Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Week 8 Part B: Blogs, Vlogs, Podcasts & Webinars PLUS How Adding a Personal Touch to Posts Can Help

Specializing in organic skincare products, I see a lot of opportunities to connect with my customers through blogs, vlogs, and webinars. These platforms not only provide a space for valuable information but also offer a chance to build deeper connections with potential customers.

How My Business Can Use a Blog, Vlog, or Webinars to Build Connections

A blog could be a fantastic way to share in-depth information about the benefits of natural, organic skincare. This could include articles on the different ingredients we use, such as magnesium, coconut butter, and frankincense oil, explaining how each one helps the skin and contributes to overall well-being. Additionally, blog posts can feature skincare tips, routines, and the importance of natural products. Through this, I can create a space where readers can engage with our content and learn more about how they can improve their skin health.

A vlog could add an extra personal touch by showing the behind-the-scenes process of creating our products. This could include footage of the production process, how we source our ingredients, and even testimonials from satisfied customers. Customers often connect with faces and stories, so seeing the people behind the products can create trust and authenticity. Vlogs could also provide helpful tutorials or "How-To" guides for using our products, such as step-by-step instructions for a nightly skincare routine.

Webinars could serve as a more interactive platform where I can directly engage with potential customers. I could host Q&A sessions about skincare, the benefits of using organic products, or even dive into common skin issues and how natural skincare can help. Webinars also provide an opportunity to educate customers about the importance of choosing safe, non-toxic products for their skin.

The Role of Personal Touch in Posts

Adding a personal touch to posts can make a big difference in how customers perceive my brand. A personal connection through posts can create a sense of relatability and trust, which is crucial in any business. For example, I could share the story of how I started the business, focusing on my passion for natural skincare and why I wanted to create a line of products that are not only effective but also safe for the skin.

In some cases though, a more serious tone may be necessary. For example, when discussing the importance of using products free from harmful chemicals or detailing the scientific benefits of natural ingredients, the tone should remain professional and informative. This doesn't mean that the post can't still feel personal; the focus on providing accurate and valuable information can create a sense of care and trustworthiness.

On the other hand, adding humor or storytelling in blog posts can make the content more engaging. For example, I could post humorous "skin care fails" or share relatable anecdotes about the struggles of finding the perfect skincare routine. A balance between lightheartedness and professionalism is key when creating engaging content.

How Other Businesses Use This Technique

I’ve noticed that many successful brands use personal stories or relatable content to appeal to their audience. For instance, small coffee shops often share stories about how they source their beans or feature regular customers and their experiences with the shop. This helps humanize the business and creates a sense of community. Similarly, skincare brands often share success stories from customers who have seen visible improvements after using their products, further enhancing trust. 

Personal stories are also powerful in the fitness industry, where brands often highlight customer transformations or trainers’ personal journeys. This approach allows customers to see that the business cares about their success and wants to be part of their journey.

Week 8 Part A: Your Instagram Hashtag Use

Hashtags I Used on My Posts:

For my posts, I made sure to include a blend of widely-used hashtags and more niche ones related to my business. Some of the hashtags I used include:

  • #OrganicSkincare

  • #NaturalBeauty

  • #GlowingSkin

  • #EcoFriendlyBeauty

  • #SensitiveSkinCare

  • #SelfCareRoutine

  • #MagnesiumForSkin

  • #HolisticBeauty

I also added hashtags that were specific to my products and brand, such as:

  • #BabySafeSkincare

  • #MagnesiumSkinCare

  • #CoconutButterSkincare

How I Found My Hashtags:

Finding the right hashtags involved a mix of research and experimentation. I first explored the popular skincare community on Instagram, looking at other organic skincare brands to see which hashtags were consistently used. I also looked into trending hashtags related to wellness, holistic beauty, and natural products.  By checking the engagement and reach of these hashtags, I was able to select those that were most relevant to my target audience.

I also took advantage of Instagram’s search feature, typing in keywords related to my business, such as “organic skincare” and “natural beauty,” and observing which hashtags popped up frequently in the posts of influencers and businesses I admire.

Specific Hashtags Created for My Business:

To build a stronger connection with my brand and community, I created a couple of unique hashtags:

  • #GlowWithMagnesium: This hashtag focuses on the specific benefits of magnesium in skincare, a key ingredient in some of my products.

