Let's Celebrate the National Day on Writing!

The National Council of Teachers of English established October 20th as the National Day on Writing to transform the public's understanding of writing and the role it plays in society.

I recently read a novel entitled, "Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie" by Jackie Lau, and found some inspiring and applicable quotes about writing fiction:

"Not everyone pictures what's happening in a book as they're reading."

"That's the beauty of a novel. What we see - or don't see - in our minds, our pasts...a single novel can be such a different experience for everyone who reads it."

"Books can help people forget but also help them cope at the same time...Even if you write something dark and twisted, it can help readers escape to another world. Or it can show them that other people are experiencing the same feelings that they are, maybe under different circumstances, but similar nonetheless. It can make you feel not alone when you're lonely, or it can simply entertain you when you're bored. There are so many things that fiction can do."

With gratitude and applause to the National Council of Teachers of English, here are some strategies for coming up with ideas for writing:

* Make lists of topics that you are interested in, this could include hobbies, issues, places, etc.

* Make a list of problems that you have seen characters face in movies, TV shows, or books, and use each as a basis for your own story

* Make a list of your most memorable experiences and determine which might be the basis for a piece of writing, perhaps, featuring lessons learned

* Maintain a journal and collect thoughts and descriptions that might be used as the basis for a piece of writing

* Similar to the above, keep a journal for remembering inspiring quotes from books you read - you never know when the quotes will serve as the basis for a piece of writing (or blog post, as the above quotes did)

* Think about "small moments" of life to expand and explore rather than creating large, involved stories

* Read and re-read your favorite authors and look for places where you can pick up where they left off or think how their story could be re-told from a different character's perspective

* Take elements from an existing storyline from a book, movie, or play, and work your own real-life or past experiences in to create an entirely new story

* Make a list of your favorite movies or books and look for patterns in the storylines or look for storylines that can be combined or changed

* Read, read, read - all great authors are READERS who constantly look for ideas from other authors

So, how do you decide what to write about? What are your inspirational secrets? Chime in and share!

Image Credit: National Council of Teachers of English.

Let’s Celebrate Boss’s Day!

Are you fortunate to have a good boss? Does your supervisor ask you for feedback and recognize your contributions in public? Well, today’s the day to celebrate awesome bosses!

First, a little history: National Boss’s Day was started by Patricia Bays Haroski, who was an employee at State Farm Insurance. Her boss was also her father, and to honor him, she registered the date of his birthday with the United States Chamber of Commerce in 1958 as a national holiday. By 1979, the holiday became popular across the United States and also spread internationally. Today, it’s celebrated in Australia, India, Ireland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Here are some ideas as to how to celebrate:

* Send your boss a card with a meaningful message, perhaps, sharing details about something you learned from him/her/they

* Post a note about your boss on social media

* Bring some doughnuts or other sweet treat into the office to share with your boss and colleagues

* Bring some flowers into the office

* Make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your boss

Of course, if your boss is not the greatest boss in the world, you can stick with a simple “Happy Boss’s Day” greeting when you enter the office first thing in the morning. They’ll get the message!

Image Credit: Mountaineer eNews.

Let's Celebrate M&M Day!

M&M's have been around since 1941, but do you know how they started? As you think about which color - or plain or peanut on the inside - you favor, let's take a walk down memory lane.

According to company history, after seeing soldiers carrying Smarties, chocolate pellets protected by a shell from keeping them from melting, during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930's, Forrest Mars Senior, son of the Mars Company founder, pitched the idea of the candy we know today as M&M's. Manufacturing of the candy began at a factory in New Jersey in 1941. Mars sourced chocolate with the help of Bruce Murrie, the son of a Hershey executive, and as a result, the name of the candy came from both men's names: Mars and Murrie.

Initially, the candy was only sold to the U.S. Army, and after World War II ended and soldiers returned home, they were well acquainted with M&M's, which helped make the candy a popular snack in the post-war years. 

In 1949, the famous tagline, "Melts in your mouth, not in your hand" was released. In 1950, a black "M" was printed onto M&M's to give them a unique look, and this was changed to a white "M" in 1954. And during the 1980's, M&M's went on sale in Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

Here's an interesting fact: Since it's very easy to eat M&M's, the are the most consumed chocolate in outer space. Astronauts love M&M's!

