Threads by Meta: Everything You Need to Know

July 6, 2023 - 11:20am - by Alyson Shane

It’s here! Meta’s long-awaited Twitter competitor, Threads, launched late last night and already got over 30 million sign ups as of this morning.

Some people are speculating that Meta moved up the app’s launch because Elon Musk sent Twitter users fleeing from the platform after he announced that Twitter would limit the amount of tweets a user can see in a day

Things are moving quickly right now, but as of *checks watch* 12 PM CST, here’s what you need to know:

What is Threads by Meta?

Threads is Meta’s competitor to Twitter and is connected to your Instagram account. 

The app is linked to your Instagram account and your feed will include posts from people you follow, as well as recommendations based on what the algorithm thinks you’ll like.

(Protip: if you want to start tailoring your feed, just “hide” posts from accounts you don’t follow and don’t want to see. The earlier you do this, the faster the algorithm can learn!)

Will Threads Stick Around?

So far it looks like it will, thanks to some smart moves from the Instagram team.

The trick to Threads’ immediate success is that even though it’s technically a standalone app, it’s connected to Instagram and allows you to add your existing contacts in under a minute by using the “auto-follow” button.

Goodbye, slow follower growth! Now you’ve got a brand new community made up (mostly, more on that below) of people you already follow.

Should Your Brand be on Threads?

YES. As Twitter tanks and a new platform to showcase your brand’s personality emerges, it’s critical to claim your account and start posting asap. 

How is Threads Different?

A Different Value Proposition from Twitter

Threads is a place to share your personality, your thoughts, spicy memes and hot takes. It’s a laid-back place (think Twitter circa 2010).

Threads Offers More Ownership Over Your Content

Unlike some other social platforms, Adam Mosseri has stated that Threads is committed to building support for ActivityPub, the protocol behind Mastodon.

So if you wind up leaving Threads, you can take your content with you.

High-Level Details About Threads 

Below are a few things to keep in mind as you start getting your footing on the platform:

• Posts can be up to 500 characters long and can include links, videos, gifs, and video
• Videos can be up to five minutes long
• You can switch between light and dark mode in the app
• Hashtags are currently not available, but a post from Adam Mosseri confirmed that hashtags are coming, so stay tuned for those
• You can post gifs (just open your Gipfy app and copy/paste)
• Currently you can’t switch between accounts - you need to log out and back in
• No DMs (so far)
• Right now your feed is a combination of a For You page and accounts the algorithm thinks you’ll like
• People are using a conversational, personal tone. Don’t sound all “B2B” please!

What’s a Good First Thread?

Introduce yourself! Something as simple as “Hello world, we’re ____” is great, but including a picture of yourself, your team, or your pets is even better. 

Remember: this is your chance to start developing your brand’s identity on the platform, so don’t be afraid to let your freak flag shine and be casual, silly, and even a little weird if that’s your jam.

What’s a Good Threads Strategy?

The challenge brands face on the platform is that most of your initial followers will be coming from Instagram, so they’ll be used to seeing photo and video-based content.

With that in mind, at this stage we recommend that brands take a similar approach to their Twitter content strategy: primarily text-based, using emojis to break up text, and include urls in your posts.

From there, you’ll want to start experimenting with your top-performing photo content from other platforms… but don’t overdo it, especially this early on! Users are very sensitive to brands getting overly salesy and shoehorning content 1:1 in from other apps.

So for now (at least), avoid repurposing your Reels and TikToks. 

What About Mastodon, Spill, Hive and all the rest?

Honestly? RIP to those platforms. Threads ate their lunch because the platform launched with audiences already built in, cutting out the effort of trying to build up a following from scratch.

These platforms don’t have enough differentiating factors to attract users away from Twitter or Threads. So while it’s still advisable to claim your brand’s name on every new social network, we don’t recommend spending time making content there. Stick to your existing platforms and Threads.

What Else Should You Know About Threads?

Who knows! Right now it’s kind of a Wild West (and we’re here for it) — one of the best parts about our industry is that it’s always changing, so we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the latest updates and sharing them in our weekly newsletter. 

 For more updates (and spicy memes and hot takes) give us a follow on Threads.

---

The Ultimate Guide for Law Firms on Instagram

June 22, 2023 - 8:54am - by Alyson Shane

Today, social media is a must-have for law firms to boost their online presence, connect with clients, and attract new business opportunities. 

Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have been popular options for years, but Instagram has become a powerful tool for law firm marketing in recent years for a variety of reasons.

Instagram's unique blend of video and image-based content makes it a perfect place to showcase your firm's values, expertise, and success stories, and connect with both potential clients and employees.

In this blog post, we'll explore some key strategies and techniques to effectively use Instagram as a marketing tool for your law firm.

Establishing an Engaging Instagram Presence

Start by creating a professional Instagram profile that reflects your law firm's brand. Use a high-quality profile picture and write an interesting bio that communicates your firm's expertise and what makes you unique.

Consistent branding, tone, and visuals will help you build credibility and attract followers, so consider how to use elements like Stories Highlights to tell deeper stories about the firm, what it's like to work there, and the kind of work you do.

Create Eye-Catching Content

Instagram is a platform where being creative can pay off in spades. 

Think about creating eye-catching graphics, videos, and infographics that offer valuable legal insights, answer common legal questions, or showcase recent case successes. Don't be afraid to play with colour, different template types and video cuts, and jump on trending Reels that fit the firm's brand.

Enhance your posts with thought-provoking captions and questions to increase engagement, and use targeted hashtags that help users who fit your ideal follower profile or live in your area find you.

Humanizing Your Firm

Instagram gives you a chance to show the human side of your firm by sharing the personalities and stories behind its legal expertise. 

Give glimpses behind the scenes of your firm's culture, introduce your team members, highlight community involvement, and talk about philanthropic initiatives. This helps build trust, create personal connections, and set your firm apart from the competition.

Use Client Testimonials as Social Proof

User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful tool for law firms to increase brand reach and credibility. 

Encourage your clients and followers to share their positive experiences with your firm and tag your Instagram handle in their posts. 

Repost and acknowledge these testimonials, client success stories, or reviews on your firm's feed. 

Grow Your Community

Engaging with potential clients and industry influencers can help expand your reach and establish your law firm as a reliable authority.

Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments, direct messages, and mentions. Join legal conversations, provide concise legal advice where appropriate, and share your expertise in response to relevant inquiries. 

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers can be a great way to amplify your firm's reach and visibility, and increase brand awareness with a wider audience.

Identify influencers in the legal or related industries who have a significant following and share your firm's values. 

Collaborate with them to create content, conduct interviews, or host live discussions to share insights and expertise.

Run Targeted Instagram Ads

Instagram advertising can help law firms reach a more specific audience and generate leads. 

Use Instagram's ad targeting features to tailor your ads to specific demographics, locations, or interests relevant to your target audience. 

Promote content like legal guides, webinars, or upcoming events to actively engage potential clients. Make sure to regularly monitor your ad performance and make adjustments to optimize their effectiveness.

Instagram has evolved into a valuable marketing platform for law firms, offering a unique opportunity to connect with clients, showcase expertise, and stand out from the competition. 

Now that we've talked about how to get started on the platform, let's dig into one of the most valuable ways your firm can use Instagram: as a tool for recruiting and retention!

How Law Firms Can Use Instagram for Recruiting and Retention

In addition to its marketing potential, Instagram can be a valuable tool for law firms when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent, especially among the younger generation who are active users of the platform. 

By leveraging Instagram's features and engaging with potential candidates, your firm can enhance its recruitment efforts and use the platform to showcase a positive and engaging work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and retention. 

Not sure how to get started? Try these tips:

Showcase Firm Culture and Values

Think about the best aspects of working at your firm and use them as the pillars of your content strategy on the platform.

Share photos and videos highlighting team-building activities, social events, community involvement, and any unique perks or benefits that set your firm apart. 

You can attract candidates who resonate with your firm's values by portraying an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive work atmosphere.

Share Attorney Spotlights and Success Stories

Highlighting the accomplishments and stories of your attorneys can be an effective way to attract talent and establish your firm's credibility. 

Create regular attorney spotlights that delve into their professional achievements, career progression, and notable cases. 

Showcase diverse career paths and success stories to demonstrate growth opportunities within your firm. This type of content appeals to potential candidates and reinforces a sense of pride and loyalty among existing employees.

Engage with Law Students and Young Professionals

Law students and young professionals often turn to Instagram for networking and career insights. 

Engaging with this demographic by sharing valuable resources, hosting Q&A sessions, or providing career advice can help your firm build relationships and attract promising talent. 

Consider partnering with law schools, legal organizations, or influential legal professionals to provide internship opportunities, mentorship programs, or educational content. This proactive engagement demonstrates your firm's commitment to fostering the growth and development of aspiring legal professionals.

Share Employee Takeovers and Behind-the-Scenes Content

Empower your staff to take over your firm's Instagram account for a day to provide an authentic look into their roles and workdays. 

This behind-the-scenes content gives potential candidates a firsthand glimpse of the firm's work dynamics and helps them picture themselves as part of the team. 

Encourage employees to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements, showcasing the diversity of roles and the rewarding nature of working at your firm.

Share Employee Testimonials and Reviews

Like client testimonials, featuring employee testimonials and reviews can be a powerful tool in attracting top talent. 

Encourage your team members to share their experiences, growth opportunities, and job satisfaction through Reels. 

These testimonials and stories should highlight their personal and professional development within the firm and emphasize your law firm's supportive and nurturing environment. 

Seeing happy, engaged team members can significantly influence the decision-making process of potential candidates and enhance employee retention by reinforcing a positive company culture.

Showcase Professional Development Opportunities

Attract ambitious and growth-oriented candidates by highlighting ongoing professional development initiatives, like training programs, workshops, or conferences.

This showcases your firm's commitment to investing in its employees' continuous learning and skill enhancement, shows that your firm values professional growth, and is willing to provide opportunities for career advancement.

Start Sharing Your Law Firm's Content on Instagram Today

As we've seen, Instagram can be a valuable tool for law firms to stand out from the competition, attract diverse and ambitious new team members, and create cross-promotional opportunities by partnering with law schools, legal organizations, or influential legal professionals.

Incorporating Instagram into your firm's marketing and recruitment strategy can help you create lasting connections with your ideal clients and with talented individuals who will contribute to your firm's growth.

Looking for more guides and insights to help your law firm think differently about your digital marketing? Subscribe to our weekly digital marketing newsletter or contact us today to talk about how we can partner with your firm to stand out online.

---

How to Write Scroll-Stopping LinkedIn Posts

June 5, 2023 - 5:00am - by Alyson Shane

LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for B2B businesses looking to reach and engage with their target audience.

With over 750 million members worldwide, the platform gives businesses a unique opportunity to connect with professionals in their industry, share valuable insights, and build relationships that can lead to new customers and increased revenue.

In this blog post, we'll be sharing how to write LinkedIn posts that convert customers, and providing you with tips and strategies to create engaging content that resonates with your audience and drives conversions.

Why LinkedIn Is a Valuable Tool for B2B Businesses

LinkedIn is the go-to social media platform for professionals, making it an ideal platform for B2B businesses to connect with potential customers.

Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn is designed specifically for networking and professional development, making it an ideal platform for businesses to build relationships with other professionals in their industry.

LinkedIn provides businesses with several tools and features to help them reach their target audience, including creating and sharing content, joining groups and communities, and connecting with other professionals.

With so many professionals using LinkedIn every day, it gives businesses a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged and receptive audience.

As one of the largest professional social networks, LinkedIn offers an effective way to connect with like-minded individuals, grow your network, and share your ideas with the world. One way to do this is through timeline posts, which are short updates on your profile and your connections' timelines.

What’s the Difference Between a LinkedIn Timeline Post and a LinkedIn Article?

LinkedIn timeline posts are short updates that you can share with your network. They are typically several sentences long and include text, images, videos, or links. 

These posts appear on your profile and the timelines of your connections. 

In contrast, LinkedIn articles are longer-form content you can publish on the platform. They are similar to blog posts and can include images, videos, and other media. LinkedIn articles are published on your profile and can be shared with your network.

How to Write Effective LinkedIn Posts

To help you navigate the LinkedIn algorithm and get the most out of your timeline posts, here are some timeline best practices:

Be Personable 

Nobody wants to read stuffy business updates all the time. Write timeline posts that are thoughtful, relatable, and help your followers get to know you better.

