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Influencer’s $82,000 demand exposes ‘wild’ industry: ‘The audacity’

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By Stewart Perrie

Bowen is trying to save her bikini brand from going under and thought influencers might be the answer.

An Aussie business owner has been left speechless after seeing how much influencers charge for spruiking people’s products on social media. An influencer told Yahoo Finance it’s like the “wild, wild west” for how creators come up with their pricing models and bikini brand owner Bowen found that out the hard way.

She’s trying to rescue her business, Prilla Collective, from going under and she only has a few weeks before it goes bust. One avenue Bowen looked at was getting influencers to flaunt her bikinis and she reached out to a few that had a decent online following.

But she was not prepared for how much they wanted in exchange for a post.

Bowen looking at a screen next to two women posing in bikinis
Bikini brand owner Bowen couldn’t believe how much influencers were charging for social media brand deals. Pictured are two models from a previous Prilla Collective shoot and are not the influencers approached by Bowen. (Source: TikTok/Instagram)

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“I didn’t realise I would have to take a second mortgage to email influencers to see if they [would] work with a small brand like mine,” she said.

The first creator she reached out to has 210,000 followers and they were charging $4,500 for a post on their Instagram feed, $6,500 for a reel and $1,000 for a five-frame story post, she said.

The second, who has 86,000 followers, was a bit more affordable and they wanted between $1,300 to $3,000 depending on what format it was and on which social media app.

The third and final influencer, which Bowen admitted was probably well out of her reach due to her following, caused the bikini brand owner to “nearly fall off her chair”.

The unnamed creator wanted nearly $60,000 for an Instagram reel, close to $33,000 for an Instagram story, and $82,000 for a TikTok video that would’ve highlighted the product.

They also said they could do a TikTok video that didn’t mention the bikini and that would set Bowen back nearly $48,000.

“I know this is people’s job but I did not realise that’s how much money these influencers make,” she said. “I’m not making that in my own swimwear business, let alone giving it to an influencer. I’m way out of my league.”

Grace Garrick, founder of PR company MVMNT, recently revealed a creator tried to charge an “entire year’s salary” for a set of Instagram stories.

“Just let that sink in…an entire year’s salary for a story set when they do not have 100,000 followers,” she said in a video. “I have no words…that just takes the cake.

“Like I wanted to respond saying, ‘Did you accidentally put an extra zero on the end of this?’ Like, that is comedy…the audacity.”

Micro-influencer Simona responded to Garrick’s video, saying many creators had no framework for how they came up with that magic number when they invoiced brands and described it as like the “wild, wild west”.

With nearly 18,000 followers, the Sydney TikToker organises brand deals herself without the help of a manager and she set up her rates after doing a bit of market research.

“For people in my position, it is literally just a stab,” she explained to Yahoo Finance. “I reached out to other people with a similar amount of followers and said, ‘What was your rate?’ I had no idea.

“As I’ve developed slightly more of a following, I’ve become a little bit more fluent in the language that exists on email before the invoice is signed, and so the rates have gone up.”

She said how much she charges can also depend on how much she likes the brand. If she has a big association with the company, the rates might come down, but if it’s something completely out of her realm then the number goes up.

What has taken Simona by surprise is how brands haven’t scrutinised the numbers behind her number. She has rarely, if ever, been asked for analytics to justify why she’s asking for that amount of money.

“Every time I’ve said my rate, they’re like, ‘Great, let’s move, let’s move,” she said.

Despite being on the receiving end of influencer marketing, Simona wonders whether it’s actually a successful way of marketing a product to the masses.

“The fact that they invest in influencers this much kills me,” she told Yahoo Finance. “Because I honestly don’t think there would be that much of a conversion to sales.”

Taylor Reilly runs Reilly Talent, a management company which looks after some of Australia’s biggest creators. These people are on the other side of the scale compared to Simona and have millions of followers.

Tom Cruise standing next to Taylor Reilly
Taylor Reilly (right) manages some of Australia’s biggest creators and he said influencer marketing can be very hit and miss when it comes to converting social media posts to sales. (Source: Instagram)

He told Yahoo Finance that influencer marketing probably wouldn’t be the best for Bowen and her bikini brand at this stage.

“When you’re selling bikinis, that’s hard,” he explained. “What you’re selling is very competitive. You have to have something very unique in order to stand out.

“I think there’s a point in time to work with influencers, but if you’re a really small startup then no. If you’re a small startup, you need to treat your cash like it’s gold and make sure that every dollar you spend, you’re getting a return out of.

The entrepreneur said influencer marketing “to guarantee bottom dollar conversions” is like “gambling” in some cases and you never truly know whether the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars you give to a creator will give you a decent return.

Reilly explained that the number of followers a creator has shouldn’t be the metric used when they try to justify their prices for brand deals.

“It’s rubbish. It’s not real,” he said. “Like I have guys with, you know, 10 million followers. We don’t charge according to 10 million followers.

“It’s what views you’re bringing in, it’s what marketing power you bring into that business that they can [use to] justify the spend.”

His verdict on how much creators charge when they’re approached by brands is just simple business.

“Someone’s worth is valued by what someone’s willing to pay at any point in time,” he explained to Yahoo Finance.

By Stewart Perrie

Sourced from Yahoo! finance

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6 in-demand freelance skills, according to Upwork — one pays up to $250 an hour

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By Gili Malinsky,CNBC

As young people enter the job market, it behooves them to note which skills companies are most looking for.

Approximately 2 million people are expected to graduate from college in 2024, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of those graduates will be diving into the workforce and beginning to build their careers.

For those young people considering what to focus on to try to get more traction in the job market, freelance marketplace Upwork recently released its list of the most in-demand skills for 2024.

Here are six skills across categories ranging from web development to admin support, including what each entails and how much professionals are charging for it on the platform.

Data analytics

Data analysts look at “incredibly large and complex sets of data to derive insights that will drive the trajectory” of a business, says Margaret Lilani, vice president of talent delivery at Upwork. They use tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Spreadsheet, SQL and Tableau.

“The technology is new and it’s evolving at a crazy pace,” she says about these tools. “And so the humans who know how to leverage that technology and utilize it and deploy it are going to be the ones who are the winners in that game.”

Data analysts on Upwork charge as much as $167 per hour.

Full stack development

When it comes to building websites and apps, full stack developers are responsible “for both the front and the back ends” of a website, says Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster. That is, they’re responsible for the interface the user sees, as well as the mechanisms at play that make it work.

Given the constant development of technology, demand for full stack development “isn’t going away,” says Lilani.

Full stack developers on Upwork are charging as much as $190 per hour.

Social media marketing

Social media marketers spread the word about their clients on platforms ranging from Instagram to Pinterest with the goal of “building platforms, interacting with customers, building brands, boosting sales, driving website traffic,” Salemi says.

Like full stack development and given the prevalence of these platforms, “social media marketing is another one that’s not going away,” Lilani says.

Social media marketers charge as much as $250 per hour.

Accounting

Accountants examine financial statements to help businesses and individuals operate, file taxes, etc. Businesses often “need to have fast access to experts who can get the job done,” Lilani says. “And that’s a business problem for a Fortune 10. That’s also a business problem for an up-and-coming startup.”

“We’re always going to need to pay taxes,” Salemi says, so this skill, too, has longevity.

Accountants on Upwork charge as much as $125 per hour.

General virtual assisting

General virtual assistants help clients in an array of different ways. They get hired to “do their calendar, to help out with email, to spruce up some presentations” and so on, says Lilani.

Some can specialize in certain software or platforms “but the generalist nature also allows them to be nimble,” she says.

These assistants charge as much as $65 per hour on Upwork.

Graphic design

Graphic designers are “creating visual concepts that go hand in hand with the branding” of their clients, says Salemi. They create logos, infographics, social media posts, presentations and so on.

“We’re living in a visual society,” says Lilani. “And so graphic design is all the more critical.”

Graphic designers are charging as much as $150 per hour on Upwork.

Feature Image Credit: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez | Moment | Getty Images

By Gili Malinsky,CNBC

Sourced from NBC Washington

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6 Worst Marketing Campaigns of All Time

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By Michelle Hawley

Explore six infamous marketing blunders, their impacts and crucial lessons to enhance your brand strategy.

 

The Gist

  • Brand sensitivity. Effective campaigns require a deep understanding of cultural and social sensitivities.
  • Quality integrity. Maintaining product quality should not be compromised for cost-saving measures.
  • Legal awareness. Advertisements must align with industry regulations to avoid legal repercussions and damage to credibility.

Have you ever seen an ad that ridiculously missed the mark, alienating customers or causing a massive drop in sales?

Some of these gaffes are so bad that it’s hard to believe they’re real. But they are. And we can certainly learn a thing or two from them.

1. Fiat’s Anonymous Love Letters

Back in 1994, Italian carmaker Fiat decided to send out 50,000 anonymous love letters to young women in Spain.

The personally addressed letters on pink paper included gems like: “Yesterday we saw each other again. We met on the street, and I noticed how you glanced interestedly in my direction. I only need to be with you for a couple of minutes, and even if it doesn’t work out, I promise you won’t forget our little experience together.”

Fiat’s plan was to send a follow-up letter around six days later, revealing the “admirer” to be the new Fiat Cinquecento. Before that could happen, however, the women began to feel scared, imagining a stalker tracking their every move. Some locked themselves in their apartments, while others would only leave home in the presence of male company. Married women who received the letters also said the campaign caused jealousy issues in their relationships.

Ultimately, Fiat ended up getting sued, had to pay fines and followed up the ad campaign with apology letters.

The Lesson: 

This is one of those campaigns that makes you scratch your head and wonder how it passed multiple levels of approval. “We thought is was a fun campaign aimed at the independent, modern working woman,” a Fiat spokesman said at the time.

But did they consult any independent, modern working women for the campaign? Likely not, because Fiat would have quickly learned that anonymous letters from someone secretly watching you is creepy, not flattering or exciting. It signals a massive miss for Fiat in understanding its target audience.

2. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign

In 2017, Dove released a three-second “Real Beauty” ad, where a black woman turns into a white woman after using the brand’s body lotion.

The ad sparked a ton of controversy online. Many called the spot racist, and it spurred hashtags like #DoneWithDove and #DoveMustFall. Others, however, argued the ad was not racist, and instead was an attempt to be diverse and show off different models.

Dove later pulled the ad from Facebook and released an apology on Twitter. “An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of colour thoughtfully. We deeply regret the offence it caused,” the company wrote.

The Lesson: 

“Dove has had numerous ads over the years that cannot be mistaken for anything other than racist,” said Mara Einstein, professor at Queens College, City University of New York.

“Similar to the ad where the Black woman turns white, there was a print ad that suggested that being Black was the ‘before’ and being white was the ‘after.’ Hard to interpret that any other way.”

To avoid making racist, misogynistic or simply juvenile advertising mistakes, explained Einstein, marketers have to take the time to vet their content. “This doesn’t have to be overly expensive or time consuming and it will save them from agita in the long run.”

As for demonstrating values, she added, it’s time for companies to stop with purpose and deal with impact. “If what you are doing isn’t helping the planet or your people — employees, customers, community — then take a seat.”

3. Lifelock’s CEO Gives Out His Social Security Number

Have you ever heard of LifeLock? You might have seen the commercial where the company’s CEO, Todd Davis, gives out his social security number on TV, claiming the company’s product is so air-tight that he has nothing to worry about.

You might remember that his social was splattered across many billboards.

