#high quality traffic sign

[tnatsign]

Custom metal color rectangular street sign

[staff]

Tumblr’s Core Product Strategy

Here at Tumblr, we’ve been working hard on reorganizing how we work in a bid to gain more users. A larger user base means a more sustainable company, and means we get to stick around and do this thing with you all a bit longer. What follows is the strategy we're using to accomplish the goal of user growth. The @labs group has published a bit already, but this is bigger. We’re publishing it publicly for the first time, in an effort to work more transparently with all of you in the Tumblr community. This strategy provides guidance amid limited resources, allowing our teams to focus on specific key areas to ensure Tumblr’s future.

The Diagnosis

In order for Tumblr to grow, we need to fix the core experience that makes Tumblr a useful place for users. The underlying problem is that Tumblr is not easy to use. Historically, we have expected users to curate their feeds and lean into curating their experience. But this expectation introduces friction to the user experience and only serves a small portion of our audience. 

Tumblr’s competitive advantage lies in its unique content and vibrant communities. As the forerunner of internet culture, Tumblr encompasses a wide range of interests, such as entertainment, art, gaming, fandom, fashion, and music. People come to Tumblr to immerse themselves in this culture, making it essential for us to ensure a seamless connection between people and content. 

To guarantee Tumblr’s continued success, we’ve got to prioritize fostering that seamless connection between people and content. This involves attracting and retaining new users and creators, nurturing their growth, and encouraging frequent engagement with the platform.

Our Guiding Principles

To enhance Tumblr’s usability, we must address these core guiding principles.

Expand the ways new users can discover and sign up for Tumblr.

Provide high-quality content with every app launch.

Facilitate easier user participation in conversations.

Retain and grow our creator base.

Create patterns that encourage users to keep returning to Tumblr.

Improve the platform’s performance, stability, and quality.

Below is a deep dive into each of these principles.

Principle 1: Expand the ways new users can discover and sign up for Tumblr.

Tumblr has a “top of the funnel” issue in converting non-users into engaged logged-in users. We also have not invested in industry standard SEO practices to ensure a robust top of the funnel. The referral traffic that we do get from external sources is dispersed across different pages with inconsistent user experiences, which results in a missed opportunity to convert these users into regular Tumblr users. For example, users from search engines often land on pages within the blog network and blog view—where there isn’t much of a reason to sign up. 

We need to experiment with logged-out tumblr.com to ensure we are capturing the highest potential conversion rate for visitors into sign-ups and log-ins. We might want to explore showing the potential future user the full breadth of content that Tumblr has to offer on our logged-out pages. We want people to be able to easily understand the potential behind Tumblr without having to navigate multiple tabs and pages to figure it out. Our current logged-out explore page does very little to help users understand “what is Tumblr.” which is a missed opportunity to get people excited about joining the site.

Actions & Next Steps

Improving Tumblr’s search engine optimization (SEO) practices to be in line with industry standards.

Experiment with logged out tumblr.com to achieve the highest conversion rate for sign-ups and log-ins, explore ways for visitors to “get” Tumblr and entice them to sign up.

Principle 2: Provide high-quality content with every app launch.

We need to ensure the highest quality user experience by presenting fresh and relevant content tailored to the user’s diverse interests during each session. If the user has a bad content experience, the fault lies with the product.

The default position should always be that the user does not know how to navigate the application. Additionally, we need to ensure that when people search for content related to their interests, it is easily accessible without any confusing limitations or unexpected roadblocks in their journey.

Being a 15-year-old brand is tough because the brand carries the baggage of a person’s preconceived impressions of Tumblr. On average, a user only sees 25 posts per session, so the first 25 posts have to convey the value of Tumblr: it is a vibrant community with lots of untapped potential. We never want to leave the user believing that Tumblr is a place that is stale and not relevant. 

Actions & Next Steps

Deliver great content each time the app is opened.

Make it easier for users to understand where the vibrant communities on Tumblr are. 

Improve our algorithmic ranking capabilities across all feeds. 

Principle 3: Facilitate easier user participation in conversations.

Part of Tumblr’s charm lies in its capacity to showcase the evolution of conversations and the clever remarks found within reblog chains and replies. Engaging in these discussions should be enjoyable and effortless.

Unfortunately, the current way that conversations work on Tumblr across replies and reblogs is confusing for new users. The limitations around engaging with individual reblogs, replies only applying to the original post, and the inability to easily follow threaded conversations make it difficult for users to join the conversation.

Actions & Next Steps

Address the confusion within replies and reblogs.

Improve the conversational posting features around replies and reblogs. 

Allow engagements on individual replies and reblogs.

Make it easier for users to follow the various conversation paths within a reblog thread. 

Remove clutter in the conversation by collapsing reblog threads. 

Explore the feasibility of removing duplicate reblogs within a user’s Following feed. 

Principle 4: Retain and grow our creator base.

Creators are essential to the Tumblr community. However, we haven’t always had a consistent and coordinated effort around retaining, nurturing, and growing our creator base.  

Being a new creator on Tumblr can be intimidating, with a high likelihood of leaving or disappointment upon sharing creations without receiving engagement or feedback. We need to ensure that we have the expected creator tools and foster the rewarding feedback loops that keep creators around and enable them to thrive.

The lack of feedback stems from the outdated decision to only show content from followed blogs on the main dashboard feed (“Following”), perpetuating a cycle where popular blogs continue to gain more visibility at the expense of helping new creators. To address this, we need to prioritize supporting and nurturing the growth of new creators on the platform.

It is also imperative that creators, like everyone on Tumblr, feel safe and in control of their experience. Whether it be an ask from the community or engagement on a post, being successful on Tumblr should never feel like a punishing experience.

Actions & Next Steps

Get creators’ new content in front of people who are interested in it. 

Improve the feedback loop for creators, incentivizing them to continue posting.

Build mechanisms to protect creators from being spammed by notifications when they go viral.

Expand ways to co-create content, such as by adding the capability to embed Tumblr links in posts.

Principle 5: Create patterns that encourage users to keep returning to Tumblr.

Push notifications and emails are essential tools to increase user engagement, improve user retention, and facilitate content discovery. Our strategy of reaching out to you, the user, should be well-coordinated across product, commercial, and marketing teams.

Our messaging strategy needs to be personalized and adapt to a user’s shifting interests. Our messages should keep users in the know on the latest activity in their community, as well as keeping Tumblr top of mind as the place to go for witty takes and remixes of the latest shows and real-life events.  

Most importantly, our messages should be thoughtful and should never come across as spammy.  

Actions & Next Steps

Conduct an audit of our messaging strategy.

Address the issue of notifications getting too noisy; throttle, collapse or mute notifications where necessary.  

Identify opportunities for personalization within our email messages. 

Test what the right daily push notification limit is. 

Send emails when a user has push notifications switched off.

Principle 6: Performance, stability and quality.

The stability and performance of our mobile apps have declined. There is a large backlog of production issues, with more bugs created than resolved over the last 300 days. If this continues, roughly one new unresolved production issue will be created every two days. Apps and backend systems that work well and don't crash are the foundation of a great Tumblr experience. Improving performance, stability, and quality will help us achieve sustainable operations for Tumblr.

Improve performance and stability: deliver crash-free, responsive, and fast-loading apps on Android, iOS, and web.

Improve quality: deliver the highest quality Tumblr experience to our users. 

Move faster: provide APIs and services to unblock core product initiatives and launch new features coming out of Labs.

Conclusion

Our mission has always been to empower the world’s creators. We are wholly committed to ensuring Tumblr evolves in a way that supports our current users while improving areas that attract new creators, artists, and users. You deserve a digital home that works for you. You deserve the best tools and features to connect with your communities on a platform that prioritizes the easy discoverability of high-quality content. This is an invigorating time for Tumblr, and we couldn’t be more excited about our current strategy.

[artdotpage]

Problems facing modern artists & creators

I've talked with hundreds of artists and creators about the difficulties they face trying to earn a living from their craft.

This post covers two of the big ones (social media algorithms & bargain basement marketplaces), and what tools are available to grow your business despite these issues.

Social Media Algorithms and Audience Ownership

Social media platforms are a godsend for getting your work in front of potential clients and building a loyal fan base.

However as you will all have experienced, it can take a mastermind to figure out what kind of content the algorithm wants you to post, and if you don't do that you'd be as well throwing your content into the void as even your own followers might not see your post, never mind new viewers.

It also means you don't truly own your audience, if you post something slightly controversial your account could be deleted without warning, or perhaps a billionaire buys the site and everyone flocks to a new platform where you have to start growing your following all over again.

Solution: Build a mailing list

This is perhaps the single best marketing tool available to any business, and is sorely overlooked by artists and creators.

It's cost effective and because you own your mailing list it doesn't matter what's happening on social sites, you can always keep in touch with them.

The tricky part is converting people into mailing list subscribers. However I've seen plenty of creators successfully build one by offering incentives including free digital downloads, early access to content, discounts on your store etc.

Those who sign up to your mailing list would be considered high quality followers, someone who is much more likely to convert to a paid client and buy from you again in the future compared to the average follower on social media.

Tools

https://art.page/

https://substack.com/

https://convertkit.com/

Losing clients to undercutting competitors on the same platform/marketplace

If you run your business on a marketplace or platform, your clients are one click away from finding plenty of other choices who are willing to undercut everyone else to land a sale.

These sites have no incentive to make sure that traffic you drive to your profile actually purchase from you. Whether a sale is made through your listing or another seller, they collect their fee either way.

They also use uniform designs which reduce you to a generic product listing. Whilst this can simplify the customer experience, it means you have no control over the sales funnel and ability to differentiate yourself, making it harder to convert potential clients into paying customers.

