This month, we’re diving deep into spring cleaning for your business, and today, we’re tackling a crucial yet often overlooked area: your social media presence. Just like that website we discussed last week, many businesses set up their social media profiles and then… well, they forget about them. It’s time to dust off those digital corners and giv…

Many small business owners treat their website as a one-and-done project. But just like your physical office, your digital storefront needs regular attention to stay effective. Industry standards suggest updating your content at least monthly with a blog, article, or news, and a significant refresh or redesign every two to three years. So, small bu…

This Spring, we're diving into "spring cleaning" for your business. Today, we're tackling your marketing strategy. Over the next few weeks, we'll also be decluttering your website, social media, email marketing, and even your physical workspace – all leading us into Mental Health Month in May. So, let's get started! In this episode, we will talk ab…

As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month throughout March, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many women in their professional journeys: imposter syndrome. It’s that nagging feeling of not quite belonging, of being a fraud who’s about to be “found out.” While imposter syndrome can affect anyone, research suggests it tends to b…

Mentorship stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful tool for empowering the next generation of female leaders, especially within the dynamic field of marketing. This blog post delves into the transformative impact of mentorship to highlight its crucial role in fostering career growth and leadership development. In this episode, we will talk about …

This month, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month with a series of discussions on impactful female figures and topics. Today, we’re diving into women who changed history, focusing on remarkable women from Alabama and groundbreaking figures in technology. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:50 Mae Jemison 02:22 Julia Tut…

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on incredible women-owned businesses right here in Birmingham, Alabama. This month is dedicated to celebrating women who have shaped history, are leading the charge today, and mentoring the next generation. We’ll also tackle the ever-present imposter syndrome and explore ways to build lasting…

This February, amidst all the Valentine’s Day love, we’re taking a slightly different approach. Today, we’re talking about the things we love to hate in the social media sphere – the common mistakes small business owners make, and a few personal pet peeves we just can’t ignore. Let’s jump right in! In this episode, we will talk about these importan…

These days our phones are practically an extension of ourselves, and the apps within them are essential to our daily lives. This month, we’re sharing the love – specifically, the apps and programs we adore and brought with us into 2025. We have compiled a list of favorites from the entire Social U team, so you know these tools are tried, tested, an…

In today's crowded marketplace, your brand is your most valuable asset. It's more than just a logo; it's the identity and story of your company, what sets you apart from the competition, and what resonates with your target audience. As a social media manager or small business owner, understanding and investing in your brand is crucial for success. …

As a small business owner, you wear many hats. Marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to social media. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok, it can be tempting to try to be everywhere at once. However, spreading yourself too thin can be counterproductive. The key is to identify the best social me…

In the dynamic world of social media, consistent growth and engagement require a proactive approach. A self-audit is essential for any business looking to optimize its social media presence and ensure it's effectively reaching its target audience. This in-depth review allows you to analyze your current strategies, identify areas for improvement, an…

The potential ban of TikTok has been a major topic of discussion, and the situation is rapidly evolving. While a court has temporarily blocked the ban, it's crucial for businesses to be prepared for the possibility of losing access to this popular platform. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:18 The Ban 01:30 Legal Challe…

As we wrap up 2024, it's time to start thinking about what the new year will bring to the world of social media. This year has seen some significant shifts, and experts are already making predictions for 2025. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:09 The Rise of Micro-Influencers 02:36 The Return of Public Forum 03:53 Exper…

In last week’s podcast, we celebrated local businesses that we love! This week, we are switching our focus back to social media. Let’s talk about some of the best moments of social media in 2024. Take some time to enjoy these before the new year! In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:47 Massachusetts Cafe 02:55 Goat Named M…

Description In last week’s podcast, we celebrated apps, programs, and websites that make our lives easier. This week, our gratitude turns to something closer to home: local businesses. We’re giving shout outs to some incredible businesses in our communities. Let’s shout out Birmingham businesses—the heart of where I am today. In this episode, we wi…

Description As we embark on a month of gratitude, it’s a perfect time to spotlight the digital tools that enrich our daily lives and make work more manageable. At Social U, our team thrives on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and we’ve curated a list of apps, programs, and websites that are indispensable to us. Here’s a glimpse into our toolkit a…