If you think that seemed like a stupid idea at the time, you would have been right. Because Davis had his identity stolen at least 13 times since 2007.

One criminal in Georgia, for instance, used it to rack up more than $2,300 worth of phone calls. And debt collectors sought out another $3,700+ from people other than Davis using the number.

In 2008, credit bureau Experian sued LifeLock, accusing it of deception and fraud in its advertising campaign. And two years later, the FTC levied $100 million in fines against the identity theft prevention company for deceptive advertising and failure to secure consumers’ personal information.

The Lesson: 

This should be a no brainer — the claims your company makes should line up with what you’re able to deliver. Overpromising can lead to significant credibility damage and legal troubles if the product doesn’t perform as advertised.

LifeLock’s campaign also ran afoul of legal standards, leading to lawsuits and hefty fines. It highlights the importance of having a good grasp of industry regulations and laws. Especially in cases like this, where the brand tried to stand out with a unique form of marketing, it’s important to work with legal teams to understand the boundaries of what can be promised and claimed in advertisements to avoid legal repercussions.

4. Bloomingdale’s Spike Your Best Friend’s Eggnog Ad

Out of touch marketers? Seems to be a trend.

Bloomingdales faced criticism when they released a campaign featuring a man and woman with the caption: “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.”

Bloomingdales ad with the slogan: Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.

 

Now, this wasn’t the 1960s (though that still wouldn’t be a good excuse). This was 2015, when the conversation around date rape culture was in full swing. These were conversations people were having online, in schools, etc.

But apparently Bloomingdales didn’t get the memo.

The company later issued an apology, with one tweet saying, “We heard your feedback about our catalogue copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes.”

The Lesson: 

“It’s crucial to thoroughly understand not just demographic data, but the societal and cultural contexts that might affect the reception of your campaign,” said Tenyse Williams, digital marketing adjunct instructor specialist at Columbia University, George Washington University and the University of Central Florida.

What could Bloomingdales have done better? Some steps Williams pointed to include:

  • A pre-release review process that involved multiple layers of approval
  • Sensitivity and implication training for the marketing team
  • Real-time monitoring and feedback implementation once the campaign went live

“These steps are not just about crisis management but about proactive engagement and ethical reflection in the creation and launch of advertising campaigns,” explained Williams. “By integrating these practices brands like Bloomingdale’s can avoid major missteps and align more closely with both ethical standards and public sentiment.”

5. Pepsi’s Kendall Jenner Ad

A lot of headlines in 2017 featured the Black Lives Matters protests. People were talking about issues surrounding race, equality, police violence and more. For some reason, Pepsi decided it was the ideal time to release their Kendall Jenner ad.

In the commercial, the socialite walks out into the protest and immediately defuses tensions by handing a police officer a can of Pepsi.

Naturally, people were mad. Many accused the brand of trivializing the protests and downplaying the deaths caused by police.

“Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding,” the company wrote on Twitter. “Clearly, we missed the mark and apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.”

The Lesson: 

Marketers should think about the context of their ads and how they will be seen by their intended audience, said Mindy Weinstein, founder and CEO of Market MindShift and author of “The Power of Scarcity.”

In the case of the Kendall Jenner ad, said Weinstein, Pepsi didn’t consider the seriousness of the social issue it used. Testing ads with a diverse group of people can help avoid marketing mistakes and will give insight into how the ads are being interpreted, she added.

“I’ve noticed that marketing campaigns that lack sensitivity to social issues, misjudge audience values, oversimplify complex matters, and fail to predict public reaction are the ones that become the biggest blunders,” Weinstein explained. “They fail to understand and respect the audience’s context, values, and current social climate. That is a recipe for a marketing disaster.”

6. The Schlitz Mistake

Up until 1977, the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company was America’s largest brewer. And its flagship beer, Schlitz, was coined as the “beer that made Milwaukee famous.”

So what happened?

For starters, the brand made a number of poor decisions — like using cheaper ingredients and attempting to shorten the beer’s brewing time with a process called accelerated batch fermentation.

The nail in the coffin, however, was a series of bizarre commercials titled “Drink Schlitz or I’ll Kill You.” The ads featured people like a fictional boxer or a lumberjack with a pet cougar. When an off-screen voice would ask if they’d like to try a beer other than Schlitz, they’d respond with odd comments like, “You want to take away my Schlitz? My gusto? …You’re gonna be down for the count so long, they’re gonna use a calculator.”

The ads were a huge failure, with the company pulling them off the air — and firing their ad men — 10 weeks after they first went live.

Sales dropped, with the company taking more than $1.4 million in losses in 1976 — the equivalent of $6.3 million in 2020. By 1981, Schlitz closed its Milwaukee brewery. The downfall became so infamous that it even earned a name: the “Schlitz mistake.”

The Lesson: 

Schlitz made the fateful decision to change its brewing process and use cheaper ingredients, compromising the quality of the beer and alienating customers who expected a certain standard.

But the true lesson here is in understanding brand and audience alignment. The “Drink Schlitz or I’ll Kill You” campaign is a textbook example of a marketing message that missed the mark in terms of audience expectations and the brand’s heritage.

Schlitz’s attempt to use humour and hyperbole came off as aggressive and bizarre, rather than appealing. It’s a story of marketers forgetting to make campaigns resonate with audience’s values and perceptions, and keeping messaging consistent with the brand’s established image.

It’s also a case that calls for testing prior to the ad’s launch to gauge audience reactions. Had Schlitz tested their ads with focus groups or smaller markets, they might have discovered the negative reactions and adjusted their approach accordingly. Schlitz could still be a beer that we all drink and talk about today.

Beyond Marketing Blunders: Building a Lasting Legacy

The consequences of a poorly conceived ad campaign can extend far beyond at temporary drop in sales or a fleeting PR headache. These marketing missteps above point to a deeper, more systemic issue within the sphere of marketing — a frequent disconnect between how brands perceive themselves and the realities of public perception.

For marketers, the challenge is not just to avoid the next big blunder, but to actively contribute to a legacy of respect, integrity and genuine engagement with audiences. The question should not be: How can the next campaign avoid controversy? It should be: How will it reaffirm the brand’s place in the lives and values of consumers?

By Michelle Hawley

Michelle Hawley is an experienced journalist who specializes in reporting on the impact of technology on society. As a senior editor at Simpler Media Group and a reporter for CMSWire and Reworked, she provides in-depth coverage of a range of important topics including employee experience, leadership, customer experience, marketing and more. With an MFA in creative writing and background in inbound marketing, she offers unique insights on the topics of leadership, customer experience, marketing and employee experience. Michelle previously contributed to publications like The Press Enterprise and The Ladders. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her two dogs.

Sourced from CMSWIRE

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Get Rich Quick? Try These 7 Insane ChatGPT Prompts For 2024!

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Transform Your Business with These Powerful ChatGPT Prompts for 2024

In the fast-paced world of 2024, leveraging AI for business growth has never been more essential. ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, offers an array of prompts that can help you kickstart various business ventures and side hustles. If you’re looking to get rich quick, these 7 insane ChatGPT prompts could be your golden ticket. Let’s dive into how you can use these prompts and tools to create successful businesses.

7. AI Graphic Design Business Prompt

Prompt: “I am planning to launch a graphic design business that incorporates AI technologies. Provide detailed advice and a step-by-step action plan covering these key areas: Business concept and market analysis, business structure and legal, AI technology and integration tools, service offerings and portfolio development, pricing strategy and financial planning, marketing and client acquisition, product management and workflow, quality control and client feedback, and at last scaling and business growth.”

Getting Started: Launching an AI-powered graphic design business involves integrating advanced tools like Canva and Miro. Canva, known for its user-friendly interface, can be combined with AI-driven design suggestions to enhance creativity. Miro offers collaborative brainstorming and visual content creation, essential for developing innovative designs.

Key Steps:

  1. Business Concept and Market Analysis: Understand the demand for AI-integrated graphic design services.
  2. AI Technology Integration: Utilize tools like Canva and Miro to streamline design processes.
  3. Marketing and Client Acquisition: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn and Medium to reach potential clients and showcase your portfolio.

6. Affiliate Marketing Business Prompt

Prompt: “I am planning to create an affiliate marketing blog. I need a complete guide that covers all the essential aspects, strategies, and best practices for launching and growing an affiliate marketing blog. Provide in-depth information and actionable steps on the following key areas: Niche selection and market analysis, blog setup and platform optimization, content strategy and creation, affiliate partnership and monetization, traffic generation and audience building, performance tracking and analytics, scaling and growth strategies, and at last long-term sustainability and adaptation.”

Getting Started: Affiliate marketing can be a lucrative side hustle if done right. Tools like Notion-AI and Google Docs can help in organizing your content strategy and streamlining the creation process.

Key Steps:

  1. Niche Selection and Market Analysis: Identify profitable niches using tools like Google Trends.
  2. Content Strategy and Creation: Use Notion-AI for idea generation and Google Docs for drafting and editing.
  3. Traffic Generation: Implement SEO strategies and use LinkedIn for networking with other marketers.

5. Copywriting Business Prompt

Prompt: “I am planning to start a business focused on AI-driven copywriting services. I need a complete blueprint covering the essential steps, strategies, and considerations for launching and growing this business successfully. Provide detailed guidance on the following aspects: Market analysis and business planning, technology and tools, service and portfolio development, client acquisition and sales strategies, operational workflow and quality control, and at last business model and pricing.”

Getting Started: AI tools like Quillbot can enhance your copywriting efficiency, making it easier to produce high-quality content quickly.

Key Steps:

  1. Market Analysis: Identify industries in need of quality copywriting services.
  2. Technology and Tools: Incorporate Quillbot for paraphrasing and improving content quality.
  3. Client Acquisition: Use LinkedIn and Medium to network and showcase your expertise.

4. Social Media Marketing Agency Prompt

Prompt: “I am planning to start a social media marketing agency. I need a detailed plan that encompasses all critical elements of establishing and operating a successful agency in this field. Provide in-depth guidance on the following key areas: The business foundation and niche identification, service offerings, package development, building a team and resource management, and at last, client acquisition and relationship management.”

Getting Started: Social media marketing requires creativity and strategic planning. Tools like Canva for content creation and Notion for task management can be invaluable.

Key Steps:

  1. Niche Identification: Determine which industries you will serve.
  2. Service Offerings: Develop packages tailored to different business needs.
  3. Client Acquisition: Utilize LinkedIn and other social media platforms to attract clients.

3. Email Marketing Agency Prompt

Prompt: “I am in the process of establishing an email marketing agency. I need a detailed plan that covers all crucial components of creating and managing a thriving email marketing agency. Provide in-depth advice and strategies on the following key areas: Market analysis and defining services, the agency setup and legal considerations, building a skilled team, client acquisition and sales strategies, operational tools and technology, client onboarding and project management, performance measurement and analytics, and at last long-term growth and scaling the agency.”

Getting Started: Email marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses. SaneBox can help manage emails efficiently, ensuring that important client communications are not missed.

Key Steps:

  1. Market Analysis: Research businesses that can benefit from email marketing.
  2. Service Definition: Create service packages, including campaign creation and analytics.
  3. Client Onboarding: Use SaneBox to organize and streamline client communications.

2. YouTube Content Ideation and Planning Prompt

Prompt: “You are a creative consultant for a [NICHE] YouTuber. Based on their target audience of [TARGET AUDIENCE] and their previously successful themes of [previous successful themes], please generate five unique video content ideas and a brief script for all of them.”

