The post Anatomy of a Great Social Post appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>In just five easy steps your next post can be the one that makes your audience stop scrolling.
Your profile acts as your digital business card and should provide the answers to who, what, when and where to find you.
Keep in mind that your profile should also contain the key search words that your potential clients/customers will use. Save witty puns for your post captions and save this real-estate for vital information.
A great headline should be short, snappy and impactful.
An excellent way to find the proper wording and tone for your headline is to picture the magazines on the coffee table of your customer’s home. Think of the types of publications your target audience would be reading and find inspiration in the headlines on the cover: short, snappy and attention grabbing. There is obviously a huge difference on how to connect with someone who reads Cosmopolitan versus The Wall St. Journal and this exercise will help guide your voice to appeal to your audience.
Lastly, it is important to maintain an authoritative tone, while your audience should feel like you are speaking in their language, they should also be able to look to you as an expert in your field.
Visuals play a key factor in building engagement and reaching new audiences on social networks.
Posts featuring white space gain a lot of traction on social media. This style of picture provides air and light to your feed and attracts audiences with its minimal, fresh look.
Toned down colours also work well on Instagram feeds and help in creating a cohesive ‘colour story’ for your grid. Using filters and simple editing tools you can take two different images and tweak them to become a well-matched pair.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to create an attractive page. Whether you take photos with your phone/camera, share images from other feeds (with the appropriate credits), or discover photos on free image-sharing websites, you can create a beautiful image gallery to use for your current and future social posts.
Videos should also be incorporated into your visual library. This area has seen more growth across social networks recently and allows an audience to get a dynamic look at your brand and a glimpse of your personality.
When creating your social post, ask yourself what is the end goal? Whether you are looking for people to visit your website, sign-up for a newsletter, or respond to a question, include a call to action and guide your audience to take action.
Hashtags are a crucial tool to help reach new audiences and improve engagement on your page.
To find the hashtags that are best for your business, you need to do some research. Examine the hashtags used by relevant industry leaders and competitors. Try to create a set of hashtags focused on your industry that you can use again and again, and then add a few based on the topic of the post. Recently, lists have been compiled of ‘banned’ hashtags for Instagram, so be sure to cross-reference your list and ensure you aren’t using the ones listed.
A great trick for avoiding clutter with hashtags on Instagram is to place them in the comments section. They will have the same effect on searches but allow your caption to take the spotlight.
There you have it, the five-step recipe to creating a great social post! While we can’t control the clutter of content on social media, we can rise to the challenge with exciting and engaging posts! For more information or help in creating your brand’s social media presence, contact us.
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]]>The post The Best of Both Worlds: Five Steps to Follow for Successful Brand Collaborations appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>A strategic collaboration can be a great way for a brand to improve sales revenues, raise awareness, break into new markets and attract new customers. While a partnership with a hot brand or personality may seem like a great opportunity, it is important to do research and analysis before jumping in. Here we have outlined five steps to follow for a successful brand collaboration.
The first step before entering into a collaboration is to assess whether the other brand’s mission and values align with your own. Finding a company that fits well with your brand is important for maintaining your public image and will also make it easier for your current customers to embrace the partnership.
Assessing whether your mission and values align will also allow you to identify synergies within the target markets and discover if an untapped market is attractive to your brand. Look at your target market crossover to research if there is a possibility for a product line that will complement your individual brands and how your partnership will appear aesthetically when your two images combine.
Before jumping into a brand partnership, take the time to research your potential partner, past associations and collaborations. In looking at their previous work, you’ll want to take note of whether their programs were in-line with your values and what kind of results they achieved.
An excellent way to assess the success of past collaborations is through press coverage. Look at major news outlets, as well as magazines, blogs and social media pages, to see the amount and type of media attention they received. Even something as small as reading through the comments of a brand’s collaboration-related Instagram posts can give you great insight into how the public felt about the initiative.
Equality and balance are key elements of a successful partnership, which is why it is important to set goals that are mutually beneficial. Depending on your collaboration’s project or product, the benchmarks for success will vary. Therefore it is important to decide from the start what you are hoping to gain from this partnership, such as brand awareness, sales, social media growth, likes and engagement.
Check-in on your results mid-project and assess if there is any room for improvement going forward and if your results are hitting the forecasted milestones. This way you will not be surprised if the end results are different from your expectations, plus it will allow you to pivot in your marketing strategy if necessary.
Get it in writing. A great deal of hard work goes into creating a solid collaboration, so it is important to outline all the program details, deliverables, responsibilities and timelines. Create a contract for both parties to sign to ensure that you are both aware of all the factors that will go into this partnership and you have something to bind your partner to this project legally, should anything go awry.