Know Your Audience 

To write a compelling LinkedIn timeline post, you need to know your audience. Think about who your connections are, what they're interested in, and what kind of content they're likely to engage with. Use this information to craft posts that resonate with your audience.

Don’t bury the lede 

The first 140 characters of your post is what people will see when they’re scrolling. Use attention-grabbing text and emojis to entice people to click to expand your post and read more.

Keep It Short + Sweet

LinkedIn timeline posts are meant to be short and to the point. If you're writing a longer update, use bullet points or numbered lists to break up longer text.

Include Visuals

Visuals are a great way to grab people's attention and make your posts more engaging. Use high-quality images, videos, or infographics to illustrate your points and make your posts more visually appealing.

Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to make your posts more discoverable. Use relevant hashtags to help people find your posts when they search for specific topics.

Engage With Your Audience

Finally, make sure to engage with your audience! Social media isn’t a soapbox, so don’t sleep on responding to comments and questions, and use your posts as an opportunity to start conversations with your connections.

LinkedIn Timeline Post Best Practices

To help you navigate the LinkedIn algorithm and get the most out of your timeline posts, here are some timeline best practices:

Create Engaging Content

The LinkedIn algorithm favours content that generates engagement. The more likes, comments, and shares your post gets, the more likely it is to appear in people's timelines. 

To create engaging content, focus on topics that are relevant to your audience and provide value. Pay attention to the posts that do well and lean into topics and themes that get the most engagement.

Post at the Right Time

Timing is critical on LinkedIn. You want to post when your audience is most active. According to Hootsuite, the best times to post on LinkedIn are Tuesday through Thursday between 8 am and 2 pm. However, testing different posting times is important to see what works best for your audience.

Use Hashtags

As I said before, hashtags are a powerful tool on LinkedIn. They make it easier for people to discover your content and join relevant conversations. When you use hashtags, make sure they are relevant to your post and your audience.

Engage with Your Audience

Engagement is a two-way street on LinkedIn. If you want people to engage with your content, you need to engage with theirs. Take the time to respond to comments and start conversations. You can also tag people in your posts to encourage them to engage with your content.

Build Relationships

LinkedIn is all about building relationships. Connect with people in your industry and engage with their content. You can also join groups and participate in discussions to expand your network. Building relationships takes time, but it's essential for long-term success on the platform.

Start Creating Scroll-Stopping LinkedIn Posts Today!

LinkedIn timeline posts are a great way to share updates, thoughts, and insights with your network. To create compelling timeline posts, know your audience, use attention-grabbing headlines, keep it short and sweet, include visuals, use hashtags, and engage with your audience. 

By following these tips, you can create scroll-stopping LinkedIn timeline posts that will help you grow your network and share your ideas with the world.

Want to get a roundup of the hottest digital marketing strategies sent right to your inbox once a week? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

---

How to Do a SWOT Analysis for Your Digital Marketing

May 22, 2023 - 5:00am - by Alyson Shane

Looking for ways to build a better digital marketing strategy? Consider doing a SWOT analysis!

A SWOT analysis is an invaluable tool for businesses looking to maximize their digital marketing efforts and increase their ROI. 

By developing a deeper understanding of what’s working (and what isn’t), you can make more informed decisions about how to optimize your campaigns and reach your growth goals.

What is a SWOT Analysis?  

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool whose acronyms stand for:

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats

It’s a great way for companies to take a step back, analyze their current situation, and identify areas for improvement and growth. 

A SWOT analysis can be applied in a variety of settings, but when it comes to digital marketing, it can be used to understand the current digital environment better, and identify areas where the business may have an advantage or disadvantage. 

This analysis can help businesses figure out which digital marketing channels are most effective, and which need improvement. 

It can also be used to identify potential opportunities and threats that could affect the success of the current digital marketing strategy.

SWOT Protip

When doing your SWOT analysis, start with Opportunities and Threats, then take what you’ve learned and apply it to your Strengths and Weaknesses

A lot of people start by just looking at Strengths and Weaknesses because it comes first in the acronym, but doing it in this order allows you to respond to the opportunities and threats with data and strategy!

How to Do a SWOT Analysis for Your Digital Marketing Strategy 

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths 

The first step in conducting a SWOT analysis is to identify the strengths of your digital marketing strategy.

 This includes looking at things like your website, content, social media presence, SEO efforts, and any other digital marketing activities you’re currently engaged in. 

Ask yourself questions like: 

• What advantages do I have over my competitors?
• What digital marketing activities are working well for me?
• What resources do I have that my competitors don’t?
• What unique skills or expertise do I have that gives me an advantage? 

Step 2: Identify Your Weaknesses 

The next step is to identify the weaknesses of your digital marketing strategy. 

This includes looking at things like website design, content quality, social media engagement, and any other digital marketing activities you’re currently engaged in. 

Ask yourself questions like:

• What areas of my digital marketing strategy are lacking?
• What resources do I need to improve my digital marketing efforts?
• What skills or expertise do I need to develop?
• What areas of my digital marketing are not performing as well as they should be? 

Step 3: Identify the Opportunities 

The third step in a SWOT analysis is to identify the opportunities available to you. 

This includes looking at things like new digital marketing channels, emerging technologies, and any other opportunities that could help you improve your digital marketing efforts. 

Ask yourself questions like:

• What new digital marketing channels could I use to reach my target audience?
• What new technologies could I use to improve my digital marketing efforts?
• What partnerships or collaborations could I pursue to further my digital marketing goals?
• What trends or developments could I capitalize on to further my digital marketing efforts?

 Step 4: Identify the Threats 

The last step in conducting a SWOT analysis is to identify the threats to your digital marketing efforts. 

This includes looking at things like competitors, changing digital landscapes, and any other threats that could impact your digital marketing strategy. 

Ask yourself questions like:

• How are my competitors using digital marketing to their advantage?
• What changes in the digital landscape could affect my digital marketing efforts?
• What new technologies could disrupt my digital marketing strategy?
• What new regulations or policies could limit my digital marketing efforts? 

SWOT Analysis: Your Key to Digital Marketing Success

A SWOT analysis is a great way to gain a better understanding of your digital marketing strategy and identify areas for improvement and growth. 

By taking the time to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, you can develop a more effective digital marketing strategy and maximize the success of your digital marketing efforts.