Getting Started: Content creation for YouTube requires a blend of creativity and analytical thinking. Tools like Miro for brainstorming and Notion for planning can be extremely useful.

Key Steps:

  1. Content Ideas: Use Miro to brainstorm and map out content ideas visually.
  2. Script Writing: Draft scripts in Google Docs or Notion for easy collaboration.
  3. Execution: Plan the production schedule and optimize video SEO.

1. Detailed Podcast Topic Ideation Prompt

Prompt: “You are a podcaster using the [specific podcasting strategy model]. Your task is to create an episode plan for the upcoming episode titled [Episode Title]. This episode is aimed at [Target Audience]. The objectives for this episode are [Objective 1, Objective 2, Objective 3]. This episode should cover some key themes: [Theme 1, Theme 2, Theme 3]. Using the principles of the [specific podcasting strategy model], please create an episode plan including the following sections: a) Title: [Episode Title], b) Objectives: As stated above, c) Key Themes: As stated above, d) Episode Details: Detailed content ideas covering the objectives and key themes, e) Engagement Suggestions: Innovative ideas to engage your listeners during and after the episode, f) Evaluation Methods: Methods to assess the reception and impact of the episode.”

Getting Started: Podcasting is a growing field with a lot of potential. Using tools like Notion for planning and organization can streamline the process.

Key Steps:

  1. Episode Planning: Use Notion to outline and organize episode content.
  2. Content Creation: Draft scripts and detailed notes in Google Docs.
  3. Engagement: Implement strategies to engage listeners and evaluate episode performance.

Tools Mentioned

  • Miro: A visual content creation tool that offers a freemium pricing model. Ideal for brainstorming and collaborative planning. Website
  • Notion: An all-in-one productivity and task management tool, priced at $8/month for an annual subscription. Website
  • Canva: A popular graphic design tool that integrates AI suggestions to enhance creativity.
  • Quillbot: An AI tool for paraphrasing and improving the quality of copywriting.
  • SaneBox: A tool to manage and organize emails efficiently.

FAQs

How to prompt ChatGPT for business? To prompt ChatGPT for business, clearly state your business idea and the specific information you need. For example, “I am planning to launch a graphic design business that incorporates AI technologies. Provide detailed advice on business structure, AI integration, and client acquisition.”

What is the prompt for generating business ideas in ChatGPT? For generating business ideas, use a prompt like, “Generate innovative business ideas that leverage AI technologies for the year 2024, focusing on emerging trends and market needs.”

How to start your business with ChatGPT? Starting your business with ChatGPT involves using it for market analysis, business planning, and strategic advice. Begin by asking ChatGPT for a step-by-step guide tailored to your specific business idea, covering aspects like market research, legal considerations, and client acquisition strategies.

ChatGPT offers a wealth of opportunities to kickstart your business ventures in 2024. By utilizing these 7 insane prompts, along with powerful AI tools like Canva, Notion, and Quillbot, you can streamline your processes and achieve remarkable growth. Whether you’re diving into affiliate marketing, social media management, or launching an AI-driven graphic design business, ChatGPT can be your ultimate guide. Start leveraging these insights today and watch your business soar!

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Sourced from GREY JOURNAL

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How to Customize Your LinkedIn Profile – For Today’s Economy

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Sourced from Syfter

Why does your LinkedIn profile matter?

With LinkedIn constantly evolving, it is that much more important for candidates to stay ahead of the trends and grow along with it. By investing time upfront, and being strategic with your changes, you can create a strong, marketable profile that changes the game in your job search and beyond.

While the resume is still important, if you’re going to get a job, odds are it won’t be from posting your resume on a job board. You’re most likely going to get your next job one of three ways:

  • Friends, family, and personal network

  • Recruiters or a company you’re already familiar with

  • Recruiters that find you

There’s not much you can do to increase your chances on the first two (except reaching out to them), so let’s focus on that third one. When a recruiter finds you, they’re going to find you on LinkedIn, and they’re going to do it using the tool LinkedIn Recruiter, which uses certain criteria to populate a shortlist. Your goal is to show up on that list. Then, the recruiter will make the decision to reach out to you to ask you for your resume. 

You can see why:

 LinkedIn Profile > Resume 

The main point here is this – your resume is not what is attracting a recruiter to you. They will only ask for your resume after they’re already interested in you based on your LinkedIn profile. 

If you’re on the market for a new job (or even just curious about new opportunities), you should know that the first place any good recruiter will be looking for candidates is LinkedIn. Since this is all any recruiter is going to see to make a decision on whether to open this up and get in contact with you or not, you want to be in control of your first impression.

As an example, if you’re going to choose from the below two people for a job interview, who are you going to pick?

If you want to reach your professional goals, it’s important to own your own story, especially on LinkedIn. In order to own your own story, you need to decide what exactly that narrative looks like and build a strategy around it.

Think about an influencer who often time leverages their network to sell a product. Look at yourself as a business influencer trying to convince recruiters to buy your product…which is you. 

Before you start, let’s do some research on our demographic – 

After leadership has exhausted their current company’s internal promotions as well as their own personal network, they’ll put the pressure on their internal HR team or the internal/corporate recruiters to find the perfect candidate.

What do we know about these people?

  • As of writing this, on LinkedIn there are just over 170,000 people in the US with the title “Recruiter”.

  • The average total pay for a human resources employee in the US is about $44,425. 

  • Internal recruiters typically don’t make commissions.

  • The average age of an HR generalist in the US is 41.

  • 79.5% of HR workers in the US are women.

This recruiter or human resources worker is drastically different from the future boss you probably pictured earlier, if they’re a CTO whose average pay is $301,267 and 92% of which are men.

Behind the Scenes of LinkedIn Recruiting

Have you ever thought about how recruiters recruit? After years of helping some of the most talented people get hired at some of the greatest companies in the world, I’m going to give you some insight. 

Recruiters use an advanced tool on LinkedIn called LinkedIn Recruiter (and let me tell you – it’s not cheap).

Think of LinkedIn Recruiter as Google on steroids. Google filters webpages for what it thinks you’ll be most interested in based on your search criteria. LinkedIn Recruiter does a custom filtered search for candidates based on the search criteria the recruiter types in. I’m going to show you what that search looks like because it’s probably not what you think. Recruiters are not looking at your full “webpage;” they’re only getting a snippet, and from that short amount of information, they’re making a decision (“Do I open that profile?”) similar to (“Do I open that website?”).

Since the recruiter is sifting through infinite profiles, and the most time they’ll spend scrolling through yours is a few seconds, you want to make sure you’re not wasting any prime real estate from your LinkedIn profile.

As a starting point, when a recruiter is searching for the perfect candidate to fill a role, this is what they see after they set up their search:

Recruiters use something called a “boolean search” to find candidates who have the exact experience they’re searching for. Think of this tool as similar to SEO or Google on steroids. Just like companies use certain words to get themselves to the top of Google Search results, I’m going to show you how to get your profile to the top of LinkedIn Recruiter results. Your goal is to curate your profile in a way that will get a boolean search to pull you in a pool of candidates for a recruiter to consider.

If you don’t show up in that search or they don’t click on you, it doesn’t matter how perfect your profile actually is – your chances of getting a call for that job you desperately want are zero. You NEED to be in that selection of potential candidates, and I’m going to show you today exactly how to do it.

Curate Your Profile for Your LinkedIn Target

If your profile is aimed at the typical recruiter and not the CTO of a company, you should be focused on legibility for your audience. Be wary of:

  • Highly technical details

  • Coding samples

  • Industry jargon

Although there are many recruiters who are experts in technology, it is important to remember that not all of them are technical or experts in the industry of their employer. Most HR reps and internal/corporate recruiters are generalists. You do not want to alienate recruiters who don’t understand the technical details of your work. Your technical skills will be evaluated by the hiring manager after a recruiter has contacted you for an initial interview. Remember, you are viewing yourself as a business influencer trying to convince recruiters to buy your product…which is you.  The goal here is just to get the initial interview, and creating a LinkedIn profile that is specific but uncomplicated by details is what will help you reach that goal.

This is true especially when you consider that there is a limit to how many people recruiters will contact on LinkedIn Recruiter. So you know – you can send as many messages to your LinkedIn connections as you want to, but to send messages to people you aren’t connected to, you have to send what LinkedIn calls “InMails.” Recruiters do not get unlimited InMails – LinkedIn Recruiter has a certain amount of InMails that recruiters get to send each month, and adding more can get VERY expensive VERY quickly. Recruiters aren’t going to use one of their precious InMails on you unless they’re really sure that you’re worth it, so your LinkedIn profile can’t just be okay. It needs to leave no doubt in a recruiter’s mind that you are THE person that can fill their role the best.

Where should I start?

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify the job that you want – both the title and the general job responsibilities. Then, you want to go and find two or three job descriptions of jobs that meet that criteria. Find what these job descriptions have in common with each other, and if it’s true to you, you need to feature it on your profile. You’re going to use these as guidelines for what you need to get across to any recruiter looking at your profile. Think of it as doing the maze backward from end to beginning.

Notice what pops up in each of the job descriptions, and make sure it makes an appearance in your LinkedIn profile. As an example, these might be things you find in common on job descriptions that you want to make sure show up on your LinkedIn profile as keywords:

  • A focus on diversity and inclusion

  • Building a team from scratch

  • Global experience

  • Relevant certifications or trainings 

When you write a paper on a thesis, every point that you make is supposed to work in favor of proving the point, or thesis, that you’re trying to make. You should fill out your LinkedIn profile the same way. Everything that anyone reads about you on your profile should point back to the fact that you are suited to exactly the role or persona that you want to achieve.

It can be hard to narrow down all of your goals and aspirations to only a few job descriptions. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point. These aren’t permanent – you can change them as time passes or as your goals change.Remember that LinkedIn is a social media page – it doesn’t have to be an exact replica of your resume.

It’s very likely that the new keywords on your profile will be some of the keywords the recruiter will use to begin their search.

Get creative with where you choose to highlight these skills. If you’re mentioning technologies in your About section, there’s no harm in also listing them in your skills section. In fact, LinkedIn Recruiter (which I’ll tell you more about) has a special feature where it will alert the recruiter if a candidate has multiple skills in common with the role that they’re currently recruiting for. Anything you can do to set yourself apart can only help you, so make sure you’re thorough and curate every section of your LinkedIn profile. 

Career Trajectory

Creating a story that will emphasize where you’re going in your career is dependent on how you detail your work experience. Looking at your previous titles and companies on your LinkedIn profile, what sort of story do you see?

 
 

Everything on my profile is filled out yet minimal so the emphasis is on the progression of my actual career. I’ve moved up seamlessly from an individual contributor to the CEO. My activity, endorsements, recommendations, and interests all support my story with related content.

Whatever your career has been, your experience should show a succinct story. Small changes like re-wording your title, or adding a small description of your work can point to why you made the moves you’ve made and how they’ve enhanced your career.

If there is something that you don’t like as much, such as a gap in employment, don’t think you can fool anyone by cutting it out of your history. If there is anything left unsaid about a gap – or anything that may be negative – recruiters will assume the worst. Instead, be open and address the issue- you want to get ahead of it, and people appreciate honesty. There are certain points in time when people will almost expect to see a gap. If you lost your job in March 2020, were laid off in 2022,  or took off some time to care for a sick family member, nobody is going to hold that against you. Just be as honest as you can be and you’ll find people are more understanding than you expect. Recruiters and tech professionals are human beings too!

