As small business owners, we wear a lot of different hats. We take care of financials, sales, management, marketing, and almost every aspect of the business. To do this successfully, we need to be up to date on the latest trends and ensure that we are constantly learning and improving. It can be overwhelming! Especially when it comes to social media and marketing trends. But we are here to help with a few ways you can stay up-to-date and set yourself up for success (at least when it comes to social media and marketing):
1. Join online communities
Join social media groups and communities related to your industry to connect with like-minded professionals and stay current on the latest trends. This will allow you to get recent updates on anything that may be helpful to you, like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook updates.
2. Take advantage of all the free knowledge out there
You can gain valuable insights and get up-to-date social media and marketing news by following the right accounts online, subscribing to a few newsletters, and reading a few blogs. One account we love for all three of these is Later.com. They share a ton of tips on their socials and are constantly posting about how to better use different platforms on their blog. We also invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for some quick marketing tips every month.
3. Monitor competitor's social media
Monitoring your competitors' social media channels is an important aspect of staying up to date with everything going on with social media as a small business owner. By observing others' social media strategies, you can gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in your industry and develop new ideas for what to try.
4. Attend workshops
Workshops are a great way to advance your social media marketing skills. They allow you to stay in the know about new trends and learn new skills. For an extra boost, look for interactive workshops that will allow you to maximize your time with opportunities to develop strategies for your business during the workshop.
5. Work with a marketing expert
There are many different ways to enlist the help of a marketing or social media expert. The key is to find the right person, with the right options, to provide you with the support you need. A lot of the most cost-effective marketing support for small businesses is an investment in training so that you can continue to do what you do more strategically and efficiently.
If you struggle with using social media, video editing, certain digital marketing tools, website building, or anything else, maybe it is time to consider looking for training opportunities. At Etched In Marketing, we offer various customizable group or one-on-one training options. Check out our website for more information about different training opportunities, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