And here's another interesting fact: M&M's were the official snack of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

M&M's may be such a popular sweet snack due to its marketing and advertising humor. Many of the colors have recognizable personalities, and some even appear during expensive Super Bowl ads.

And in 2023, the world seemed to go crazy with M&M news. Prior to the game, the brand announced that actress Maya Rudolph would take over for the colored spokescandies, who were taking a break from their duties, which included participating in an ad during the Super Bowl. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, the name of the candy was changed, the inside of the candy was changed, and to be honest, it was hard to keep up with all the drama. But then, at the end of the Super Bowl, the spokescandies held a news conference, and all was right with the world: The candies/characters/brand ambassadors announced their return.

Image Credit: M&M's.

Let's Celebrate World Architecture Day!

Created in 1985 by the International Union of Architects (UIA), World Architecture Day is a day to show appreciation for the work that architects do and to celebrate the inspiring and memorable works of architecture around the world. This day coincides with the United Nations World Habitat Day, aligning the architectural community’s efforts with global urban development goals.

Famous works of architecture have become part of the natural landscape. Consider what the city of Paris would be without the Eiffel Tower, or what New York City would be without the Statue of Liberty, or what San Francisco would be without the Golden Gate Bridge. Without these amazing architectural structures, these cities would lack their artistic souls and brand identities.

 

Here are five quotes for World Architecture Day:

"Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness."
~Frank Gehry

"The best way to predict the future is to design it."
~Buckminster Fuller

"Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design."
~Stephen Gardiner

"We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us."
~Winston Churchill

"Architecture is not just about designing buildings; it's about creating spaces that inspire and uplift."
~Unknown

Here are five messages to share on social media on World Architecture Day:

"Architecture is the art of creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and bring communities together. Happy World Architecture Day!"

"Let's celebrate the architects who envision and design spaces that reflect our values and aspirations. Happy World Architecture Day!"

"On this World Architecture Day, let's commit to creating spaces that nurture creativity, community, and sustainability!"

"Architecture is not just about buildings; it's about creating experiences and environments that enhance our lives!"

"On World Architecture Day, let's inspire future architects to dream big and create inclusive and participatory spaces!"

In addition, many famous works of architecture provide marketing opportunities. Again consider the examples provided above. Paris has become synonymous with the Eiffel Tower, and P-A-R-I-S is often written out with the Eiffel Tower taking the place of the "A."

What's your favorite architectural structure? Chime in and share.

Image Credits from Left to Right: Getty Images, One Life Tours, Britannica, Great Runs, Empire State Building, and Wikipedia.

Let's Celebrate World Teachers' Day!

Did you know that today is World Teachers' Day? Held annually on October 5th, World Teachers' Day is an international holiday to celebrate teachers. Established in 1994, it commemorates the signing of a recommendation by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that outlines standards relating to education personnel policy, recruitment, and training as well as the continuing education of teachers, their employment, and working conditions. 

According to Wikipedia, "World Teachers' Day aims to focus on appreciating the educators of the world."

Do you remember your favorite teacher? Someone who sparked your imagination or introduced you to a subject that became your life's mission? My high school United States Government teacher was that person for me. She was an amazing teacher, and I was lucky to stay in touch with her throughout my life.

Each year, UNESCO mounts a campaign to help give the world a better understanding of teachers and the role that they play in the development of students. According to UNESCO, fewer young people aspire to become teachers, and UNESCO estimates that the world needs over 69 million new teachers by 2030.

So, use today to reach out to a former teacher to thank him or her for inspiring you or promote the field of teaching to a young person.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."

SHARE THIS: World Teachers' Day aims to focus on appreciating the educators of the world. ~Wikipedia #WorldTeachersDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Debbie Laskey.

Marketing News of the Month: Doughnuts, Shoes, and More

During the month of September, there were many news stories that reflected brand identity, brand naming, brand storytelling, brand strategy, co-branding, digital marketing, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, social media usage, and more.

KRISPY KREME AND BARBIE DOUGHNUTS

To celebrate the 65th birthday of Barbie, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts partnered with Mattel and launched the limited-edition Barbie Collection featuring four doughnuts: the Barbie Pink Doughnut, the Barbie Berries ‘n Kreme Doughnut, the Malibu Dream Party Doughnut, and the Barbie Sweet 65th Doughnut.