How do recruiters find you on LinkedIn?

This is How Recruiters Recruit

All the best recruiters use LinkedIn Recruiter to identify LinkedIn profiles that have their ideal search criteria. Within seconds, they can cut a list of millions of LinkedIn profiles down to a few hundred potential candidates. Just for context, there’s over fourteen million profiles just in the Greater New York City Area. This means that no matter how good your profile looks, if you don’t show up in these searches, recruiters won’t be able to find you.

How LinkedIn Recruiter Works

The program searches with boolean filters that apply an exact keyword search to the different sections of a LinkedIn profile. There are dozens of search criteria that recruiters can choose from when narrowing down their search.

This is what it looks like.

To build a good candidate pool, recruiters look at certain qualifications or criteria. Most of them focus first on the following:

  • Job Functions

  • Location (postal/zip code)

  • Tags related to the job

If the information in these specific sections of your LinkedIn profile are out of date or have information that isn’t geared towards your current job search, you won’t even make the first cut.

Can my coworkers see if I’m open to work?

In short, yes – at least on your regular LinkedIn profile. If you put an “Open to Work” green frame on your profile picture and highlight it on your profile, anyone who looks at your LinkedIn profile can see that you’re seeking a new role.

However – on LinkedIn Recruiter, ONLY people outside your company can see in search results that you’re open to work. It’s a slight distinction, but an important one.

If you’re unsure of whether or not to say you’re open to work, it’s better to leave it off. There’s no risk of someone seeing it who isn’t supposed to, whether that’s a current coworker or even a recruiter who is good friends with someone at your company that might happen to mention it.

Plus, they say that people always want what they can’t have, and allowing a recruiter to think they’ll have to fight harder to get you to leave your current role for a new job may end up helping you get exactly what you want out of a new opportunity.

Location on LinkedIn

If you’re seeking a fully remote or hybrid role, your location on LinkedIn doesn’t have exactly the same impact as it would if you were fully on-site. While you should still make sure your location is accurate, it’s very likely that recruiters recruiting on remote roles will be searching for candidates in the “United States” as opposed to just “Dallas, Texas.”

That being said, there is always the chance that you could be looking for a hybrid role that gives you some office face-time. If that’s the case, you want to make sure that your location on LinkedIn is the location where you want to work, even if it’s not the same as where you’re living.

If you’re within commuting distance to a larger city, you should set your location to a wider range. For example, instead of using “Secaucus, New Jersey,” you can set your location to “Greater New York City Area.” This means you’ll now show up in any searches taking place in the wider metropolitan area, which gives you a much better shot of being contacted for an interview.

If you’re looking to relocate, one of the simplest mistakes you can make is not updating your location to where you want to relocate to. You will not appear on a recruiter’s list unless your LinkedIn location is within the boundary they’re looking in, so be sure to keep your location current.

How to Make LinkedIn Recruiter Work for YOU

As you’ve already seen, LinkedIn Recruiter looks very different from the regular version of LinkedIn we use day to day. A recruiter scrolling through LinkedIn Recruiter has certain information highlighted to them. It’s not very much, and they’re not taking a very long look, so you need to make sure these things are optimized to the fullest.

Typically, when your profile comes up on LinkedIn Recruiter, the recruiter will see

  • Headshot

  • Full name

  • About section

  • Profile headline

  • Work experience

  • Education

  • Location

  • Industry

  • Spotlights

  • Highlights

Some of these are self-explanatory, but some of these are exclusive ONLY to LinkedIn Recruiter.

About Section on LinkedIn Recruiter

I’ve already pointed out the importance of a solid About section on your LinkedIn profile, but LinkedIn Recruiter makes it even more important to make this portion of your profile strong from start to finish. LinkedIn Recruiter will show the first couple of lines of this section – but only the first couple of lines. If you want a recruiter to be wowed by what you’ve written, it’s important to start off strong with something punchy and attention-grabbing. Be careful not to confuse “attention grabbing” for “clickbait.” You want a recruiter to be intrigued by how clever and experienced you are, not roll their eyes and scroll past because you’re trying too hard.

Experience and Highlights on LinkedIn Recruiter

LinkedIn Recruiter will highlight the last few roles that you’ve had, so you want to ensure that these give a strong introduction to the story you’re trying to tell. If there was ever a time to tweak titles and line up date ranges perfectly, this would be it.

The concept of Highlights goes alongside your Experience section. Let’s say a recruiter is searching for a project manager. You’re someone who has been in the workforce for the last ten years working adjacent to project management, but you’ve only gained a project manager title and experience in the last four years. Well, LinkedIn Recruiter knows that, and it’s going to leave a highlight at the top of your experience that reads “4 years of project management experience.”

 

Now, the only thing worse than a LinkedIn profile that hasn’t been optimized is a LinkedIn profile where someone is outright lying. However, if you know that you’ve been doing the job, but you just haven’t had the right title for LinkedIn Recruiter to register it as a keyword, this is the time when you want to use keywords to your advantage and make some edits to ensure that LinkedIn Recruiter highlights the full extent of your experience for the recruiter looking at your profile.

Skills Match, Interest, and Activity on LinkedIn Recruiter

Similar to the Highlights, LinkedIn Recruiter provides tips for the recruiter doing the search, sometimes based on what the system has learned they’re searching for. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pointing out to the recruiter that you’ve set your profile to “open to work.” 

The Skills Match feature tells a recruiter if a candidate has similar skills to other candidates that were saved for this role. In our example above, you can see our recruiter is interested in skills like “LinkedIn,” “Hiring,” and “Recruiting.” 

The Interest feature highlights things about a candidate’s profile that may make them a candidate of interest for a search based on common interests or how the candidate’s and recruiter’s networks overlap. Take a look at the example above, and you’ll notice

  • Whether they’re a follower of the recruiter’s company 

  • If they’re closer in the recruiter’s network

  • How many mutual connections the candidate and the recruiter have 

Lastly, Activity lets a recruiter know what kind of activity this candidate has related to this job. If they’ve already been saved to a different project, or if they appear in the recruiter’s database already, LinkedIn Recruiter will let the recruiter know that. 

These are all things that can help give you a boost up. These are entirely reliant on LinkedIn Recruiter, but by optimizing your profile, you can ensure your best chance at getting some extra notice from a recruiter looking for the perfect candidate.

Why haven’t you reached your career goals? Check your keywords.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile With Keywords

LinkedIn Recruiter is able to look through every profile on LinkedIn that matches the keywords recruiters use in their search criteria. Keywords are the most important terms related to your career experience such as:

  • Technologies you use

  • Words that express your skill level (manager, leader)

  • Qualifications / Certifications

The keywords you use in your profile tell a story to the recruiters about who you are, what you do, and what jobs you may be interested in. Recruiters don’t care about your exact internal title or the exact timeframe you worked at a job – they care about what you did at the company you worked for and what skills you have.

Having a LinkedIn profile that is optimized for the wrong keywords is lethal to your job search. However, if you use keywords effectively, especially within your headline, summary and work experience, you will put yourself in the right recruiter’s search and boost your LinkedIn profile to the top of their lists.

Using Keywords to Set Your Profile Apart

The trick to writing a really good profile is to have the most information about the roles on the top and the least information about the roles on the bottom. You want to give the best insights into your current and most recent roles. You might not even need to put your oldest roles on your LinkedIn profile – if you were waiting tables in college, that doesn’t need to be listed in your experience.

If you’re seeing paragraphs about jobs you had ten years ago or bullet points about skills you used in your very first part time job, your profile is not going to stand out to a recruiter. If they can’t get what they need to know within a few moments of skimming your profile, they will move on.

Decide on the keywords you want to use to market yourself. Anything that is not related to these keywords can be taken out. Remember: You are a business influencer trying to convince recruiters to buy your product…which is you. Using this mindset, write a short headline and summary that utilize your keywords. If absolutely necessary, you can add a quick sentence or two to your specific jobs within your work experience.

Choosing Keywords

Think about the technologies or skills that you use the most within your current position.

What words associated with your current skills, projects, and job experiences will get you on the list of a recruiter for your dream job?

Go back to those job descriptions you pulled at the beginning. What skills and experience do you already have that you know recruiters will be seeking, and how can you use keywords to sum it all up? If you’re missing exact technologies or experiences, what transferable skills do you have that would align, and how can you best translate that into something a recruiter would be searching for?

Clean Up Your Profile

The details of your profile will make a huge difference in overall appearance and completeness. LinkedIn users are seeing hundreds of profiles, which may get narrowed down to just a few that could be considered identical in skill-set and experience. If one profile is complete, neat, professional, and has a good profile image, while the other is incomplete and messy, the person with the better looking profile will get the best opportunity.

Every opportunity for an image or icon should be used; every company should have a logo, and your profile header should remain professional. It should go without saying, but spell check your profile- you don’t want to ruin what could be a fantastic professional collaboration with a simple spelling mistake.

Preparing yourself to take a risk professionally can often be a stressful endeavor. You’re worried about many things: a history of job hopping, a previous company’s reputation, gaps in employment, finding the right person to work alongside you, but I’m here to tell you that those worries don’t matter. What does matter is how you use the story of your career to get exactly what you’re looking for in your career.

When you’re gearing your profile towards your job search, it’s also useful to consider what skillsets or experiences recruiters want to see in their dream candidate. If you can identify the keywords associated with the next job you want, and they are true to your work experience, they will be the most impactful keywords and ones you should definitely use.

Your LinkedIn Profile Section Checklist 

Whether you’re searching for a new role or looking to fill one yourself (or maybe you’re somewhere in the middle), there are some key changes you can make to your LinkedIn profile that will work no matter what your situation is.

When deciding how to update your profile, I find it’s easiest to start from the bottom and work your way up.

1. Interests

This section isn’t necessarily the most important. It can give your audience some insight into your character or what you enjoy, but it’s not a make-or-break.

2. Recommendations

You should have at least a couple of these. If you’re too embarrassed to ask, keep in mind that people don’t know your personal relationship to the people who recommend you. Maybe you have a friend who has a good title at a good company and wouldn’t mind writing one for you. At the end of the day, it’s not a huge deal, but it’s definitely nice to have.

3. Skills

Not everyone is going to look at this section, but it can be nice to have something here. It’s not hard to get people to endorse you, especially friends and colleagues. I would have a maximum of ten skills listed. If you have too many, instead of looking well-rounded, you’ll look like you’re trying too hard, and it will look sloppy.

If you’re someone who is looking for a new job, passively or actively, this section is going to be a hidden key for you. When recruiters are using LinkedIn Recruiter to search for candidates LinkedIn will point out to them which potential candidates have certain skills in common that might make them a good fit for whatever job they’re recruiting on. You’ll want to pay attention and be intentional about what you choose to list in this section.

4. Education

High Schools/Prep Schools- First off, there’s no need to put your high school or preparatory school on your LinkedIn profile. If it is extremely prestigious, then maybe you can make a case for it, but for the most part, if you’ve been out of college, there’s no need to have any education beforehand.

College & University- This section has the most controversy when it comes to opinions, which usually has to do with indecision about putting the dates or not.

Just so you know, the recruiter will think one of these four reasons are why you wouldn’t have the dates:

  • Hide your age

  • Didn’t graduate

  • Something to hide

  • Forgot

Keep in mind, people will always assume the worst, so my advice is to be honest and get ahead of whatever the problem is. In addition, make sure all of your schools have logos – that is a common mistake. Without them, it won’t look official. Most, if not all, colleges and universities should have logos for LinkedIn.

