire to see if any projects fit your skills.

3. Practice

One of the biggest benefits of being a blog writer professionally is using this skill as a hobby. Practicing and keeping my skills fresh only proves that I can and will do a good job once given the opportunity.

Think about the professional skills you possess and where you could use ongoing practice. Freelance your work between job applications to keep up your skills and make money in the process! It’s really a win-win situation.

There are many ways to improve your resume during your job search. Show your future employer that you’re committed to your profession and dedicated to building your skills.

For more career tips, subscribe to our blog!

TCB,

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Blogging Tips: How To Start A Blog

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You’ve been having this feeling for a while and you put it off. Now, you are finally taking the time to start your blog!

There are many ways to start your blog, but here are some helpful tips to get you set up for success.

Finding Your Niche

Before you actually jump in and start blogging, you should definitely have an idea of what your blog will be about! For businesses, this could be a product or service you are trying to sell. From here, you can look at your broad focus and search for smaller aspects to write about! Your niche is what will bring your readers back to your blog time and time again. Make sure it is something targeted while still being able to find many topics within it. 

Pick Your Platform

If that headline gave you a “pick your poison” vibe, good. It was supposed to. There are many free platforms out there, but be cautious before making a selection. Many of the free platforms will own your domain name. This will restrict you to their rules and guidelines.

This is not always a bad thing (hello, we run our website through WordPress), but you should consider this if you want to own everything on your blog. That also includes ad selection for those who want to try and make money. 

Do your research before jumping into picking a platform. Know exactly what you are signing up for before. 

Our suggestion: Go with WordPress. It is easy to set up and free. You can choose to use a free theme or layout OR pay a little more to get something you LOVE. WordPress is crazily customizable – depending on the theme you select – making it look amazing and professional.

Choose Your Domain Name and Host

This is super important. This is the name and URL you will be stuck with forever – make your choices wisely. You want your domain name to be memorable and represent you and your brand. Websites like Bluehost and Square Space will let you search directly for your domain to claim it. Remember: even though the platform you choose is free, you will still need to pay for your URL annually. 

Design Your Blog

This is where the fun can start! Check out themes, preview them before selecting, and decide what the functionality of your blog will be. Are you selling a service AND writing a blog? Or are you simply writing a blog? This is all very important to consider when designing your layout. Keep it fun, keep it fresh, but most importantly, keep it you!

Create Content Before You Launch

I know you are excited to let all your friends know about your blog, but hold off until you have a few posts written. You should try and schedule content in advance even after launching to keep your blog active. Once you have a few blog posts written and ready to go – share, share, SHARE! 

Our suggestion: Consider creating social channels specifically to promote your blog and find your audience. If you intend to have readers, you’ll need to go out and find them. Consider your target audience and create social media accounts on specific channels. 

For example, we realize Moody Blue Media is focused on businesses and marketing. We looked at the audience we wanted to bring in and decided our blog was best suited for Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn – we don’t even have a Facebook page! Create your social accounts and follow similar accounts. 

Now you are ready to start blogging! We wish you the best of luck on this amazing adventure. Don’t forget to share those links – we want to see what you’re up to. 

This was simply a summary of how to start your blog. So much goes into the process, which is why we are here to help! Follow along or subscribe to our blog. If you are looking for individualized assistance, reach out! We are here for hire if needed.

TCB,

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4 Blogs to Follow to Improve Your Blogging Skills

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Whether you are just getting started in blogging or looking to improve your blogging skills, there are blogs for that! For all bloggers, it is important to stay up on trends and follow others for inspiration.

Below you will find our suggestions on which blogs to follow as a blogger. We hope this helps you along in your journey!

Blogs to Follow to Grow Skills Intro
Photo by Adrienne Andersen from Pexels

1. Copyblogger

If you are looking for a blog that will help fine-tune your skills, Copyblogger is a great place to start. Their blog provides concepts to apply to your blogs or other marketing tools. Here you will also find training to help you become a better writer!

2. Problogger

Problogger is an awesome tool to follow for helpful tips on ways to make money on your blog. If you are a beginner, you may find their tips on how to improve your content helpful.

If you are looking for freelance blogging opportunities, they have that too! This is a great source that can add value to any blog. 

3. Spice Up Your Blog

Built on a community of fellow bloggers, Spice Up Your Blog is filled with tips on how to blog successfully. However, you define success. For beginners, this site will help you get your blog set up. Experienced bloggers will find ideas on how to optimize their blogs and get in touch with your audience. It has something for everyone. 

4. The Blog Herald

The Blog Herald is a great spot for finding tips and guides to becoming a blogger. This blog provides guides on blogging, ideas to conduct interviews, specialized tips, and ideas for starting blogs in general. The Blog Herald is a good place to go once you are ready to get your blog started! 

Blogs to Follow to Grow Skills End
Photo by Designecologist from Pexels

Our suggestion to bloggers just getting started: begin by following The Blog Herald to determine what your blog will be about. Head over to Copyblogger to get tips on how to be a better writer and improve your skills. Decide if you want to make money from your blog or become a freelance blogger by reading posts from Problogger. Once you get your blog up and running, jump onto Spice Up Your Blog to get ideas! 

