Celebrating National Small Business Week: 8 Social Media Post Ideas

man sitting at a desk holding a phone in one hand and typing on a laptop with another

National Small Business Week (April 28 - May 4) is a time to celebrate the heart and soul of the American economy - the small businesses. It's a week dedicated to highlighting the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners across the nation. As social media enthusiasts, we understand the importance of leveraging this week not just to celebrate, but also to engage and grow your audience. So here are some innovative and engaging social media post ideas to inspire you and help your small business stand out during this special week.

1.  Share Your Story

People love stories, especially those that inspire, motivate, or resonate with them on a personal level. Kick off National Small Business Week by sharing your journey. How did your business start? What drives you to succeed? This not only humanizes your brand but also builds a deeper connection with your audience.

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A post shared by Sara Frasca (@sarabfrasca)

2. Customer Appreciation Posts

Your customers are the backbone of your business -- So let it be known! Create posts that show your appreciation for their support; feature customer stories, testimonials, or even a photo collage of customers with your products. You could even consider offering a special discount or a giveaway as a token of your gratitude.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

Give your followers a peek behind-the-scenes. Share photos or videos of your team in action, your workspace, or the making of a product. This type of transparency on social media builds trust and displays your team's hard work and dedication that goes into running your business.

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A post shared by Iris Cherng (@irischerng)

4. Highlight Your Team

Your employees play a crucial role in your business's success. Help celebrate them and create a series of posts dedicated to introducing your team members! You could share fun facts about them, their roles, or highlight their achievements. This not only boosts morale within your team but also shows your followers the faces behind the brand.

5. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

National Small Business Week is the perfect time to support fellow small businesses. Collaborate on a social media campaign, host a joint giveaway, promote each other's businesses, or simply promote small businesses in general! This fosters a sense of community and exposes your business to a wider audience.

6. Educational Content

Share your expertise with your followers. Create posts that educate your audience about your industry, products, or services. This could be in the form of tips, how-to guides, or interesting facts. Educational content not only adds value but also positions your brand as an authority in your field.

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A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

7. Interactive Content

Engage your audience with interactive content. Host a Q&A session, conduct polls, or create a quiz related to your business or industry. Interactive posts are not only fun but also increase engagement and give you insights into your audience's preferences.

8. Reflect on Your Impact

Lastly, reflect on the impact your business has had on your community or industry. Share any milestones, achievements, or contributions to local causes. This not only showcases your business's values but also reinforces your commitment to making a difference.

National Small Business Week is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, engage with your audience, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. By implementing one (or all) of these social media post ideas, you can create a meaningful and memorable National Small Business Week for your followers. Remember, the goal is to connect, inspire, and grow your community. Have a happy National Small Business Week!

Looking for social media specialists? Work with a small business who understands small businesses. Let’s get in touch!

How a TikTok Ban Could Impact Social Media Marketing

Split graphic, with a photo of the House of Representatives on the left. On the right, a photo of a hand holding a phone with the TikTok logo on the screen.

The digital sphere thrives on innovation and connectivity, and few platforms embody this spirit quite like TikTok. 

However, recent legislative moves have cast a shadow over its future. 

Beyond its implications for individual users, the potential ban raises significant questions about the future landscape of social media marketing. 

What Would the Bill Do?

On Wednesday, March 13, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would force the parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, to sell off the platform to an entity in a non-hostile nation. 

The sale would have to happen within 180 days to avoid the app being banned from U.S. app stores and web hosting services.

The bill still needs to be passed in the Senate, but President Biden has said he would sign the bill into law if it passes through Congress. 

While the anticipation builds, we’re diving into what a TikTok ban could look like for the future of social media marketing. 

How a TikTok Ban Could Disrupt Marketing Strategies

TikTok has emerged as a goldmine for brands seeking to engage with younger demographics through innovative and authentic content. 

Its algorithm-driven approach and emphasis on user-generated content have allowed businesses to connect with audiences in unprecedented ways. 

A ban on TikTok would disrupt these established marketing strategies, forcing brands to pivot to alternative platforms. 

