Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13. That means your mom, any new mothers, (including three of my best gal pals and their 3 sons) should be celebrated all the way up to those hip-old Grannies, (my Nanny Carole and Nanny Joan of course).
My Mom Candee with her daughters Trina (My younger sisters) and Me
To follow-up on my May Day Basket social post for the Cedar Floral Design Studio. By the way, did you LIKE them yet? They are at 32 Likes just 5 days after delivering the May Day baskets to total of 12 local businesses resulting in a possible 32,000+ impressions.
The Like stat is a bit lower than what I had expected, but for a small locally owned flower shop this is very good. Lets face it, I’m not working on a National brand right? Now that we have hit past 30 Likes, Facebook activates the insights panel. That means one can now get all nerdy with the insights, impressions and amount of reach including an analyse of the demographic that is currently Liking the page. Waiting at least 1 week to generate the insights works best, and even 1 month is even better.
So remember your MaMa on Sunday, a new Mother (whom could even be your wife) or that is a friend or family member and to share the love with not only flowers (from Cedar Floral Design Studio) but to make them feel special and thank them for their hard-work and love.
nacho mama, your mn design gal
Steve and Kael (3 weeks old), Caden (6 mos old) not my kids- my best friend’s boys.
May Day is today, the 1st of May and it comes around every year. I can remember as a kid, my lovely mom Candee would make little May Day baskets and we would take them to neighbors. We would ring their doorbell and smile and/or leave it on their doorstep. It was a strange little tradition, but always put a smile on people’s faces and my mom especially loved getting a little crafty with us kids.
Well, welcome to 2012 and not only are little kids not suppose to ring door bells and run away or take candy from strangers, but who has the time to do this kind gesture?
Today, I delivered 31,038 May Day Flower Baskets. The baskets were super cute with white daisies and bright Spring flowers to cheer up strangers, neighbors and friends.
Ok, this was all done online, the social clubhouse Facebook to be exact. Social media has taken away the hand written notes, cards and birthday messages and replaced it with a post on your wall. (Sometimes that written note from Grandma is literally written on your Facebook wall, including the indents and a love you Grams.)
This cyber May Day basket concept came after talking with my mom about the May Day post for her work’s Facebook page. She reminded me to write something like “Hooray for May Day!” or “Happy May 1! May Day is here!” I took that suggestion to the next level making a hands-on sharing opportunity to increase brand awareness for Cedar Floral Design Studio and increase their likes.
The tricky part with posting a picture on someone’s wall as a Page is some have altered their settings so you can’t do so. Most cases the local businesses I wanted to deliver to had the front door wide open for me to ding-dong.
The businesses included with their page and number of Likes:
Chamber of Commerce in Owatonna : 218 Likes
Owatonna People’s Press : 358 Likes
Owatonna Library : 574 Likes
Steele County Free Fair : 3,102 Likes
Old Town Bagels : 370 Likes
The most robust business was a company that had started in Owatonna with over 25,000+ Likes, Josten’s. This one may have a lot of likes, but the odds of having them do a shout-out like down the street business Hair-i-Tage with 603 Likes, is pretty low.
The timing of the deliveries was at 4pm and Cedar Floral Design Studio was at 9 Likes total for their page. Within 3 hours they were at 16 Likes. (Not quite what you may be thinking with the amount of deliveries, but makes sense for the level of awareness this brand has and the factor of region.)
Most of the page viewers may be night reviewers, but the page owners most likely would have been online during the day and not delivering at 10am may have effected the May Day activity slightly.
The design of the May Day basket was also taken into consideration. If you see the original that is pictured above you clearly see the “From Your Friends then the logo”, but some page owners but get scared with the branding so it is designed to look like a cheerful May basket without the branding. When someone clicks on it to see further though, they will see the logo and then also most importantly my tagging to the Cedar Floral Design Studio page itself. That is what is most important, is to get that user to go on my page and LIKE and possibly get engaged with my content.
This idea is just one of the many that I have to execute in my social media designing career. Stay tuned for the summary on results later this week and also for more of this MN design gal’s social thinking.
How many time have you said to yourself “why didn’t I think of that?“
SXSW just finished up this week, which hosted some of the most creative brands, social people and more. Business Insider (which I read weekly) inspired me by their post 10 Creative Startup Promotions at SXSW.
I had to highlight a few of my favorites I saw from friends and colleagues tweets over the weekend.
Hootsuite What: The Owl mobile was out and there were Owl-Sightings all over instagram and Twitter this weekend. Why: The Owl was a hoot! Did anyone ride inside that though? That is the real question.
