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Welcome to the MRKT - Hey Rhody Marketing Roundup Newsletter, brought to you by Hey Rhody Media Co.! This newsletter is your go-to for small business insight, including the latest trends, resources, and success stories in marketing and the small business community, hitting your inbox every other week.

We're looking forward to helping your business grow!

In Today’s Email:

What to Know:

Instagram's New Approach: A Level Playing Field for All Creators

Historically, content rankings on Instagram have tended to favor creators with larger followings and often highlighted reposted content from popular aggregators. Now, Instagram is aiming to level the playing field, providing all creators with equal opportunities for visibility.

What's Changing?

• Boosting Smaller Voices: Instagram is modifying its algorithms to favor content from smaller creators, ensuring they receive more visibility.

• Prioritizing Originality: The platform will prioritize original content over reposts in user recommendations.

• Linking Original Creators: Reposted content will feature labels linking back to the original creator, giving them proper credit.

• Phasing Out Aggregators: Content aggregators that typically repost others' work will no longer be recommended.

Expected Outcomes:

• Equality in Content Discovery: Previously dominated by well-established accounts, content discovery will now occur on a smaller scale, regardless of a creator's follower count. Quality content that initially performs well will gradually reach broader audiences, rewarding creativity and engagement.

• Rewarding Originality: Instagram is setting a new standard by promoting original content and providing clear attribution to its creators, ensuring that creativity is duly recognized and rewarded.

• Understanding the Guidelines: Content recommendations on Instagram are governed by various factors, such as compliance with community standards and recommendation guidelines. Not all allowed content will be recommended, and violations may impact a creator’s eligibility for recommendations.

• Control and Feedback Mechanisms: Users can personalize their viewing preferences using controls for sensitive and political content, while creators can monitor their account status to understand and appeal recommendation eligibility.

With these changes, Instagram expects to democratize content visibility, offering every creator a fair chance to shine. The full benefits of these adjustments are expected to unfold in the months ahead.

For the full statement, click here.

Hey Rhody Weekly, Episode 2

What’s Trending:

May 2024 brings exciting new social media trends that B2B and B2C businesses can leverage to revitalize their Instagram content strategies. Let's dive into what's hot:

1. Authenticity & Transparency: Today's audiences crave brands that are genuine. Share behind-the-scenes moments, sustainability initiatives, or your team's quirky culture to win over their trust. A "meet the team" series or customer success story spotlight could work wonders.

2. Creator & Influencer Partnerships: Team up with micro-influencers (10,000-100,000 followers) for an engagement boost without breaking the bank. Their niche influence can foster meaningful connections with your target audience.

3. Short-Form & Long-Form Videos: Combine short and long video formats for maximum engagement. Use Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts for quick content, but don't shy away from longer 2 to 5-minute videos that allow for deeper storytelling.

4. Personalization & Customer Care: Build loyalty by shifting interactions to DMs or stories, providing prompt, friendly customer support. A proactive approach will strengthen your brand's reputation.

5. Trending Audio & Reels: Catch the buzz with trending audio and blend them with creative Reels concepts, such as morning vlogs or spring recipes, to add some flair to your feed.

What to Try: Video Trends

1.  Punching Video Trend: This trend has punched its way across social media feeds! It's all about having fun while engaging your audience with a lighthearted "fake-punch" exchange.

   B2B Example: Stage a playful fake-punch exchange between your marketing head and sales manager, riffing on the latest campaign strategies.

   B2C Example: Have two colleagues playfully argue over a popular product or service while fake-punching each other.

2. Taylor Swift Video Trend: The latest Taylor Swift album has inspired lip-syncing fans to showcase their work-life grind to the lyrics "I cry a lot, but I am so productive," emphasizing the challenges and triumphs of their roles.

   B2B Example: Film your customer support team solving client issues while lip-syncing "I cry a lot, but I am so productive."

   B2C Example: Show your front-line staff doing their work with flair, whether it's brewing coffee or managing customer queries, while mouthing the lyrics.

3. X Passing Y Video Trend: Craft a funny office scene where two colleagues exchange a knowing glance, indicating their seamless teamwork to ensure customers receive top-notch service.

   B2B Example: Capture the head developer passing the compliance officer with a nod and a smile.

   B2C Example: Have an in-store stylist and inventory manager exchange a knowing glance while passing each other, highlighting teamwork.