According to Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme, “We’re excited to celebrate the Barbie brand’s 65th birthday with a collaboration that’s full of fun and flavor. We’re bringing Barbie’s iconic fashions to life through delicious doughnuts that are sure to thrill Barbie and Krispy Kreme fans alike.”

According to Meredith Norrie, Mattel’s Vice President of Global Licensing and Consumer Products, “Barbie and Krispy Kreme are two brands that immediately spark joy and elicit sweet memories. As we continue to celebrate Barbie's 65th anniversary this year, Krispy Kreme is the perfect partner to join us, inviting fans across generations to enjoy the perfect blend of flavor and style with nods to Barbie sprinkled into every bite.”

ADIDAS AND SWAROVSKI

Adidas sneakers brand has partnered with jewelry brand Swarovski and is launching a Swarovski-crystal covered edition of its Impact baseball cleat with a retail price of $440. The shoe comes in two choices, either Light Purple or Ice Lavender. Despite the crystals, the shoe features cushioning and support for on-field performance. But who would wear these shoes anywhere other than on a red carpet?

COSTCO MEMBERSHIP DUES

For the first time in seven years, Costco members will see a $5-$10 increase in their membership dues depending on their membership plan. According to Costco, “The price change will help to offset operational costs to keep prices low.” But the fee increase comes after the company announced it would crack down on card sharing by requiring shoppers to scan their membership cards to enter stores.

VOLKSWAGEN PLANT CLOSURES

To cut costs amid rising competition from China’s electric vehicle makers, Volkswagen announced that it might close factories in Germany. The company employs almost 683,000 workers worldwide including 295,000 in Germany. According to Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume, “The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation. Germany in particular as a manufacturing location is falling further behind, in terms of competitiveness.”

CHIPOTLE AND SPIRIT HALLOWEEN

Chipotle and Spirit Halloween announced that the two brands will launch a Halloween collection. According to CNN, “The fast-casual chain announced a costume collection with Spirit Halloween, the seasonal Halloween costume store that pops up every year in abandoned storefronts. The collection is made up of bodysuits that are meant to resemble a Chipotle napkin, fork, water cup, burrito, and to-go bag...[It’s] a clever marketing ploy mean to garner social media attention.”

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Ryan Seacrest ushered in a new chapter for the TV game show “Wheel of Fortune” when he joined Vanna White to start the new season in early September. Gone was host Pat Sajak, who retired after 41 seasons and more than 8,000 episodes. According to Seacrest, who’s known White (the lady who wears fancy dresses and taps the letters) for twenty years, “The show’s fun. It’s about giving cash and prizes to people every single night.”

WASHINGTON POST WEBSITE

The Washington Post launched an updated homepage for its website in early September. According to newly-installed executive editor, Matt Murray, who wrote to the newsroom, “The new iteration is the beginning of several planned enhancements.”

DEATH OF JAMES EARL JONES

The award-winning actor passed away at his New York home at age 93. His lengthy career led him to create two larger-than-life roles that cemented his Hollywood legacy: Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise and Mufasa in “The Lion King.” He received an Honorary Academy Award, a tribute for lifetime achievement and exceptional contributions to film, as well as a Golden Globe, two Tony’s, and two Primetime Emmys. He said that he was often quiet as a child because of a stutter, but in high school, he discovered that he did not stutter when reading aloud. We can all be grateful for that discovery, because it led to his interest in performing and his study of drama at the University of Michigan followed by a stint in the Army and then auditioning for parts in New York City.

HOME DEPOT NEWS

While Home Depot did not admit wrongdoing and has since taken steps to correct violations, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced that Home Depot will pay nearly $2 million to settle a civil law enforcement complaint alleging that the company engaged in false advertising and unfair competition. The civil complaint alleged that Home Depot charged customers prices higher than their lowest advertised or posted price. Often called a “scanner violation,” the problem occurs when the price on an item, or on an item’s shelf tag, is not the same as the UPC code that is scanned at the point-of-sale register.

KEURIG AND RECYCLING

Keurig has agreed to pay $1.5 million in penalties after the Securities and Exchange Commission charged the company with making misleading statements as to how recyclable its popular K-Cup single-use coffee pods are. The Keurig website said that since the end of 2020, 100 percent of its K-Cup pods were recyclable, but that statement, according to the SEC was misleading. How can a brand mislead its customer and fans? In this case, the SEC stepped in. Time will tell if future sales are impacted.