American Express What: Hosted the Amex Sync Show with Jay-Z (#JAYZsyncshow), featuring a live demo of the new Twitter hashtag promotion Amex launched last week that enables card members to save when they tweet customized hashtags for a group of launch partners. Why: American Express has put its money where its mouth is when cozying up to tech companies. In addition to Twitter, it has entered into significant partnerships with Facebook and Foursquare in the past year.
Real-life example of the #JAYZsyncshow.
Kraft What: Kraft is applying the wisdom that the way to the heart is through the stomach by hosting Oreo-branded ice cream socials. Kraft Mobile, an interactive experience, will feature a mac-and-cheese truck, games, Wi-Fi hotspots and charging stations. Why: Mr. Bough’s SXSW plan is to “connect with developers, entrepreneurs and startups.” And frankly just have some really good hang-over-food. Saw many pictures of the mac and cheese mobile.
FedEx
What: Loosing power? Plug-in at people wearing chargers!
Why: FedEx is trying to come back from the boring brand to something that is hip and shows their users that they care and get it. Why not? This was for sure one of my favorite ideas. I had to ask Brittany “Was he hot?”
Nike
What: NikeFuel Lot, which seemed from the many pictures through instagram and on twitter it was just a really cool light display? Not attending the SXSW, I couldn’t tell you what the sound was like or how strong the drinks were. Why: Nike had to find somewhere they would have their logo in a simplistic way right?
Me Like!
Overall the #SXSW feed was entertaining all weekend, and it made me very jealous of the colleagues that were out there learning and experiencing these brands. Just another reason for me to be with a brand that needs a networker, educator, like me representing them at South By Southwest and taking notes to expand our clients and get their brand in the middle of the action. Maybe not at SXSW but taking that and pushing the envelope at the local conferences and conventions that always need some re-inventing creativity.
Visit SXSW.com to learn more overall on the conference. Three highlights for the conference website for me were:
Start-up Village (One of my favorite categories that make an entrepreneurial like me smile.) Interactive Parties (Your invited to all?!)
Also did you see you can make your own conference schedule? Thank you! How many times have you been to a conference and have to circle and mark-up your print-out?
This concludes my #SXSW wrap-up on the creative promotions by some brands that stood out in my mind; along with some things that I look forward to when attend my first interactive conference. I’m actually heading to Austin in June for the National American Advertising Federation conference representing Ad 2 Minneapolis and social media; but I don’t think they will touch the experience from this past week. Or maybe it has to do with Austin, Texas and I can’t wait to find out!
All timelines including a cover picture becomes public March 30, 2012, but some admins have pushed them sooner you may have noticed. This means that anyone who visits your page will be able to see your cover image. Covers can’t be deceptive, misleading, or infringe on anyone else’s copyright. You may not encourage people to upload your cover to their personal timelines.
Facebook tells us that covers may not include:
i. price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it on socialmusic.com“; (a test dummy for this post only)
ii. contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or information that should go in your Page’s “About” section;
iii. references to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features; or
iv. calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends.” Read More
Your profile picture represents your Page on other parts of Facebook, like in news feed, like normal. Use the logo or another image that represents your Page. Choose an image that’s square and at least 180 pixels wide.
The Facebook Timeline profile cover image is sized at 851px by 315px. I received a tweet reply to my cover page comment, that countered my directions from a social media manager from Arnold World Wide. It made me think that Facebook could be tricking me, so the only way to really find out was to design my own and put it to the test. Right?
I decided to try the measurements that were given to me and make my first Cover Page. In Photoshop I started a document that was exactly 815 pixels by 315 pixels with a white background and at 300 DPI.
For the design I featured a few of my agency’s work on the right-side to make what we do day-to-day for clients, to come to life for the users.
No error messages were given to me on the 851 x 351 pixels, but I also had my imagery at 300 DPI because some screens are even better than and I don’t want my imagery to look blurry if I can help it.
Simplifying the main profile image is key on these new designs. You no longer have to make your logo fit into that tiny awkward space or even that thumbnail. It becomes more of icon that could go with the background or makes people wonder who that is and want to learn more.
I also really like the idea of having your team shine on the cover page. Here is another concept I have for Partners & Hunt Creative Group that shows more of the creative group themselves which could be fitting for some businesses and/or agencies.
Cover concept shown below in a Facebook mock-up template I designed.