A fabulous brand collaboration will not be successful if no one knows about it! Once you’re ready to launch it’s time to get the word out. Tap into all available communication channels to maximize exposure. Showcase your collaboration on your respective social media channels and e-newsletter campaigns, send out press releases to news and trade outlets, blogs and websites and perhaps host an event to showcase your collaboration to the public, up-close and personal.
Many brand partnerships continue to impress us with their ability to combine creative ideas while reaching new markets. Today’s retail climate may be fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean your collaboration must be rushed. Follow these steps to ensure your partnership will be a successful collaboration. If you need help navigating a potential collaboration or would like some creative partnership ideas customized to your brand, Suite 203 can help. Get in touch.
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]]>The post Instagram Hotspots: Brands with Insta-Worthy Décor appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>Over the past few years, it has been fascinating to witness the subtle transformation of public spaces to become more photogenic and #instagrammable. What started with a few snapshots captioned #ihavethisthingwithfloors, soon transformed into a phenomenon of hotspots around the world, showcasing the ideal settings for a captivating photo. While several global Instagram hotspots include historical landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Eiffel Tower, many brands have capitalized on having an Instagram-friendly look.
Becoming an Instagram hotspot is a great way for brands in public spaces to build a community with their customers, improve social media marketing efforts and boost business sales
New York hotspot, Jack’s Wife Freda, noticed the rise of Instagram snaps in their restaurant and began to develop their brand with the social network in mind. Their menus are designed to be an ideal canvas for a #foodieflatlay and everything from sugar packets to coasters have a cute printed detail.
Similarly, in Montreal, local spots have included instagrammable elements into their branding. Ca Lem Creamery, for example, designed their ice cream shop to be an ideal space for Instagrammers, with a wall painting resembling the social network platform, that calls for visitors to fill the frame with their frozen treats, and a second wall filled with post-its, showcasing their customers’ love for the brand and Ca Lem’s sense of community.
Altering a space to be more Insta-friendly doesn’t have to equate redesigning an entire business. Through the use of neon signs, chalkboard drawings and designated walls for murals, many brands have made a successful impact on social networks by creating a singular picture-perfect spot within their public space.
Old Navy was an established brand long before the arrival of social networks, but it has found ways to bring instagrammable elements on to the street, by creating temporary murals that are idyllic spots for Instagram photos. Old Navy teamed up with street artist, Kelsey Montague, to create branded paintings and gave customers a new reason to pop by their stores and experience something more than simply shopping.
A few of Montreal’s new eateries have also taken to including a picture-perfect element into their design. Montreal-West’s new Les Délices Lafrenaie’s location made a small but impactful addition to their space, with a pink light-up sign, that brings a fun focal piece to the bakery’s brick wall. And salad hotspot Mandy’s incorporated an eye-catching, highly recognizable tiled caption “This Must Be The Place” at the entrance of their new Old Port location.
These types of design tweaks do not have to be complicated, overly expensive or time-consuming, but they help to showcase the essence of a brand and their highly photographable nature creates a buzz across social media, which in turn, draws more business.
Taking into account the popularity of downward shoe/floor photos, an intriguing tile design has become a great way for brands to seamlessly showcase their brand’s personality and build customer interest on social media. At Cremerie Dalla Rose an intricate tiled floor entices visitors to not just grab an ice cream and go, but to savour the experience and snap a few pictures against the colourful backdrop.
Last year, we shared our favourite Instagrammable hotspots in Montreal and we’ve found a couple new favourites to add to the list: Venice and Darling. These restaurants showcase how creating an Instagram-friendly space serves as a great tool for improving business and developing your brand’s image. We selected Venice as the setting for a recent client photo shoot after seeing the fun California-style interior and playful décor details. And Darling, a bar/café hybrid, opened last month and has already taken over Instagram feeds across the city, with light-up lettering across the ceiling and a 1930’s style interior.
Whether you are looking to visit hotspots to witness the new cool spaces firsthand, you want to bring engagement to your Instagram account with captivating images and location tags, or you’d like your business to become the next Instagram hotspot, it’s clear that a social media savvy interior holds more power for a brand than just aesthetic beauty.
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]]>The post Marketing Beef Jerky: From a Commodity to a Branded Snack Food appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>The Paleo diet has played a large part in the resurgence of beef jerky. This diet has been around for a few decades, but it wasn’t until recently that it became wildly popular and jerky marketers are making the most of this trend. Since it is based around high protein foods and low carbs, food items like beef jerky now appeal to consumers who have adopted the Paleo lifestyle.