This shift could prompt a renewed focus on platforms that offer similar engagement opportunities, such as Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.

Either way, TikTok users are already expressing their emotions about a potential ban. 

@underthedesknews

#keeptiktok

♬ original sound - UnderTheDeskNews

How a TikTok Ban Could Foster Innovation and Competition

A ban on TikTok could also present an opportunity for innovation and competition within the social media landscape. 

As platforms vie to capture TikTok's audience, they may introduce new features and tools to attract both users and advertisers. 

This competition could foster creativity and diversity in marketing approaches. 

Additionally, emerging platforms may seize the opportunity to fill the void left by TikTok, offering unique value propositions and niche audiences for marketers to explore.

As marketers navigate the prospect of a TikTok ban, it's essential to remain adaptable and forward-thinking, embracing emerging trends while staying true to brand strategy and authenticity.

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A post shared by Enrico Incarnati | Social Media Strategy | Content Marketing (@rico.incarnati)

What You Should Do Next

Prepare by performing audience analysis to evaluate your channel strategy. Do you know if your audience is actually on TikTok? 

While TikTok might be the app of the moment, it might not be the most effective platform for your target audience. 

React if this legislation passes. What other platforms (and their features) could work for your strategy? 

Again, while TikTok might be one of the fastest-growing channels, other platforms like Instagram and YouTube could still have benefits for your brand. 

Instagram Reels allow for collaborative posts, which could be great for your content to curate a more community-centered, user-generated tone. 

With YouTube’s search functionality, Shorts could help you reach your target audience who will find value in your content. 

Ultimately, the evolution of social media marketing hinges on our ability to adapt to shifting landscapes and leverage new opportunities for connection and creativity.

Looking for innovative ways to carry your brand forward on social media? Let’s work together! At Random, our curiosity and adaptability are the foundation of everything we do. Reach out to us below to get in touch with our digital marketing experts.  

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The Swift Lift: How Taylor Swift Boosts Brands’ Social Media

A graphic including Taylor Swift front and center on stage in one of the outfits from her Eras Tour. Images of viral social media posts about Taylor Swift are in the background.

Taylor Swift, the reigning queen of pop, has taken the world by storm in the last year with her record-breaking world tour, her movie lighting up theaters, and her constant attention from the media. 

She's not just famous; she's at that untouchable level of fame that very few celebrities will ever reach.  

But what does that mean for your brand? Well, if you're not already in on the action, it's time to hop on the Taylor Swift train. 

Leveraging the pop culture phenomenon that is Taylor Swift can turn your social media campaigns into hits that resonate with the young, passionate audience your brand craves.

(Disclaimer: We aren’t liable for any eye-rolling that occurs from the excessive Taylor Swift puns that lie ahead.)

Sparks Flew with These Brand Posts

Let's dive into some real-world examples of how brands have expertly harnessed the Taylor Swift phenomenon to amplify their digital presence. 

These posts demonstrate the art of blending Swift's fame with brand identity, resulting in social media content that not only entertained audiences but also contributed to business success. 

It’s a “Seemingly Ranch” Story

Perhaps the biggest and most hilarious example is the "Seemingly Ranch" phenomenon.

Back in October, while Taylor Swift was attending a Kansas City Chiefs football game, a popular fan account on X posted that Taylor was “eating a piece of chicken with ketchup and seemingly ranch!”

Multiple brands jumped on this, with Hidden Valley Ranch changing their username to “Seemingly Ranch,” and Heinz creating limited edition bottles of Ketchup and Seemingly Ranch. 

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A post shared by Heinz (@heinz)

This post went viral, generating nearly double the engagement they receive on an average Instagram post. 

Is It Over Now? More “Seemingly Ranch”

Food brands really went hard on this one. 

Lay’s also leaned forward into the “seemingly ranch” meme by creating a fake mockup of a new flavor of their chips. 

This post currently has 1.2 million views, with their usual post views only being in the thousands. 

Arby’s jumped in as well, recreating Swift’s plate from the viral photo with their own chicken wings. 

This post currently has over 5 million views, with their usual post views being less than 50k. 