To view an example of each trend, click on the corresponding image:

What to Use: CTD Creative Consulting

Dennise Kowalczyk: An "Accidental Entrepreneur" With a Relationship-Driven Strategy

Dennise Kowalczyk, the founder of CTD Creative Consulting, embarked on an unexpected entrepreneurial journey after a job contract ended. Turning her consulting side-hustle into a full-fledged business, she launched CTD Creative Consulting to help businesses grow through online and relationship marketing.

Her Relationship First™ Approach prioritizes the “know, like, trust” factor to connect marketing with sales, emphasizing authentic relationships to boost referrals. By streamlining strategies into practical steps, she helps small businesses harness the power of human connections to cultivate a flourishing customer community.

What to Use: Social Media Post Ideas for May 

Looking for fresh ways to engage your audience this spring? Whether you're a B2B or B2C business, we've got you covered with these trending social media post ideas:

B2B Businesses:

1. Industry Insights & Trends

   Share market trends and predictions through a carousel or infographic post.
   Caption: Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. Dive into these emerging trends impacting [Your Industry] in 2024 and discover how you can leverage them for your success! 🚀 #BusinessTrends #InnovateToWin

2. Behind-the-Scenes Content

   Offer a glimpse of how your products are made or packed.
   Caption: Our team is hard at work to ensure you get the best quality. Peek behind the scenes with us! 🏢 #BehindTheScenes #ProductQuality #TeamWork

3. Client Success Stories

   Highlight a client's journey to success with a video or testimonial.
   Caption: Our clients' successes are our biggest achievements! Find out how [Client Name] transformed their business with our custom solutions. 💡 #ClientSuccess #B2BResults

4. Collaborative Projects

   Partner with other B2B companies to grow your audience reach. Caption: We're thrilled to partner with local businesses like [Partner Business] to foster growth and strengthen our community. 🌟 #RhodeIslandBusiness #CommunityMatters

5. Webinar Promotion

   Recap or announce a webinar by sharing key takeaways or previews.
   Caption: Join our next webinar to explore the latest strategies for [Topic]! Register now and don’t miss out: [link] #Webinar2024 #LearnAndGrow

6. Sustainability Efforts

   Show how your company prioritizes sustainability with practical tips for other businesses.

   Caption: A greener future starts now! 🌏 Discover how our sustainability initiatives are positively impacting the world. #SustainabilityMatters #EcoFriendlyBusiness

   B2C Businesses:

1. Customer Stories & Reviews

   Feature content or testimonials from your customers.
   Caption: Our customers are at the heart of what we do. Thanks [Customer Name] for sharing your fantastic experience with us! 💙 #CustomerLove #TestimonialTuesday

2. Product Highlights

   Promote new or popular products relevant to spring and summer.
   Caption: Meet our new [Product Name], your perfect solution for [Benefit]! Available for a limited time only. #NewProductAlert #SpringCollection

3. Local Rhode Island Scenery
   Caption: Nothing compares to a day at [Local Attraction]! Share your favorite Rhode Island memories and tag us! 🌞 #RhodeIslandAdventures #ExploreLocal

4. Contests & Giveaways

   Organize a contest to encourage more interactions on your page.

   Caption: Win a [Prize]! To enter, follow us, like this post, and tag a friend. Good luck! 🍀 #GiveawayTime #WinWithUs

5. Team Introduction Posts
   Caption: Meet [Team Member Name], our incredible [Role]! Give them a warm welcome and say hi! #TeamSpotlight #MeetTheTeam

6. Influencer Collaborations

   Partner with influencers for authentic reviews or giveaways.

   Caption: We're collaborating with [Influencer Name] for our latest campaign! See how they style [Your Product/Service]. #InfluencerCollab #PartneredContent"

General Ideas for Both

1. May Seasonal Posts
   🌷 Spring is blooming in Rhode Island! What's your favorite way to enjoy the warmer weather? 🌞 #SpringVibes #MayDays

2. Educational Content
   📚 Elevate your knowledge with expert tips on [Topic]. Save this post for later! 💡 #ProTips #LearnWithUs

3. Hashtag Challenges
   🏷️ Join the #[YourBrand]Challenge and show us how you use [Your Product/Service]. We'll feature our favorite entries! 🎉 #CreativeCommunity #HashtagChallenge

Please answer the poll below to help us tailor this newsletter to your interests in social media and marketing

What to Try:

• Utilize this list for content inspo

• Use this website to find trending songs

• Grow your skills with these FREE courses:

  1. Generate leads with link in bio 

  2. A straightforward and proven method for crafting irresistible hooks