Still not sure where to start? Drop us a line and let’s talk about how a digital marketing audit can benefit your business!

---

What North American Companies Can Learn From Japanese Ad Campaigns

May 8, 2023 - 5:00am - by Alyson Shane

If you’ve ever seen a Japanese ad or commercial, you’ve probably watched it and said, “wtf is this” — and you’re not alone.

Having just spent a month in Japan, I was struck by the stark difference between Japanese and North American advertising. Their ads often feature people in costumes, anthropomorphic items and animals, and characters making silly or exaggerated faces and sounds.

Aka, it's the complete opposite of most of the marketing campaigns I've seen here in North America.

As someone obsessed with marketing and storytelling, I loved being immersed in a different culture and seeing how Japanese brands market their products and services.

In this post, I’ll explore how North American companies can find more engaging and memorable ways to connect with their audiences by embracing silliness and being weird the way Japanese brands do.

Let’s start by comparing some ads:

Cup Noodle Japan

Predictably, Cup Noodle is a brand of instant noodles popular in Japan. I saw ads for these on subway trains all over the country, and they often involved people in weird situations interacting with a life-size cup of noodles.

Let’s start with a Japanese Cup Noodle commercial:

 

Now let’s take a look at an ad for instant noodles from another Japanese company that’s targeted at North Americans, Ottogi America Inc.:

Night and day, right? While some aspects of the Japanese commercial might not necessarily land with a North American audience (the grandpa being held by a Cup Noodle angel at the end is a weird vibe), the ad is fast-paced and unpredictable and basically the opposite of what you’d expect from a company selling cups of noodles.

God of War: Ragnarok

I didn’t actually see it while I was in Japan, but I wanted to include it because it does a great job of showcasing the contrast between how North Americans market something and how they do it in Japan. Check it out:

I read the Google Translate description of the video, and I’m still not 100% sure what’s going on here.

Now let’s compare it against the American trailer:

I actually love both versions of these ads, but the contrast is pretty stark: the North American version relies on celebrities. It comes across as more satirical (and tame) than the Japanese version.

It also portrays playing the game and dressing like Kronos as the men are trying to be better dads to their kids — framing GoW, Kronos’ beefy physique, dressing like a Viking, and playing a violent videogame as “masculine.”

The Japanese version, by comparison, contrasts what arguably sounds like a children’s song against a violent, pretty macho video game.

SoftBank’s “White Family”

I don’t remember where or how I discovered this series of ads back in the early 2000s, but these weird, quirky commercials stole my heart and probably set me up for the love of Japanese marketing that I still hold today.

The long-running campaign, which focused on the (Shirato) White Family headed by Otousan (“Father”), who is a white dog, was one of the most successful and long-running ad campaigns in the country’s history.

As of 2012, the campaign had reached 133 “episodes,” but here are a few to give you a sense of what they’re like:

(Also, don’t sleep on the Tommy Lee Jones cameos!)

As you can see, very few of these commercials actually talk in detail about the phone company or the plans themselves. Mostly they’re little vignettes about the family and the things they’re doing.

The commercials are weird, but they’re also charming and memorable.

Now let’s look at a North American ad that also features a talking animal:

Did you notice that Geico’s ad followed a lot of the same tropes that the SoftBank ads did? 

By featuring an unusual animal who talks (and who is kind of abrasive to the humans around it, just like Otousan), they can create a quirky, memorable ad that promotes their offerings without being too heavy-handed about it.

Differences Between Japanese and North American Ads

Now that we’ve looked at a few examples, let’s break down the key differences between ad styles according to research:

Style Differences

• Japanese commercials are less informative than American commercials.
• Japanese commercials emphasize product packaging and availability, while American ads emphasize price, quality, and performance.
• Japanese commercials use a soft-sell approach with short messages, songs, celebrities, female voice-overs, and still graphics.
• American commercials use a hard-sell approach with long messages, animation, male spokespeople, and humour.

Cultural Differences

• Japan is a ‘high-context society’ whose communication needs are answered through familiar symbols and icons rather than logical recommendations.
• The US is a ‘low-context culture’ requiring Western rhetoric and logical tradition to communicate thoughts and actions.

What Can North American Brands Learn?

Be Weird

As you may have noticed, a key element of Japanese advertising is being silly and weird. 

Japanese ads often feature bizarre imagery (see below for an example), unusual characters, and unexpected scenarios. By embracing the unexpected and breaking away from traditional advertising tropes, companies can create more memorable and engaging ads. Weirdness can also help companies stand out in a crowded advertising landscape.

Key takeaway: Don’t be afraid to lean into weird, memorable characters or make them a bit annoying or unlikeable for the sake of the joke.

(Here's an example of some weird ads for pistachio snacks I saw in Niigata.
Why is that pistachio so smarmy?!)

Use a “Soft Sell” Approach

Japanese commercials often use a soft-sell approach with short messages, songs, celebrities, female voice-overs, and still graphics. 

This approach can be more subtle and less aggressive, which can be more appealing to some audiences.

Key takeaway: Avoid being too heavy-handed. Tell a story that resonates or excites your audience where the product you’re promoting comes second to a memorable ad.

Use (and Create!) Familiar Symbols and Icons

As we saw in the SoftBank ads, Otousan became something of a cultural icon in Japan. By incorporating or creating characters who can become cultural symbols (think the polar bears for Coca-Cola), campaigns become more easily recognizable and familiar to audiences.

Experiment with Pattern Interrupts and Pacing

As we saw with the Cup Noodle commercial and how a few SoftBank commercials cut between scenes, the Japanese aren’t afraid to jump around. 

Cutting frequently between scenes is called a “pattern interrupt” and is an effective tool (also employed by YouTubers) to keep the audience’s attention focused on whatever they’re watching.

Many Japanese ads also end abruptly or in weird and unexpected ways. Not knowing where the plot is going is another way of keeping viewers engaged right until the very end.

Key takeaway: Don’t be afraid of experimenting with pacing and surprising your audience with a twist at the end of your ads.

Play With Satire

Although both the God of War: Ragnarok examples played with satire, the North American one played it safe by linking the GoW series to “manliness” and easily identifiable gender norms.

The Japanese ad, on the other hand, threw gender norms right out the window and went with an ad that could have easily been mistaken for a kid’s commercial. 