Solution: Direct clients to your own site

Use your own personal website to make sales from, there are plenty of options with no monthly charge and lower fees than marketplaces. This lets you make dedicated marketing pages showcasing your best work to make a client excited about doing business with you, instead of just being a generic product listing.

Take advantage of marketplaces purely for their customer base. Don't rely on them as your sole business platform. This way, any fees you pay are worthwhile to generate sales you wouldn't have had otherwise. 

Tools

https://art.page/

https://www.bigcartel.com/

https://squareup.com/

Interested in more?

There's plenty more I have to share on this topic, including:

How to properly use Print on Demand without getting ripped off

Streamline managing your business so you spend more time creating and growing your business.

How to better utilize your brand to connect with clients and increase sales

So let me know if you’re interested and I’ll get writing!

Transparency

I'm building https://art.page to solve these exact issues, with the goal to create the best all in one site builder for artists and creators that makes running your business easy.

[tails89]

You want me so bad it makes you look stupid

This is a date, Marisol realises with sudden, dawning clarity. Does Eddie know this is a date? “Well, it’s about time,” Eddie tells Buck and Tommy. “Working out how to hang out with you both was getting exhausting. Hey, why don’t we pull another table over?” Oh god, Eddie doesn’t know this is a date. - AKA, the one where Eddie (unknowingly) wants Buck so bad that it makes him act stupid in a restaurant.

Teaming back up with @an-optimist-prime again because we're hilarious.

It starts like this.

Christopher is at a sleepover. Eddie finally has a night off and for once, has no other plans to hang out with Buck or Tommy or anyone else for that matter, and it’s been so long since it was just the two of them.

Alone. They’ve been dating for four months now, and yet it feels like she barely knows him.

So, Marisol suggests dinner and Eddie suggests the restaurant.

“Buck recommended this place a while back,” Eddie explains when they’re in the car, and Marisol looks out her window and rolls her eyes because of course he did. “It’s just like pizza and pasta, but apparently the food’s pretty good and he’s been wanting to try it out.”

“Uh huh.” Nodding along, Marisol decides then and there not to set her expectations too high. Not that it matters, not really. She cares more about finally finding the time for a date night more than the restaurant itself. She’d be happy with burgers if it meant actually spending some quality time with her boyfriend.

So she’s pleasantly surprised when they step into the restaurant, the bells above the door jingling brightly to announce their arrival.

The lighting is soft and warm, the space mostly lit by ropes of fairy lights and flickering tea candles on the tables.

It’s pretty romantic.

The soft hum of conversation swirls around them as Marisol laces her fingers with Eddie’s and they follow one of the wait staff through the dining room and over to their table.

She stumbles, almost tripping as Eddie suddenly tugs her off to the side.

“Buck!’ He calls out, his voice so loud and excited it echoes above the general buzz, drawing the attention of the diners around them. “You two guys are here together?”

He doesn’t wait for a response, closing the gap between them.

“Marisol, you remember Buck, right?”

She almost laughs, like Eddie doesn’t mention his best friend at least once a day, but before she can mention this she catches Buck’s eye and the deer-in-the-headlights stare he’s giving them.

Huh.

“What are the chances?” Eddie grins. “I mean, Buck was just telling me about this place the other week, but I didn’t expect to actually run into you. And definitely not together.” He laughs, casually leaning against Buck’s chair, oblivious to the way his friend has gone rigid beside him. “So what, you guys are finally friends now?”

“We, uh—”

Marisol watches as Buck swallows, his eyes darting back to look at Tommy.

”Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Tommy’s mouth twitches like he’s trying not to laugh as he meets Buck’s gaze, and—

Oh.

Oh.

Cosy restaurant.

Soft mood lighting.

It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.

This is a date, Marisol realises with sudden, dawning clarity. Does Eddie know this is a date?

“Well, it’s about time,” Eddie tells them. “Working out how to hang out with you both was getting exhausting. Hey, why don’t we pull another table over?”

Oh god, Eddie doesn’t know this is a date.

“Eddie,” Marisol says, tugging on his arm. “Maybe we should go find our own table? Just the two of us.”

“What? You guys don’t mind us joining do you?” Eddie asks, and Marisol resists the urge to facepalm. It could not be more obvious that they’re interrupting something. Buck still hasn’t regained any colour in his face, that weird red birthmark by his eye standing out.

Like a stop sign.

Or a traffic light.

That Eddie just casually ploughs through. 3 dead and 47 injured.

Marisol meets Buck’s gaze, wondering if she can communicate ‘I’m so sorry’ in Morse code but all she remembers from middle school is SOS, which still feels appropriate in this situation.

There are now two tables pushed together, and any coded message is lost in the dance of shuffling seats so Buck and Tommy can sit on one side with Marisol and Eddie on the other.

Marisol genuinely does not understand how Eddie cannot see that this is a date. Both men are dressed up, sitting together at a rather fancy and romantic restaurant. She’s not just embarrassed for Buck and Tommy, but also just a little frustrated for herself. All she wants is just one night. Just one night, alone, with the man who is supposed to be her boyfriend. But, once again, that’s apparently not on the cards.

Silence sits heavy over the table as they all regard each other.

“So—” Marisol offers, to break the tension. “How did you two meet?”

“W-work.” Buck stammers.

Marisol nods for him to continue and nothing comes. After a beat, Tommy rescues them with, “we stole a helicopter together, and then flew it into a hurricane.”

”What’s this we?” Eddie cuts in, amused. “Technically you stole the helicopter. Buck and I were just along for the ride.”

Tommy shrugs, his gaze sliding over to Buck. “What can I say? I’m all about grand gestures. “ His hand slips beneath the table. “Especially when I’m trying to get someone’s attention.”

Buck goes red, spluttering into his beer.

“Jesus, Buck.” Chuckling, Eddie passes over a napkin. “What is it with you and choking at restaurants?”

“I’m not—“

”I swear, I can’t take you anywhere,” Eddie teases, handing over more napkins to mop up the mess. “You end up wearing more than you eat.”

”Fuck off,” Buck mutters, but he’s smiling now, staring down at the table.

“S0–“ Marisol cuts in over them. “Helicopters. That’s uh— that’s cute.”

“What’s cute about stealing a helicopter?” Eddie asks, genuinely confused by her comment.

“You know, it’s just— never mind,” she trails off to take a long sip of her table water.

At this point she’s just praying for the ground to open up beneath them. An earthquake or some other natural disaster to take her out of this situation. She just cannot understand how Eddie can be this oblivious.

“So, what other hang-outs have I not been invited to?” Eddie asks, his tone teasing as he leans forward in his seat.

”Just this one,” Tommy says, and there’s a record scratch in Marisol’s head.

Because this…

This is a first date.

They’re on a first date.

Is death by secondhand embarrassment a thing, because she’s pretty sure she’s dying right now.

And here’s the thing. She likes Eddie, she really does, but even she’s starting to re-think her long-term compatibility with someone who is either this clueless or this intentionally obtuse.

“But I’m hoping Evan will want to do this again sometime,” Tommy says, leaning back to sling an arm around Buck’s shoulders. “But next time, I suggest the restaurant.”

Marisol’s lost for a second, because who’s Evan, before realising that Eddie’s frozen beside her.

She turns, catching the exact moment that Eddie realises what’s happening, and what he’s done; that he’s crashed their date.

A series of emotions that she can’t quite parse wash over his face, his expression finally settling into shocked disbelief.

Finally he gets it, she thinks, exasperated. And it’s only taken 13 agonising minutes. At least they haven’t ordered yet.

Eddie’s mouth opens, then shuts, then he says, “You’re not gay.”

Real smooth Eddie, Marisol thinks, resisting the urge to hide her face in her hands.

“I’m bisexual,” Buck says, his voice almost a whisper. “I think? Maybe? I’m not actually sure yet.”

“Right.” Eddie nods, like he’s not quite sure what to do with this information. “I, uh—“ he stands suddenly, knocking into the table in his haste. “We should go. I’m sorry for— we didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Hey, it’s fine,” Tommy starts. “We still on for Muay Thai on Thursday?”

Eddie stares at him. “I uh— “ he starts, before bolting from the restaurant.

Marisol stands. “I’m so sorry,” she says, glancing back towards the doors as Eddie disappears through them. “I’ll talk to him. I, uh— I hope you have a nice night.”

Neither of them say anything until they’re in the car.

Eddie’s gripping the steering wheel, his knuckles white, but he makes no move to start the engine.

Minutes pass in dead silence.

“Are you okay, Eddie?” Marisol shifts, turning in her seat to watch him. “You know, I completely understand,” she says when he still doesn’t respond. “It must have been a bit of a shock to see your two best friends dating each other.”

“I don’t get it,” Eddie murmurs. “Why didn’t he tell me? He’s my best friend. I thought— I tell him everything and he couldn’t— I don’t even know how long this has been going on for.”

Marisol nods, but says nothing. Clearly this is something Eddie needs to get off his chest.

”Like, has this been going on the whole time? I can’t— they hated each other, or— I thought they did. But he should have told me. Buck always tells me when he’s seeing someone.”

Eddie’s hands tighten on the wheel again, the leather creaking beneath his fingers.

”And why wouldn’t he tell me he’s into guys? He’s never said anything. Not that that’s a problem—”

”Of course not,” Marisol reassures him, reaching over to lay a hand on his arm.

“—because he’s my best friend, and I’ll love him no matter what—“

Huh?

“—but because we tell each other everything! We trust each other! I mean, I thought he trusted me. Did I do something? God, I was such an idiot in there. He probably thinks I’m homophobic—“

“Yeah, a little,” Marisol admits gently, giving his arm a pat.

