Week 12 Part B: Business Specific Tools

After reading Coco, April, Jose, and Colby’s posts, I can see that the right tools really depend on the business and its needs. Coco’s use of Canva and TikTok makes sense for her creative brand, and I can see how those tools could be great for my business too, especially to engage and share content around my organic products. Jose's use of Trello and LinkedIn for organization and networking is something I could incorporate as well, especially when I need to manage tasks and build professional connections in the future. April's reminder about using free tools and online communities is relevant, especially when I start and need to keep costs low. Colby’s focus on tools like Yelp, which could help with customer reviews, is something to consider for my business when I’m ready to manage feedback and build credibility.

What I learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each tool serves a different purpose, and it’s about finding what fits your current needs. It’s helpful to know what’s available, so when the time comes, I can implement the right tools for growth

Week 12 Part A: Using Business Specific Online Tools

This week, I’ve been diving into different online tools that could be really beneficial for Pure Glow Organics. I wanted to see how these tools could help connect with customers, streamline operations, and manage the business more effectively

Collaboration tools are essential for keeping a team organized and communication flowing smoothly. I looked into Trelloand Slack, two popular platforms that could help with project management and team communication.

Trello would be great for visualizing projects, whether it’s developing new products, planning marketing campaigns, or keeping track of customer feedback. The free version of Trello is user-friendly and could help manage tasks and deadlines effectively.

Slack would provide a real-time communication platform for team discussions and quick updates. For Pure Glow Organics, where staying connected is key, this could ensure the team is always on the same page. Both tools could help create a more efficient workflow, which is important as the business grows.

Networking is crucial for business growth, and LinkedIn stands out as a platform where professionals can connect and share industry knowledge. I explored its professional groups, especially those related to organic skincare, sustainability, and small businesses. There’s a wealth of knowledge and opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, potential collaborators, and customers.

The ability to join groups, participate in discussions, and learn from other professionals is a great way to promote the brand and network with like-minded people in the industry.

Online reviews play a significant role in building customer trust. I took a look at Yelp as a platform for gathering feedback and boosting the online presence of Pure Glow Organics. While there are potential concerns around the authenticity of reviews, Yelp remains one of the most widely used platforms for consumers to share their experiences.

Managing reviews on Yelp provides an opportunity to see how customers perceive Pure Glow Organics, respond to their concerns, and showcase positive experiences. The visibility Yelp offers could help attract new customers and build the brand’s reputation. After exploring these online tools, I’m confident that Pure Glow Organics will benefit from integrating these platforms into its operations. Trello and Slack will help keep internal communication and organization smooth, while LinkedInwill be an invaluable tool for networking with professionals and building a supportive community. Additionally, managing reviews on platforms like Yelp will allow customers to share their experiences and help build trust and credibility for the brand.

These tools have great potential for helping Pure Glow Organics grow into a successful business. They will contribute to creating an efficient, customer-focused business with the right connections in place.

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Week 11 Part B: Marketing with Other Social Media/Tools

I comment on: Robert, Coco, Troy, and Alex

 What I found so similar across all their posts was that they all liked the idea of using AI to assist with content creation, whether it's writing captions, generating artwork, or brainstorming new ideas. They all saw AI as a helpful tool to make things more efficient, but they were also cautious about not letting it take over the personal connections and authenticity that make their businesses special.

I think this shared perspective made me realize that no matter what industry you're in, AI can be a useful tool for speeding up processes and improving efficiency, but it's the human touch that really sets a brand apart.

Week 11 Part A: Using AI, Social Influencers, LinkedIn, Conversation based Social Media and more

This week, I looked into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to support small businesses and help with marketing, Since I’m working on my brand, Pure Glow Organics, which is focused on natural skincare for families, I wanted to see how AI could help in the future, especially since I don’t have a big budget or team right now.

Something that stood out to me is how AI can be used to create visuals, like mockups or artwork, that match the vibe of your brand. I came across some AI image generators that let you type in a few words and get sample graphics. It’s not perfect, but it’s a cool way to brainstorm branding ideas or even inspiration for product packaging. I think this could really help when I’m ready to design my own labels and promotional materials.

I also learned that businesses use AI for things like customer support, website automation, and even helping people shop online with virtual assistants. These tools could really save time and make things more efficient, especially as my brand grows. Of course, there are also concerns, some people say that AI could be taking away jobs or copying original ideas. That made me think more about how it should be used responsibly.