5. Certifications

If they’re relevant to the field you’re in or the field you’re looking to get into, list them. If not, don’t. If you’re going to list them, make sure they’re not expired.

6. Awards and Accomplishments

This is an “all or nothing” section. You should either put them all or put none of them.

7. Experience

This is where you need to ask yourself, “What is the story I’m trying to tell, and what is the goal I’m hoping to accomplish?” Ideally, no matter what your goals are, you want to show a progression throughout your career. This is the meat of your profile. Have you moved up in various leadership roles? Maybe you’ve managed global teams. What are you trying to show the world?

While everyone has a different story they’re trying to tell, there are some common things you want to ensure you have correct.

Current Title: Your title on LinkedIn does not have to match the one given to you by your manager. LinkedIn is your professional social media page, not your resume. You need to keep in mind the following things:

  • Write your title the way it would be most commonly written.

  • Don’t use abbreviations – if you write “Sr” instead of “Senior,” LinkedIn doesn’t always recognize it as a keyword.

  • Accurately reflect the work that you do.

  • If possible, keep in mind the job that you want.

  • The internal title might not mean anything to the outside world. For example, “Programmer II” doesn’t indicate anything.

Often, people get hung up on what their title is within their company. However, it is essential to note that titles that are important internally may not have the same recognition outside of your company. For this reason, it is best to simplify or generalize your title on LinkedIn in order to get the attention of the audience you want.

Your title within your company might be “Python React Developer”, but if you have experience with other languages and want to market your wider skill set, “Backend Engineer” would be a broader title to get you noticed more.

8. Activity

You want to make sure that what you’re interacting with is relevant. LinkedIn isn’t like Facebook or Twitter. What you post on LinkedIn should be something you’d be comfortable with your boss or the CEO of your company seeing. Are you commenting on viral Internet trends or are you responding to a thought-provoking post about the latest developments in technology?

Articles: These fall under the activity section and are a great way to put out knowledge and build up your credibility in your field. They can be long or short, and you can write them about anything, but on that note, make sure what you’re saying is relevant. Don’t be overwhelmed at the idea of publishing something. Your first article can be short- just put something out into the world and see what kind of reaction you get.

9. Featured

This section allows you to pin any customized activity that you want to feature. This is one of the first things people will see on your profile, so if you’ve accomplished something major or if your company has big news, you want to make sure to pin it here.

10. About

This is your elevator pitch. This is the nitty-gritty of exactly what you want everyone to know about you. You want to imagine the recruiter is reading this, so go back to your three job descriptions you chose in the beginning. This should be carefully crafted to showcase your best professional self. You want the recruiter to read this section and feel that you’re a perfect fit for the job they’re working on. Mention some of your great characteristics, projects you’re working on, or current responsibilities. Be careful – don’t make this too long or no one will bother to read it. It’s called an elevator pitch for a reason.

11. Headline

This is what’s written right underneath your name and can be customized. This is the first thing people will see when they look you up. This is prime real estate, as an example, you will most likely make a judgment on a person by the kind of car that they drive. Think about the different personalities that drive an SUV, a sports car, or a motorcycle. Now, imagine if that vehicle has a bumper sticker or a vanity plate. It helps you learn more about them. Your LinkedIn headline can be used for the same purpose – to tell someone a little bit more about you, more than just what your job title is or where you work. Remember that they will already learn your job title and where you work when they look at your Experience section on your profile. 

12. Contact Information

If you’re going to put anything here (which you don’t have to), make sure it’s the correct information. There’s nothing worse than realizing all your career-related emails have been going to your hotmail account you haven’t touched in the last decade. Or even worse – to your old work email.

13. Social Media

To keep your LinkedIn profile professional, it is imperative you do not share any social media links that aren’t also professional. If you’re a tech professional tweeting about the latest in AI, by all means, set up that link. If you’re live-tweeting pictures of your kids at a soccer game, LinkedIn is not the place to showcase that.

14. Headshot

You need to have a photo of yourself on LinkedIn. It’s non-negotiable. If people are looking for you on LinkedIn, having no photo will instantly make you less credible than you would’ve been otherwise. It doesn’t have to be a professionally taken headshot, either. You can have it taken on an iPhone. Really the only thing you don’t want to do is crop yourself out of a group photo from an event. This looks sloppy, and your career shouldn’t scream ‘sloppy.’ After all, would you wear a wrinkled shirt to work? One more tip: SMILE! People don’t want to reach out to someone who looks angry.

15. Header Image

This is something that will make you look a lot more put-together. Yes, LinkedIn gives you that generic blue header, but updating it will make you stand out. See what other people in your company have used for their backgrounds, or pick something that represents your personal brand. When in doubt, you want to look at people who have accomplished what you’re currently trying to do. Mimic what they’ve done, because clearly, it’s working.

Who’s Controlling Your LinkedIn Story?

If you want your profile to connect with the right people, you need to think about who your audience is on LinkedIn. A common misconception is that your audience for your LinkedIn profile is your next boss – it’s not. It’s a recruiter using LinkedIn Recruiter.You don’t need LinkedIn to impress your future boss – you need to use your LinkedIn to get the job first before you have any hope of even getting in the same room with the people you’re hoping to impress. Knowing your audience is key.

Typically, when a position opens up within a company, the people running the show are not the ones who are going to be seeking their ideal candidates from the gate. The people in charge of the hiring process are most likely to be someone in Human Resources, an internal recruiter, or a corporate recruiter. They’ll be the ones choosing whom to reach out to, and the odds are that it’s going to be based on a LinkedIn profile. Yours needs to stand out.

At the time I’m writing this article, the national unemployment rate is at 4.1%. The unemployment rate for the technology industry is around 3.7%. Although the news might be filled with stories about layoffs and hiring freezes, the numbers tell us that hiring is still happening. Opportunities are still out there. Companies are still (and always will be) competing with each other to get the best talent on their team. This is great news for you if you’re looking to take the next step in your career, but you still need to be smart about how you represent yourself.

LinkedIn has become the go-to recruiting tool for all recruiters. To impress a recruiter who is going through hundreds of profiles a day, yours must be maintained and kept up to date. This should not take hours and hours of work, but you should definitely give it some thought.

Put Your New Profile to Work

Waiting for a recruiter to reach out to you isn’t the only way that you can leverage LinkedIn. There are typically three types of people in your LinkedIn network.

  • People you know very well

  • People you know casually

  • People you can’t quite remember how you know them

If you’re looking for work, take it upon yourself to be the one reaching out. Send a message that says something like this:

“Hey, NAME, it’s been awhile since we last connected. I would love to chat with you and pick your brain on something.”

If they know and remember you, they’ll likely say yes. If they can’t quite remember you, but are just a nice person, they’ll still probably say yes also.

The best people to reach out to (or the lowest hanging fruit at least) will be people in hiring positions, recruiters, human resources workers, or heads of human resources. Someone you might not consider – but should – is someone who is currently in a similar job to the one you have or the one you want. Let me explain –

If a recruiter reaches out to them with a job that would be a good fit for them, there’s a chance that it could be a good fit for you too. If they’re not on the market or not interested in the opportunity, ask them to refer you to the recruiter as someone who could be a fit and would be interested.

This is an easy way to harness the power of LinkedIn for good and build a strong network. You can even offer to do the same for them or others if the opportunity arises!

To Sum It Up

I’ve explained to you a bit about how to identify your professional goals, how to structure your LinkedIn profile, how recruiters find profiles on LinkedIn, and how you can best enable yourself to take the next big step in your career. However, all of the components I’ve written about can’t help you unless you can bring them together to curate your professional story.

Your professional story is the history of your career along with your professional personality that you have cultivated. Other professionals rely on how you sell yourself on your LinkedIn profile to decide if you will be a good fit for what they’re seeking for themselves.

After you’ve finished cleaning up your profile and creating your story, take a step back and look at your profile on desktop and on mobile. See if it looks professional and is telling the story you want it to tell. Ask a colleague, friend, or a professional to tell you what story they see. Keep these notes in mind whenever you update your profile or have a new goal in mind.

Remember, it’s your career. You’re the only one who can reach your goals, and you’re the only one who can tell your story the way you want it told. Take what you’ve read and apply it to your LinkedIn profile. Once you notice the difference it makes for you, pass along the knowledge and help someone else out. You never know who you could connect with and what you may be able to accomplish!

Sourced from Syfter

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The Growing Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Marketing

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By Scott Clark

Implementing emotional intelligence in marketing sounds nice. Could be — but it’s not without its challenges.

The Gist

  • Empathy drives loyalty. Understanding and addressing customer emotions fosters authentic connections and enhances loyalty.
  • Emotion over data. While data is essential, emotional insights provide a deeper understanding of consumer motivations.
  • Brand differentiation. Emotional intelligence helps brands stand out by creating genuine, empathetic interactions with customers.

In marketing today, where data-driven strategies and technology often dominate discussions, the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) is becoming increasingly apparent. As consumers seek more authentic and meaningful connections with brands, marketers are recognizing the power of understanding and responding to emotions.

Emotional intelligence in marketing involves not only grasping customer sentiments but also empathizing with their needs and aspirations. This article examines the importance of emotional intelligence in marketing, looking at its benefits, challenges and ways that businesses are implementing EI as a brand strategy

Two white theatrical masks are superimposed against a red velvet curtain closed against a theater stage in piece about emotional intelligence in marketing.
Emotional intelligence in marketing involves not only grasping customer sentiments but also empathizing with their needs and aspirations.backup16 on Adobe Stock Photos

Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

In recent years, marketing has witnessed a significant shift from relying solely on data-driven strategies to incorporating a more nuanced approach that includes emotional understanding. While data analytics provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour, it often falls short of capturing the full spectrum of human emotions and the motivations that drive purchasing decisions. As businesses recognize the limitations of purely quantitative data, they are increasingly turning to EI to build deeper and more meaningful connections with their customers.

Elena Novikova, founder and CEO of Lumus Inc., a NYC-based digital marketing agency, told CMSWire that in a world dominated by data-driven strategies and technological advancements, the ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level has never been more crucial. “The benefits of using EI in our marketing strategies have been substantial,” said Novikova. “We’ve seen improved customer engagement, higher conversion rates and increased brand loyalty. By creating campaigns that speak to the heart as well as the mind, we’ve helped our clients build stronger, more lasting relationships with their customers.”

Emotional intelligence, when it comes to marketing, revolves around understanding and responding to the emotions, needs and aspirations of customers. This approach goes beyond demographic data and purchasing history to dive into the psychological and emotional factors that influence consumer behaviour. By tapping into these emotional drivers, marketers can craft messages that resonate on a personal level, building a sense of empathy and understanding. This not only enhances the customer experience but also helps to build stronger, more loyal relationships between brands and their customers.

One of the key aspects of emotional intelligence is empathy — the ability to put oneself in the customer’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. Empathetic marketing involves listening to customer feedback, observing their behaviour and understanding their pain points and desires. By doing so, marketers can create campaigns that address these needs in a genuine and relatable way, making customers feel valued and understood. This emotional connection can significantly increase customer engagement and satisfaction, as people are more likely to respond positively to brands that they perceive as caring and attentive to their needs.

“Empathy is key,” said Novikova. “Understanding and addressing customer emotions fosters authentic connections and enhances loyalty.”