As a blogger, it is important to keep improving your skills and keeping your audience engaged! All of these blogs are great resources to continue following and reading frequently even after you’ve launched a blog. Subscribe to their blogs and use them as a resource to make your content and blog event better!

Until we meet again, 

TCB, 

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3 Tips to Improve Your Social Media Business Account

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Having a business account on social media shouldn’t scare you. There are simple ways to improve your social media business account and set your business up for success! Here are some tips.

In this day and age of digital marketing, businesses have the opportunity to get to know their consumers better than ever before. With endless BuzzFeed quizzes, social media users are eager to find out which Disney Princess they are most like or which snack food best suits them. In a world where people are willing to give answers about what they most prefer, marketers no longer have to guess!

In a recent study conducted by Sprout Social, it was found that 90% of consumers are more likely to buy from companies they are connected to on social media. Social media is a place where users share information about themselves and marketers should listen.

Many brands have taken a shift in the way they engage with their community on social media. To set your business up for success on social media follow these helpful tips to connect to potential consumers.

1. Engage with your community.

Of course, this seems like an obvious suggestion, but engaging with your audience is huge! The key to successfully engaging with an online community is connecting to them on a personal level – even on your business account. For example, if a consumer leaves a comment on a post that brings about a concern you should comment. A typical response may look like this, “Thanks for your response. Our team is working on resolving the issue.”

Sure, you acknowledge their response and your organization’s willingness to assist but it comes off-dry and not personable. Try responding with something like this: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We value your business and are working on resolving your issue. Feel free to DM us if you have any other concerns.”

Taking the time to make the consumer feel heard, understood, and cared for like a human being will not only encourage their business in the future but potentially bring new customers to your business – after all, others will be able to see your comment too!

2. Create engaging posts.

One thing a business account strives for is creating posts that get high engagement results. Not only does this show the benefit of having a social media team for businesses, but it is also an opportunity to get to know the audience. When a user comments on a post they are doing so in the hopes that the brand will respond. Since we have talked about how to respond to their comments, now is the perfect time to learn what they comment on!

Take time to get to know the targeted audience and test what works best for them in terms of content. For instance, create a poll on social media asking which product or service your followers would be more likely to purchase. Not only is this a great tool to get engagement results, but it also tells you exactly which type of content would bring about the biggest results.

When creating visual content, remember the targeted audience. If you are attempting to attract a younger generation of users, research and understand trends to appeal to that audience. If you are working with an older audience, use nostalgia to connect with them.

3. Track your social analytics.

Social media is constantly changing. From new and involving platforms to the latest trends and updates. Keeping up on this is important to successfully manage a business account on social media. Having a business account on social media is AMAZING because it tracks your analytics for you! Taking the time to pull analytics,  understand the numbers, and create a story has the ability to increase the success of the account.

How many likes did a piece of content get? How many views did that video receive? These numbers are a direct reflection of what your audience wants. More importantly, it showcases what they do not want. Posting content that users do not want to see not only decreases the overall engagement of a single post but has the potential to lose followers – which means losing potential customers. Decide the timeline of pulling analytics – monthly, weekly, quarterly – and make changes based on what is seen.

Something to remember about marketing on social media, a large audience doesn’t necessarily mean a good audience. If your audience isn’t engaging or not seeing your posts, you may want to try something else out. (We will get into creating a successful social media strategy later.)

Your social media audience will tell you exactly what they like on social media – there is an actual button for that. When it comes to creating engaging content, knowing your audience is key. Talk to them. Engage with them. Most importantly, listen to them – they are wanting to be heard!

If you are looking for help in specific areas, please reach out! We want you to succeed on social media.

Until we meet again – TCB,

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Considering Freelancing? It’s Not As Easy As People Make It Seem. Here Are Some Reasons I Started.

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If you have been considering freelancing, there are some things that you should know before jumping into this new adventure. 

Freelancing is not as easy as people make it out to be. It takes a lot of drive, ambition, and hustle to get things going. Whether you are cold pitching your skills to people/businesses or signing up through freelancing agencies, it is tough. 

So, if you are considering freelancing, here’s why I decided to start:

Reason 1: The Job Market

Most of us are in a similar boat – currently sinking – but impacted by the pandemic… While obtaining a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Social Media Management from Liberty University, I built up my skills and professionally interned with large corporations. 

My internship with Disney concluded in January 2020. I was fortunate to have that position transition to a specialist position, which was slated to end in June 2020. I went out of my comfort zone and networked with others within Disney. In March 2020, I accepted a temporary assignment with a different segment of Disney with an end date in October. Then the reality of 2020 reached America. The temporary role was canceled, everyone on my team (along with thousands of other cast members) was furloughed and later laid off, and I was left with zero answers to dozens of questions.