HERSHEY’S FORAY INTO FITNESS MARKET

While everyone associates the Hershey brand with chocolate and its own town in Pennsylvania, the company is now expanding into the fitness market with a new product line of energy drinks and protein powders. Will the flavors be chocolate? Time will tell if this will be a successful line extension or a bad idea.

VISA LAWSUIT

The United States Justice Department filed a lawsuit accusing Visa of illegally monopolizing the debit card market. According to CNN, “For more than a decade, the US Justice Department alleges that Visa has abused its dominant position in the debit card market to force businesses to use Visa’s network instead of competitors’ and to stop new alternatives from entering the market.” Will this lawsuit damage the brand?

KAMALA HARRIS'S SHOES

Vice President AND Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris often wears a pair of Converse All-Stars tennis shoes with her power suits. Her Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers can be found at Norstrom for less than $100.

STARBUCKS NEWS

With Starbucks revenues on the decline, the new CEO has a plan – and it starts with comfortable chairs. Brian Niccol, on his second day at head of Starbucks, said in a letter to employees and customers that he wants the company to return to its roots as a “community coffeehouse” with comfortable seats, design, and a clear distinction between “to-go” and “for here” service. However, something to consider, the original concept for Starbucks was to copy European coffeehouses where people ordered their coffee and stood to drink it at tall tables. That is different than this idea. And secondly, how comfortable have the chairs ever been at Starbucks? Sounds like a very different brand refresh versus a return to the brand’s core.

AUSTRALIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA

According to CNN, Australia intends to “set a minimum age limit for children to use social media, citing concerns about mental and physical health. The plan has sparked backlash from digital rights advocates who warn that the measure could drive dangerous activity underground.” It will be interesting to see how this plan moves forward and the impact on social media platforms in Australia.

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY NAMECHANGE

Remember when Dunkin’ Doughnuts dropped the word “doughnuts” from its name? Or when Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC to move away from the “fried chicken” emphasis in its name? Well, the 155-year-old Campbell Soup Company has announced that it will drop the word “Soup” from its name and will rebrand as The Campbell’s Company. The company owns snack brands including Goldfish, Snyder’s of Hanover, Cape Cod, Pepperidge Farm, and others. Therefore, the brand wishes to move away from the idea that it is only soup.

MOVIE THEATER UPGRADES

According to USA Today, “The eight largest movie theater chains in the United States and Canada announced plans to invest more than $2.2 billion in the next three years in an effort to upgrade entertainment experiences at their facilities. The announcement came in a news release from the National Association of Theatre Owners, an organization that represents theater owners from around the world. Eight chains involved in the commitment represent over 21,000 screens across 1,600 locations in all 50 states and Canada. The eight companies include AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus Theatres Corp., B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres and Santikos Entertainment. The investment comes as the movie theater industry has been hampered by the boom of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted theaters to shut down for months during 2020.”

According to the association, the funds will be used on an "array of projects to modernize and improve theaters of all sizes including adding the latest laser projection technology and immersive sound systems, installing more comfortable seats, and creating family entertainment options, such as, arcades and bowling.”

WARNING LABEL FOR GAS STOVES

In California, gas stoves may soon come with a health warning similar to the warning label found on cigarette packages. Since a stove’s blue flame releases air pollution into kitchens, California lawmakers have passed a bill that would require warning labels on stoves, and Governor Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign the bill into law. 

The American Public Health Association has labeled gas stoves as “a public health concern,” since they can increase the risk of asthma, can leak methane even when they’re off, and emit benzene which is linked to cancer. Similar bills have been introduced in Illinois and New York, but unlike California’s version, lawmakers did not send them to their Governors.

According to Politico, “California Governor Newsom vetoed a bill (on September 27th) that would have made California the first state in the country to mandate labels on gas stoves warning of health risks.”

Governor Newsom wrote, “I am returning Assembly Bill 2513 without my signature. This bill would prohibit a person from selling or offering for sale a gas stove that is manufactured or sold online on or after January 1, 2025, or sold in a store on or after January 1, 2026, unless that gas stove contains a specified warning label. While I appreciate the author's intent to provide consumers with information about the products they purchase, I am concerned that this bill codifies highly prescriptive labeling content that could only be changed by a future statutory amendment. This static approach falls short in enabling timely updates to the labeling content that should align with the latest scientific knowledge so that consumers are accurately informed about their purchases. For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.”