While the North American ad is fine (I liked it, personally), the Japanese sing-song ad stands out more because it almost feels like it’s making fun of the ultra-macho GoW series instead of leaning into a predictable masculine theme.

Key takeaway: Don’t be afraid to lean into satire and juxtapose different elements of an ad against the product you’re promoting.

Get Inspired for Your Next Ad Campaign

Japanese advertising offers a refreshing alternative to traditional advertising, and North American companies can look to these types of ads for inspiration.

So, the next time you’re creating an ad campaign, consider adding a little bit of silliness, embracing the unexpected, and making fun of yourself and your product. Who knows, you might create an ad that people will remember for years to come.

---

How to Develop a Google Ads Strategy That Gets Results

April 10, 2023 - 9:00am - by Alyson Shane

Have you ever looked at a Google Ads campaign and immediately gotten the urge to slam your laptop shut? You’re not alone!

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is among the most powerful types of online advertising, but understanding how to build a Google Ads strategy is key to getting the best results from your campaigns. 

However, this is easier said than done. To create the most effective campaigns possible, you’ll need to understand: 

• How the Google Ads platform works
• What types of campaigns are available
• The various tools and strategies you can use to optimize your campaigns
• … and more!

In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the Google Ads platform, discuss the different types of campaigns available, and provide tips and strategies for developing a successful Google Ads strategy. 

What is Google Ads? 

Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords) is an online advertising platform developed and managed by Google which allows businesses to create and manage pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns to reach their target customers.

These campaigns can serve a variety of purposes including promoting products and services, generating leads, and driving website traffic.

Types of Google Ads Campaigns 

Google Ads allows businesses to create various types of PPC campaigns, each with its unique purpose and goals. 

Let’s explore some of the most popular types of campaigns:

Search Campaigns

Search campaigns target users based on the keywords they type into Google’s search engine. Ads are triggered when a user’s search query matches the keywords set in the campaign. 

Best for: Search campaigns are best suited for businesses looking to attract new customers or generate leads. 

Display Campaigns

Display campaigns use a variety of visual media, like images, video, and text, to promote products and services. Ads are triggered when a user visits a website or interacts with an app. 

Best for: Display campaigns are best suited for businesses looking to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience. 

Video Campaigns

Video campaigns use video ads to promote products and services. Ads are triggered when a user watches a video or interacts with an app. 

Best for: Video campaigns are best suited for businesses looking to engage with a large audience and increase brand awareness. 

Shopping Campaigns

Shopping campaigns use product images and descriptions to promote products and services. Ads are triggered when a user visits a website or interacts with an app. 

Best for: Shopping campaigns are best suited for businesses looking to increase sales and reach targeted customers. 

App Campaigns 

App campaigns (surprise, surprise) promote apps and mobile games. These ads are triggered when users interact with an app or visit a website. 

Best for: Not surprisingly, app campaigns are best suited for businesses looking to increase app downloads and engagement. 

Tips for Developing a Successful Google Ads Strategy 

Now that you know some of the different types of campaigns that are available, let’s look at a few tips and insights for developing a successful Google Ads strategy:

Set Clear Goals

Before you start creating a Google Ads campaign, it’s important to set clear goals to make sure that your campaigns are focused and effective. 

Your goals should be specific and measurable, like increasing website traffic or generating leads. 

Choose the Right Campaign Type

Once you’ve set your goals it’s time to choose the best campaign type to help you reach them. 

For example, a search campaign is often the best option if your goal is to increase website traffic. 

On the other hand, if your goal is to increase brand awareness, a display campaign might be more effective. 

Create Relevant Ads

To maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns, it’s important to create ads that are relevant to your target audience. 

Your ads should be optimized to target the right users, with the right message, at the right time. This can take some time to figure out, though!

Test Different Ad Variations

It’s important to regularly test different ad variations to find out which ones are the most effective. 

You can test different ad copy, images, and call-to-action phrases to see which ones are most successful and “swap” them in to replace ads that are under-performing.

Monitor and Optimize Your Campaigns

Spoiler alert: you should never “set and forget” your ads!

It’s important to monitor and optimize your campaigns on a regular basis to make sure that they’re performing as expected. You should regularly check your campaigns to see what’s working, and what’s not, and adjust your campaigns accordingly. 

Start Running Google Ads Today

By understanding the platform, setting clear goals, choosing the right campaign type, creating relevant ads, testing different ad variations, and regularly monitoring and optimizing your campaigns, you can create a Google Ads strategy that gets results.

If this feels like a little too much effort (we feel you), never fear! We’ve got a Google Ads expert with +20 years of experience running PPC campaigns ready to help — drop us a line and let’s chat.

---

17 of The Hottest Reels Trends Your Business Can Recreate

March 20, 2023 - 1:30pm - by Alyson Shane

With the rise of short-form video content, Instagram Reels have quickly become a go-to platform for creators looking to share engaging and entertaining content with their followers. However, as with any social media platform, staying relevant and up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial to maintaining your audience's interest and expanding your reach.

Following Instagram Reels trends is a great way to achieve this. By staying on top of what's popular and in demand, your content will remain fresh and engaging to your followers. Not only does this help you stay relevant and connected to your audience, but it also increases your chances of going viral or gaining more followers, as users are more likely to engage with current trending content.

But there's more to following Reel trends than just staying current. Participating in trending Reels can also inspire creativity and help you develop new ideas for your own content. It’s also an excellent way to connect with other creators and build a sense of community within the platform.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular March Reel trends and discuss how you can leverage them to create successful content that resonates with your audience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting with Instagram Reels, these trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of this dynamic platform. So let's dive in and explore the March Reel trends together!

Three Ways to Find Trending Reels

Scroll Your Reels Feed 

As you spend time scrolling through Instagram Reels, it's easy to keep up with the latest trending sounds. Just keep an eye out for the small arrow in the bottom left corner of your Reels explore page. 

Once you tap the sound, you'll find out where it originated, how many other Reels are using it, and which creators have already worked their magic with it.

If you're not feeling camera-ready just yet, no biggie. You can save that sound for later and come back to it when you're feeling inspired. 

Get Inspired By TikTok

Instagram will hate that we are saying this, but trending TikToks tend to become trending Reels a few weeks later. And it’s much easier to find trending TikToks — you can literally just type in “trending sounds” in the search bar. But, remember to find the sound on Instagram before you post and don’t upload it as an original sound. 

Follow @Creators for Weekly Trending Reels

The @creators account is a goldmine of insider info and valuable resources for creators.

Pro tip: every Friday, the Instagram team themselves share the hottest Reels trends of the week. They also post tips and facts about the ever-changing algorithm. However, we find these are often geared towards creators and not businesses. 

Trending Reels This Month 

We know, coming up with Reel ideas and then executing those ideas can seem like a lot. But, you don’t need to overcomplicate them. We’ve compiled 18 currently trending reels that you can quickly adapt for your business. Take a look!

Reels to Share Tips

These reels are short and easy to recreate with your own spin. We might even try some of these ourselves! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Social Media Marketing (@iammichellegifford)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐦| Creative Content Midwife (@aikalagency)

Reels for people who don’t want to lip-sync 

There are always a ton of trending sounds you can use with “b-roll”, like footage from an event, production of your product, or even as simple as your feet on a walk! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lindsay 🙋‍♀️ Relationship Tips ⭐️ Couples Coaching (@loving.with.intention)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (@banff_lakelouise)

Reels to Show Off Your Products 

If you have a product-based business, there are endless Reels on Instagram you can recreate. These are as simple as holding your product in your hand, packing an order, and our favourite: telling your audience how your product/service can solve their problem. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chalene MacLeod (@chalenemacleod)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Tortia Factory 🌱✌🏻🍒 (@thetortiafactory)

Reels to Celebrate

Have you hit a milestone? Finished your work early for the week? Signed a new client? These Reels are quick to recreate and allow you to share your success with your audience. Try them! 

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber | Content Strategist, Educator + Speaker (@a_creativeco)

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grow ur following & engagement (@instaclubhub)

Reels That Show What You Do 

These Reels are the easiest ones to film, IMO. Simply prop your phone in a place that can record you while you work and record a time-lapse over trending audio. We also love the idea of sharing your favourite tools you use at work, an office reorganization, or a compilation of anything important to your business. 

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by annekabeee - habits | routines | self-growth (@annekabeee)

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MARIE | BUSINESS MENTOR FOR ONLINE COACHES (@marieewold)

Reels That Transition

Do you feel like getting fancy? These Reels are a step up from easy, but they are still doable and work for a diverse range of products and services. 

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chitra Das (@curious.chitra)

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zara (@zaras.lego.world)

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Print Collective by Fiorella (@printcollectivebyfiorella)

Reels For Re-Introductions 

Don’t forget new followers may not know much about you. Try to re-introduce yourself at least quarterly. As you can see, there are several different ways to do it! Tag us if you give it a try — it’s a guaranteed like and comment from us ;) 

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CAIT | blogger, lifestyle, homestead (@caitoaks)

stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by W O L F R U M C O M P A N Y (@wolfrumcompany)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheyenne Hsu (@hsucheyenne)

There's no shortage of ways to make your brand stand out on social media when using Reels. So why not start experimenting with these trends today? 

If you’re looking for help creating content for your social media platforms, drop us a line! We have over 22 years of experience publishing content online and would love to help.

---

Why Brands Shouldn't Delete Their Instagram Timeline History

March 13, 2023 - 2:42pm - by Alyson Shane

Picture this: you just spent months working with a branding specialist to develop a shiny new brand identity.

You’re excited about showcasing your new “look and feel” to the world, so you ask your marketing specialist about the best approach to re-introducing your brand to your Instagram audience. They reply:

“Let’s wipe your Instagram Timeline history and start from scratch.”

This might seem like a great idea — after all, the idea of a “clean slate” to showcase your new brand sounds great, right?

Wrong. Deleting your Instagram Timeline content is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on the platform. 

Today we’re going to dig into why deleting your Timeline content hurts your brand, the benefits of keeping your old content, and some strategies to introduce your new look and feel to your followers:

Why Your Instagram Timeline Matters

In the age of ephemeral content, it can be tempting to overlook your Instagram Timeline and the value it can add to your brand identity, but your IG Timeline acts like a visual resume for your brand.

When a new potential follower comes across your content, your Timeline (and the quality of the content there) will ultimately determine if they decide to follow you.

Your Timeline content also amplifies your brand on the platform and helps new followers find you without resorting to paid ads, making it an integral part of any Instagram strategy.

How Deleting Instagram Timeline Content Hurts Your Brand

The idea of a “clean slate” sounds good, which is why a lot of marketers advocate for it, but people who do fundamentally don’t understand how Instagram’s algorithm works or the benefit that your older content has for your performance on the platform, or for your audience.

Let’s dig into why deleting your Timeline content hurts your brand:

You Lose Your Historical ROI

On Instagram, your content and how it performs compounds over time, meaning that the more high-quality content you share that gets Likes, Comments, Shares, etc., the more Instagram’s algorithm views your content as “valuable” and amplifies newer posts you share.

So when you delete your Timeline history, you’re erasing all the work you’ve done to increase your rankings with Instagram’s algorithm and reducing the reach your new posts will have on the platform.

(This is also why poorly-planned Instagram giveaways can kill your growth.)

It Can Damage Your Reputation

People increasingly use Instagram to get to know a company’s brand and values. If a company deletes its entire timeline history, it can appear to be trying to hide something or be ashamed of its past. 

This can lead to a loss of trust and credibility, which can be challenging to recover from.

It Can Confuse and Upset Your Followers

Instagram’s Timeline history serves as your brand’s story. If you delete it, it can be difficult for followers to understand the context of current posts since they have no reference point.

Deleting older content also means that anyone who re-shared a piece of your content can no longer access or reference it, which hurts their interactions with your brand. 

Also, consider all those posts you shared that encouraged followers to “save this post for later” — if they saved it and can’t access it anymore, they may feel betrayed by you and stop following you or engaging with your new posts.

It’s Harder to Build Relationships with New Followers

Deleting your Instagram timeline history can make building relationships with new followers even more difficult. 

Like we said earlier: your Timeline acts as your company history and is how new followers can learn about your brand, what you do, and how you’ve grown over time.

If this history is deleted, followers may not fully understand your brand, making it harder to build relationships and loyalty.

It Can Lead to a Loss of Visibility

Deleting your Instagram timeline history can lead to a serious loss of visibility. Instagram’s algorithm favours timely and relevant posts, so if you delete your timeline history, you’re essentially starting from scratch. 