This isn’t to say that EI doesn’t involve data, but rather, it uses such data to help brands understand the emotional factors behind purchasing decisions. Ian Baer, founder of marketing intelligence company Sooth, told CMSWire that marketers have been great at using data that targets what someone wants when they’re ready to buy and even to predict who will buy next or the right product to put in front of someone.

“The key to making emotional intelligence work for brands involves using data in ways that unlock customer empathy,” said Baer.

Another critical component of EI in marketing is emotional regulation — the capacity to manage and appropriately respond to customer emotions. This involves maintaining a consistent and positive emotional tone across all customer interactions, whether through social media, customer service or advertising. By ensuring that their messaging is emotionally aligned with their brand values, businesses can create a cohesive and trustworthy image that resonates with customers on a deeper level.

Integrating emotional intelligence into marketing strategies offers numerous benefits. Primarily, it allows brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by creating more personalized and engaging customer experiences. In an era where consumers are bombarded with generic and impersonal marketing messages, a brand that demonstrates genuine understanding and empathy stands out and is more likely to build loyalty and long-term engagement.

Additionally, EI can enhance brand loyalty by building trust and emotional bonds with customers. When consumers feel that a brand truly understands and cares about their needs, they are more likely to remain loyal and advocate for the brand. This emotional connection can also lead to increased customer lifetime value (CLV), as loyal customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and provide positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Amanda A. Thompson, founder and CEO at Kick Peach Beauty, a waterless skincare solution provider, told CMSWire that with so many businesses competing for attention, EI is essential for cutting through the noisy marketplace and supporting growth for a brand’s target person.

“Leaning into EI, from brand conception to delivery, allows the team to align on messaging and push beyond the basics of problem/solution campaigns,” said Thompson. “The more you understand EI the more you can understand your customers, and when you can truly understand your customers, you can make a positive impact in their lives.”

Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Marketing

The core components of emotional intelligence include self-awareness, empathy and emotional regulation. Each of these plays a crucial role in shaping how marketers interact with and understand their customers:

  • Self-Awareness: This is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and feelings, and how they affect thoughts and behaviour. In marketing, self-awareness enables professionals to stay attuned to their own biases and emotional responses, ensuring that their personal feelings do not cloud their judgment or decision-making.
  • Empathy: Perhaps the most critical component of EI in marketing, empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Empathetic marketing requires putting oneself in the customer’s shoes to understand their emotions, pain points and desires. By listening to customer feedback and observing behaviours, marketers can gain insights into what truly matters to their audience.
  • Emotional Regulation: This involves the ability to manage and respond to emotions appropriately. For marketers, emotional regulation means maintaining a consistent and positive emotional tone across all customer interactions.

Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in interpreting customer sentiments and behaviours. By understanding the emotional underpinnings of consumer actions, marketers can more accurately predict how customers will respond to different marketing strategies. This involves analysing not just what customers do, but why they do it. For instance, understanding the emotional reasons behind a customer’s loyalty to a brand can help marketers reinforce those positive feelings through targeted campaigns.

Suzanne Reilley, business coach, marketing strategist and copy adviser at SuzanneReilley.com, told CMSWire that speaking to an ideal client’s top hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations creates a strong connection with that given audience.

“It shows that the business truly hears and understands their customers, and cares about their needs,” said Reilley. “I find that brands, offers and messaging tailored this way causes the reader to breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing they’re in the right place.”

EI also helps in deciphering the subtleties of customer feedback. Sentiment analysis tools, powered by AI, can gauge the emotional tone of customer reviews, social media posts and other forms of feedback. By interpreting these emotional cues, marketers can identify areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, allowing them to proactively address issues and enhance the overall customer experience.

In practice, EI can transform raw data into meaningful insights. For example, if data shows a spike in negative sentiment following a product launch, marketers with high EI will dive deeper to understand the emotional triggers behind this response. They might find that customers felt misled by the product’s marketing or were disappointed by unmet expectations. With this emotional insight, marketers can adjust their messaging and approach to better align with customer expectations and rebuild trust.

By Scott Clark

Sourced from CMSWIRE

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YouTube is becoming unwatchable after a crackdown on ad blockers

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By Dua Rashid / Gizmodo

The video platform will skip right to the end of your video every time you try to play it

YouTube has been at war with ad blockers for quite some time now and has employed various tactics to keep users off those extensions. Its most recent defence strategy is to skip right to the end of the video you’re playing. If you try replaying it, it’ll do that again. If you tap anywhere on the timeline, your video will buffer indefinitely. Here’s what it looks like in action.

This isn’t its first attempt at curbing ad blockers on the platform. I used to be a loyal AdBlock user, but I was forced to disable the extension for YouTube to work on my laptop. As far as I can remember, one of its first moves was to send a pop-up warning saying, “Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled.” However, users could close that pop-up and resume watching their videos.

Next, it tried to make videos unplayable by showing a never-ending loading screen. Then it refused to do even that and would pop up an immovable prompt to disable the ad blocker.

This latest move is frustrating, and that’s the point. There was a time when its ads were tolerable, but with the recent increase of ads on the video platform, users are finding it extremely hard to sit through a 20-second unskippable ad followed by a 5-second skippable one. Ad runtime isn’t proportionate to a video’s length, which adds to the bizarreness.

Google is aware of its monopoly over the video-sharing industry and has jacked up its ad-free Premium tier prices to $14 monthly. It has also extended its crackdown on mobile, resulting in buffering issues and error messages for users who dare to use an ad blocker on their phones.

So far, one of the most popular ad blockers, AdBlock, has been handling YouTube’s measures quite well by tweaking its code and tackling every new strategy that YouTube utilizes. This is how it’s managed to survive multiple crackdowns. But YouTube, too, manages to quickly counter these new changes in this years-long cat-and-mouse game between YouTube and AdBlock.

Users have also figured out workarounds. Some are switching to AdBlock alternatives, such as uBlock Origin, while others recommend browser substitutes like Brave to fix the issue. A few disappointed consumers are also considering bidding farewell to the platform. Still, with no major video-sharing platforms to act as replacements, I doubt their boycott will be sustainable.

A version of this article originally appeared on Gizmodo.

Feature Image Credit: PixieMe (Shutterstock)

By Dua Rashid / Gizmodo

Sourced from Quartz

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Top 21 Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement in 2024

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By Marjolein Dilven

With lots of work options to choose from, we have compiled a list of the top 21 low-stress jobs after retirement that offer the perfect mix of low tension and ample benefits. 

After a lifetime of work, most retirees are looking for a low-stress job that will allow them to enjoy their golden years.

Read on to find out how to start making money in your golden years!

1. Blogging

Blogging can be a low-stress job after retirement. It can be a great way to remain connected to the world and share your thoughts and ideas with others, and it can also be a way of making money.

You need to keep in mind a few things if you want to start a blog. Find a niche that you are passionate about because having a specialization will make it easier to write quality content that people will want to read. Also, you need to be consistent with your blogging.

When you want to make money online, one of the best ways is to start your own blog. With Bluehost, you can create your blog for $60 per year. With this exclusive link, you get a 50% discount and a free domain name (value $15).

✨ Start My Blog Today

2. Survey Sites

Many survey sites, such as Swagbucks, can help you make money after retirement. These sites will ask you your opinions on various products and services. In return, you will get paid for your time and feedback. A great way to make extra money post-retirement! You can use the money to pay for leisure activities or travel.

Ensure you understand how the site works and what you must do, and be honest when answering online surveys. The site will only pay you if your responses are accurate. It may take some time to earn enough money to cover your expenses, but stick with it, and you will be able to make some extra money during your retirement years.

If you’re looking to get started on some survey sites, check out the following platforms:

3. Delivery Driver

One easy way to make extra cash after retirement is to become a delivery driver. You can find delivery driver jobs on websites like Craigslist or Indeed.

Delivery driver jobs usually involve driving to different locations and delivering products or food to customers. Some delivery driver jobs may also require you to do some light lifting. If you’re interested in becoming a delivery driver, familiarize yourself with the job duties and requirements before applying.

Most delivery driver jobs don’t require a lot of experience or training, so it’s an excellent option for retirees who want to make some extra money.

The most popular platform out there is DoorDash, an American online food ordering and delivery platform where you can make $500 a week delivering food. To learn more about the platform, check our full DoorDash review here.

Make Money With DoorDash $$$

4. Dog Walker

If you love dogs and are looking for a low-stress job after retirement, dog walking might be the ideal job for you. This job doesn’t require much time or energy, and you can do it at your own pace.

With this job, you can spend time outdoors and get some exercise, which is excellent for your health. Also, you can spend time with adorable dogs!

Nowadays, the most popular pet walking and sitting app is Rover, where you can also offer dog care and cat sitting, and other animal care services. You can earn over $1,000 monthly, and you get flexible working hours, too!

CHECK OUT ROVER

5. Proof-reader

Do you want to make extra money, and do you love checking someone else’s spelling, typography, and formatting? Proofreading is the job for you.

As a proof-reader, you can help people increase the quality of their writing. You can point out mistakes and get paid for doing so. The best part is that you can do this entirely on your own timeline, from the comfort of your home.

If you are serious about becoming a proof-reader, there are different courses that you can follow. One of them is Proofread Anywhere, a popular training course by Caitlin Pyle that prepares you for the best remote proofreading jobs in the market. Caitlin made over $36,000 per year part-time as a proof-reader, so this has some high-income potential.

Try out her completely FREE workshop if you feel stuck and love to make some extra money. You will learn how to start proofreading and, most importantly, where to find clients.

FREE WORKSHOP – SIGN ME UP

6. Focus Group Participant

After retirement, being a focus group participant is a great way to spend your time and get paid to help researchers!

You will be assisting researchers in learning more about how people think and feel, and you won’t have to stress making any decisions. It can be a low-stress job, and you’ll get to know new people and learn about different things. You might enjoy it so much that you decide to do more focus groups in the future!

Do you want to know our favourite focus groups? You can check out:

    • Survey Junkie is where you go for online paid focus groups that pay up to $150 per session. Check out our full Survey Junkie review for more details, or go to the Survey Junkie site directly.
    • I’ve personally used Respondent and love checking out what they currently have to offer. They pay up to $250 an hour, and I’ve made over $500 with them over the last year.

7. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists can be a low-stress job after retirement because it is a freelance job that you can do from home. It does not require a lot of interaction with others, and you can decide when you work, so it can be an excellent job for someone who wants to work alone.

There are many transcription jobs available because this job is in high demand. The pay is per hour, and the hours are flexible. Overall, transcriptionists can have a low-stress job after retirement.

If you’re looking for a free introduction to transcription, you can check out this free mini-course from General Transcription. The founder and CEO, Janet Shaughnessy, has put over 10+ years of experience with transcribing in this mini-course. She also created the only course ever approved by the AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers).

Yes, Sign me up (FREE)

8. Virtual Assistant

After retirement, you can search online for virtual assistant jobs or start your own business as a freelance virtual assistant.

Many websites list virtual assistant jobs, and many of these jobs are flexible enough to allow you to work from home. If you want to continue working in a traditional office environment, you can also look for virtual assistant jobs with companies that have remote work options.

Do you want to know where to start? Here are the 275+ services that you can start offering as a virtual assistant.

Make Money As A VA

9. Tutoring

Tutoring is a great option for retirees because it’s a flexible, part-time job with short hours. It can be a good way to help students learn and prepare for their future.

To begin your career as a tutor, first, you will need to understand the subject you will be teaching. For example, if you have legal practice or law school experience, you may be best suited for LSAT tutoring online. Playing to your specialism will always be the most lucrative.