Moving forward also constructed a cover page for This or That Ideas & Services, which is a small business that focuses on creative thinking for busy people. Notice the top left Twitter icon and a few images to demonstrate the creative practices. I believe I’m going against some rules a bit because Facebook encourages users tell stories with the cover with just photos, but having this brand experiment with the phrases and quick reads was my goal because I’m still in the experiential phase with this social environment.
Go Like This or That for yourself and let me know your thoughts on the cover page concept!
Another new feature is the direct messaging to page owners that has never been allowed. In the past, I always found myself going through the page trying to find the email address within the info to get more information on something. But now this will be the quickest way to DM and get an answer on the product, place or brand.
Notifications about new messages will appear right in your admin panel.
After writing my blog post I found this tell-all YouTube video that did a better job on the updates. I guess I could have just embedded this video as my post.
Learn a little bit more from Facebook themselves (not hosted by Zach but a random person that looks smart and is great at voice-over)
I’ll keep learning and exploring! I also find myself thinking that I would be a one-of-kind Community Manager or Social Engagement, I have that creative edge to know what can be done, I could execute it myself quickly and efficiently and my ideas for content are never-ending. Now if I could only figure out how to show those skills off?
Like Me or comment on this post,
you MN social gal
Most of you may not know, but I wear glasses most days to work- it's my nerdy side
The customer is what drives sales. The sales reflect the budget for the advertising campaigns. The advertising campaigns influence the consumer.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Macy’s sues Martha Stewart Living for J.C. Penney is trying to refocus their products and audience. Have you seen J.C. Penny’s new branding? jcp alone is a big step for this shopping brand that is trying to break the grandma and cheap-stay-at-home mom of 7 stereotype. Notice the jcpenney facebook page. Everything is lowercase and notice the actual URL is just jcp rather than the brand spelled out or the J.C. Penney like this corporate public trading company is.
With the shuffle of the leading creative teams and CEO’s from Target to jcpenney you WILL see even more change in the advertising and branding. Is this Martha Stewart Living lawsuit just one of the many first steps Macy’s is trying to protect their celebrity-driven brand? Notice Macy’s facebook page that features Clinton Kelly (Celebrity fashion consultant) and they also will NOT let you not be part of their Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover propping this alert, twice to me until I agree.
I notice retail because of course, I’m a woman, but also with branding and design it is always changing in front of us that many customers are aware of. I find myself noticing the shopping bags, advertisements and of course the social tactics each brand goes to. Commercials with SHAZAM that gets you to listen to their music, or with lovable celebrities like Jessica Simpson that makes you want to be their them and wear their line and shop and experience.
The poor Kardashians got SEARS to buy their line. Not only do I feel it was over-priced for their demographic and store experience, but I hadn’t been in a SEARS since 1992 and that was because my dad was buying a refrigerator. On the SEAR’S website they have the Facebook icon that props the share button. Why would I want to share this? I would hope I would want to lead my user to their facebook page or the SEARS (why do I keep writing SEARS in all caps?). They are loosing out on getting their page visitors somewhere else to track their interests.
Lets face it, retail isn’t going away, but the stores could. What department store will go away first? SEARS who started in 1886, jcp 1902, Macy’s 1929, Herberger’s 1927?
Only time will tell. Until then, play nice and keep the look-out for even more re-branding and well, lawsuits.
Which stores were originated in Minnesota? Herberger’s and SEARS. Maybe I will go back and try that Kardardasian Kollection.
Twitter.com needs to have an option to switch to different profiles while staying logged-in. Similar to (hate to say it) but facebook’s page option, making it easy to maneuver from one page to another that you’re an admin to. In this case, a handle you have been logged-in to within 24 hours.
Too many times I am clicking on links that bring me to my browser, and I don’t want to be following someone in the wrong account, that could be plain embarrassing! Right?
Always thinking and I know I’m not alone on this one, mn design gal
T1 Question: When do I turn a tweet into a blog post? Or when it is smart to have a tweet rather than a small blog post? Should I always tweet my blog posts even if they are a simple one-liner like this one? #answersplease
Do you tweet? I’m guessing if you are reading my blog you do. If not. You have heard of it at the very least. Look at the right side of my blog >>>> my feed is there for your enjoyment.