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

When Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first and only Presidential debate of the 2024 Presidential campaign – following President Joe Biden’s surprising withdrawal from the race – many observers called Trump’s performance as dismal as Biden’s in the June Biden-Trump debate. Some stand-out comments include: Harris’s handshake and introduction at the outset of the debate, the concise responses provided by Harris, the fact that Trump never looked at Harris, and the fact that – despite the promise from the moderators that the microphones would be turned off when one candidate was speaking – Trump ignored the microphone rule and kept talking.

TAYLOR SWIFT

Within minutes of the first and only Presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10th, singer-songwriter-businesswoman Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris. Due to her enormous following, it will be interesting to see how the support of this “childless cat lady” will impact the election.

19TH AMENDMENT GOES ON DISPLAY

The National Archives will soon add the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, to its permanent display of the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. The addition to the Rotunda will be part of the nation’s 250th celebration on July 4, 2026.

According to the National Archives, “Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919; ratified on August 18, 1920; and certified on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment is celebrated as the culmination of over eight decades of advocacy by the women suffrage movement.”

PANDA DIPLOMACY AND FINLAND

Finland announced that it will return two pandas to China in November, more than eight years ahead of time, since the Finnish zoo where they live can no longer afford their upkeep. According to NPR, "The panda pair was China's gift to mark Finland's 100 years of independence in 2017, and they were supposed to be on loan until 2033. But the zoo has experienced a number of challenges, including a decline in visitors due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as an increase in inflation and interest rates. The upkeep of Lumi and Pyry, including a preservation fee to China, cost the zoo 1.5 million euros (approximately $1,675,658) annually. And the bamboo that giant pandas eat was flown in from the Netherlands."

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CHANGES BUSINESS MODEL

Known as the airline that offered open seating and no frills, Southwest Airlines announced substantial changes to its business and boarding process. Open seating will be going away but not until early 2026. The delay is due to the fact that premium seating (with more legroom) will take time to reconfigure on the airplanes. According to Southwest, “80 percent of its customers and 86 percent of its passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats.” In addition, Southwest will start partnerships with foreign airlines to offer passengers the chance to book overseas flights. Its first partnership will be with Icelandair in 2025, connecting with it at its Baltimore-Washington International Airport hub. And lastly, the airline confirmed that it will continue to allow passengers to check up to two bags for no fee. According to Southwest CEO Robert Jordan, “The fact that (and brand tagline) “Bags Fly Free” is cited as the number one reason why customers choose to fly Southwest.”

SHAKE UP AT NBC’S TODAY SHOW

Broadcaster Hoda Kotb announced that she will leave the morning show in early 2025 to spend more time with her two daughters. This departure leaves a hole at the morning show. Kotb has worked at NBC for 26 years and joined the Today show in 2007. Who do you think will take her place and re-create the TV show brand? Will a new celebrity host improve or damage the TV brand? Time will tell.

JORDAN CHILES OLYMPICS CONTROVERSY – THE SAGA CONTINUES 

While the Olympic bronze medal that was originally awarded to American gymnast Jordan Chiles was re-allocated to a Romanian gymnast, the controversy continues, adding a sad asterisk to the very successful Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

NATIONAL COFFEE DAY

Did you know that September 29th was the date to celebrate coffee? All you had to do was consider all the brands that have appeared since the re-invention of the beverage as a brand? There’s Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Dunkin', and that list doesn’t even include all the local and small town specialty coffee cafes! Chimney Coffee House is a downtown Los Angeles coffee house with a very cute logo.

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? There's always something happening that impacts marketing, so tune in to #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Chimney Coffee House, Krispy Kreme, and Fashion News.

Let's Celebrate International SEO Day!

Do you know what today is? If you answered International SEO Day, then you're correct! On this day, digital marketers, web developers, and businesses worldwide recognize the power of SEO and its impact on the digital age. And on September 27, 1998, the Google search engine was launched.

According to Wikipedia, "Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the quality and quantity of website traffic to a website or web page from search engines. SEO targets unpaid traffic (known as natural or organic results) rather than direct traffic or paid traffic. Unpaid traffic may originate from different kinds of searches, including image search, video search, academic search, news search, and industry-specific vertical search engines. As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work, the computer-programmed algorithms that dictate search engine behavior, what people search for, the actual search terms or keywords typed into search engines, and which search engines are preferred by their targeted audience. SEO is performed because a website will receive more visitors from a search engine when websites rank higher on the search engine results page (SERP). These visitors can then potentially be converted into customers."