Description As we head into a season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the ways we can show appreciation, not only personally but in our businesses as well. Expressing thanks doesn’t have to wait for Thanksgiving—it can be part of our workplace culture year-round, strengthening relationships with both our team and clients. Here are …

Description In this podcast, we’re diving into some of the biggest recent social media horror stories. It’s essential to learn from these public mistakes, especially with social media’s power to amplify every blunder. For new listeners, we are Social U, where we share weekly social media tips and insights. This year was particularly challenging for…

Description October is in full swing, which means it’s spooky season—a time to discuss nightmares. But today’s blog isn’t about haunted houses or ghosts. Instead, we're diving into social media nightmares that can haunt small business owners, nonprofits, and even large companies. These common mistakes can derail your online efforts if not addressed…

Description Social media has transformed how businesses interact with customers, offering them the chance to build strong online communities. However, not every interaction is positive, and negative comments or encounters with online trolls can happen to any business. Navigating negative feedback while maintaining professionalism can be tricky, but…

Description Holiday contests! As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it’s time to focus on how you, as a small business owner or nonprofit, can take advantage of holiday contests to boost your brand. Let’s dive into the details of running successful social media contests, from the benefits to the practical steps, and why it’s an excellent strate…

Description As Halloween approaches, social media platforms light up with festive content that both delights and engages audiences. Whether you're a small business owner, a marketer, or simply someone looking to make an impact online, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to inject some seasonal fun into your content strategy. In this blog, we'll ex…

Description As a small business owner, the holiday season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning. With only 3 months left until Christmas, it’s critical to create a holiday strategy that aligns with your business goals. Whether your aim is increased sales, enhanced brand awareness, or philanthropic efforts, a well-…

Description Running a small business can be overwhelming, especially when you wear multiple hats: social media manager, accountant, salesperson, and more. To help you manage the challenges, we’ve compiled a list of top online education resources that will help you grow your skills and expand your business knowledge. Whether you’re a solopreneur or …

Description In the dynamic world of social media marketing, understanding whether to invest in organic posts or paid ads can significantly impact your business. Both methods have their merits, but knowing when and how to utilize each can make all the difference. Let’s break down the pros and cons of organic versus paid social media posting to help …

Description Social media is one of the most powerful tools for businesses to reach their audience. But with so much effort being poured into creating content, engaging with followers, and managing multiple platforms, a crucial question arises: how do you know if your social media efforts are paying off? How do you gauge if all your hard work is tra…

Description Creating engaging content remains a top priority for businesses and content creators alike. As we navigate through 2024, it's crucial to understand the latest trends and strategies that can help you captivate your audience and stand out in the crowded online space. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the most effective types of conte…

Description Are you heavily invested in using social media to grow your small business but struggling to get the engagement you desire from your posts and captions? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Crafting the perfect caption that captivates your audience and drives engagement is an art. Today, we’re going to explore the world of captiva…

Description Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, Becky is going to discuss invaluable tips and tricks to help elevate your podcasting game. From naming your podcast, learning the right equipment, and engaging your audience, we've got you covered. Get ready to take your podcasting skills to the next level and make your voice hea…

Description In the dynamic world of social media, Instagram stands out as a powerhouse platform for businesses and individuals alike. However, navigating the maze of recommendations and best practices can be overwhelming. Let's dive into Instagram strategies, separating the ideal from the realistic, and provide you with actionable insights to boost…

Description As a small business owner, you've likely experienced the frustration of consistently posting on social media without seeing the engagement you desire. It's time to shift your focus from merely accumulating likes to building a sustainable, long-lasting community that will grow alongside your company. In this post, we'll explore effective…

Description As content creators and business owners, we've all experienced burnout at some point. The constant demand for fresh content can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling creatively drained and struggling to keep up. But what if there was a way to do more with less? Enter the world of content repurposing – a strategy that can help you streamli…

Description As a small business owner, you've likely heard that incorporating video into your marketing strategy is critical for success. However, figuring out how to produce high-quality video content can be daunting. Today, we’ll dive into the essentials of audio and video equipment to elevate your marketing materials without breaking the bank. I…