He drops his hands from the steering wheel, his shoulders slumping. ”God, I’m the worst friend ever. To Buck and Tommy.” He straightens suddenly, turning to face her. “But also, like, Tommy?” He asks. “I mean, I like the guy, but Tommy? Sure, he’s better than Taylor, but literally anyone is better than her.”

“Uh,” Marisol doesn’t know how to respond to that. She honestly cannot figure out why Eddie is getting so worked up about all of this. “I mean, I thought Buck and Tommy seemed good together.”

Eddie’s head jerks up.

“You don’t know Buck like I do,” he insists. “Buck is— Buck could have anyone. He’s kind and he’s thoughtful and he’s so hot, and he’s always thinking of others, you know? He is literally the perfect package. And I hate that he never thinks that he’s worth anything. But he’s worth everything.”

Marisol is speechless.

Eddie continues. “Buck could do so much better. He deserves someone who sees him, you know? Who sees the way he loves with his whole self and loves him back. He’s so easy to love.”

Suddenly, everything clicks together for Marisol in perfect clarity.

Eddie is in love with Buck.

Marisol can’t even be mad with Eddie for leading her on, because he clearly doesn’t realise it himself.

She massages her temples against the headache she can feel forming. She wonders, not unkindly, if Eddie’s previous relationships didn’t crash and burn for this exact same reason. Nobody wants to be the third wheel in any relationship, and clearly, she’ll never compare to Buck.

“Also,” Eddie barrels on. “Who the fuck does Tommy think he is, calling him Evan? Does he even know how complicated that name is for him? Only I get to do that!”

”The audacity,” Marisol mutters under her breath.

She has enough self-esteem to know she doesn’t want to deal with this. She’s not exactly excited to kick him while he’s down, but also doesn’t see the point in dragging this out. It’s not fair to either of them.

”I’m going to be honest with you, Eddie,” she says, “I think we should break up.”

Her words stop him in his tracks and he blinks, lost. “Wait, what?”

Marisol turns, reaching for her seatbelt. “Can you please just drive me home?”

***

Tommy is fairly certain he’s just witnessed Eddie have a complete meltdown.

And look, they’ve all been there. They’ve all had that moment where they’ve gotten irrationally jealous over their best friend dating someone, and not been able to —or abjectly refusing to— pinpoint exactly why it’s so upsetting.

The whole situation should be hilarious. It would be hilarious, if Evan didn’t look like he was about to cry.

“Hey,” Tommy reassures him. “It’ll be fine. I think we just surprised him a little.” Or a lot. Probably a lot.

Evan stares up at him. “You think?” He scrubs a hand down his face. “I shouldn’t have suggested this place.”

“There’s no way you could have known he was going to show up,” Tommy points out, casually draping his arm back across Evan’s broad shoulders.

“I should have guessed, knowing my luck.” Evan groans dramatically. “This is the worst first date I think I’ve ever been on.”

“Really?” Tommy asks, incredulously. “Worse than the one where you nearly died?” He smirks at the indignant expression on Evan’s face.

”Where did you even hear about that?” Evan splutters. “And yeah, worse than that.”

”Should I be insulted by that?” Tommy asks, mouth twitching in a smothered laugh.

”It’s not funny,” Evan grumbles, crossing his arms.

“It’s a little funny.”

Evan cracks, his lips lifting in a grin and they’re both laughing, and god he’s beautiful, Tommy thinks.

“Maybe I should check on him,” Evan says, after a moment, his hand reaching for his phone. “Make sure we’re okay.”

”Or,” Tommy suggests, plucking Evan’s phone from his fingers and laying it on the table, “we could get the bill and get out of here. You could come back to my place.”

Evan frowns, but doesn’t move to take his phone back.

”You’re his best friend,” Tommy reassures him. “You guys will figure this out.” And maybe they’ll eventually figure out their feelings for each other too.

Tommy’s not blind. He knows this thing between him and Evan isn’t going to go anywhere in the long run, but he’s hot and sweet and Tommy is just happy to see where this goes.

“Come on, come back to my place.”

Evan smiles. “Yeah, okay. I’d like that.”

[monpalace]

Twilight is an attentive lover, but he's most used to the affections shared between couples in Ordon— whether he's with the other Links or not. He's always willing to change something he's doing for his significant other so long as it's within his moral values.

Dates are strange if you can excuse his dislike for sitting in fancy restaurants and being crowded around others. He prefers going on walks in towns or (preferably) a forest due to his more rural upbringing.

He prefers using nicknames as opposed to his significant other's name. Doll, sweetheart, and beau are some of his favorites, but he has a much more expansive list. On the off chance he does use their real name, it's likely to call their attention or show his displeasure.

Between being a rancher, the (one of) Goddesses’ Chosen Hero(es), entertaining Ordon’s children, and trekking throughout all eras of Hyrule; Twilight has quite a busy schedule.

The most downtime he has is between past sundown and a few hours before sunup. He knows his significant other might not have the same schedule as him, so he always offers to bring them along with him. He rarely asks them to assist in anything he has to do, not wanting them to get their hands dirty regardless of if they do similar work.

Twilight is just like his (great?) grandfather in terms of being a gentleman. He'll open doors, offer his hand when getting off something or over puddles, and stand behind them when going up stairs regardless of if they're bigger or smaller than him.

Unlike a few other Links, Twilight is the type of lover to walk on the side of the road where all the horses and carriages are, gently pulling his significant other to the side where the danger isn't.

(Wind and Wild are the types to pull someone into the middle of the road with them while traffic is high.)

Twilight isn't the best gift giver and it's a fact he's very aware of. He prefers acts of service, quality time, and physical touch when it comes to giving his significant other a love language. In return, he doesn't quite care which one he receives given his lack of experience in relationships, though any of them are enough to make him flustered.

He loves public displays of affection when he's around the other Links or anyone from Ordon— the issue comes up when it's around anyone with a noble background. He knows he saved his Hyrule, but royalty always makes him nervous. An easy workaround for him is to completely avoid any event he's invited to, but he's easily persuaded into joining.

You can feel Twilight's hands become clammy beneath the gloves he wore. He tries to inconspicuously wipe them off on his button-up, the lace of the collar and the way your arm looped through his made it look more awkward than he intended.

I hate this, he signs as his tongue darts out to wet his lips. I don't know why you talked me into this.

Ignoring his words, you fix the tie that lay between the lace, eyes just barely sliding over the nobility of Hyrule that surrounded you. “Relax,” you respond in a hushed whisper, placing a hand on his rigid back, “they're Hylians, not Bokoblins. They won't eat you.”

Almost against his will, Twilight’s spine begins to curve when you pull away. The arm that held onto his moves to instead grab hold of his hold, pulling him through the conversing crowd to one of the less populated hallways.

The air was less suffocating to him, thankfully, but his muscles still ached from his stiffness.

Twilight has to clear his throat to remove the wavering feeling from it. “You don't think they’ll talk?” His voice was low, almost a murmur of fear. “Do I look fine? Do you think they think I look fine? Is my—”

You shush him by placing a hand on the nape of his neck, carefully minding his slicked hair, and pulling him closer so he could be level. “They don't care,” you hum. You press a kiss to his cheek, ignoring how he chases after you pull away. “They really don't,” you reiterate, “just calm down and act somewhat natural.”

“Do we have to go back?”

“Yes.”

Twilight's mood quickly dampens once more.

(So much for the Hero of Courage.)

[writingforfishes]

Otto and Atticus Part 9-extended: The Antique's Store 1/4, 2/4 (reblogged), 3/4 (reblogged)

This is a continuation of Atticus' Birthday story found here: https://www.tumblr.com/writingforfishes/756206256931405824/otto-and-atticus-part-9-atticus-birthday?source=share

The story above is much more sexual in nature.

These next stories follow Atticus and Otto through the Antique's Store where Otto is taking his spouse for their birthday and back home. They will, as far as I have planned, be much tamer and won't require a filter.

CW

Mentions of alcoholism and sobriety.

Fast but short-lived hiccups.

Generational gaps in understanding gender nonconformity.

Accidental misgendering of off-stage minor character.

Hiccups triggered by food.

Mentions of arousal/teasing.

Mentions of anxiety arising from being taken to a new place.

Mentions of anxiety/over-stimulation in being in a new place that is quite large and populated.

Mentions of soft bellies and body shapes.

Manual driving? I dunno, maybe someone out there has a trauma response to manual driving?

I use ellipses here to denote trailing off or uncertainty in dialogue. They do not mean anything nefarious. Just in case. I dunno. I'm 41. Please don't hate me.

Mild discomfort while hiccuping.

Disparaging Korean made clock movements.

Minors, do not interact.

Part 1: Soup

They had been driving away from town for a while now. Atticus looked out the window as they watched exit sign after exit sign pass. The writer was excited, but antsy. Classical music was playing from one of Otto’s playlists. It was helping to quell the anxiety somewhat, but their mind still swam as miles of road kept going by.

“You’re gonna love this place,” Otto said, noticing the nervous thrum of his partner’s fingers on their knees.

“Yeah?” Atticus asked, using Otto’s voice to ground them.

“Yeah. It’s in this big warehouse. There’s a food market there, too. We’ll get some lunch while we’re there,” he said. He took a moment to sip some water from the tumbler he’d brought.

Atticus sipped some from theirs as well, using his action as a cue. The water felt good and soothed more of their anxiety.

“Lots of clocks?” Atticus asked with a smile.

“So many,” Otto confirmed with a smirk in return. “And a whole slew of other things. It’s got old books, hats, belt buckles. Lots of old art, too. And there’s a lot of space, y’know? The aisles are wide. Super accessible. A couple started it back a few years ago. They had their own antique’s store, but when they started inviting other vendors to open booths in the first storefront it got so big they went in with the people that ran a small food market in the same strip mall and got this place. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth it for the quality of things you can find there.”