This can make it difficult to get your posts seen by your audience since the algorithm has to work harder to identify relevant posts.

You Lose Access to Historical Data

One of the biggest reasons to keep your old Instagram Timeline content is that you have analytical data you can look back on to measure and understand success. 

By deleting your Timeline history, you’re literally erasing valuable data that can be used to inform future strategies and increase engagement with your new brand identity. 

Benefits of Keeping Old Timeline Content

Now that we’ve talked about the downside of wiping your Timeline content, let’s cover the benefits of keeping that historical content around:

Old Content Showcases Your Brand’s Evolution 

One of the biggest benefits of keeping your Instagram timeline history is to show off your brand’s evolution over the years. 

Keeping your Instagram timeline intact gives potential customers a visual timeline of your brand’s journey. This can help foster a sense of loyalty and trust since they can easily identify with your brand’s story and journey.

Old Content is Nostalgic

Another benefit of keeping your Instagram timeline history is that it can create a sense of nostalgia for your followers. By keeping your timeline history, you can remind customers of the moments that shaped your brand – from the day you launched to the day you released a new product or offer, and more.

This can help to create an emotional connection with your followers, as they’re likely to remember these moments and feel a sense of nostalgia when they see them on your Timeline.

Old Content “Humanizes” Your Brand

By keeping your timeline history, you can show customers how your brand has grown and changed over time. 

You can also use it to share stories about the people behind your brand and the impacts they’ve had on its journey. This can help to create a deeper connection with your followers and make them feel more connected to your brand.

How to Introduce Your New Branding (Without Deleting Your Content)

Here’s the tea, folks: your followers don’t care about your rebrand as much as you do, so don’t overthink or complicate this process!

When prepping to launch your rebrand, make sure you have the essentials lined up (introductory posts and Reels, new icons for your profile and Stories, etc.) and just roll it out.

If you want to get creative and create a visual “break” between your old and new branding, we suggest lining up three posts to introduce the new look and feel with post captions digging into the new change.

Three posts work well because your Instagram Timeline is organized into rows of three posts, which creates a visual “line break” (for lack of a better term).

This way, you can keep all that valuable historical content while separating it from your shiny new branded content!

Conclusion: Never Delete Your Instagram Timeline Content

Brands should never delete their Instagram timeline history. Doing so results in a loss of long-tail ROI, damages their standing with the algorithm, and hurts their reputation with existing customers. 

Keeping a timeline of posts and stories helps brands to create a larger impact, build relationships, and increase their reach. 

To stay up-to-date on the latest digital marketing tips, subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

---

5 Metrics You MUST Include In Your Next Content Audit

March 5, 2023 - 11:00am - by Alyson Shane

Do you know how well your content is helping you achieve your business goals?

Most businesses focus on creating content, which can be time-consuming and stressful all on its own. 

But if you don’t know what’s working and what needs improving, you risk putting your effort into content that isn’t making a positive impact.

That’s why regular reporting and content audits should be a cornerstone of your content marketing process!

What’s a Content Audit?

A content audit systematically analyzes and reviews a portion of your content marketing strategy. For this post, we’re going to focus on website content audits, which include:

• Reviewing all landing pages
• Blog posts
• Educational and/or lead-generating content

The goal is to identify weaknesses in your content strategy and workflow, and adapting them to changing market and business goals.

What’s Does a Content Audit Do?

Content audits help you decide which aspects of your website are working and which aren’t based on your goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Content audits are how you identify underperforming website content that needs to be fixed, updated, or avoided in the future. Some examples include:

• Outdated information that should be removed or updated
• Links that don’t work 
• Errors, typos, and other grammatical issues
• Missing words or metatags that can impact your SEO rank
• Content gaps you can fill with more content

How to Do a Content Audit: Getting Organized

Before we jump into the metrics you should cover, let’s review what you need to do to prepare to do a content audit:

Define Your Goals and Metrics

Content audits take time, so you’ll want to start with well-defined objectives. Some examples include:

• Learning which pages rank highest for SEO
• Identify old content that should be removed
• Optimize your internal linking
• Increasing audience engagement 
• Find out which pages are converting the highest

Decide What Content You’ll Review

Most website content audits include a review of landing pages, blog posts, product descriptions, educational material, and product descriptions. 

If you have, you can also assess other types of content like embedded videos, PDFs and other gated content, and interactive content like tests, quizzes, and games.

This process can be time-consuming, so we recommend using a tool like SEMRush Content Audit or Screaming Frog (which we use here at Starling) to gather your URLs in one place.

Now that you’ve gathered your data, it’s time to look at the top five metrics you want to pay the most attention to: 

The 5 Most Important Content Audit Metrics

1. Page Load Time

Search engines use page speed as one of their top ranking metrics because a fast site provides a better user experience. If your page loads quickly, that page is more likely to earn a higher spot on a Search Engine Results Page (SERP). 

A quickly-loading page helps with SERP rankings and provides a better user experience. A mere one-second delay in page loading makes page views drop by 11% and causes customer satisfaction to drop by 16%.

If you aren’t using a 3rd party tool, we suggest using Google’s speed checker from their Google Developers toolkit to assess page speeds manually.

Note: you can currently also do this in Google Analytics by navigating to behavior> site speed > page timings, but with the new G4 rollout coming in July of 2023, we’re trying to avoid advocating for specific steps behind-the-scenes too much right now.

2. Readability

73% of adult Americans read at only a basic or intermediate level, so we need to aim for an 8th-grade reading level whenever possible.

Not only does writing simply help people understand your site’s content, but Google’s web crawlers don’t struggle to understand the text’s meaning and links. 

If the meaning is unclear, your page won’t rank well. If your audience doesn’t understand, they’ll click away. Both of these actions increase your bounce rate and hurt your SEO.

The Hemingway editor is our favourite tool for keeping our writing clear and concise. It helps us keep our sentences short and to the point.

3. Backlinks

A “backlink” is when another site links to yours. Search engines like Google see a backlink as one website saying to another: “I find this content valuable, so I’m going to link to it.”

You’ll need to use a 3rd party tool like Screaming Frog,  Moz, Semrush, or Ahrefs for this part.

You can also “boost” underperforming content by linking to it from other pages on your site, known as “internal linking.” This helps users discover pages that they may not have otherwise.

4. Bounce Rate

A “bounce” happens when someone arrives on a page and then leaves without doing anything (clicking a button, navigating to another page, etc.) 

If you have a high bounce rate, it could be a sign that the content isn’t serving its intended goal.

Ideally, your content acts as a gateway that leads users from a search to your site, informs or entertains them, and encourages them to consume more content or convert.

When someone spends a lot of time on a page, it’s called “sticky” content that keeps users interested enough to explore the rest of your site.

What’s a good bounce rate? Generally speaking, depending on your industry, 26% to 40% is good.

5. Organic Traffic

Ideally, most of your traffic should come from “organic” (unpaid) sources, like people searching on sites like Google and through backlinks to other websites.

If you’re not getting a lot of organic traffic, that could mean that there’s an issue with the following:

• Your content strategy
• How you’re sharing your content
• The content topic
• What you’re writing/the content itself

Bonus: Other Content Audit Metrics to Look For

We’ve just listed a handful of important metrics to pay attention to, but there are several others to look for, including:

• Time on Page. This metric tells you whether the content you’re publishing is suitable for your audience. If this metric is high, then that’s a sign to publish more content like it.
• Unique Visitors. The more unique people visit your site, the higher the likelihood that some of those people will engage with your content, link back to it, or convert.

• Pages Per Session. Measures how many pages someone looks at after they’ve finished looking at the content on the first page they see.

• Traffic Sources. Where are your visitors coming from? Look for social media sources, emails, other websites, and organic searches.

• New vs. Returning Users. Returning users are great, but we need to keep attracting new people to our site to gain new customers.

• Conversions. We didn’t include this in the top 5 because not every piece of content is intended to convert. Many exist just to educate, inform, or inspire), but make sure to pay attention to your website conversions and their sources (a landing page, email newsletter, etc.), so you can create more content to encourage that action.

Start Publishing Better Content Today

Doing a content audit gives you valuable insight and data that you can use to know if your content marketing plan is moving in the right direction or if you need to pivot somewhere.

When you see content doing well, note its details, including the topic, when it was published, and if it was timely or evergreen. 

Then, work to repeat your success based on what you’ve learned.

For content that’s underperforming, take note of those metrics and work to avoid them in the future.

If you’re looking for help writing content for your website, blogs, and email newsletters, drop us a line! We’re an agency founded on rhetoric and +22 years’ experience publishing content online, and we’d love to help.

---

10 Ways Your Business Can Celebrate International Women's Day in 2023

February 26, 2023 - 11:00am - by Alyson Shane

 International Women's Day has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, when women worldwide began organizing and advocating for their rights. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975, and it has since become an annual event celebrated by people of all genders in countries around the world.

If you’re wondering how your business can honour women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, use our blog for inspiration on ways to celebrate at work. 

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over 100 years, and it has become an important annual event for people of all genders to come together and support gender equality. The event takes place annually on March 8th to celebrate the achievements and progress made by women worldwide, and to raise awareness about the challenges and issues women face. 

One of the most important ways to celebrate International Women's Day is to educate yourself and others about the history and significance of the holiday. 

#EmbraceEquity

The 2023 campaign theme for IWD is Embrace Equity. The day is a reminder to seek diversity, inclusion and equity by calling out and challenging stereotypes and gender discrimination. Collective activism is what drives change. 

You can actively support and embrace equity within your own sphere of influence. InternationalWomansDay.com is asking people to strike the #EmbraceEquity pose this year and share on your social channels and use #IWD2023 and #EmbraceEquity to encourage others to do the same.

Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day

There is no one right way to celebrate. All efforts advancing women's equality are welcome and should be respected. 

Donate to a cause that supports women and girls

This could be a local shelter for women and children, a global organization working to promote women's rights or a campaign to raise awareness about a specific issue affecting women. 

The charities of choice from the IWD website are: 

• World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts
• Catalyst
• Equality Now 
• Nomi Network 
• Dress for Success 
• Womankind Worldwide

Look for an organization that aligns with your values and consider making a donation to support their work.

Host an event or activity 

Hosting an event can be as big or small as you like. Collective action is all that’s needed. The International Women’s Day site has a list of activities as inspiration: 

• Holding an event (digital or hybrid)
• Launching a project or initiative
• Delivering female-focused activity
• Activating a marketing campaign
• Developing resources
• Conducting research
• Running a social media campaign
• Making a video
• Speaking at a local school
• Collaborating with the media

Think about what would be most impactful at your workplace!

Attend an International Women's Day event or rally

You can find International Women’s Day marches, talks, and workshops in many cities and communities worldwide. These are great opportunities to learn more about the issues facing women and girls and show your support for gender equality.

You can search for International Women’s Day events here. 

Share your appreciation for the women in your life

Whether it's sending a message of thanks to a colleague or friend, or simply telling the women in your life how much they mean to you, expressing your gratitude is a meaningful way to celebrate International Women's Day.

Support women-owned businesses

On International Women's Day and every day, consider supporting women-owned businesses. This could be anything from a small boutique to a large corporation, and it's a great way to show your support for women in the business world.

If you are local to Manitoba, the Women’s Enterprise Centre has a directory of women-owned businesses that you can find here. 

Volunteer your time

Many organizations that support women and girls rely on volunteers to help them achieve their goals. Consider offering your time and skills to help out with a cause that's important to you. 

Wear purple, green or white

These are the official colours of International Women's Day, and wearing them on the holiday is a simple way to show your support for women's rights. 

Purple signifies justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white represents purity.

Start a conversation

Use International Women's Day as an opportunity to start a conversation about gender equality and women's rights. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the issues that matter to you and listen to their perspectives.

Take action

International Women's Day is a day of action, so consider what you can do to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. This could be anything from advocating for a policy change to organizing a fundraiser to supporting a campaign.

Share your example

An easy way to share is by posting on your social media pages. If you aren’t sure what to post, you can download IWD2023 social media templates here. Or use your platforms to share positive and inspiring messages about women and gender equality. Make sure to use #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity. 

No matter how you choose to celebrate International Women's Day, the most important thing is to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women everywhere. Whether you take part in a large event or simply show your support in your own way, every little bit helps to create a more equal and fair world for women and girls.

For more information and resources on International Women’s Day, visit their website here.

---