The Key to Social Media Success? Engaged Followers.
Today we’re going to focus on one tip to successfully using social media to promote your brand. I’ve observed some companies going wrong by using their social media platforms to simply advertise themselves. Social Media growth does not come from spaming your followers with buy now, call now, book now direct sales posts. In today’s world, this won’t work. Consumers are no longer buying just products, they are buying relationships. They go to a restaurant because their favorite influencer recommends it, they read a new book because their friends are raving about it, they buy the latest trend because everyone else is. We all want to join in the conversation with those around us.
With this in mind, let’s think about how we use social media. Each platform has its own little niche, but there’s some overarching rules as well.
- Get the Right Followers. Everything in social media stems from engagement.
You want engaged followers. Many people ask about buying bots for more followers and likes. This can work when done correctly. The bot has to be set up to gain real followers and for local business it needs to be local followers.
Think about your purpose for using social media – to promote yourself yes – but what else? Are you trying to increase sales? Foot traffic? Traffic to your website or blog? Gather feedback? None of these goals will be achieved from fake followers. Take the time to get the right followers. Those who will see your posts and want to reach out – whether that’s by coming in your store or restaurant, sharing it with their friends to increase your awareness, or simply adding a comment providing some feedback that not only you, but other viewers can see.
- Introduce Yourself Being all about connections, viewers love to see the face behind the product.
They want to know WHO they’re buying, your values, your beliefs. This is a great time to use those headshots you’ve gotten from our Pittsburgh business photographers. Creating a personality for your brand – that mimics your own – will gain the trust of your viewers, and they will want to follow you throughout your career, gaining yourself some loyal followers.
- Give Your Brand A Personality. Now that they know you are, keep that personality going.
Find a tone that works for you – sassy, classy, light & friendly, sophisticated – and stick to it. Use all your captions as a way to talk to the followers. Social Media is a platform for conversation – not one -way advertisement. Use copy that sparks conversation not only between you and them, but between the followers themselves. If you can do this, you’ve just began to create your own little world. THESE are followers who will bring in their friends, spread your name, and help increase your success.
- Go Live! Some platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow “live-stream” or “stories” features.
Take advantage of these! Depending on your business, use the live stream to show “behind the scenes” footage or to quickly promote something new. Using the “stories” feature also allows you to directly talk to your viewers. In your stories, it allows you to add stickers, one of which is a chat sticker. This is by far the most common and most effective sticker. You can use it to ask for opinions, to open it up for questions, or to start a dialogue.
- Use Hashtags. **Instagram Specific** The other tips were there to help you keep the followers you already have engaged.
This one is to help find new ones. Instagram uses hashtags to connect posts to each other. This is how people find new accounts and posts based on subjects they are interested in. You can use up to 30 hashtags on your post. SHOULD YOU USE THEM ALL? You can but for the best organic growth use only 9 to 10 hashtags per post. Use a mix of location hashtags (#pittsburgh, #robinson #pgh) , general industry hashtags (ex: #headshotcrew), and a few specific post related hashtags. Keep in mind if you want to grow local followers the more local hashtags you use the more local people will find you. If you use mainly industry hashtags you will grow people in your industry for all over the world. General hashtags or content related hashtags should be used less often. (ex: #Italiandinner).
6. Use great photos. You will see many online claims that your photo quality dose not matter.
However brands that really are growing on social media use high quality photos. On our Instagram we will use a mix of Professional photos from a DSLR and only few iPhone photos. Why? Because Personal Brand Photography is a mixture of photojournalism, lifestyle and portraiture. Sometimes the ease of use of the iPhone helps to regularly communicate your personal brand and make a meaningful connection with your audience.
Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
https://jenworley.com
412-370-4520
Michael Maciarello, CPA Esq. is a corporate associate at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and focuses his practice on the areas of corporate governance, M&A and financing transactions. #pittsburghcorporatephotographer
Mar 24
Michael Maciarello, CPA Esq. is a corporate associate at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and focuses his practice on the areas of corporate governance, M&A and financing transactions. #pittsburghcorporatephotographer
Sara Setzenfand is a Project Manager for the Project and Development Services team within JLL’s Pittsburgh office. Her role is to provide clients with owner representative services by supporting and assisting them through their entire project’s process while ensuring the project remains on time and on (or under!) budget.Sara initiates, manages and guides the client in all procurement activities including (but not limited to!) design, engineering, construction, vendor onboarding, due diligence analysis, move services and decommissioning services. The managing and execution of these tasks for multiple clients on multiple projects at a time requires strong communication skills, organization, creativity and a lot of flexibilty.Sara’s favorite part of her job is there is never a dull moment and no two days are ever the same. In the morning she may be on a building’s roof seeing the city’s beautiful skyline and the afternoon is dedicated to sitting on the floor of a landlord’s office searching through boxes of old paperwork for original building plans.#pittsburghheadshotphotos
Mar 24
Sara Setzenfand is a Project Manager for the Project and Development Services team within JLL’s Pittsburgh office. Her role is to provide clients with owner representative services by supporting and assisting them through their entire project’s process while ensuring the project remains on time and on (or under!) budget. Sara initiates, manages and guides the client in all procurement activities including (but not limited to!) design, engineering, construction, vendor onboarding, due diligence analysis, move services and decommissioning services. The managing and execution of these tasks for multiple clients on multiple projects at a time requires strong communication skills, organization, creativity and a lot of flexibilty. Sara’s favorite part of her job is there is never a dull moment and no two days are ever the same. In the morning she may be on a building’s roof seeing the city’s beautiful skyline and the afternoon is dedicated to sitting on the floor of a landlord’s office searching through boxes of old paperwork for original building plans. #pittsburghheadshotphotos
Emily Houck came to the city to attend Duquesne University and ended up staying, working 9 years here as a marketing professional. She recently joined the CBRE Pittsburgh team as a marketing specialist."I was born and raised in Johnstown, PA, so western/central Pennsylvania is very close to my heart. I love being able to create content that promotes the area and why Pittsburgh is such a great place!" #pittsburghheadshotphotographer
Mar 24
Emily Houck came to the city to attend Duquesne University and ended up staying, working 9 years here as a marketing professional. She recently joined the CBRE Pittsburgh team as a marketing specialist. "I was born and raised in Johnstown, PA, so western/central Pennsylvania is very close to my heart. I love being able to create content that promotes the area and why Pittsburgh is such a great place!" #pittsburghheadshotphotographer
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Mar 20
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Mar 15
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in.Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events!#pittsburghheadshotphotos
Mar 10
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in. Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events! #pittsburghheadshotphotos
Shannon. #pittsburghheadshots
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience:"I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography."#pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Mar 2
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience: "I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography." #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
The team at Very Law:Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times.Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Feb 28
The team at Very Law: Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times. Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
Feb 27
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
Feb 20
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Feb 16
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Feb 14
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners!Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011.Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe.#clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Feb 8
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners! Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011. Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe. #clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more.With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law.As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 30
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more. With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law. As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 26
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
Jan 20
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
This is what it took. #shibainu #familyphoto
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Dec 2
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Nov 26
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 1
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant.Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it.#pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Oct 30
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant. Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
Oct 28
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh.I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot.My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Oct 3
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh. I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg