In November of 2019, I embarked on a journey I’d never attempted to take before. This month I took on a real business as a client to try my hand at social media marketing
I created a reserve of content from nothing but titles, research, and determination. And in doing so, I proved myself a valuable asset and a tenacious contributor.
What my project was
I set out to create and post content promoting and establishing an outstanding business that is Elevate Family Chiropractic. My goals consisted of gaining them their first social media directed customer, creating engaging content, and setting up a schedule for posts.
Let me set the scene for you: 3hr time difference between my client and me, up to 32hr work weeks at my “day job,” and meeting all other commitments as they came.
It made for some early mornings, some late nights, and a heck of a lot of pivoting. Keeping track of both time zones is essential for staying on the same page.
What my project turned into
As it came to my attention that communications were going to be limited, I dropped back and punted.
Throughout week 2, I kept creating content, researching marketing tactics, and keeping my client updated throughout the process whether that meant getting the content up or not.
In my research, I discovered a beautiful distinction between Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing. At this point, it was evident that the month was not going to go as I had initially thought.
It was reading about those two techniques that spurred me forward. You need content for social media marketing, and that’s exactly what I was creating.
I wrote over 10 blog posts, designed over 20 graphics, and refined my abilities in being flexible, reliable, and consistent.
Why I chose to do this project
Three reasons:
1) Marketing fascinates me
2) I love helping people get their message into the world
3) Anything that makes my stomach dip and my chest flutter with nerves is usually the action to take
When I was offered the opportunity of applying my novice knowledge of marketing to a real business in need, I took the plunge. The best way to learn something is to do it and do it when you’re unsure if you can.
You’ll surprise yourself every time.
What I accomplished
With every bend and twist, I learned more about the nuances of long-distance communications and the value of creating working systems.
By writing for my client and experimenting with topics I’d never written about before, I pulled myself into a new sense of what it is that makes people keep reading: warmth, familiarity, and delivering information in an interesting, engaging way, while still maintaining an air of professionalism. I’m eager to further test this formula.
What this project lacked in numbers and solid outcomes it made up for with experience.
So, what did I accomplish?
Here are my top 10 accomplishments of the month:
1) Overcame my hesitation of taking on the responsibility of a real business
2) Learned the difference between social media marketing and content marketing
3) Learned how to use Canva and created over 20 graphics
4) Got over my unnecessary fear of Google Analytics
5) Wrote over 10 posts on a topic I had never covered before with positive feedback
6) Delivered content despite setbacks
7) Built a great working relationship with my client
8) Fine-tuned my communication skills
9) Gained a better understanding of what it is I bring to the table
10) Was able to post 2 blogs on my client’s website
How I moved forward under uncertain circumstances
It would have been easy for me to wait around for information or direction. It would have been easy to take myself off of the hook and sit back.
But as you may have gathered, I’m not one to take the easy road.
When faced with the fact that the project needed a renovation halfway through, I took it on the chin and kept my pace. I poured myself into what I had control over. That being: my work, my time, and my passion.
That meant researching topics I didn’t fully understand, writing every day, creating social media templates, and documenting everything I was discovering.
When my client and I would connect and touch bases, I would be able to present what I’d done with confidence, ready for any feedback or new direction.
I proved to my client and myself that I am someone who keeps my word and delivers under any circumstance. With a few tweaks and adjustments, I can spin a project into something different, yet equally as valuable.
When you’re dealing with two schedules on opposite sides of the country, you learn to be purposeful with your communication. That means waking up to a text at 6 am expressing an available time to talk within that very next half hour and springing into action. That means being intentional about connecting whether the timeframe caters to your day or not.
It means applying your best effort to your work, no matter the condition of outside forces.
What I would do differently
It’s uncanny for me to type this, but I can honestly say I’m happy with the outcome of this month. That said, here are a few factors I would do differently now that I’m on the other side:
1) Establish a communication schedule immediately
2) Handle all critical information as soon as possible
3) Explore differing marketing techniques with the client right at the start
Do everything I did, but faster and in a more structured way. You live and you learn, and I won’t have to learn that lesson again.
What’s next
This coming month I’m going to continue working with my client on “Phase 2” of her social presence. In December, I’m going to get into my initial vision of this project: Social media marketing!
Along with the project’s continuation, I will still be completing my work with Praxis each week and diving into the placement process with renewed energy and conviction.
Life is full of uncertain circumstances, that’s a given. It’s how you respond that counts.
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