Otto drummed his fingers on the steering wheel a little and shifted as the speed of traffic changed. One day Atticus thought they might try to learn how to drive manual. Otto liked it because it kept his hands busy. He was naturally a high energy person and having something to do with his hands for long stretches of time was a plus. He also liked manual because he understood how it worked better than something like a CVT transmission. He had more faith that he could fix, if need be, his transmission than a newer car that depended more on electricity to accelerate and change gears.

“They sell tools too!” he continued. And Atticus smiled, enjoying the excitement in Otto’s voice. “I mean, they have the vintage tools like manual screwdrivers, but they have specialty tools they order new. They started ordering bulk from Timesavers sometime last year because so many of their vendors have clocks in their booths and some of them have missing parts and keys. So they sell a lot of clock and watch tools and parts. Really convenient. That’s how I first heard of it. One of my customers who’s a hobbyist told me about them. And the people who rent out their booths that I’ve talked to are just—they have some phenomenal stuff, man. Super nice people, too. The ones that I’ve met. Most actually know what they have and what it’s worth. They don’t up-charge from Google searches. They actually research it. Very few resellers, too. You know, people that order lots of cheap things from other countries and sell it for profit?

“Helped a few of them service a couple of clocks to sell or help them decide whether it would be worth the repair or not. Korean movements? Not really worth it, you know? Really cool atmosphere, though. It’s kinda like family even though it’s in this great big place. Everyone takes care of each other and has each other’s backs. They even buy stuff from each other’s booths!” Otto said and took another sip of water.

He downshifted as they finally turned on an exit Atticus wasn’t familiar with.

“Kind of like an...antique commune?” they asked.

“Yeah, kinda!” he agreed.

Atticus stretched with a yawn suddenly rubbing their belly, still accessibly soft with the heavy breakfast this morning.

“Think you’ll-um-get them again?” they asked shyly rubbing at the stubble on their face and neck. For all of the anxiety of being somewhere they’d never been, Otto’s hiccups were definitely causing some of the energy their body was interpreting into anxiety. They were full of anticipatory excitement at the possibility.

“I will definitely get them again,” Otto said with an amused sigh. “I can sort of feel it? In my chest and throat? It’s weird. On hiccupy days like this it’s like they’re just lying in wait. I do want to eat something before we start looking around, though.”

“Ooh, yeah. I could go for something to eat,” Atticus agreed.

From the outside the antique’s mall/food market didn’t look terribly impressive. But Atticus noticed how full the parking lot was as they stepped out of the passenger seat.

No sooner had Otto stood from the car than a man in a polo shirt exiting the front door called to him.

“Otto, man! You gonna buy some more clocks today?” he asked coming over to them. He seemed older, perhaps in his late 50’s early 60’s. He had a stout body-type, stomach hanging a little over his belted khaki pants. His beard was nearly all white. He seemed to have a lot of energy but his mannerisms implied an ability to be patient as well when he stopped and acknowledged first Otto with a pat to his shoulder and nodded to Atticus, clasping his hands in front of his belly while in conversation.

Atticus took a moment to consider why Otto was buying clocks. They hadn’t noticed any new clocks in the house. They tried to catch his eye but Otto flitted his gaze away as soon as they had locked eyes questioningly.

“Hey Gar! Yeah, man, we’ll see if we find anything. This is my partner, Atticus. It’s their birthday today,” Otto said with emphasis causing the other man to pull a quick face of recognition and then nodded, making a motion of closing his lips. “Atticus, this is Gary. He’s one of the owners of the antique’s gallery along with his wife Rose.”

“Hey, Atticus, Otto’s told me a lot about you! It’s really nice to meet you,” Gary said, holding out a hand.

“Uh, good to meet you, too,” Atty said. They subconsciously shifted their voice down. Talking to cis men gave them a desire to puff out their chest and make their mannerisms more guy-coded. They added a quick nod as they shook the man’s hand. “Hopefully he hasn’t told you too much!”

“Nah, only the good stuff! That you’re a writer and that you’ve been there for him through a lot. I’ve not known this guy for long, but glad he has someone like you on his side. Him and me, think we’ve been through some of the same struggles. We’ve talked a little about that. Anyway. I’ve also got a daught—sorry. Shit, I always flub that up. I’ve got a kid. They came out to me earlier this year that...uh...they’re non-binary,” Gary said.

“Yeah, it’s one of the first conversations we had, I think,” Otto interjected, having leaned a hip against the car in realization that this was going to take a second. He was used to Gary’s tendency to babble. Another quality, the clock maker mused, both of them shared.

“I think it was! But yeah, Otto told me about you and, I dunno, it made me a little less nervous for he-them,” Gary sputtered. “Sorry, I still mess it up a lot. I’m working on it.”

“It’s okay to mess up,” Atticus said. They’d made their way to stand beside Otto and their husband laid a soft hand around their shoulders. “As long as you correct yourself. It shows you’re trying. That means a lot.”

“I definitely am. Anyway, knowing there’s, you know, an adult out there that’s-uh-that’s non-binary and stuff. I was scared for them, y’know? How were they going to grow up? I mean, it’s not like there’s a path or...I dunno...I don’t know what to tell them or how to...help? But Otto told me about you and that you’re a writer and that you’ve sold your books and it’s just,” he sighed, seeming frustrated in his inability to articulate what he meant. “It gives me hope that they’re gonna be okay. If that makes sense.”

Gary laughed nervously.

“It does,” Atticus said with an encouraging smile. “They’ve got a dad that loves them so...I feel like they’re off to a pretty good start.”

“Yeah...yeah, damn. I’m sorry for talking your ears off! You know how I am, Otto. I gotta get going. The Mrs sent me on an errand and she is going to bite my head off if I get distracted! Anyway, good to see you again, Otto!” Gary reached in and Otto accepted a little hug from him. “Really nice to meet you, Atticus. I hope you have a good birthday. Cause this guy got you...well…”

Gary waggled his finger teasingly at Otto and the clock maker’s eyes widened and then narrowed as he batted the hand away.

“Dude!” he warned at Gary’s hint of what Otto’s plans were.

“I have had a pretty good birthday so far,” Atticus said, looking between the two suspiciously. “I feel like it might be a theme…”

“Get out of here, Gary! Stop talking!” Otto exclaimed, thwapping the older man on the back good naturedly as he finally started to leave.

“Report back!” Gary yelled.

“Shh!” Otto spat out as Gary went out of sight. “Jeez...can we just ignore that bit? Also, I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable. He really is a good guy…”

“No, I can tell,” Atticus reassured him. “Really bad at keeping a secret, though.”

“The absolute worst. I dunno how his wife deals with him…”

“Well, you deal with me, so…” Atty said.

“Hm, true,” Otto responded smartly as he led his partner into the front door. He felt a pinch on his side and jerked. “Ow!”

“Oops,” Atticus responded curtly.

The inside of the warehouse was completely different from the out. There was a huge open space in the lobby with a secondary set of double doors leading to the antique mall portion but down a hall were various food market vendors and following that hall was the other half of the warehouse, more food vendors, and a large sitting area along with a secondary access to the antique’s mall space.

While the venue was bustling with business the open space made it seem much less crowded.

Decision paralysis and overwhelm kicked in as soon as Otto asked them what they were in the mood to eat and Atticus let Otto pick where to go as they followed taking in all of the visuals, smells, and sounds around them as they tried to adapt to the environment and space.

Otto ended up ordering a tomato basil bisque with a grilled cheese and Atticus waffled a little until they decided on a salad with grilled chicken, something to balance out the heaviness of the breakfast they’d eaten that morning.

Atty didn’t even really know what food vendor they’d ordered from or what had been available alternatively as they were so overwhelmed by exploring the atmosphere and people who walked by.

“I thought you said it was a small food market that partnered with...um...Gary and Rose?” Atticus asked as they took their food to the table Otto was walking toward. Otto being so tall offered a great guide to Atty as they often got lost in places like this.

“Yeah. Oh yeah, initially it was just that. Then they put the word out about the space and food vendors started opening shop. Lots of start-ups took advantage that wouldn’t have had the money to buy a store front otherwise. Rose comes from a lot of old money, apparently. Though you didn’t hear that from me. She put a lot into making sure everyone got an opportunity to take advantage of this spot since she knew the mall wouldn’t take up half the space of it,” Otto explained.

“Gary really does have no concept of secrecy, does he?” Atty noted.

“Not really, no. I think he spent a lot of his life trying to run away from connecting to people. Best way to do that is through alcohol, honestly. Even while you’re partying with hundreds of people you’re not really ‘there’, y’know? But yeah. He’s got some stories. Things that sort of shocked me. When he learned I was sober, I think he knew he could trust me and that I’d get it. I think he’s trying to make up for that lost time, now. He loves his wife and kid more than anyone I know. Guy’s got a damn big heart. And a really fucked up liver,” Otto added mirthfully.

Atticus snorted and then caught themselves, “Shit, should I laugh at that?”

“Yeah,” Otto said with a smirk. “He would.”

They finally sad down and Otto unpacked the soup. The smell was comforting and he found himself quite hungry despite still being a little bloated from last night’s antics and this morning’s food fare. Perhaps he was just as excited as Atticus seemed and that translated to wanting to eat? And he was excited. He really couldn’t wait to see his partner’s face at the surprise they had planned.

Otto swallowed the first spoonful of soup. It was very warm, slightly spiced, and he could feel the warmth go down his throat and immediately his diaphragm reacted to the change in temperature. He felt his body convulse involuntarily causing him to jump a little. Amazingly, Atticus was busy on their salad and hadn’t noticed.