I started Twitter purely to stay connected with people and stay on top of trends for I was working outside of the metro area at the time. What I later found out it was not only a great resource to gather information quickly but sometimes I was the first to “see” or “hear” something happening. I then starting seeing job postings and also used it as a source to see advertising pitches in process and of course the hippest events. Social media has improved Ad2 as a whole purely from the stand-point of asking “how did you hear about this event” oh someone RT on twitter or I saw your post. #awesome
Why do I tweet and will I be that lady that tweets when she is 80? Probably not, but it is a pretty cool thing to be involved with now. Just think my daughter will be able to see this live journal of my life not only through my blog but through the thoughts and tweets I have posted in my mid-twenties.
It is also part of my job. Not only do I get questions daily on it but if I am not in the know, I will only be hindering myself. For social equals success. #imadethatup
It is scary to think that one tweet will never really go away… (I have deleted a few quickly but still someone may have seen it) also remember one should never tweet something that they couldn’t see on the big screen at a Twins game or have their boyfriend read in bed while on his iPad. #akissonthecheeknotthelips
I have learned now, that my co-workers follow me and also our clients enjoy my tweets. I tweet for my current agency @CreativeMN, (which I have to say it a pretty sweet handle that I created and carries it’s own weight) and also a few other local owned companies.
If you don’t have the Twitter Bug don’t sweat it, but I encourage you absorb the bug a little and download Tweetie which is my go-to online application. Keep it open and it will indicate a new mention with a red icon and you don’t have to be distracted by sounds or pop-ups. I also do use Hootsuite for massive tweeting through multiple outlets and social media accounts. I am always trying new ones and also appreciate learning what others use.
Don’t get your flu shot quite yet, this twitter bug may be fun to catch!
Tweet Me. Follow Me. Just don’t stalk me please. @MNdesignGal
Good Social. I notice brands every day that have social and they are good, but they could be doing so much more to make their social REALLY GREAT!
The brand that I’m exploring today is russell+hazel which is a locally owned store that has retail stores at 4388 France Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
Go online and see what they have right away and the best part there is a huge national audience for their products. Their overall imagery is really user-friendly and designers kill-for their products. Adding a share button to their products through social media outlets would give users a chance to show-off their newest purchases or heart-filled desires and also drive more business and traffic to their website without having to “tweet the URL” every day.
Finally finding @russellandhazel on twitter you notice the background has nothing to do with their current brand imagery. “hello sexy” goes through my head making it a bit awkward.
CONTENT: What they are doing on twitter is purely leading people to their website to buy things. Not only will that get annoying but I will start to not pay attention to their tweets and quickly unfollow making the use of twitter purely irrelevant. The 25% OFF code tweets are helpful ways to get that back on track but rarely are usable.
Having content that reflects current design trends, fashion and decorating trending, celebrity inspiration, quotes, tips on using their products, things that the demographic again will enjoy and follow in our companies.
Facebook is an easy outlet for creating content and contests because your Likers make it up for you. Having consumers take pictures of their r+h at work or possibly establishing a design contest that will in return give you value to redo your home or work office. A welcome tab and using their imagery and pushing the envelope with a profile picture using length or height [like pictured to left] would start to make this facebook go from good to great. Is that me as the profile picture on the facebook page by the way?
russell+hazel will probably back-up their use of social saying they are B2B and not just consumer, but the fact is this market they should step-up and have really GREAT social. As a r+h fan and advocate for really great social, it disappoints me and makes me wonder if this role is purely ignored or if the front desk lady (I sit at a front desk so no hard-feelings) is tweeting and updating directored by the marketing director that doesn’t tweet or thinks facebook is a waste of time and updates only what she eats.
Personally, this brand would be a dream to tweet, find content, monitor and correspond with. Not only do the products speak for themselves, the challenge of finding their audience and showing numbers increase and value of the brand itself excites me! Also not to mention the clean design approach is ideal and a personal favorite of mine for social marketing. Contact page on the website, the social media is hidden.
After creeping around way too much, found this a “sister-brand” of r+h http://mara-mi.com/aboutus.html. Now that website tells you there is so much potential to do some really GREAT social.
Facebook icons and a simple Twitter link on the homepage would be a great first step for r+h and then start following other similar brands such as The Nest & OhJoy! and get their followers to start to notice you too. Start a Blog and not full of promotions & products but lifestyle that can really showcase what r+h can do for you, your home, your business or even your own store.
Coming from a designer’s perspective, to be able to use russell+hazel products and design elements in a social presence would make me become a kid in a candy store all over again.
Observing way too much for fun for just a Tuesday,
So remember your MaMa on Sunday, a new Mother (whom could even be your wife) or that is a friend or family member and to share the love with not only flowers (from Cedar Floral Design Studio) but to make them feel special and thank them for their hard-work and love.