Gold Rush: The NFL Cashes In

The whole world, it seems, has been watching Taylor Swift’s attendance at the Chiefs games. 

The NFL social media accounts have cashed in on this opportunity, of course. One Taylor Swift GIF they shared on X garnered more than 11 million views.

Her appearances have also led to a reported increase in NFL ratings and viewership. The game she attended on Sunday, October 1 of last year drew in 27 million viewers, the most-watched Sunday show since the 2023 Super Bowl. 

Now that the Chiefs will be in the Super Bowl this year, we’re sure millions of eyes will be watching to see if Swift attends to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce. 

We’re curious to see what marketing opportunities brands will jump on to take advantage of Swift’s appearance at the most-watched sporting event of the year. 

Never Go Out of Style

One brand that quickly jumped on the Swift marketing train was KidSuper Studios, who designed an outfit that Travis Kelce was wearing in one viral video of him and Swift leaving a Chiefs game last year. 

@nfl

p solid day for the two of them 🫡 #taylorswift #traviskelce #kansascitychiefs #nfl (via JarrettPayton/X)

♬ original sound - NFL

The matching jacket and jeans set were originally named “The Bedroom Painting,” but the brand renamed it to “1989 Bedroom Painting” after this video went viral. The set has since sold out. 

We’re in Our Engagement Boost Era

Random has even joined in the Taylor fun, with our rendition on one viral meme back in September.

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A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

This was a top post on our channels that month, and it even received 18% more engagement on our Facebook compared to previous months. 

Question…? How Can You Apply This to Your Content?

In the world of Taylor Swift-themed marketing, speed is your ally. 

Taylor's cultural moments can come and go in the blink of an eye, so you should have a process in place for expedited approval of reactive posts. 

While we're not suggesting hiring a whole team dedicated to your Taylor-themed endeavors, we wouldn't mind having one ourselves.

Dear Reader: Authenticity is Key

Before you sprinkle your content with Taylor Swift references, remember this: authenticity is key. 

Ensure that her presence in your brand's social posts is genuine and resonates with your audience. If you're not well-versed in Taylor Swift's lore, it's best to tread carefully. 

Using the power of Taylor Swift comes with great responsibility – make sure you're handling it delicately.

Long Story Short: Be Swift and Genuine

When it comes to leveraging the power of Taylor Swift in your brand's social media content, the key is to be swift, genuine, and mindful of your audience. 

Just like Taylor herself, who has mastered the art of reinvention and staying relevant, your brand can find its place in the digital spotlight by embracing the Taylor Swift phenomenon. 

We’ve got a blank space, baby, and we’ll write your name. Our social media experts at Random are ready to turn your next social campaign into a wonderland of success. We’d be enchanted to work with you. Reach out below! 

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Random Presents: 2023 Social Media Wrapped

As we bid farewell to 2023 and head into 2024, it's time to reflect on the whirlwind of events that shaped the social media landscape this past year. From the rise of artificial intelligence to new social platforms, the year was plenty noteworthy (and a bit hectic if you ask us).

In this blog post, we'll delve into the defining moments of 2023 and offer a glimpse into what we can expect in the upcoming year.

Against a black background, red text says "Random Presents:" and white text as a subheading says "2023 Social Media Wrapped." Around the sides and bottom of the graphic, a collage of images includes photos of Elon Musk, the McDonald's Grimace Shake, the Threads logo, a brain, the X logo, and Margot Robbie as Barbie.

These Events Were the *Moments* 

AI Takeover

Are robots taking our jobs?? Not yet, but AI’s development has been nothing short of something out of a sci-fi movie. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, displayed amazing capabilities in writing natural-sounding language.

Sure, some of the writing sounds like a high schooler who is overusing a thesaurus, but the potential is there and growing.

We also witnessed the visual capabilities of AI based on simple text prompts from users, prompting a now common question: "Is this real, or is it AI?"

Here’s a post we made that sums up AI’s impact in 2023:

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A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

New Apps! (more screen time…😮‍💨)

In 2023, we witnessed the rise and fall of several new social platforms. This year's most noteworthy new app was Threads – Meta's X (formerly Twitter) contender.