He waited a second for any other hiccups, but none followed. Cautiously he took another spoonful, let it savor in his mouth and swallowed. The warm liquid triggered another spasm. He grunted softly. That hiccupy feeling in his throat intensified and he knew he was only a few more spoonfuls away from a full attack. That second spasm was more forceful, too. He wondered if he cold hold it off until he at least finished the meal. He paused, considering.

Atty caught him, body still and waiting, with same hand holding the spoon pressed against his mouth in a loose fist, spoon dangling from the tips of his fingers as he focused on something inwardly, eyebrows pinched a little.

“You okay?” they asked. The writer had been enjoying their salad more than they thought they would. They’d also been watching people pass by and taking in the social scenery. Otto being motionless caught their attention more than anything.

“Yeah,” Otto said tentatively, eyebrows pulling together all the more. “Every time I take a sip of soup I hiccup. They’re right here.” Otto tapped the base of his neck above his collar bone.

Atticus stopped chewing their salad to hone their eyes in on that place.

“Oh,” they said. “Um...you don’t feel sick, do you?”

“No-no,” Otto said, reassuring them quickly. “Just wondering if this is gonna turn into a full case...guess we’ll find out, hm?” There was a glint in his eyes. Of course there was always going to be a possibility of this becoming a day of hiccups, but part of him was delighted that it was actually happening. There would, of course, be consequences to his purposeful induction, but it was worth the adorable flush that came across his partner’s neck and wideness of their eyes.

Atticus swallowed their salad a little too eagerly and took a drink of water. They were extremely disappointed they’d missed the previous hiccups but, eyes trained on him now, they were determined not to miss anymore.

“Excited?” he teased, smiling knowingly.

“A little,” they admitted. “Not to an...actionable level.” They kept the statement diplomatic. Atticus really had no need to take care of their arousal again. But their body was going to react and they were going to be interested no matter what.

Otto chuckled at the terminology and jumped a little with another spasm.

“Hm,” Atticus said, feigning casualness.

Otto grinned a little and rolled his eyes in mild exasperation. Even though he’d only had the hiccups one time that day it was a strong and fast enough case that he knew any additional cases would be a little more exhausting than normal. But that excitement at seeing Atticus’ excitement was enough to be ready for the possible onslaught.

His hiccups persisted as he continued to eat his soup. His diaphragm reacted with each gulp and sometimes without the trigger of swallowing. They weren’t very strong, but he did still have to time his eating around them when they started to go off script of being triggered.

They got a bit more forceful when he started on the grilled cheese. Bread was the ‘enemy’ on his hiccup-sensitive days. He should’ve known that. Perhaps part of him had known that and wanted to give Atticus another show. Or perhaps it was just his absent mindedness forgetting what his triggers were on days like this. Regardless, the bready sandwich certainly encouraged the hiccup fit to strengthen. They became more audible, though still easily muffled.

Atticus continued to eat their salad, but they hardly tasted it as they watched Otto’s suppressed hiccups as he continued to eat despite them. His head and chest would jerk up and he’d have to pause for that half-second before taking another mouthful. As he began to muffle the sounds they started to make the writer pulled their legs together subconsciously. They were also getting faster and the adorableness of Otto trying to navigate the fit paired with the mild arousal they felt was almost too much. But it was an almost too much they could handle as they felt safe experiencing it.

A couple of times he was hit with a cluster of hiccups which he would let out a small grunt or sigh after before resuming eating. He probably didn’t even realize he was making the small sounds, but Atticus soaked up every movement and sound watching Otto in adoration. His hiccups and reactions were endearing to watch and their body let them know that it was paying attention, but Atty never felt the need to give into their arousal in the way they had this morning.

When he started in on his sandwich he jerked so powerfully and quickly that Atticus startled in how closely they’d been paying attention and the break in pattern of his hiccups. They heard a little thump in the back of Otto’s throat at that hiccup. The case also increased in speed and it was obvious Otto noticed as he chewed carefully and timed his swallowing.

A ‘hik’p!’ slipped out and Otto muttered, “Oh man…” He was no longer able to keep them all quiet or muffled with how hard they’d suddenly become. He could feel his stomach jiggling from under the table, how it jerked in and out. His neck movements caused his head to jerk hard as well, having to time eating even more carefully to line up the food with his mouth.

“Higgup! You just gonna-higgulp!-just gonna watch hilp!-watch me ea-hugguck!-eat this whole time?” he asked, amused.

“That was kind of the plan,” Atticus teased.

“Damn bre-herp!-bread made them wo-erp!-worse! Hickulp!” he said.

Even though, he used the last bit of that sandwich to sop up the last dregs of his soup, all the while jerking as his diaphragm and glottis continued to argue loudly over when to breath and when to not.

Eating that last bite definitely didn’t help. He took a few large straw-fulls of water but continued what seemed to have developed into a pretty powerful hiccuping fit. Otto was thankful for the food court being boisterous with activity as he’d yet to see anyone looking over his way despite how more audible they’d become.

But as much as he was enjoying the way Atticus was looking at him his neck had started to hurt again. It hurt in the back right where it met his shoulders. He couldn’t even suppress the motions on this case. Every hiccup came as a surprise to him. Usually, when he had them, he had the feeling he would hiccup a little bit before the next one, but as this case got worse he lost the ability to feel when the next one was going to hit. It was a bit unusual to not be able to predict them like he normally was. As a result his body was at their mercy even more.

Otto’s hand pressed against his chest and Atty noticed that his face had lost some of the mirth it had when his hiccups had begun. He didn’t look distressed, necessarily, but he didn’t really look like he was wholly unbothered, either.

“Oh man HUCKULK-man! These are hu-ULK!-are hard. ULK!Huck!-ugh! I can’t-ulk!-can’t tell when the-h’mlk!-their coming next ei-ulp!-either. Damn,” he finally admitted. He rubbed the back of his neck trying to take a measured breath through the onslaught. It was interrupted by more sharp hiccups and he winced, eyes closing for a moment at a particularly fast cluster. “HULK!HU-CULK!ULK!H’MUCK!mmk!”

A small hand slapped three packets in front of him so loudly he jumped a little (before he jumped with another hiccup). When he looked down Atticus’ hand lifted to reveal a packet of Real Cane Sugar, a white paper packet from a fast food restaurant marked ‘Salt’, and a plastic packet with yellow writing on it that said ‘Pure Lemon Juice’. Otto looked up to his partner’s smug face (as much as he could give them a steady gaze with how much he was jerking) and they grinned, lips pushing up the sides of their mustache into the apples of their cheeks.

“Never leave home without them,” they said a little haughtily.

“Do you HUCK-UCK!-always keep-HUCK!-alw-ulk!-ways keep these wi-UCK!-ith you? Huck!-HUCK’M!” he asked, grunting out another sigh as he started opening the sugar packet.

“Only when my extremely sweet husband decides to indulge in me for my birthday in a way that could bite him in the ass later on,” Atticus said.

“I think-HUCK!-there was-hulkUCK!-a compli-ulk-ment in-hulk!-in there-HUCK’L! some-uck!-somewhere Huck’l!HUCK!-uh!”Otto said.

“Otto,” Atty implored. “Sugar.”

“Yes hon-HUCKAH!-honey? Huck!HUCK!HUCK!Ow...” Otto exclaimed with a scowl at his interrupted joke. He wordlessly (though not soundlessly) opened the sugar packet and dumped it in his mouth.

The cure did the trick. For a few seconds he sat after he’d downed the lemon juice with some deep breaths, still holding his chest.

“You good?” Atticus asked. For some reason their hand had found his and was holding it as if giving him comfort. It seemed silly to do so for someone having something as seemingly harmless as hiccups, but those sounded and looked incredibly uncomfortable. And all of Atty’s research on hiccups led them to believe that hiccups could potentially cause great discomfort; they never wanted that inflicted in their husband.

He took another deep breath.

“Whew. Yeah. Sorry about that. They kind of got out of hand,” he said sheepishly. “Um, how was your salad?”

“I honestly have no idea...” they admitted looking down at their empty container.

“You got a little turned on, right?” he asked, voice low.

“Right up until the end, yes,” they said.

“Still…” Otto waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“You’re just a little self-destructive, you know that?” they said.

“Listen, you’re the one who married an alcoholic.”

Atticus reached across the table and put either hand on the side of Otto’s face rubbing his short beard with their thumbs before squeezing his cheeks gently between their palms.

“I married a beautiful, intelligent, compassionate man who is also an alcoholic,” they said, amending the statement. “And it’s my birthday so I’m right and you can’t argue with me.”

“I don’t think that’s how that works,” Otto said, diction affected by his lips being squished between the hands on his face.

“It is,” Atticus assured him. They finally released his face and Otto grinned back.

“And it’s your birthday so…” he said, trailing off.

“Exactly!”

Cleaning up their trash and putting the reusable trays in a marked spot above the trash cans they both finally made their way into the antique’s mall area.

[birbs-in-space]

hm. don't like how redbubble is now saying that they're entitled to like 1/3rd of your redbubble income if you're not influencer enough for them and there's currently not even a guaranteed way to get reclassified even if you DO try to pander to them

To move into the next stage of our growth, we are introducing an account tier structure and a fee for certain accounts. The tiers are intended to encourage actions that are positive for the marketplace and recognise and reward artists who invest time creating and promoting unique products. The fee is based on your monthly earnings and only applies if you make a sale.

