Social Media. It’s Not a Choice.

Social-Media.-Its-Not-a-ChoiceSocial-Media.-Its-Not-a-Choice

The topic of social media and its necessity continues to be an ongoing conversation, both online and in every day chatter. Parents are constantly monitoring their adolescent children’s online activities while working diligently to keep up with new application developments, updated features, and Snapchat stories. Businesses are spending millions of dollars daily, hoping to maintain consumer attraction throughout the mainstream social media platforms.

Many brands utilize social media as their primary source of marketing. Print advertising and radio placements have become excruciatingly expensive while being less effective and more difficult to track the results in terms of consumer reach. Let’s face it. Social media is here to stay. As companies and brands decide on ways to market themselves, the conversation shouldn’t be whether or not “to” social media, but “how to” social media. It’s supposed to be fun and listed below are a few ideas and tricks of the trade we’ve learned along the way to enhance your social experience; both for you and your target consumer. You ready?

1. Not too much, but just enough.

Your social media presence is like your favorite cologne or perfume. Too much of it can be annoyingly overbearing, but the right amount can attract just about anyone. Until you’ve developed a constant following, take your time. Quality is much more effective than quantity in the social media world, friends.

2. It’s not about YOU, but be YOU.

Look, we know you love your brand. We know you’ve spent countless hours perfecting your mission statement and color-coding your logo to coincide with the fung shui of your business. We get it. Unfortunately, most consumers don’t care. They want your social media to appeal to them. Make sure it does. With that said, you must be yourself. It’s a fine line because authenticity is imperative. Your brand image needs to focus on your audience while showcasing your lifestyle. Get it? Good!

3. Don’t force it, friends.

Sometimes, you don’t have the proper photo, message, or idea to present. That’s okay. Don’t force it. It’ll come. If you’re doing it correctly, you have a planned schedule of your posts anyway. With that said, take your time. Nothing is worse than seeing a brand “force post” something non-cohesive with their brand, image, and voice. DON’T DO IT!

4. Just try it. Don’t be scared. 

So many companies and brands we meet are afraid to step into the social media world. They don’t know where to start; Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. They don’t know what to say. They don’t know if it’s effective.

Our response is pretty simple. We know social media is one of the (if not THE) most cost effective form of marketing. We know more than 60% of consumers have admitted social media influences their purchases. We consider that pretty effective.

5, Have fun people. It’s social media; not rocket science.

It’s not that serious, friends. It’s social media. Enjoy it. If you’re having fun, your audience will recognize it and engage with your brand more.

Disclaimer – Rocket science is probably pretty fun stuff.

Be social, friends.

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Matt Erney
STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTOR
After founding Social Firm in 2010, I learned that having a healthy business online requires an equal balance of messaging, design and marketing. My vision is to help businesses compete in the marketplace by simplifying, clarifying and then amplifying their message.

I currently lead the Strategic Marketing team at Social Firm. I believe that to achieve greatness, one must be intentional and move quickly with focus beyond one’s self. I love Columbus and am energized by helping businesses realize their digital potential.
Jason Willis
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Like many in the design world, I started out as a freelance. My early career was on the sales and marketing side of business, and I’ve worked with, and for several large companies. However, my greatest joy is helping and sharing in the success of locally owned organizations.

When I’m not tailgating at an OSU game or playing tennis, I love traveling and creating new experiences with my best girl Kelly and my "little gentleman" dog Charlie. I like visiting all the new restaurants popping up around town and seeing which one can make the best Old Fashioned.
Julie Englerth
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Julie is fully remote and hails from Longview, Texas, deep in the heart of the “Piney Woods” of East Texas where she lives with her husband and three amazing kids. She is also an experienced worship leader at her local church where her husband is a full-time worship pastor. Julie is passionate about encouraging and empowering people around her, leading worship, leading small groups at her church, or spending time with her loved ones.

She works closely with Matt in day-to-day communications and strategic planning. She has a knack for learning new things quickly!
Laura Elliott
Senior Digital Strategist
I have been in the digital marketing space since graduating from Xavier University in 2012 and I have experience in both the B2C and B2B realms. I specialize in digital advertising and have seen how it has evolved and grown over time. It has been exciting to keep up with all the new developments and changes throughout the years in the world of advertising and I thoroughly enjoy researching ways to leverage these changes to improve success for my clients. Throughout my career, I’ve honed and adapted my skills in data analytics and lead generation and enjoy learning about new industries and driving success for each of my clients!

When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my family and traveling. My main goal is to travel all over the world with my husband and son!
Ally Gatien
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
Since graduating from the University of Dayton in 2021 with a focus in Marketing, I have worked for both a small local media agency and a large television station. In my professional career, I am most recently coming from a Digital Sales Coordinator role where I was able to focus in on all Digital Marketing tactics after learning about the world of broadcast TV. I am passionate about helping others and I look forward to being able to help countless local businesses as a Digital Specialist on a more efficient and effective scale!
Geno Marinelli
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
A fresh graduate from The Ohio State University, I’m excited to absorb as much as I possibly can! With prior experience in both advertising creative and strategy, I’m excited to learn from the best. I enjoy staying ahead of the curve, understanding or contextualizing the latest trends and developments in tech and Marketing. If there’s a disruptor, I want to know how it works, why it’s working, and if it can work for us.

As a Digital Marketing Specialist, I will assist in strategy, implementing changes and new initiatives on behalf of our clients helping them to reach their goals and achieve results. My favorite part of any final reveal is the before and after; the side-by-side comparison of the old and the new motivates me to always be looking for new and innovative ideas.
Terence Womble
CONTENT MANAGER
I spent the first half of my career working in public relations and marketing mostly in New York City but also in Toronto, Philadelphia and Columbus. Even with clients as diverse as Philip Morris, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Shakespeare in Central Park, CAPA, Jazz Arts Group, or Broadway shows, the common theme has been compelling stories. Helping craft and share stories for our clients is my passion.

Other passions? Sure. Tennis, jazz, classical music and classic disco; reading, documentaries, fact-based dramas, and forensic crime shows. I also enjoy a perfectly mixed and presented Manhattan – up or on the rocks.
Sheena Erney
ACCOUNTING
I spent over 10 years in corporate banking and quit corporate life to be a stay-at-home mom before my second child turned one. I love taking my four little ones on adventures, but I missed the hustle and bustle of work life. It’s exciting to work for a small business where we can so easily stay up to date and develop our processes as business needs change. Best of all, I get to work with my husband!

When I'm not working, I enjoy golf, reading, traveling and playing cards. Watching our four children learn and grow is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Doug Bierl
STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGER
I have an inherent desire to help people and I like to figure out how to best connect people with something they need. That led me to a career in marketing and client services, primarily in marketing strategy and planning in product management, advertising account management, and marketing consulting.

When I’m not at work, you may see me walking the streets of Westerville with my wife, Julaine, or in a cafe meeting with a guy talking about life and faith. I value time with family, staying physically active and being outdoors brings me energy and joy.