In the midst of X’s ongoing drama, Threads came at a pertinent time, reaching more than 100 million users in the first five days.

But despite the initial excitement, Threads’ hype slowly died down, losing 80% of its active users and dropping to just 8 million by the end of July.

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A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

There were also several other social media platforms that received some hype this year, but they quickly faded away into the land of forgotten apps. Notable mentions include Lapse and Lemon8.

Goodbye Twitter. Hello X?

In 2023, Elon Musk continued his reign over Twitter, hoping to bring significant changes. However, his gradual alterations to the platform resulted in the downfall of the iconic social media site in ways no one could anticipate.

First of all, we said goodbye to Larry the Bird, Twitter’s late mascot. Sad, we know.

Musk's additional changes made Twitter less valuable as he restricted features to paying users, placed a ban on third-party client apps, flooded timelines with “verified” users, and rebranded the company as "X" in a controversial move.

Musk's bold actions with the platform and other controversies surrounding the app led to a mass exodus of users and advertisers. This left Twitter merely a shadow of its former self, raising questions about the future of the once-thriving social media giant.

Currently, it seems to be struggling despite Musk's vision of creating an "everything app" under the name X.

UGC Was King 👑

In 2023, we saw just how far user-generated content (UGC) can take a campaign. The Grimace Shake trend was a golden example of this.

The trend was unexpected (we’re still trying to wipe our memories of the horrors we saw), but the UGC that came from it was more than McDonald’s could have ever hoped for.

@thefrazmaz

R.I.P Grimace (and me) #mcdonalds #grimace #milkshake #grimaceshake #birthday #fakedeath #yummy

♬ original sound - ‍r7ptor

Surprisingly, some random cultural happenings got people talking online about a brand in ways we never saw coming.

One of these events was thanks to none other than Taylor Swift, whose romantic relationship with Travis Kelce led to tons of online conversation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs.

Almost overnight, people who had never watched football in their lives were tuning in and creating content about the NFL team. We’re not sure this will help them win a Super Bowl in 2024, but they’ll at least have the popular vote.

And lastly, another notable mention was the Barbie movie. The nostalgic, quirky film saw momentous numbers at the box office as well as a copious amount of Barbie-related UGC during the release. We even made our own Random + Barbie post during the hype!

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A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

Buckle Up: What We Expect to See in 2024

Want 2024 to be your breakout year on social media? Shoot us a message, and let’s talk social!

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Why (and How) Keynote Speakers Should Diversify

As the world of corporate keynote speakers grows more expansive, it's harder for speakers to distinguish themselves using only their exceptional speeches. To truly stand out from the crowd, they'll need to build a personal brand. 


We're walking through the steps keynote speakers can take to build a brand that will tell their story, boost digital awareness, and drive bookings. 


So you've built a great speech now what? 

You've perfected your speech. Now what? Whether you're a motivational speaker, educational speaker, or corporate speaker, having a personal brand is essential. 


Because, unless you're an A-List celebrity speaker, you're going to need a little work to boost your name recognition. 


Personal branding not only improves name recognition; it can differentiate you from competition, enhance your credibility, and position you as a trustworthy leader in the industry.


The elements of your personal branding can live on both earned and owned channels.

Where should you start? Let's start with the basics: 

Logo/Color Palette: Create a logo and color palette that encapsulates your message and gives the impression you want potential clients to receive. Do you want your look to be refined and corporate? Or is your speaking message more upbeat and energizing? 

Your Audience & Messaging: If you're not sure where to start with your personal logo and branding elements, take a step back.

Invest in a high-quality website.

Whether you're skilled in website building yourself or you decide to hire a designer, investing in a high-quality website is crucial to your personal brand as a keynote speaker. 

Your website will be the hub of all your leads and connections. This will be the spot potential clients come to learn your story, so it's one of the most important places to hook them. 


Your challenge? Don't let a single website visitor leave without filling out an inquiry form or leaving some kind of contact information. 


Don't be shy with photos and sizzle reels. Boost your face recognition by utilizing high-quality photos across the site. Same goes with speaking clips and sizzle reels; don't be shy with adding those on every page. Your speech is the money-maker, after all. Show off your talent!