While learning about AI, I also started thinking about how social influencers could help spread the word about Pure Glow Organics. There are so many people online who focus on clean beauty, family wellness, or organic products. If I could connect with a few smaller influencers who really believe in natural skincare, I think that could help build trust with their audience. It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive partnership, just something that feels real and authentic.

 I think both AI and social influencers have the potential to really support small brands like mine. Even though I’m still in the early stages, it’s helpful to know that there are tools and strategies out there that I can use later on to grow my business.

Week 10 Part A: Researching Email Marketing

After watching the lecture, I started thinking more seriously about how newsletters can be a powerful way to connect with my audience. For my business, Pure Glow Organics, I think a monthly newsletter would be the perfect frequency. It gives me enough time to gather meaningful content without overwhelming my subscribers. Plus, it keeps the brand fresh in their minds without becoming repetitive.

Since Pure Glow Organics is focused on clean, simple, and healthy products, I want my newsletter to reflect that same energy. Here are some content ideas I think my customers would genuinely enjoy:

•  Product Spotlights – A closer look at one featured product each month, with details about its ingredients, benefits, and how to use it.

•  Behind-the-Scenes – A peek into how our products are made, from sourcing ingredients to packaging. It helps build trust and transparency.

•  DIY Recipes – Easy recipes customers can try at home, like a DIY face mask using kitchen ingredients.

•  Self-Care Tips – Quick routines or rituals they can incorporate into their day for glowing skin and peace of mind.

•  Sustainability Updates – Sharing steps we’re taking to be eco-friendly and how customers can join us in that mission.

•  Exclusive Offers – Discount codes or early access to new products just for newsletter subscribers.

•  Customer Spotlight – Featuring a loyal customer each month with a short testimonial and photo.

I think this mix keeps the newsletter engaging, informative, and personal without being overly promotional.

Right now, I’m subscribed to a few newsletters from brands like Herbivore, Cocokind, and The Honest Company. What I’ve noticed is that clean design and genuine storytelling really matter. The newsletters that feel overly “salesy” or cluttered make me want to unsubscribe fast. But the ones that include meaningful tips or inspiring stories? I always open those.

Going forward, I plan to sign up for more newsletters from similar organic skincare brands to get inspiration and stay in the loop. Seeing how they engage their audience will help me build a better strategy for Pure Glow Organics.

At the end of the day, I think a good newsletter should feel like a friendly note from a brand you trust not just another marketing email.

Week 9 Part B: Using Google for Business and Creating an Account

Google is one of the most popular platforms for businesses. In my experience, I always use Google when I want to learn more about a business to find their location, read reviews, and visit their website if they have one to purchase products. I believe this would be a great tool for PureGlow Organics since I would love to have a website where customers can explore all my products and find detailed information about each one.

In general, I think technology has advanced so much that we, as humans, now spend more time online, and businesses have recognized this by leveraging digital tools to their advantage. From a personal perspective, whenever I want to try a new restaurant, I always search for it on Google to check the directions and read customer reviews before deciding to visit. This shows how important an online presence is for businesses, and I see Google as an essential tool to help PureGlow Organics grow and reach more customers

Week 9 Part A: What is TikTok All About

 I truly believe that TikTok is a powerful tool for growing a business like PureGlow Organics. The platform has expanded rapidly, and I’ve seen countless businesses successfully reach more customers by using it. Personally, I use TikTok every day to find cooking recipes, cleaning hacks, and educational content. I also can’t deny that I’ve been influenced to buy products after seeing them in videos— it’s so easy to get drawn in by the way they’re presented!

TikTok has transformed the lives of many people. I’ve come across countless stories of individuals, from house cleaners to stay-at-home moms, who were struggling financially but started sharing simple videos about their daily lives, recipes, or routines and over time, their content gained popularity, allowing them to turn their TikTok presence into a steady source of income and significantly improve their financial situations.

Businesses have also taken advantage of TikTok by demonstrating the effectiveness of their products and collaborating with influencers to boost brand awareness. This strategy has helped many companies achieve incredible growth. For this class, I created a TikTok business account for PureGlow Organics, but I will also share my personal account, where I plan to post recipes.  I love cooking and creating new recipes, and although I haven’t posted anything yet, I’ve been thinking about eventually sharing my creations on TikTok as a hobby.