To give your account the best chance moving into the Premium or Pro tier we recommend the following:

Creating based on trends or themes your customers are searching for 

Increasing the commercial success of your designs

Driving direct high quality traffic to your Redbubble store

Uploading designs that showcase your unique creative skills 

Uploading your best work with attention to image resolution and product formatting

Completing your bio and adding links to your social profiles

If you are new to Redbubble but have an established follower base, a unique personal brand, or create work that incorporates relevant trends in your own style you can also be eligible for [the Premium] tier at sign up stage.

anyway you can leave feedback here if you want

[karangoyal1]

"10 Digital Marketing Hacks That Will Boost Your ROI"

10 Digital Marketing Hacks That Will Boost Your ROI

In today’s competitive digital landscape, maximizing your return on investment (ROI) from digital marketing is crucial for business growth. With limited budgets and an overwhelming amount of marketing options, businesses need smart strategies to ensure every dollar spent brings measurable results. Here are 10 digital marketing hacks that can help you boost your ROI and achieve better results from your campaigns.

1. Leverage Data Analytics for Smart Decision-Making

One of the most effective ways to maximize ROI is by making data-driven decisions. Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing reports to analyze your campaigns and understand what’s working and what’s not. Track key metrics such as conversion rates, click-through rates (CTR), and customer acquisition costs to make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources for the best return.

2. Refine Your Target Audience with Segmentation

Not all customers are the same, so why should your marketing efforts treat them that way? Segment your audience based on factors like demographics, interests, and behavior. This will allow you to send more personalized and relevant messages, which are proven to improve conversion rates. Tailored content and offers lead to higher engagement, translating into better ROI.

3. Optimize Your Website for Conversions

Your website is the heart of your digital marketing efforts, and it must be optimized for conversions. Use A/B testing to test different headlines, layouts, and calls to action (CTAs) to find what drives the best results. A streamlined user experience (UX) and fast loading times are also key to reducing bounce rates and improving your chances of converting visitors into customers.

4. Focus on Quality Content Over Quantity

Creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience is more important than churning out tons of posts. Well-researched, engaging, and informative content tends to perform better on search engines and social media, driving organic traffic. Rather than focusing on sheer volume, invest time in creating content that answers your audience's pain points and showcases your expertise, ensuring higher engagement and ROI.

5. Use Retargeting Ads to Convert Warm Leads

Retargeting ads are a powerful tool to boost conversions and ROI. By showing ads to people who have already interacted with your website or social media profiles, you can stay top of mind and encourage them to complete a purchase. Since these individuals have already shown interest, the chances of conversion are much higher, making retargeting one of the most cost-effective ways to drive revenue.

6. Implement Email Marketing Automation

Email marketing automation can significantly improve your ROI by allowing you to nurture leads more efficiently. Set up automated email sequences that engage your leads based on their actions, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading an eBook, or abandoning a cart. Personalized follow-ups and targeted promotions increase the likelihood of conversions and can lead to higher customer retention rates.

7. Optimize for Local SEO

Local SEO is a goldmine for businesses that rely on local customers. Make sure your business is listed on Google My Business, and ensure your website is optimized with local keywords. Include your location in title tags, meta descriptions, and content to increase visibility in local search results. Local searchers are more likely to convert into customers, so improving local SEO can significantly boost your ROI.

8. Use Social Proof to Build Trust

People trust other people, so use social proof to boost credibility and drive conversions. Display customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies on your website and social media channels. User-generated content (UGC), such as photos and videos of your products in use, can also build trust and help convert prospects into customers.

9. Capitalize on Influencer Partnerships

Influencer marketing isn’t just for big brands. By collaborating with micro-influencers who have smaller, niche followings, you can reach a highly engaged audience at a fraction of the cost. Influencers can help you promote your products authentically and boost your credibility, which can lead to increased sales and improved ROI.

10. Prioritize Mobile Optimization

With more consumers shopping and browsing on mobile devices, optimizing your website and ads for mobile is essential. Ensure that your website is responsive, loads quickly, and provides a seamless user experience on all devices. Mobile-friendly websites lead to better engagement, higher conversions, and ultimately, improved ROI.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced digital world, optimizing your digital marketing strategy is key to achieving a higher ROI. By leveraging data, targeting the right audience, optimizing your website, and utilizing tactics like retargeting, influencer partnerships, and email marketing automation, you can significantly increase your marketing effectiveness and bottom line. By focusing on these digital marketing hacks, businesses of all sizes can see more significant returns on their investments and stay ahead of the competition.

4o mini

[opera-ghosts]

OTD in Music History: Legendary violin virtuoso Friedrich "Fritz" Kreisler (1875 - 1962) makes his American debut at Steinway Hall in New York City in 1888, kicking off his 1st American tour (1888–1889) with famed concert pianist Moritz Rosenthal (1862 - 1946).

A remarkable child prodigy, Kreisler first studied music at the Vienna Conservatory from 1882-1885 (where his teachers included Anton Bruckner [1824 – 1896]) before moving on to the Paris Conservatory from 1885-1887 (where his teachers included Léo Delibes [1836 - 1891] and Jules Massenet [1842 – 1912]).

When Kreisler graduated from the Paris Conservatory at the tender age of 12, he was awarded a prestigious gold medal -- beating out 40 other violinists (all of whom were at least 20 years old) to secure that honor.

Kreisler was also a noted composer who wrote a number of enduringly popular short pieces for the violin.

Some of these compositions were pastiches, ostensibly penned in the style of other composers -- and indeed, Kreisler originally "passed them off" as the work of famous Baroque composers including Giuseppe Tartini (1692 - 1770) and Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741).

When Kreisler finally came clean about this deception in 1935, a number of prominent music critics who had been completely taken in by this ruse raised a fuss in the press.

Kreisler, however, took great pleasure in wryly pointing out that whatever their qualms, the critics themselves had already conceded the high quality of the music itself: "The name printed on the sheet music may now change, but the musical value of the underlying notes remains very much the same!”

PICTURED: A publicity headshot showing the elderly Kreisler, which he signed and inscribed to a friend with "Xmas" wishes in 1945.

Today: Watch the only known (unfortunately silent) film footage of legendary violin virtuoso and composer Fritz Kreisler (1875 – 1962) playing his violin, which was shot at the house of a family friend c. 1930. It is actually rather surprising that we don’t have *more* film footage of Kreisler in action (including sound footage), considering that he lived into the 1960s. The most likely explanation comes from the fact that Kreisler was involved in a serious traffic accident in 1941, which put him in a coma for a week and largely derailed his later career. This unfortunate incident probably robbed of us many additional opportunities for film footage with sound to be shot... According to one eagle-eyed observed, Kreisler appears to be playing part of the “Sarabande” from J.S. Bach’s (1685 – 1750) 1st Violin Partita (BWV 1002).

[opalchoi]

Loosely Continued from Original Post by @chikoyama

Opal exited a building & locked up, she sighed as she felt dread knowing that upon her return, all the many outstanding tasks would still be there.

She turned to face the street & leaned back on the door. Her face gradually returned to its naturally smiley complexion.

"This can work, it has to"

She observed as people wandered home from their places of work, taking in the gentle spring breeze. A blossom tree was opposite the store, part of the empty unit's appeal. That and the reasonable rent for what appeared to be a safe neighbourhood with a gentle flow of foot traffic & a few nearby bus stops. It was a project for sure but Opal initially looked forward to the renovation.

In her hand was The Flip Flop from that chaotic convenience store debacle. Her lips relaxed into a smile as looked back at that time with great fondness. It was one of the moments that cemented her friendship with Chiyori. Unbeknownst to Chiyori, Opal kept the singular Flip. It was tucked away in a treasured memory box until recently.

With the Flip in one hand and a large hammer in the other, Opal turned to face the exterior of the building & reached up high holding a nail to the footwear.

She begin to hammer the yellow Flip in position above the doorway adjacent to a sign that read "Flip-Hop Cafe" with a simplified artwork logo of a pancake stack next to a steaming cup, presumably filled with delicious coffee.

The "Hop" was both a play on the American chain iHop and a nod to Chiyori's fondness for bunnies. Opal was unapologetically sentimental, an endearing quality that charmed anyone graced with her presence.

Opal's dream of owning her own cafe was well in motion. Unfortunately the repairs required for the kitchen were more extensive than anticipated, but she remained optimistic. A lot of the furniture she had thrifted from tired antique stores or found at the side of the road & took great care in sanding & restoring the wooden furniture back to life.

Having saved up for years & took on extra part time jobs to save up for the deposit. Opal felt exhausted, nervous but excited.

All those years of working a minimum wage job as a Barista. She took as an opportunity for training to be able to run her own cafe.

With a week until the grand opening, "Opal Choi, cafe owner" she muttered to herself. She began strolling home beaming, her face shining brightly in the evening sunshine.

[tnatsign]

Manufacturer customized American road signs

[mean-scarlet-deceiver]

Scans from Railway Archive No. 19's print of "The H.L. Hopwood Collection 1901-1926 Part 2: The Furness Railway at Barrow in 1902"

Scanned these primarily for @angryskarloey, but posting them here along with some very basic explanations of the engine classes seen.

Original scans as pdfs available upon request.

Harold Hopwood was a rail photographer. He seems to have been particularly Useful for nabbing high-quality images of endangered railway engines. (You should get a load of how often RA managed to use the words "antiquated," "elderly," and "anachronistic" in the ~1000 words dedicated to its write-up and captions.)

Below Mr. Hopwood takes us on a day trip to Barrow Dockyards in the summer of 1902.

Just to orient the general reader: The original Bury Copper-Nobs are not pictured because three of them were gone and No. 3 was in storage, still awaiting the construction of a glass house.

However, have you heard of... Fairbairn Copper-Nobs?

The Furness Bury bar-frame engines were already so dated on arrival that, eight years later when the F.R. wanted to purchase more, Bury was out of business. To a normal railway this might be a sign to gracefully move with the times. But this is the F.R., lol. They knew what they liked, and Fairbairn's had inherited the blueprints, so Fairbairn's built them a total of 8 more from 1854-1861.

F in the chat for the two poor engines built to this design in 1861. I mean there's nothing inherently wrong with it—witness their useful 40+-year careers—but they definitely never got to be fashionable, lol.