If you are interested in tutoring, you can do a few things to get started. First, you can start by advertising your services online or in your local community. You can also contact your local schools or libraries to see if they require tutors.

10. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing can be a great way to earn money while doing something you love.

It offers a lot of flexibility, allowing you to work from home or anywhere else. Also, since there is no boss to report to, you can set your hours on the job and do as much or as little work as you wish.

If you’re interested in freelance writing, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, research the types of writing that interest you and find out who hires freelancers for projects. Then, start building your portfolio by writing articles and blog posts for free. Once you have a few samples to show potential clients, you can start pitching your services.

11. Pet Sitter

After retirement, you can work as a pet sitter and earn income. Doing so will allow you to stay active and social while also providing a valuable service to your community. You can also use the pet sitting business to travel and see new places, as pet sitting is a portable business.

Be a pet sitter and get the opportunity to form long-lasting bonds with your clients and their pets. This job is a gratifying experience, as you will be providing love and companionship to animals who need it. In addition, working as a pet sitter can help keep you physically active and mentally sharp, as you will constantly be on the go.

12. Rideshare Driver

A rideshare driver is an excellent job after retirement because you can set your hours without a boss. You also get to meet new people and see new places. A nice job for someone who wants to stay busy after retirement.

Before working in this job, you might need to purchase additional insurance because your insurance may not cover you if you get into an accident while working.

But, overall, becoming a rideshare driver is a great way to make extra money after retirement. Companies like Uber and Lyft can help you get started.

13. Craft Selling

Another low-stress job option you can consider after leaving your previous career is to sell crafts from home.

Craft selling can be a good side hustle idea. It can be a great social activity, allowing retirees to meet new people and make new friends. Moreover, setting up your business as a crafts seller can be relatively easy and inexpensive.

14. Furniture Flipper

When you retire, one of the essential things to consider is finding a job that fits your new lifestyle. A low-stress job is ideal, and furniture flipping may be the perfect fit.

Furniture flipping is a great way to make money while enjoying your retirement. It doesn’t require much time or effort, and you can set your hours. Plus, it’s a fun way to find hidden treasures and give them new life.

If you’re feeling creative, you can add your personal touch by adding some decorative details. Once the furniture is finished, you can sell it for a profit or use it in your own home.

15. Chat Moderator

Many people worry about what they will do after they retire, and they may have difficulty transitioning to a low-stress job that doesn’t require them to wake up early or stay up late. Being a chat moderator is an excellent option for you: you can work from home, set your hours, and help people worldwide.

Chat moderators help keep online chatrooms and forums organized and fun. They may also help resolve conflicts between users if you’re looking for a low-stress job after retirement.

16. Translator

Translators can work from home, which can be an excellent option for retirees who want to stay busy and engaged in their retirement years. Translators need to have a good sense of grammar and syntax, which can be valuable for those looking to keep their minds active.

And finally, translators can often choose their hours, which can be a big plus for retirees who want to flex their schedules. So if you want a low-stress job after retirement, why not give this a shot!

17. Voiceover Artist

Many people choose to retire and then return to work in a low-stress job. A terrific way to enjoy your retirement, you can still have some structure and find a new purpose in your life.

Being a voiceover artist is one of the best gigs for retirees. It doesn’t require a lot of physical activity: all you need is a strong voice and the ability to read off a script. You can often work from home, an excellent perk for retirees.

Alternatively, it’s possible to become a phone actress when you love talking to people and connecting to them.

18. Vlogging

Many retirees worry about what they will do with their time after leaving the workforce. An excellent option for those looking for a low-stress job is vlogging.

Vlogging can be a great way to stay connected to the world, sharing your thoughts and experiences with others while making money. You can earn money through sponsorships, advertising, product placement, etc.

If you’re interested in vlogging, you can make money on YouTube like Demolition Ranch or learn how to make money on Snapchat.

19. Charity Work

There are many low-stress jobs that people can take up after retirement. These jobs can provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose. One of them is charity work.

Charity work can be gratifying, both emotionally and spiritually, and it can help people feel connected to their community and make a difference. There are many different types of charity work, so people can surely find one that matches their interests and skills.

20. Personal Shopper

If you’re searching for a side gig that doesn’t require a lot of physical activity, consider becoming a personal shopper. This job lets you work from home and set your hours.

As a personal shopper, you will be responsible for helping clients find the perfect items for their needs. So, if you want to stay active and earn extra money, this job is it!

21. Retirement Planner

Being a retirement planner has its merit. You get flexible hours, choose the clients you work with, and help people in a similar situation. It’s also an excellent way to stay mentally stimulated, which might give you a renewed sense of purpose and helps in keeping you social.

Additionally, the money you get paid for being a retirement planner is exceptionally lucrative, helping supplement your passive income in retirement and making the transition easier.

Conclusion – Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement

Working in low-stress jobs after retirement can bring many benefits to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Your income from these gigs will also add to your savings for emergencies or dream vacations.

With these tips on low-stress jobs after retirement, you can renew your sense of purpose, and your twilight years can be more comfortable. May your golden years shine more brightly!

By Marjolein Dilven

Sourced from Radical Fire

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10 Creative Strategies to Elevate Your Brand’s Online Presence

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By Steve Hall

Hey there! Navigating the digital landscape can feel overwhelming. What strategies do you use to make your brand stand out in a competitive market? There are numerous ways of enhancing online presence, from crafting engaging social media posts and optimizing for SEO to improving user experience design. Just picture a brand voice that is so compelling and visuals that are so attractive that the audience has to keep returning for more. Whether you’re a pro at digital marketing or just starting, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive deep into ten creative strategies to elevate your brand’s online presence, creating long-term relationships with your client base. Ready to stand out? Here we go!

1. Develop a Unique Brand Voice

A unique brand voice is essential for a firm footing in today’s online world. Your brand voice should be consistent across all channels on which it is present to communicate company values, culture, and personality. Begin by identifying your tone–are you formal, casual, funny, or serious? You must find one that matches your target audience’s expectations and likes.

For example, if you work in the tech industry, you may want a professional yet friendly tone. Apple uses language like this: clear and plain but always representative of innovation and simplicity. On the other end of the spectrum, Wendy’s brand uses humour on its social networks, leading to high engagement rates as well as customer loyalty.

Stay consistent with everything, from blog posts to tweets, because they must reflect this particular tone wherever possible. Imagine one tweet, for instance, by your sustainable fashion label saying, “Every thread tells a story about sustainability # join us in making fashion green again.” This uniform tone helps develop an identity recognizable across platforms while forging deeper connections with customers.

Periodically review your brand guidelines, too, as they may need modifications when trends change, or people start having new preferences. This could mean adjusting your tone for relevance or updating the language to reflect new corporate values. A brand voice serves as your unique selling point, differentiating you from competitors and creating trust among your clients, who will keep coming back.

2. Leverage High-Quality Visual Content

High-quality visuals are crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and effectively communicating your brand’s message. Images and videos naturally appeal to people, making them powerful tools for engagement. Use professional photography and graphic design to ensure your visuals look well-polished.

You can present complex data using infographics that are eye-catching and easily understandable. For instance, a health brand could use an infographic showing the benefits of having a balanced diet, which grabs attention while educating at the same time. Infographics are known to be shared more frequently than other kinds of content, hence increasing their reach.

Video content is another powerful way of doing this; examples include tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or customer testimonials that enhance interaction levels–for example, creating a behind-the-scenes video of how your team makes products can add a human touch to your brand and strengthen its customer bond. On the other hand, customer testimonials increase social proof, thus improving credibility.

Ensure all visual elements are optimized for different platforms and devices, too, so that a high-resolution image on a website may be equally impressive on mobile devices. Use tools like Photoshop or online services like Canva to maintain quality standards when working on various formats.

By strategically implementing high-quality visuals, you can make your brand more appealing and engaging and achieve better results from marketing efforts.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for increasing your brand’s visibility on the internet. Conduct extensive keyword research to determine the terms or phrases your target market uses most frequently. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs can help you discover these valuable keywords. Integrate these keywords naturally into your website content, blog posts, and metadata, ensuring they flow seamlessly and enhance readability.

Creating high-quality, informative content that responds to your audience’s needs and interests is crucial. For example, writing detailed guides on using specific equipment or explaining why you should engage in various workouts would help attract organic traffic if you sell fitness gear. This enhances a brand’s search ranking and makes it an expert within its niche.

Make sure a mobile-friendly site that loads fast. Google’s mobile-first indexing using a mobile-optimized site can lift your rankings significantly. The above tool, Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test, will confirm if you are compatible with mobile devices while helping improve your website’s performance. A quicker-loading site improves user experience and reduces bounce rates, positively influencing SEO.

Keep updating your content regularly to make it new and relevant. Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to get insights about which content works best among your audience and adjust accordingly. Your team can continuously refine your SEO strategy to maintain your brand’s online presence and reach effectively.

4. Engage with Influencers

Working with influencers can significantly expand your brand’s reach and credibility. You may begin by identifying influencers who share your brand values and have a large following in your niche area of expertise. For example, if you own a beauty brand, partnering with popular beauty vloggers or Instagram personalities would make sense, thus exposing your products to a broader but more targeted audience.

Ensure that the influencers you choose genuinely support your brand and its products because authenticity is vital; followers can quickly tell when a partnership feels forced or fake, which could damage their trust in both parties involved as well as tarnish reputations – one way this could happen would be if an established fitness influencer creates a workout video using your fitness equipment while highlighting its benefits to engage their followers.

Many types of collaborations can be considered, such as product reviews, sponsored posts, or social media takeovers where the influencer takes control over your brand’s platforms for some time; however, sponsored posts work best when they include use and discussion about the company promoting the product. This provides social proof alongside building trust amongst potential customers, thus leading to higher conversion rates. Similarly, takeovers also help bring brands closer together, allowing them to promote each other’s fans to experience different sides of either business through a shared content creation process.

Always use analytics during such periods to track performance. Hence, engagement is measured vis-à-vis return on investment (ROI); remember that partnering strategically with the right people and ensuring authenticity throughout collaborations will not only increase visibility among wider audiences but also enhance credibility within the same space, thereby leading to increased interaction levels across the board.

5. Utilize Social Media Effectively

Social media platforms are excellent tools for establishing an online presence; therefore, use them wisely by developing detailed strategies tailored towards each platform and following them religiously till results start showing up. Start with regular posting. Just keep yourself visible at all times; let’s say you can come up with exciting contents that last a few seconds before disappearing like smoke on an Instagram story or reel so that users may notice them quickly due to their nature being short, snappy, and visually appealing (use of videos). LinkedIn is great for professional updates, networking opportunities, and sharing industry news and thought leadership articles.

The worst thing you can do on social media is not engage. Respond fast to comments and messages; this way, people will know they matter to you, too. Jump into conversations where your brand has some relevance, or even better, participate in those trending within your niche area. Doing so increases both party’s visibility–no one should ever feel left out here. Hosting live sessions, such as Q&As or product launches, can also create real-time interaction, fostering a sense of community and immediacy.

Consistency matters most; therefore, always be there lest somebody assume otherwise. Then everything goes downhill from that point onwards, only to realize later when it’s too late, giving wrong impressions about being inactive or uninterested in certain things altogether. Create a content calendar that covers all aspects of social media platforms, ensuring regularity across the board while using features to their fullest potential. Twitter polls could help gather opinions. In contrast, Facebook groups to build a community around your brand.