  • #NourishNaturally: This one aligns with my brand’s philosophy of using natural ingredients to nourish and protect the skin.

These branded hashtags help create a more personal connection with my audience and encourage them to share their experiences with my products.

Timing of Posts:

  • Tuesday Morning (8:00 AM on Facebook, 8:50 AM on Instagram): I noticed that posting in the morning, before work hours, helped me capture the attention of people looking for skincare inspiration while they were enjoying their coffee or starting their day.

  • Tuesday Evening (8:59 PM on Facebook, 10:00 PM on Instagram): As people wind down after work, engagement spikes again. I found that many people are active around this time, likely browsing Instagram as they relax after a busy day.

  • Wednesday Morning (10:20 AM on Facebook, 10:00 PM on Instagram): I tried a later morning post, which seems to catch people taking a break or catching up on social media during mid-morning hours.

What I Learned:

This exercise taught me a lot about how to refine my Instagram strategy to maximize engagement:

  1. Hashtags Are Key: By using a combination of popular and niche hashtags, I was able to attract both a larger audience and a more targeted one interested in organic skincare.

  2. Timing Matters: Posting at the right time can make a huge difference in engagement. I discovered that mornings and evenings were the most effective for my audience, particularly on weekdays.

  3. Branded Hashtags Are Powerful: Creating unique hashtags for my brand allowed me to stand out and encouraged my followers to share their own experiences with my products.

This exercise has helped me fine-tune my approach to using Instagram for my business. I’ll continue to track my posts’ performance, and I plan to keep experimenting with different times and hashtags to further enhance my social media presence.

Smith, Troy  
Victoria, Alex
Winkle, Michelle

Week 7 Part B: How Other Businesses Use Instagram Including Hashtags

For my research, I analyzed five skincare businesses of different sizes to understand how they use Instagram, particularly their hashtag strategies. I wanted to see how companies, from large national brands to smaller local ones, adapt their Instagram use to promote their products and engage with their audiences. The businesses I looked at were:

  1. Drunk Elephant (Large, National)

  2. Herbivore Botanicals (Mid-sized, National)

  3. Indie Lee (Small, National)

  4. Primally Pure (Small, Local)

  5. Luna Skincare & Apothecary (Small, Local)

Overall, Instagram is an effective platform for all five businesses. Larger brands like Drunk Elephant have the advantage of a massive following, while smaller businesses like Luna Skincare still manage to create loyal, engaged communities.

Hashtags are widely used across all five businesses, but the strategies differ depending on the size and scope of the business. Bigger brands like Drunk Elephant and Herbivore Botanicals use a combination of broad, popular hashtags and branded ones to reach a larger audience. On the other hand, smaller businesses focus more on local or niche hashtags, targeting their specific communities.

The placement of hashtags also varies. Drunk Elephant and Herbivore Botanicals are often include hashtags in the first comment or at the end of the caption to keep things clean and organized, while smaller brands like Luna Skincare use a mix of both. Hashtags are typiclly used to categorize posts based on product types, ingredients, or general wellness topics. I also found that if you search for some of the branded hashtags, posts from these businesses come up showing that their strategy is effective for brand recognition.

 breakdown of the hashtags used by each business:

  • Drunk Elephant: #DrunkBreak #CleanBeauty #SkincareRoutine #GlowUp

  • Herbivore Botanicals: #HerbivoreMoment #PlantBasedBeauty #NaturalSkincare

  • Indie Lee: #IndieLee #GreenBeauty #ToxinFree

  • Primally Pure: #PureIngredients #NonToxicSkincare #HealthySkin

  • Luna Skincare & Apothecary: #HolisticSkincare #OrganicGlow #LocalBeauty

Business Analisys:

  1. Drunk Elephant

    • Followers: 2M

    • Posting Frequency: every week

    • Most Engaging Content: Product launches and customer transformation stories

    • Last Post: Yesterday

    • Likes: 1,000-2,000 sometimes more.

    • Comments: 13-50 per post

  2. Herbivore Botanicals

    • Followers: 545K

    • Posting Frequency: Once a Month

    • Most Engaging Content: Ingredient highlights and self-care routines

    • Last Post: Last post on February 2025

    • Likes: 50-200 

    • Comments: 0-400 per post

  3. Indie Lee

    • Followers: 140K

    • Posting Frequency: 3 times per week

    • Most Engaging Content: skin care routines, product pictures.