Plus, including video on your website improves your SEO and boosts conversions. SEO experts at Moz found that including video on websites can lead to three times more backlinks (links on third-party websites that point back to your site) than average. This increases organic traffic to your website. 


Add an easy-to-find booking form. This should be a button that stands out on your menu list or, if you're feeling bold, lives front and center on the home page next to a photo or sizzle reel.

On the booking page itself, include a native form that keeps potential clients on your website, but still sends their information to a central location. For example, the form we created for Sara's website sends submissions straight to Sara's agent at The Kirkpatrick Agency. Be sure to ask for the company name, date of the event, and budget!

Use lead magnets. A lead magnet is an exclusive resource or deal offered to your website visitors in exchange for their contact information. These are helpful for drawing in potential clients and industry connections with a free item before they commit to booking you. 50% of marketers experience higher conversion rates when they use lead magnets.


Examples of lead magnets include webinars, downloadable guides and worksheets, and short ebooks. To gain access to the free resource, the person must provide their name and email address. These contacts can be saved for future use to reach out to for bookings or find potential clients through references.

Looking for more tips? Check out our blog post on the best practices for designing an effective website here.


Build your brand on social media. 

Now that you've built a great website, it's time to launch (or upgrade) your social media. Utilizing social media in this digital age will boost your brand awareness, help you reach new audiences, and build relationships with potential clients. 


Create a strategy. Your social media strategy will help you define and track your goals for your social media presence. One of the biggest goals for keynote speakers is engagement and conversions to your website. Choosing which platforms to post on can be the make or break of how many engagements and conversions you receive. 


LinkedIn is one of the most relevant platforms for keynote speakers to take advantage of. This platform allows you to connect more directly with your primary audience of booking agents, speakers bureaus, and potential clients. Check out our blog post for tips on creating effective LinkedIn content. 


Prioritize video content. Social media users will obtain 95% of a message watched on video, compared to only 10% read in text. Video content has become one of the most effective content types for boosting engagement and acquiring new leads. Video-forward platforms like TikTok and YouTube can be great for showing off your speaking clips in short-form video format.

@sarabfrasca

If your business doesn’t have established core values, make that a priority right now. I can be your business coach! Learn more at pointnortheast.com #BusinessOwner #Tips #Innovation

♬ original sound - Sara Frasca

Regardless of the type of speeches you've built, kickstarting your personal brand as a keynote speaker is essential for boosting your credibility, widening your influence, and driving more bookings. 


Our team members at Random are experts at creating digital content for professional keynote speakers. Chat with us below to learn more about our past client work and how we can build your brand together!

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How "De-Influencing" Might Affect Influencer Marketing

In the ever-evolving world of social media marketing, trends come and go, shaping the way brands and influencers connect with their audiences. One such trend that has recently captured the attention of marketing professionals is the concept of "de-influencing."

What is De-Influencing Anyway?

Influencer marketing is a strategic approach that leverages the influence and reach of individuals with large and engaged social media followings to promote products, services, or brands. It involves collaborating with influencers who have built credibility and trust with their audience, allowing brands to tap into their influence to effectively communicate their message and connect with their target market.

Though it may be slightly lesser known than its big brother, the concept of "de-influencing" is starting to crop up on popular social media accounts across the globe. De-influencing represents a shift in the influencer landscape, as influencers themselves now encourage their followers to question their choices and steer clear of certain products. These 'de-influencers' utilize diverse tactics to discourage their followers from buying specific items. They may employ methods such as posting negative reviews of particular products or offering critical perspectives on the culture of overconsumption and influencer marketing.

@homefolkcreative

#stitch mit @Alyssa ✨ is influencer marketing dead? #deinfluencing #deinfluencingmakeup #deinfluencingtrend #influencertips #influencertiktok #influencertricks #influencertrend #deinfluencingskincare #deinfluencingproducts

♬ Originalton - Helena | Branding & Marketing
@katie.org

Replying to @.sam_ross THIS MIGHT BE A HOT TAKE HAHA #fyp #deinfluencing #dior

♬ original sound - katie

What's The Big Deal About De-Influencing?