The Fairbairn bar-frame engines were different from the original Burys in various small technical respects that are all too boring to get into (bit bigger and stronger, mostly). The most visible difference is the splashers—as one can see above, the Fairbairns had closed splashers with a handsome brass detail that RA calls "beading."

(The "closed splashers" probably mean you can actually get from the footplate to the buffers without hopping down to the ground, walking, and then hauling yourself back up again. Which is very useful for rail-sanding. Especially in tunnels.)

After Fairbairn's went out of business, the F.R. applied for its new 0-4-0 goods engines from Sharp and Stewart. However, S. & S. produced them from its own coppernob-less, bar-frame-less design, like the COWARDS they were—

Eight of this class were added to F.R. stock over the course of the 1860s. The preserved engines 20 and 25 are of this class, being of the six who were sold to Barrow Hematite Steel Company and rebuilt as saddletank engines between 1870-1873. The above picture shows one of the remaining two, No. 28, the youngest of its class.

The caption observes that 28 does not appear to have any lining. This would make No. 20's current paint job technically inaccurate, but who cares? She deserves it.

Here's a change of pace! There's a lot going on in this picture: a close-up of the tracks (TIL that this is called inside-keyed track), a flatbed, a little old tar tanker, some cattle trucks, and a Sharp 0-4-0ST, presumably built in 1874.

The caption claims that there is a great mystery as to why the engine's buffer appears to carry the number 4 instead of 94, but I think the answer is pretty obvious. She deliberately lost the 9 so that she could pay tribute to her old friend and mentor No. 4, at this point only a couple of years scrapped and its number unceremoniously handed to some new-fangled 0-6-0 who didn't appreciate it.

There is a good bit of discussion (both published and internet) about whether 94 is carrying a special hose as firefighting equipment. I can shed no light on the matter but I certainly prefer to think that she is.

Because it's more fun that way.

A 2-4-0 for ya! No. 58, est. 1871. There seem to me to be several questionable claims in the caption: 1) This is the only place I've seen it claimed that the Bury 0-4-0s were anywhere near regular passenger traffic as late as 1871 (I think RA just forgot the 2-2-2WTs existed), and 2) Given the mention of a new locomotive shed nearby (hey wait is this the same one whose roof D5714 would torch 60+ years later? lol but i'm really asking), I would not be so fast to assume 58 was awaiting shunting duty rather than a passenger train.

I'm going to go ahead and assume this source is right about everything, though. Laughing at the bit that's like yeah, you might think ol' 58 here looks to be in pretty fine nick, but if this were in Scotland in the same era the smokebox hinge and buffers would ALSO be burnished. Just sayin'!

This is an 0-6-0 "Sharpie" from 1866. I don't have much else to say that the caption doesn't: They're cuties, and the location here is close to the original Barrow station (which is where passengers used to have to terminate, before they built Barrow Central).

Below, for our final exhibit, is a map. Study carefully. There will be a test.

... I was lying, pfftttt. My eyes start swimming in my head the moment I examine it.

[govindhtech]

Amazon DCV 2024.0 Supports Ubuntu 24.04 LTS With Security

NICE DCV is a different entity now. Along with improvements and bug fixes, NICE DCV is now known as Amazon DCV with the 2024.0 release.

The DCV protocol that powers Amazon Web Services(AWS) managed services like Amazon AppStream 2.0 and Amazon WorkSpaces is now regularly referred to by its new moniker.

What’s new with version 2024.0?

A number of improvements and updates are included in Amazon DCV 2024.0 for better usability, security, and performance. The most recent Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now supported by the 2024.0 release, which also offers extended long-term support to ease system maintenance and the most recent security patches. Wayland support is incorporated into the DCV client on Ubuntu 24.04, which improves application isolation and graphical rendering efficiency. Furthermore, DCV 2024.0 now activates the QUIC UDP protocol by default, providing clients with optimal streaming performance. Additionally, when a remote user connects, the update adds the option to wipe the Linux host screen, blocking local access and interaction with the distant session.

What is Amazon DCV?

Customers may securely provide remote desktops and application streaming from any cloud or data center to any device, over a variety of network conditions, with Amazon DCV, a high-performance remote display protocol. Customers can run graphic-intensive programs remotely on EC2 instances and stream their user interface to less complex client PCs, doing away with the requirement for pricey dedicated workstations, thanks to Amazon DCV and Amazon EC2. Customers use Amazon DCV for their remote visualization needs across a wide spectrum of HPC workloads. Moreover, well-known services like Amazon Appstream 2.0, AWS Nimble Studio, and AWS RoboMaker use the Amazon DCV streaming protocol.

Advantages

Elevated Efficiency

You don’t have to pick between responsiveness and visual quality when using Amazon DCV. With no loss of image accuracy, it can respond to your apps almost instantly thanks to the bandwidth-adaptive streaming protocol.

Reduced Costs

Customers may run graphics-intensive apps remotely and avoid spending a lot of money on dedicated workstations or moving big volumes of data from the cloud to client PCs thanks to a very responsive streaming experience. It also allows several sessions to share a single GPU on Linux servers, which further reduces server infrastructure expenses for clients.

Adaptable Implementations

Service providers have access to a reliable and adaptable protocol for streaming apps that supports both on-premises and cloud usage thanks to browser-based access and cross-OS interoperability.

Entire Security

To protect customer data privacy, it sends pixels rather than geometry. To further guarantee the security of client data, it uses TLS protocol to secure end-user inputs as well as pixels.

Features

In addition to native clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS and an HTML5 client for web browser access, it supports remote environments running both Windows and Linux. Multiple displays, 4K resolution, USB devices, multi-channel audio, smart cards, stylus/touch capabilities, and file redirection are all supported by native clients.

The lifecycle of it session may be easily created and managed programmatically across a fleet of servers with the help of DCV Session Manager. Developers can create personalized Amazon DCV web browser client applications with the help of the Amazon DCV web client SDK.

How to Install DCV on Amazon EC2?

Implement:

Sign up for an AWS account and activate it.

Open the AWS Management Console and log in.

Either download and install the relevant Amazon DCV server on your EC2 instance, or choose the proper Amazon DCV AMI from the Amazon Web Services  Marketplace, then create an AMI using your application stack.

After confirming that traffic on port 8443 is permitted by your security group’s inbound rules, deploy EC2 instances with the Amazon DCV server installed.

Link:

On your device, download and install the relevant Amazon DCV native client.

Use the web client or native Amazon DCV client to connect to your distant computer at https://:8443.

Stream:

Use AmazonDCV to stream your graphics apps across several devices.

Use cases

Visualization of 3D Graphics

HPC workloads are becoming more complicated and consuming enormous volumes of data in a variety of industrial verticals, including Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, and Design & Engineering. The streaming protocol offered by Amazon DCV makes it unnecessary to send output files to client devices and offers a seamless, bandwidth-efficient remote streaming experience for HPC 3D graphics.

Application Access via a Browser

The Web Client for Amazon DCV is compatible with all HTML5 browsers and offers a mobile device-portable streaming experience. By removing the need to manage native clients without sacrificing streaming speed, the Web Client significantly lessens the operational pressure on IT departments. With the Amazon DCV Web Client SDK, you can create your own DCV Web Client.

Personalized Remote Apps

The simplicity with which it offers streaming protocol integration might be advantageous for custom remote applications and managed services. With native clients that support up to 4 monitors at 4K resolution each, Amazon DCV uses end-to-end AES-256 encryption to safeguard both pixels and end-user inputs.

Amazon DCV Pricing

Amazon Entire Cloud:

Using Amazon DCV on AWS does not incur any additional fees. Clients only have to pay for the EC2 resources they really utilize.

On-site and third-party cloud computing

Please get in touch with DCV distributors or resellers in your area here for more information about licensing and pricing for Amazon DCV.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[signagemates1]

The Importance of Quality Signage for Businesses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast

In today’s competitive market, effective signage is crucial for any business, whether you're located in the bustling streets of Brisbane or the vibrant Gold Coast. Quality signage not only enhances your brand visibility but also communicates essential information to your customers. In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of signage, the importance of investing in high-quality materials, and how businesses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast can leverage signage to stand out.

Understanding Signage

Signage encompasses a wide range of visual graphics used to convey information to an audience. This includes everything from storefront signs and banners to digital displays and wayfinding signs. Here are some common types of signage:

Outdoor Signage: Essential for attracting foot traffic, outdoor signs should be bold, clear, and visually appealing. They often include channel letters, illuminated signs, and banners.

Indoor Signage: Once customers are inside your business, indoor signage plays a key role in guiding them and enhancing their experience. This can include directional signs, menu boards, and promotional displays.

Digital Signage: In the age of technology, digital signage is becoming increasingly popular. These dynamic displays can showcase promotions, advertisements, and important updates in real-time.

Vehicle Signage: Wrapping your vehicle with your business branding is an effective way to advertise on the go. Vehicle signage can turn your car into a mobile billboard, reaching potential customers wherever you go.

Promotional Signage: Temporary signs, such as banners or A-frames, are great for sales events or promotions. They can quickly grab attention and drive traffic to your business.

The Benefits of Quality Signage

1. Brand Visibility and Recognition

Quality signage is vital for establishing your brand’s identity. A well-designed sign communicates professionalism and builds trust with potential customers. In busy areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast, eye-catching signage can differentiate your business from competitors, making it memorable in the minds of consumers.

2. Increased Foot Traffic

Effective signage acts as a silent salesperson, attracting customers to your location. In high-traffic areas, strategic placement of signs can significantly increase foot traffic. Whether it’s a beautifully lit storefront sign or an engaging promotional banner, the right signage can entice passersby to stop and explore what you have to offer.