To recognize the importance of SEO, I recently had a discussion with Lisa Sicard who's based in Maine, who I met on Twitter/X. Highlights follow a brief introduction. Lisa has over 25 years of experience and loves helping others with social media, blogging, and content marketing. She specializes in helping small businesses and bloggers to thrive and succeed online. She wrote a book, How to Tweet and Thrive on Twitter in 2020; and her blog was nominated as One of the Best Internet Marketing Blogs by Infinity Blog Awards in 2019, and also one of the Best Top Marketing Blogs in 2015 and 2016 by Fit Small Business. 

QUESTION: Since you've been blogging for over a decade, what are your three best blogging tips?

LISA SICARD: Here are my three tips:

(1) Mastering SEO can make or break your blog. Start with thorough keyword and topic research before you write. This ensures that you're creating content people actually search for.

(2) Many bloggers miss out on the power of internal linking. Make sure to link your posts to each other. This not only helps with SEO, but it also keeps readers on your site longer.

(3) Lastly, your blog isn't a "set it and forget it" project. Update your posts every six months with fresh stats and new info. This keeps your content relevant and boosts your SEO rankings. Keep these tips in mind, and your blog will thrive.

SHARE THIS: Your blog isn't a "set it and forget it" project. ~@lisapatb #SEOtip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In the words of Brian Clark, CEO of Copyblogger Media and founder of Copyblogger.com, “Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that's great for your readers.” What does this quote mean to you?

LISA SICARD: Based on my blogging experience, the key to a successful blog is simple: put your readers first. Instead of aiming to create content that just looks or sounds great, focus on solving your readers' problems. Understand what they need and tailor your posts to address those needs.

For instance, if your readers struggle with gaining followers on Twitter/X, provide them with practical, step-by-step guides that help them. If your audience seeks career advice, offer actionable tips that they can apply right away. The goal is to make your blog a "go-to" resource for them.

In my years of blogging, I've learned that when you prioritize your readers' needs, they keep coming back. They share your content, they engage more, and they trust you. This trust turns into a loyal following, which is far more valuable than just having a "great" blog.

Keep it simple, keep it relevant, and always think about how you can make your readers' lives easier or better. That's the real secret to a great blog.

QUESTION: What’s your favorite social media platform, and why?

LISA SICARD: Twitter/X is, and always has been, my favorite social media platform. I love the brevity of it, though longer tweets are more engaging today and help the algorithm. I've met more people on Twitter/X than on any other platform, and Twitter/X has generated more traffic to Inspire To Thrive (my website) than any other platform. With 12 years of blogging experience and 15 years on Twitter/X, I find it indispensable for connecting with others and driving traffic.

QUESTION: As a social media strategist, how do you convince senior leaders to integrate social media into an overall marketing plan to create consistent messaging?

LISA SICARD: To convince senior leaders to integrate social media into an overall marketing plan, start by showing them concrete examples and stats. Numbers don't lie, and seeing real-world success can be a game-changer. Know your company's audience before recommending a specific platform because each platform has a different user base. It's crucial to align the choice with where the target audience hangs out.

Once you've chosen the right platform, run tests and closely monitor the results. Use data to show what's working and what isn't. Always be ready to make adjustments based on these insights. Social media trends change fast, and your strategy should be flexible. You will need to keep up with the latest network changes. 

Lastly, it's all about repetition. Test, monitor results, pivot, and repeat. This cycle will maximize your reach and engagement. I've seen firsthand how powerful this approach can be. Consistent messaging across social platforms isn't just possible; it’s essential for modern marketing success.

QUESTION: Many people remember the famous OREO Tweet during the 2013 Super Bowl. With that in mind, what's your favorite social media marketing campaign?

LISA SICARD: The Dove Soap Beauty Campaign for Real Beauty is a worldwide marketing campaign launched by Unilever in 2004 aiming to build self confidence in women and young children. It made everyone seem so real.

My gratitude to Lisa for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her digital marketing insights.

Image Credit: WordSwag.

Learn more about International SEO Day:

https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/various/international-sEO-day

Connect with Lisa at these links:

Website: https://inspiretothrive.com

Blog: https://inspiretothrive.com/blog

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasicard

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/Lisapatb

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/InspireToThrive