    • Last Post: 1 hr ago

    • Likes: 20-100

    • Comments: 0-50 per post

  4. Primally Pure

    • Followers: 465K

    • Posting Frequency: 2-3 times per week

    • Most Engaging Content: Skincare routines and educational posts

    • Last Post: 4 days ago

    • Likes: 100-3,000

    • Comments: 40-1,000 per post sometimes more.

  5. Luna Skincare & Apothecary

    • Followers: 3

    • Posting Frequency: Once a month

    • Most Engaging Content: Skin Care tips, products

    • Last Post: January 2025

    • Likes: 1-3

    • Comments: 0 per post

  • Consistency is important: Businesses with frequent posts, like Drunk Elephant and Herbivore Botanicals, have a more consistent engagement. Posting regularly seems to keep their followers interested and active.

  • Hashtags: Using a variety of hashtags popular ones, niche ones, and branded ones helps increase visibility. While broad hashtags give a wider reach, niche and local hashtags can create a more engaged and loyal following.

  • Hashtag placement: The clean, professional look of placing hashtags at the end of the caption or in the first comment works for most of these businesses. It prevents the caption from looking cluttered, which is important for aesthetic posts.

  • Engagement with followers: Responding to comments and sharing user-generated content builds community and loyalty. While larger brands get a higher volume of comments, smaller businesses often have more meaningful interactions.

Hashtags for Pure Glow Organics:

Based on my research, here are some hashtags that could work well for my skincare business:

  • Popular skincare hashtags: #SkincareLover #CleanBeauty #HealthyGlow

  • Niche hashtags: #NonToxicSkincare #EcoFriendlyBeauty #OrganicGlow

  • Local hashtags: #CaliforniaBeauty #WestCoastGlow #OrganicLivingSD

Instagram is a powerful tool for both large and small businesses. It can help build brand awareness, engage with followers, and promote products effectively. By implementing a thoughtful hashtag strategy, maintaining consistency in posting, and interacting with followers, I can improve my business’s presence on Instagram and foster a stronger connection with my audience.

I also visited some of my classmates' Instagram pages and commented on their posts. It was interesting to see the different approaches and strategies they use for engagement, and I was able to learn from their content as well. Going forward, I’ll use these insights to refine my Instagram strategy and keep experimenting to see what works best for Pure Glow Organics.

Monday, March 17, 2025

Week 6 Part B: Creating and Scheduling FaceBook Posts

I have scheduled three posts ahead using the Meta Business Suite to keep my business page active and engaging. The first post, “Are Your Skincare Products Safe?”, raises awareness about harmful ingredients in skincare, encouraging people to check their labels and discuss in the comments. The second post, “PURE OR TOXIC? Let’s Play a Game!”, is a quiz-style post designed to spark interaction by challenging followers to test their knowledge, with a follow-up answer to keep them engaged. The third post, “Glow Naturally with Pure, Non-Toxic Skincare!”, invites followers to share their favorite skincare ingredients, fostering a sense of community and personal engagement. These posts incorporate a mix of education, interactivity, and conversation, which will help maintain audience interest and increase engagement on my business page. By scheduling them in advance, I ensure consistency in posting and create oportunities for meaningful interactions with my audience.




Comments on:

Omega K9 Academy

Cozy Cat Café & Bookstore



Friday, March 7, 2025

Week 6 Part A: Engaging Your Customers - FaceBook Strategy

 As I work on developing my business, Pure Glow Organics, I’ve been thinking a lot about how important it is to connect with other businesses that align with my mission. Since my focus is on offering non-toxic products for people of all ages, I want to follow businesses that share similar values, provide helpful content, and have an engaged audience. These connections could help me learn more about how to run my business and expand my reach. 

Here are some businesses I’ve decided to follow:

One company I’m following is Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. They focus on raising awareness about the harmful chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products. I chose them because their mission aligns with my own. After becoming a mom, I started to realize how toxic many of the products we use are, and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics works to fight that issue. Their posts always share important information and help consumers make more informed choices, so I think it’s something I can learn from.

Another business I’m following is Wellness Mama. This page is all about living a healthier, non-toxic lifestyle, especially for families. They post tons of practical advice, from recipes to natural ways to care for your home and body. Since my target audience includes moms who want safe, toxin-free products for their families, I think Wellness Mama’s approach is really helpful. I love how they mix educational content with practical tips that their followers can easily implement into their daily lives.