3. Information and Direction

Signage serves an important informational purpose. It guides customers to your business and helps them navigate your premises once they arrive. Clear directional signs and informative displays reduce confusion and enhance the customer experience, leading to increased satisfaction and repeat visits.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

Compared to other forms of advertising, signage is a cost-effective marketing solution. Once your signage is up, it continues to promote your business 24/7 without ongoing costs. Digital signage can further enhance this by allowing for quick updates and promotional changes without the need for new materials.

5. Local SEO Benefits

In an era where local search optimization is crucial, having visible and well-placed signage can enhance your online presence. Google considers physical location when ranking local businesses. A recognizable sign can lead to increased foot traffic, which, in turn, can improve your online reviews and search rankings.

Choosing the Right Signage for Your Business

When selecting signage, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your business needs:

1. Target Audience

Understand who your customers are and what type of signage will attract their attention. For instance, if your business caters to tourists on the Gold Coast, colorful, vibrant signage may be more effective than more subdued tones.

2. Location and Visibility

Evaluate where your signage will be placed. High-traffic areas require larger, bolder signs that can be easily read from a distance. Conversely, indoor signage can be more detailed, providing customers with essential information without overwhelming them.

3. Materials and Durability

Invest in high-quality materials that can withstand the elements, especially for outdoor signage. Signs made from durable materials like acrylic, aluminum, or vinyl will not only look better but also last longer, reducing replacement costs over time.

4. Design and Branding

Your signage should align with your overall branding strategy. Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos to create a cohesive brand identity. Engaging graphics and clear messaging will help communicate your business’s purpose effectively.

5. Compliance with Regulations

Ensure your signage complies with local regulations and zoning laws in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This includes size restrictions, placement, and lighting requirements to avoid any legal issues that could arise.

The Future of Signage

As technology advances, signage continues to evolve. Digital signage is becoming increasingly popular, offering dynamic content that can be updated in real-time. Businesses can showcase promotions, events, and social media feeds, creating a more engaging experience for customers.

Moreover, incorporating interactive elements, such as QR codes or touchscreens, can further enhance customer engagement. This technology allows customers to learn more about your products or services while they’re on-site, providing a richer, more informative experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quality signage is an indispensable asset for businesses Signage in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It enhances brand visibility, attracts customers, provides essential information, and serves as a cost-effective marketing tool. By understanding your audience, selecting the right materials, and designing effective signage, you can create a powerful first impression that drives success.

Investing in quality signage is not just an expense; it’s an investment in your brand’s future. Whether you’re a new business just starting out or an established company looking to refresh your image, make signage a priority in your marketing strategy. With the right approach, your signage can become one of your most valuable business assets.

[kfedup]

Lila and I went to the Wrentham outlets to shop for a dress for her to wear to my niece’s graduation and I’m good, I don’t need to go to an outlet again for another ten years. In fact, I despise clothes shopping. But, I did find a pair of pants and a top at Banana Republic and a pair of Lucky jeans for half off, so that was a plus. So much easier to find what works when you can try it on, but so hard to find anything that works when you’re forced to try it on in a little closet with the worst lighting on the planet highlighting all the ways age and gravity and that cookie addiction is playing high and loose with your body. Shopping is terrible and I don’t understand people who enjoy it enough to purposely spend time doing it for fun. 

Also, the air quality was completely fucked from the Nova Scotia fire smoke - hazy yellow sky that made it feel like it’s 15 degrees warmer than it actually is, and the taste of burnt universe in our mouths. Weirdly a half hour south in Bridgewater, it’s fine, with a deep blue sky and the smell of freshly cut grass and the Black Locust trees in full bloom filling the air with their intense fragrance. 

After shopping I required a 20-minute power nap in which I fell to the very bottom of the lake. Now, I’m at the dining room table attempting to engage my brain enough to do some work, listening to the traffic that’s primarily made up of diesel four-door pickup trucks that race down the 35 mph residential street going at least double that, and often much faster. Many have Trump signs and giant American flags mounted to the back, unfurled behind them, snapping in the wind. Even in this blue state, so many Trumpsters. 

It’s so crazy to me that in the 70s and 80s we all (dozens of neighborhood kids) played in the street every day - riding bikes and skateboards, bouncing on our pogo sticks, jumping rope, stopping our endless street hockey game to move the net every now and again to let a neighbor pass on their way home from the grocery store or work or to crowd around the ice cream truck to buy banana and root beer popsicles and sherbet cannonballs with bubble gum balls melted and gooey in the bottom of the plastic cone. Now there’s a car every ten seconds or less at rush hour and a steady stream the rest of the day and the trunks of the once-young Maples we climbed in the front yard are too big to get our arms around. 

I’m trying to tie this up neatly, but I think I need to let that idea go and move on to the client work I keep avoiding, so enjoy this thematically-challenged post about too many things, or don’t, as @thecasaofjulesie2 would say – I’m not the boss of you. 

[freelancefuzion]

How Social Media Marketing Works?

Understanding Social Media Marketing: How It Works to Boost Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, social media marketing has become an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to expand their reach, engage with their audience, and build a strong online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketer, or an entrepreneur, understanding how social media marketing works is crucial to your success. This guide will break down the mechanics of social media marketing, explaining its key components and offering insights into how you can leverage it to grow your brand.

For More Digital Marketing Tips Click Here

What Is Social Media Marketing?

Social media marketing involves using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others to promote your products, services, or brand. It’s a strategy that allows you to connect with your audience where they spend a significant amount of their time—on social media. By creating and sharing content tailored to your target audience, you can increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.

The Core Components of Social Media Marketing

Content Creation:

Content is the foundation of social media marketing. To captivate and engage your audience, you need to produce content that speaks directly to their interests and needs. This can include a variety of formats such as posts, videos, stories, and live streams. Effective content should not only be visually appealing and informative but also consistent with your brand’s voice and core values. The goal is to create material that resonates with your audience and encourages interaction

Audience Engagement:

Social media is more than a platform for broadcasting your message; it’s a space for meaningful interaction. Engaging with your audience involves actively responding to comments, joining conversations, and addressing their concerns. This two-way communication helps build trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a sense of community around your brand. By showing that you value and listen to your audience, you enhance their connection to your brand and encourage ongoing engagement.

Social Media Advertising:

Paid advertising on social media platforms allows you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This level of precision ensures that your content reaches the people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. Social media ads can take many forms, including sponsored posts, carousel ads, video ads, and more.

Analytics and Metrics:

To understand the effectiveness of your social media marketing efforts, it’s essential to track and analyze key metrics. These might include engagement rates, reach, impressions, click-through rates, and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, you can fine-tune your strategy to achieve better results.

How Social Media Marketing Works to Boost Your Brand

Building Brand Awareness:

Social media platforms offer a broad audience that can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility. By consistently sharing high-quality and relevant content, you can effectively increase your brand’s presence and make it more recognizable to potential customers. Regular engagement and strategic posting help to build a strong brand identity, making it easier for your audience to remember and recognize your brand amidst the digital noise

Driving Traffic to Your Website:

By sharing links to your website on social media, you can drive traffic to your site. Whether it’s a blog post, product page, or landing page, social media is an effective channel for guiding users to your website, where they can learn more about your offerings.

Generating Leads and Conversions:

Social media marketing is a powerful tool for lead generation. By offering valuable content, promotions, or exclusive deals, you can encourage your audience to take action—whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting your sales team.

Enhancing Customer Loyalty:

Regularly engaging with your audience on social media helps to build a loyal customer base. By providing excellent customer service, responding to feedback, and showing appreciation for your followers, you can create lasting relationships that lead to repeat business.

The Importance of Strategy in SMM

Success in social media marketing doesn’t happen by accident; it requires a well-thought-out strategy. Here’s how to create one:

Define Your Goals:

Clearly outlining your objectives is crucial for effective social media marketing. Decide what you want to accomplish—be it boosting brand awareness, generating sales, or cultivating a community. Setting specific, measurable goals will provide direction and focus for your strategy, ensuring that all your efforts align with your overarching business aims and deliver the results you’re aiming for.

Know Your Audience:

Gaining a deep understanding of your target audience is essential for creating compelling content. Examine their demographics, interests, pain points, and online behaviors to develop a well-rounded profile. This insight allows you to tailor your content to address their specific needs and preferences, making it more relevant and engaging. By aligning your content with what genuinely matters to your audience, you foster stronger relationships and drive more impactful interactions.

Choose the Right Platforms:

Selecting the right social media platforms is key, as each one serves different functions and reaches distinct audiences. Determine which platforms are most popular with your target audience and align with your business objectives. For instance, Instagram and Pinterest are excellent for visually-driven content and are ideal for brands focused on lifestyle and consumer products, while LinkedIn is better suited

Create a Content Calendar:

Establishing a content calendar is crucial for ensuring consistency and aligning your posts with your overall marketing strategy. By scheduling your content in advance, you maintain organization and provide a regular stream of engaging and relevant content to your audience. A strategic content calendar also allows you to synchronize your posts with important dates and promotional events, enhancing the effectiveness of your social media efforts.

Monitor and Adjust:

Social media landscapes shift rapidly, so it’s crucial to stay adaptable. Regularly evaluate the performance of your posts and ads, using data to gauge effectiveness and pinpoint areas for improvement. Stay agile and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on these insights, ensuring your social media approach remains relevant and drives optimal results.

Conclusion

Understanding how social media marketing works is essential for anyone looking to grow their brand in today’s competitive digital landscape. By mastering the core components—content creation, audience engagement, social media advertising, and analytics—you can build a robust online presence that drives results. Remember, the key to success is a well-defined strategy that’s continuously refined based on insights and feedback. With the right approach, social media marketing can be a powerful engine for your business growth.