According to the Influencer Marketing Hub, the overwhelming abundance of sponsored influencer content has raised concerns among marketers about whether influencer marketing has reached its saturation point, despite generating over $16 billion in revenue in 2022.
The trending hashtag #deinfluencing on TikTok has garnered over 76 million views, igniting a wider discourse on excessive consumption. Within these videos, content creators candidly reveal their experiences with being influenced by TikTok, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration to avoid succumbing to the allure of trendy products and ideas.

(some top videos of the #deinfluencing hashtag on tik tok)

In today's digital landscape, influencers are facing a growing need to exercise greater caution when it comes to promoting products. With social media audiences becoming more discerning and conscious about their purchasing decisions, influencers who endorse items that are perceived as harmful or wasteful are at risk of facing significant backlash from their followers. This backlash can result in a loss of credibility and trust, ultimately affecting their influence and brand partnerships. 
To maintain a positive reputation and continue to engage their audience effectively, influencers must approach product endorsements with careful consideration. By thoroughly vetting the products they promote, aligning with their audience's values, and fostering transparency, influencers can navigate the potential pitfalls of endorsement backlash and sustain meaningful connections with their followers.

De-influencing just another form of influencing?

De-influencing can be seen as a paradoxical phenomenon, with some arguing that it is another form of influencing. By countering established influences, de-influencers may inadvertently create new forms of influence and promote alternative ideologies. This complex nature of influence highlights the dynamic interplay between different perspectives, as de-influencing challenges existing power structures while potentially contributing to the formation of new ones.
Some people question whether de-influencers are paid by brands to attack their competitors. This suspicion arises from the belief that de-influencing campaigns could be a deliberate strategy used by companies to undermine rival brands. While there may be cases where de-influencers have hidden affiliations or ulterior motives, it is important to assess each situation individually and examine the evidence presented. It is necessary to approach de-influencing efforts with critical thinking, recognizing that not all de-influencers are driven by financial incentives or influenced by corporate interests.

What's Next For De-Influencing?


While influencer marketing is not becoming obsolete, companies will continue to seek partnerships with influencers who have a genuine connection to specific target audiences, and influencers themselves will continue to pursue lucrative deals. However, there is a growing sentiment among the audiences of these influencers that raises concerns about the concept of PR packages and freebies being given to individuals who do not genuinely require them. Although people may not entirely cease their discretionary spending, there is a developing sense of dissatisfaction among influencers' followers regarding the distribution of unnecessary perks.
Embracing the de-influencing trend presents brands with a valuable opportunity to collaborate more intelligently with influencers and establish stronger connections with their target audiences. To fully harness the potential of influencer marketing, the key has always been to forge enduring and genuine partnerships with authentic voices. The emergence of the de-influencing movement is potentially redirecting influencer marketing towards a path of significant growth. By aligning with this trend, brands can tap into a more effective and fruitful approach, enabling them to maximize the benefits of influencer collaborations and achieve greater gains.

Want to explore how you can make the most out of your influencer marketing strategy and learn about ways that de-influencing could impact your business? 


Our team at Random is here to guide you every step of the way! Send us a message below to get started.

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Is Community Management Dead?

Once upon a time, genuine conversations between brands and customers on social media reigned supreme. But these days, it seems like more and more brands are starting to flat-out ignore questions in their comments or refer commenters to an out-sourced customer service team. 

Is community management on social media dead? Read on as we explore whether brands are failing at connecting to audiences, why community management is still important, and our best tips for boosting your community management game.

What is community management on social media?

Social media community management is a brand's process of engaging with audiences across social media platforms. The purpose is to boost relationships with customers and ultimately increase brand loyalty. 

In its most basic form, community management includes responding to comments on social media posts, replying to direct messages, or conducting social listening to understand how audiences speak about a brand outside of its own channels. 

Over the years, most social platforms have built features that help with community management, like automated responses and chatbots.

This is great for convenience and frequently asked questions, but when it comes to answering more complicated questions, building deeper relationships, and showing personality, automated features just don't do the trick.