I began looking for jobs and applying to those in the same field I was working in. As I would receive phone calls to interview, companies were being cryptic with their positions and actively avoiding the question, “What position am I considered for?” After applying to Marketing Coordinator and Specialist positions, I was told I was being considered for “Customer Service Positions” in stores. 

Companies are hiring once again, but there are so many incredibly talented people in this pool. Though I have made it to countless interview stages, I failed to secure a stable position that did not end up in another layoff.

Reason 2: Putting My Skills To Use In Freelancing

Having worked at Universal Orlando Resort, the Disneyland Resort, Yamaha Corporation of America, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, I knew I had a lot to offer a position. I was working on incredible projects at Disney and had helped reshape Yamaha’s social media tone. While obtaining my master’s, I really developed my skills and continue to keep up on trends. 

Being in a weird position where I am not entry-level but not quite manager level, searching for a job has been interesting and discouraging, to say the least. I knew I had more to offer than I was being considered for. You shouldn’t have to settle if you have a specific skill set people are willing to pay for.

Reason 3: Flexibility With Freelancing

When I returned to school and began interning in 2017, I was older than most interns. Having just gotten married earlier that year, my priorities in life were a little different. I worked hard in my internships to obtain entry-level positions and was excited about what was next. My husband and I were moving into our new house, preparing to have children, and then the world happened. 

Even though most people would say, “You are still young,” it did not feel that way. By most people, I mean leadership at certain companies. Being an intern at 30 was not something I envisioned for myself, but I worked hard and dedicated my time to building my career. My husband and I had put off having children for nearly three years and were moving into our forever home. Having so much uncertainty in if I would have a position to return to work following the furlough, making these decisions even more difficult.

Who would hire a pregnant woman? I have been interviewing while pregnant because that is the situation I am in currently. Many large corporations decline me from positions once they learn I am pregnant. As if having a child makes me any less valuable. Knowing how these companies react to this news definitely tells me we do not see eye-to-eye on company culture.

What if I can’t find a job and my career is over before it even began? There are many things to consider. This is why freelancing is the best decision for me.

Big tip: DO NOT WORK SOMEWHERE THAT WILL NOT PAY YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

You deserve to get paid for the work you do. Some places will take advantage of you… learned that the hard way.

Reason 4: My Resume + Freelancing

Considering I may not be a freelancer forever, I wanted to make sure I was setting myself up for success in the future by adding freelancing to my resume. If my dream job becomes available, I want my experience to show how qualified I am. This was another reason freelancing was the right choice for me. 

Working through a content agency, you have the ability to put that organization on your resume with your position title. This gives you ongoing work in your field and helps when applying for freelancing gigs because you already have experience!

Final Thoughts on Considering Freelancing:

There are many things to consider before jumping into freelancing, but there are a ton of resources to check out. Read blogs on freelancing, connect on LinkedIn with other freelancers, and do your research. 

Our stories might be different, by still very similar. I hope this helps you in your decision-making when considering freelancing. Good luck!

Until we meet again, 

TCB,

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How To Write An Effective Blog Post

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There are many ways to write a blog post, but when it comes to writing an effective blog post, you should follow some steps!

Any person can start a blog and write posts. What keeps your readers coming back? Here are some helpful tips for writing an effective blog post and keeping your audience interested in what you have to say. 

Create An Outline

Before you begin writing a blog post on a difficult subject, you may find it beneficial to create an outline. Outlines may seem outdated to you, but your reader will thank you! When you start with an outline, you are creating a template that will make it easier for you to make the topic make sense

Here is an example of how to create an outline: 

COMPELLING TITLE

  • INTRODUCTION (include focus keywords)
    • A captivating lead paragraph addressing the main idea (typically 2-3 sentences)
  • HEADING 1
    • Supporting points of the main idea (typically 2-3 sentences)
  • HEADING 2
    • Supporting points of the main idea (typically 2-3 sentences)
  • HEADING 3
    • Supporting points of the main idea (typically 2-3 sentences)
  • CONCLUSION
    • Create a compelling call to action.

Put It All Together

Once you have your outline filled out, now you can begin developing the paragraphs. When you begin writing, it can become difficult to see which words have been repeated, what ideas have already been discussed, and what you might be forgetting. With the outline, it is easier to see what you need to make your post compelling. Rearrange your supporting points to create a flowing blog post and end it with a compelling call-to-action. 

Depending on your blog, the CTA will vary. Typically, it would be about finding more information, contacting the writer or business, or even answering a question. The CTA changes for each post and depends on the needs of the blog itself.

ALWAYS Proofread and Edit

Okay. I am SUPER guilty of this. Especially with my passion project blog, but this is important. Proofread and consider the following:

  • Does this post make sense?
  • What is the point I am trying to make?
  • Do I actually make the point?
  • Check for spelling and grammar errors.

Finally: Publish Your Blog Post

This is the easy part! Make sure you include images, links, a featured photo, and fill out the SEO section. This will help to take your blog to the next level.

So, now you are ready to publish an effective blog post! For more blogging tips, check out blogging tips. 

If you would like to hire us for freelance blog writing, feel free to contact us. 

Until we meet again, 

TCB, 

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