Monitor performance using analytics tools because, through them, we get to know what works best, enabling us to make necessary adjustments to improve engagement levels further, extending reach even more than before. This applies equally well whether targeted or mass markets are involved. Such being the case, it’s always good practice to keep oneself up-to-date with the latest trends regarding how people interact with various types of media associated with different devices since these two things tend to evolve hand-in-hand over time given technological advancements in the communication sector; thus, if done correctly social media can become a powerful tool for keeping brands top-of-mind among audiences which leads into sustained interest levels forever more.

6. Create High-Quality Written Content

Creating high-quality written content, including blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and case studies, is essential for attracting and retaining your audience. Focus on producing informative, engaging content relevant to your audience’s interests and needs. Well-researched and well-written content can establish your brand as an authority in your industry, driving traffic to your website and encouraging repeat visits. Regularly update your written content to ensure it remains current and valuable.

Thorough research is the foundation of any good content. For example, if you have a tech-focused brand, writing detailed guides on current tech trends or doing deep dives into new gadgets with reviews can help attract a loyal following. Make sure your content is well-structured with clear headings and concise paragraphs so that it is easy to follow and understand.

Using data and statistics to back up your points will add credibility to your words. Visual aids such as charts or graphs can also help make complex information more digestible for readers. Keep your work updated regularly to reflect the latest happenings and remain relevant.

Speak to your audience’s pain points by providing actionable solutions they can apply immediately. For instance, a finance services company could share practical tips on managing personal finances that help people solve real problems. Encourage interaction with comments or feedback sections, building a community around your content.

Creating high-quality written materials establishes trust among readers while positioning one’s brand as an industry authority figure, thus driving traffic over time.

7. Invest in Paid Advertising

Investing in paid advertising like Google Ads or social media ads can immediately boost brand visibility. These allow you to direct your message according to specific demographics, interests, and behaviours, ensuring it reaches the ideal audience.

Define the target group first. For example, if you own a fitness company, target people who are enthusiastic about health and well-being. Facebook and Instagram are platforms where one can create attention-grabbing advertisements using captivating imagery and as few words as possible that make the viewers’ eyes glued to them. A short video of someone doing a new workout or an endorsement from a happy client might be good ideas.

Track your ad’s performance regularly through analytics tools. This could include click-through rates, conversion rates, or even return on ad spend (ROAS). The information will help you determine what is working and what isn’t so that you can review your strategies accordingly. For example, when one ad set does well, you may increase its spending limit or use similar tricks in subsequent campaigns.

To achieve a balance between paid ads, use organic approaches. They make both immediate traffic jams and popularity while at the same time building long-term relationships with customers. Integration of both methods ensures a higher online presence and sustained growth of brands rather than either alone.

8. Foster Community Engagement

Loyalty and long-term engagement can be promoted through community building around your brand. A brand’s audience’s interaction with it is critically important in fostering familiarity with the people interested in its products. Use social media groups, forums, or specialized community sections on your website to boost conversation. For example, you may have a Facebook group where enthusiasts congregate and talk about everything concerning the brand: discussions, advice, and shared experiences.

You can also run contests or feature customer stories that encourage user-generated content. For example, by having customers submit pictures of themselves using your product to participate in a photo contest, you may increase awareness and make customers feel like they are part of its making process. You can demonstrate appreciation for this work on their websites or the company’s SNS and online networks.

Furthermore, active involvement entails responding to questions, supporting, and sharing valuable insights in these communities. If a customer asks you something in your forum, reply quickly and try to help them with whatever issue they might face. This positions your brand as friendly and trustworthy.

Also, regular events like live Q&A sessions, webinars, or community challenges would ensure sustained involvement among participants at any given time. These events provide real-time interaction and feedback opportunities, strengthening your brand’s and its community’s bond.

Moreover, creating solid and engaged communities can turn them into powerful advocates for your brand. Members likely share positive experiences with others, organically expanding their reach. Therefore, improving buyer loyalty through vibrant communities leads to evangelism networks that ensure long-term success.

9. Implement Email Marketing

Email marketing is among the most successful ways to connect with and interest customers. Construct an email list by providing helpful content like free manuals, exclusive discounts, or special event passes in return for email sign-ups. For example, an industry insights eBook can attract subscribers who want more information about your expertise.

Divide your email list into segments so that you can send personalized messages to different groups within your audience. Marketers can base segments on age, location, buying history, or any other relevant factors–this will allow you to make every message count by tailoring it specifically toward their needs and interests. You might find that people who have just bought something from you would appreciate some tips on using it better, while those who’ve subscribed for years might love hearing about loyalty discounts.

Send out newsletters regularly that contain updates and promotions, but don’t forget about valuable content, either! Share behind-the-scenes glimpses into your company culture or upcoming product launches so that people stay engaged with what you’re doing, even if there’s nothing new for them right now. Make sure all emails are designed well enough to look good on mobiles, too – most of us read our mail on phones these days.

Measure open rates, click-through rates (CTRs), and conversion rates (CVRs) using analytics tools like Google Analytics or Mailchimp’s built-in reports. These numbers will help identify which parts of each campaign worked best and why, allowing future improvements in targeting efforts. For example, if many people click through product reviews, maybe try including more such links next time.

Consistently adjust your strategy using the data you gather. Experiment with different subject line content formats and send times to see what works best. By implementing a thoughtful, data-driven email marketing strategy, you can maintain strong engagement with your audience and drive consistent traffic and sales for your brand.

10. Monitor and Adapt Your Strategy

Due to its dynamic nature, the digital landscape requires constant reviewing and adaptation to your online strategy. This can begin with using analytics tools that enable you to observe how efficient your content, social media, SEO efforts, and paid advertising are. Tools such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, and social media insights can help one understand what works and what doesn’t

Identify trends and patterns in your data. For example, if one blog post consistently attracts massive traffic, create more in this style. On the other hand, if a particular social media campaign fails to capture any audience’s attention, the designers may have mis designed it, and thus, it needs readjustment. Therefore, those facts in the form of data drive decisions, which are very important when optimizing strategies.

They are keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend webinars, and follow industry leaders for insights on recent developments. For instance, as marketing tools become increasingly AI-powered, there are various new ways through which brands can customize customer interactions while enhancing efficiency.

For marketers to truly understand their target market preferences, they need regular feedback. Therefore, let your clients give you feedback about their needs through multiple channels, like surveys–for example, after purchasing products–feedback forms or engaging them directly on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Companies can determine customer satisfaction rates by issuing brief surveys after purchase to identify areas for improvement.

Thus, adapting your strategies based on these findings will ensure that your brand remains relevant and effectively attains its goals. By continually monitoring and refining your approach, you will successfully navigate through the ever-changing digital landscape while maintaining robust engagements, achieving long-term success for your brand.

Summing Up

In conclusion, elevating your brand’s online presence requires a multifaceted approach that blends unique content, strategic partnerships, and continuous optimization. By implementing these ten creative strategies, you’ll build a strong, engaging, and recognizable online presence that drives growth and success for your brand. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Start by crafting your unique brand voice, leveraging high-quality visuals, and engaging with influencers. Don’t forget to monitor and adapt your strategy to stay ahead of the competition. Dive into these strategies today and watch your brand thrive online!

By Steve Hall

Sourced from AdRANTS

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CEO of WPP, world’s biggest advertising agency, falls victim to elaborate deepfake scam

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By Shannon Thaler

The CEO of WPP fell victim to an elaborate deepfake scam that involved voice-cloning the boss to solicit money and personal details from the company’s workforce.

Mark Read, the CEO of WPP, a London-based communications and advertising company whose clients include Dell, Wendy’s, Victoria’s Secret and Coca-Cola, saw his voice cloned and likeness stolen by fraudsters who created a WhatsApp account seemingly belonging to him.

They were using a publicly available photo of Read as the profile picture to trick fellow users, according to an email explaining the scam and sent to WPP’s leadership earlier reviewed by the Guardian.

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, posing for a portrait in front of a cityscape at the London office
WPP CEO Mark Read’s voice and likeness were stolen as part of an elaborate deepfake scam to get the advertising giant’s fellow leaders to hand over their personal details and funds.REUTERS

The WhatsApp account was used to set up a Microsoft Teams meetings with another WPP executive.

During the meeting, the crooks deployed a fake, artificial intelligence-generated video of Read — also known as a “deepfake” — including the voice cloning.

They also tried using the meeting’s chat function to impersonate Read and target a fellow “agency leader” at WPP — whose market cap sits around $11.3 billion — by asking them to hand over money and other personal details, according to the Guardian.

“Fortunately the attackers were not successful,” Read wrote in the email obtained by the Guardian.

“We all need to be vigilant to the techniques that go beyond emails to take advantage of virtual meetings, AI and deepfakes.”

A WPP spokesperson confirmed to The Post that the attempt at scamming the company’s leadership was unsuccessful.

“Thanks to the vigilance of our people, including the executive concerned, the incident was prevented,” the company rep added.

WhatsApp app icon displayed on the screen of a black smartphone
The scammers reportedly used a photo of Read to set up a WhatsApp account, which was then used to make a Microsoft Teams account to communicate with other WPP leaders while pretending to be Read.diy13 – stock.adobe.com

It wasn’t immediately clear which other WPP executives were involved in the scheme, or when the attack attempt took place.

WPP’s spokesperson declined to provide further details about the scam.

“We have seen increasing sophistication in the cyber-attacks on our colleagues, and those targeted at senior leaders in particular,” Read added in the email, per the Guardian, in reference to the myriad ways in which criminals can impersonate real people.

Read’s email included a number of bullet points that he advised recipients to look out for as red flags, including requests for passports, money transfers and any mention of a “secret acquisition, transaction or payment that no one else knows about.”

Company plaque outside the British advertising giant WPP offices in London
WPP, a London-based communications and advertising company whose clients include Dell, Wendy’s, Victoria’s Secret and Coca-Cola, confirmed to The Post that the scammers were unsuccessful in tricking its executives.AFP via Getty Images

“Just because the account has my photo doesn’t mean it’s me,” Read said in the email, according to the Guardian.

The Post has sought comment from WPP, which includes a notice on its Contacts landing page that its “name and those of its agencies have been fraudulently used by third parties.”

Deepfake audio has been on the rise as deepfake images have become a hotly debated topic among AI firms.

While Google has recently moved to distance itself from the dark side of AI, cracking down on the creation of deepfakes — most of which are pornographic — as it deems them “egregious,” ChatGPT maker OpenAI is reportedly considering allowing users to create AI-generated pornography and other explicit content with its tech tools.

Deepfakes like the graphic nude images of Taylor Swift, however, will be banned.

Deepfakes mostly involve fake pornographic images, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid and US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez falling victim.AFP via Getty Images

The Sam Altman-run company said it is “exploring whether we can responsibly provide the ability to generate NSFW (not-safe-for-work) content in age-appropriate contexts.”

“We look forward to better understanding user and societal expectations of model behaviour in this area,” OpenAI added, noting that examples could include “erotica, extreme gore, slurs and unsolicited profanity.”

OpenAI’s foray into creating fake X-rated content comes just months after it unveiled revolutionary new software that can produce high-caliber video in response to a few simple text queries called Sora.

The technology marks a dazzling breakthrough from the ChatGPT maker that could also take concerns about deepfakes and ripoffs of licensed content to a new level.

By Shannon Thaler

Sourced from New York Post

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