We'll get more into that later, but first why is community management so important?

Why is community management important?

Building an effective social media presence is about more than creating entertaining and engaging content. Brands need to focus on customer relationships once the content has been posted. 

Developing authentic relationships on social media not only boosts brand perception, it actually results in higher returns on investment. 

A 2023 survey from social media management tool Sprout Social found that consumers are 77% more likely to increase their spending with brands they feel connected to. 

Not to mention the social media landscape is rapidly changing every day. Algorithm updates and content trends may change, but providing great customer service in comments and showing brand personality is a stable way to deepen relationships and make a mark.

Seen below: a great example of McDonald's showing personality on social media, inherently inviting genuine conversation with a customer.

Consumers might not remember the highly-produced Reels a brand posts, but they'll remember how a brand makes them feel.

Is community management a dying art?

Despite how important community management is, a brief scroll through many brands' social media profiles reveals some disappointing images. Both negative and more neutral questions are left hanging without responses (not to put this particular brand on blast).

Even when this brand did respond to negative comments in their last few posts, the commenter would be asked to send an email to the customer service team or fill out a form online, very possibly to never be answered.

Some situations may warrant taking the conversation off social media, but a brand's first instinct should be to keep the conversation on the platform. It's a good idea to take more sensitive information or negative situations into direct messages though, rather than continuing it in the comments. This keeps the convo confidential but still more authentic than emailing a customer service rep who may never answer.

At the end of the day, responding to comments doesn't have to be complicated, and it's important to respond to the positive ones as well! 

Seen below: a great example from Taco Bell with a short, simple, and relevant response given the context of the original tweet.

While some brands, like Taco Bell, are excelling at community management, more brands could benefit from investing deeper in their customer relationships online. 

Let's not let community management become a dying art. It's alive and well and necessary for brands' successful social media strategies.

Random's Expert Tips for Community Management

Prepare to deal with difficult questions.  Diving into community management means having to deal with all the comments - the positive, the negative, and the in-between. Don't be afraid to respond to negative comments and clear up concerns, but do have a plan.

Be proactive with a plan.  We know how busy everyone is. If you're a brand hiring an agency for community management (or you're an agency working with a brand), it's helpful to work out a plan in the beginning. Collect answers to common or anticipated questions users might ask on social media so you don't have to track down answers every time. Identify a person on the legal or product development teams in the brand that you can contact to get quick answers to technical questions.

Use your listening skills.  Step outside your own profile to explore where people are mentioning your brand on other posts and platforms, and then start a conversation there! Jumping into relevant posts (even if your brand isn't tagged) is a great way to naturally insert your brand into online conversations and build loyalty. Brands can conduct social listening by using online management tools! Some of our favorites are Brand24 and Mention.

The world of community management can be tricky, but it's crucial to building a stronger brand presence and increasing ROI. Good luck out there! You got this.

Our team members here at Random are experts at community management. Let's work together! Send us a message below to learn more and get started.

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Meet Angela, Our New Social Media Intern

Say hi to Angela, one of Random Agency's newest Social Media Interns! We can't wait to get to know her and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

In the first conversations, I felt drawn to the team because of their passion and creativity for the work they do. I wanted to gain a better understanding of this strategic process through hands-on experience in an internship role and with a dynamic team!

Tell us three Random Facts about yourself.

1). I'm into all things art-related.

2). My favorite director is David Lynch!

3). I learned to write in cursive before print.

Favorite TV show?

Suits

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

All around Western Europe! I would like to experience local cuisines and activities- especially those artisanal and nature-related to gain a deep understanding of culture. In addition, I would also make many stops in major fashion and tech hubs to attend events and shows!

What's in your refrigerator right now?

A box of cherry tomatoes, greek yogurt, spinach, â…“ bag of kale, aloe vera water, and 3 lemons

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Mind reading

What's your favorite childhood memory?

Entrepreneurship day in 4th grade 

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

Playing the piano 

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

1). Chapstick

2). Water filter

3). Scissors

What is the last book you read?

Notes from Underground - Fyodor Dostoevsky

What is your favorite account to follow on TikTok?

@dspacestv