Description In the modern digital landscape, video content reigns supreme. From emails to social media and blogs, incorporating video into your marketing strategy is essential. But why is video so pivotal, and how can you ensure that the videos you create are of the highest quality? Let's get into the importance of high-quality video content and ex…

Description We’re here to help you stay updated on the latest happenings in social media so you don’t have to. Today, we're going to discuss breaking news across all platforms. We also have a huge announcement coming to you at the end of July! In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 0:44 Larger Brands and Free Marketing 1:21 Ado…

Description Video is critical to your success online. It's the way it is—people trust you more, connect with you more, and relate to you more through video. Nobody explains your product better than you do. Video has been a trend for years and is here to stay. In this blog, we will discuss the different forms of video and why it's critical for your …

Description Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Central, we dive into social media and marketing tips, tricks, and trends. Today’s blog is a bit different as we hosted a live Q&A session—it was a complete “ask me anything” opportunity. So, in this blog, we will dive into some fantastic questions asked by those looking to enhance their social media p…

Description As small business owners, we're constantly inundated with notifications, emails, messages, and the ever-present temptation to stay glued to our screens. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like we need to be available 24/7. However, this constant connection can take a toll on our mental …

Description As many of you know, balancing mental health and social media presence can be a challenging feat, but it’s not impossible. Taking care of your mental health is crucial, whether you're a small business owner, a parent, or anyone else trying to navigate our always-connected world. As the saying goes, you have to put on your own oxygen mas…

Description Social media has made it incredibly difficult for many people to maintain good mental health. It's hard to stay neutral, not compare yourself to others, and not experience FOMO - the fear of missing out. FOMO refers to the perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, and experiencing better things than you are. It st…

Description Imposter syndrome can strike at any career stage, creeping in after a promotion, big achievement, or new challenge. Research shows it disproportionately affects women and other marginalized groups. Throughout this month, we'll explore various strategies for maintaining mental health online. Today, we'll dive into a common phenomenon kno…

Description You have a website, but is it really working for you? Let's find out. Many businesses neglect to keep their websites up-to-date and optimized, which can really hurt their online presence and ability to connect with customers. Just like an annual spring cleaning for your home or office, it's important to periodically refresh and tidy up …

Description As the season changes and we welcome the freshness of spring, it's also a great time to give your social media content a thorough cleaning. Just like decluttering your home, cleaning your content means getting rid of what's not working and focusing more on what is. Let's dive into some key strategies to spring clean your content and mak…

Description Spring is here, and it's time for a refresh – not just for your home or office, but for your online presence as well. In this digital age, your LinkedIn profile serves as your virtual business card, and keeping it up-to-date and compelling is crucial for professional success. Today, we'll delve into the art of spring cleaning your Linke…

Description Spring is in the air, and with it comes the annual ritual of spring cleaning. While you're busy decluttering your home, don't forget to give your social media presence a fresh look too. One area that deserves special attention is your hashtag strategy. Hashtags are a crucial tool for increasing visibility and engagement on social media …

Description Email marketing is a vital component of any successful business strategy in today's digital age. However, simply sending out emails haphazardly is not enough to ensure effective communication with your audience. In this post, we'll explore the benefits of using email templates, understanding key metrics, and creating a well-structured e…

Description Email marketing remains a crucial tool for small businesses to connect with their audience. With the ever-changing landscape of social media and the potential for platforms to go down, having a way to directly contact your followers is imperative. But, how do you ensure that your emails stand out in a crowded inbox? Let's dive into some…

Description If you're running an online business, having an email list is critical. Why? Because until you have someone's email, they aren't really your lead - you're just renting their attention from Facebook, Instagram, or wherever they follow you. Once you have their email, that connection truly belongs to you. Building an email list allows you …

As a small business owner, you're likely wearing multiple hats and barely finding the time to stay on top of your social media posts, let alone delve into email marketing. However, neglecting email marketing could be a costly mistake for your business. In this post, we'll dive into the critical reasons why you need an email list, how to build and g…