I also chose to follow Simple Non-Toxic Living, which is all about making non-toxic living simple and achievable. I love how they break down complicated information into simple, actionable tips. Their use of visuals like infographics and easy-to-read posts helps people understand how to live cleaner and healthier lives. I want to bring this same level of simplicity to my business, so following them gives me insight into how to create content that’s both helpful and easy to digest.

Another page I’ve been following is MADE SAFE. They provide certification for non-toxic products, which is something that I want to eventually explore for Pure Glow Organics. MADE SAFE’s posts focus on the importance of knowing what’s in the products we use and the benefits of choosing certified non-toxic items. They post educational content and stories about how their certification process works, which helps build trust in the products they endorse. I want to learn from them so I can eventually offer something similar for my own products.

I’m also following Think Dirty, which is an app and platform that helps people learn about the toxicity of personal care products. They rate products based on their ingredients, and I think it’s such a useful tool for anyone trying to avoid harmful chemicals. Following Think Dirty helps me stay informed about what’s available in the market and how I can make my products stand out as safer, non-toxic alternatives.

Another business I admire is Branch Basics. They sell cleaning products made with simple, non-toxic ingredients, and I love how they prioritize educating their customers. They use a lot of customer testimonials in their posts, which helps build trust and shows real-life examples of how their products work. I think this is a great way to connect with customers and build a loyal following, so I want to incorporate similar strategies into my own business.

Lastly, I’m following Shop Organic Olivia. They sell non-toxic skincare and herbal remedies, and their approach to living clean really resonates with me. I like how they use their platform to share both product information and educational content, which helps their followers make informed decisions about the products they use. I’ve noticed that they also engage with their community a lot, and I want to do the same for Pure Glow Organics.

I chose these businesses because they all share a commitment to non-toxic living, and their audiences are people who care about what goes into the products they use. By following them, I can learn more about how to connect with my audience, provide valuable content, and build a brand that people trust.

From these businesses, I’ve learned the importance of sharing educational content, using visuals to make posts more engaging, and creating a community around your brand. A lot of these businesses have strong customer engagement, responding to comments and sharing user-generated content, which helps build loyalty and trust. This is something I definitely want to focus on as I grow Pure Glow Organics. Engaging with my followers and creating a space where they feel heard and valued is just as important as providing great products—this approach helps build loyalty and trust.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Week 5 Part B—Learning about FaceBook Data Collecting

Post reach and post engagement are both key factors in how businesses connect with their audience on Facebook. Post reach measures how many people see a post in their feed, which is important for brand awareness. If a business has low reach, its content isn’t being seen by many people, making it harder to attract customers. Post engagement, on the other hand, tracks how people interact with a post through likes, comments, and shares. Engagement matters because it shows that the content is meaningful to the audience. A post could have high reach but low engagement, meanning people see it but don’t find it interesting enough to respond. High engagement helps businesses build relationships and increase customer loyalty.

From post reach, businesses can learn if their content is actually getting visibility. If reach is low, they may need to adjust their strategy by changing posting times, using better hashtags or investing in ads. Engagement provides insight into what type of content works best. If certain posts gets more reactions than others, the business can focus on creating similar content. Understanding engagement also helps businesses connect better with their audience by learning what topics and formats resonate the most.

Facebook Insights is a powerful tool that can helps businesses make smarter marketing decisions. It also allows them to see when their audience is most active so they can post at the best times for engagement. It also helps businesses understand which types of content perform well, so they can refine their marketing strategy. Insights track customer interactions, like comments and messages, which helps businesses improve their customer service and responsiveness.  

The changes in privacy and data colection on Facebook have both positives and negatives. On the positive side, users now have more control over their personal data, which makes social media feel less intrusive. They can adjust privacy settings and limit how much information is shared. However, on the negative side, businesses face more challenges in reaching their ideal audience because targeted ads are less precise. This can lead to increased advertising costs and less effective marketing.

 Facebook pages I commented on: Lomi Bake,  LOVE,April, Punto Verde, Cozy Cat Café & Bookstore.


Week 17: Wrapping It Up

Wow, I can’t believe the semester is already over! This class really flew by, and I’ve honestly learned so much, especially when it comes to...