The go-go-go nature of today’s society also plays a role in the comeback of beef jerky. On-the-move snacks have become such a large part of today’s culture and people are often looking for a protein-filled options like jerky to carry along when in a rush, or to keep on hand to curb hunger in a traffic jam.
While diets and societal needs certainly play a part in a product’s revival, it is often the branding and identity created around a product that make it truly take off. When a brand tells a story through their marketing it gives consumers something to identify with, or aspire to. There is something more to offer than taste and convenience alone.
One example of this in the beef jerky market is seen with the brand Krave. Krave was launched in California by a marathon runner who liked to have jerky on hand while training. The creator reinvented the jerky image by modifying the recipe to produce a healthier product, without nitrates or msg. With the brand promise that Krave is “elevated” jerky, originating from California’s wine country, flavours take a gourmet, artisanal twist including “Basil Citrus Turkey,” “Curry Beef” and “Honey Chipotle”. Now owned by Hershey, their marketing campaigns feature high-profile athletes to bring an overall feeling of energy, athleticism, culinary interest and healthy living to the identity of the brand, beef jerky and the consumer who purchases their products.
Similarly, Epicbar, found in many health food stores, has created an image for jerky of their own. Epicbar takes on a different target than Krave, with the brand showcasing an organic, nature-inspired image around their product lines. With beautifully designed packaging and unique flavours, they have created a feeling around the products that their consumers can identify with. Epicbar uses the tagline “Live Wild, Eat Free” to play on elements from its brand story including the importance of our ancestors’ diets and respecting nature.
We often forget how many commodities have turned into brands, like when we ask for a Kleenex instead of a tissue, or a Sharpie instead of a permanent marker. Through the help of the factors listed above, beef jerky has become an on-trend snack food associated with a healthy and active lifestyle, something we would never have guessed years ago. What product do you think will be next to transition? What products or services are on your radar that have extremely strong and engaging brand stories?
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]]>The post Picture-Perfect Look: Insider Makeup Tips from Susan Morales, Montreal’s Beauty Expert appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>Clarins Double Fix’ Mascara: This completely invisible gel is applied on top of your regular mascara to make it resistant to water and sweat. Applied to eyebrows, bare or with makeup, it perfectly controls and seals their shape and strengthens the hold of the makeup.
Clarins bronzer & blush compact (limited edition): As always, the Clarins bronzer (and blush) texture is divine, velvet-smooth and beautifully natural on skin. I buy the new edition every year and I am never disappointed.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: It creates a softer, smoother complexion, while instantly obscuring imperfections and diminishing fine lines and signs of fatigue.
Dior Lip Sugar Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm: This is the most delicious sugar scrub lipstick. It cares for your lips and makes them appear healthy and youthful.
Clarins Fix Make-up: A light and refreshing mist that sets makeup and offers a longer-lasting hold. Enriched with aloe vera and allantoin, it instantly moisturises and soothes the skin. Its invigorating grapefruit extract and organic rosewater scent provides a continuous sense of well-being.
My biggest note is to blend, blend and blend some more. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people are doing it wrong! Many believe that blending is one of the more difficult techniques to master, but it is merely something that takes a degree of precision and the willingness to practice. I admit that it is not always easily accomplished when working with certain colors or textures. Each makeup application allows me to practice my blending or fine-tune it, because blending is really an on-going technique. Tutorials are an excellent way to understand the basics and mechanisms behind blending, but practice truly makes perfect in this case.
I feel like women should tap into trends but do their own thing too. Instead of following trends they should follow their heart and their own beauty. It is also important to follow your inner beauty advice because I feel like women know what they want to look like and they are great at balancing the scales of what works on them, what doesn’t and what they feel comfortable with. You can have fun with the trends but always keep it real. Feeling confident and being comfortable in your skin—that’s what really makes you beautiful.
Applying the wrong concealer and applying it the wrong way: What works well for one woman may not work well for another. That is why it is important to figure out what formula works best for you. While it seems like it’d make sense to just apply concealer on top of your dark circles, applying it in an upside-down triangle shape below the eye creates an overall brightening effect, that looks much more natural. Use a light hand when applying your concealer and ensure your blend it well. Use powder to set your makeup after you apply the concealer.
Wearing the wrong shade of foundation: Foundation isn’t supposed to give your skin a bit of a tan, after all, that’s what bronzers are for. Instead, it’s supposed to create a perfect, smooth complexion and cover-up any imperfections. Therefore you should always use a foundation which blends in with your skin. What I suggest is testing on your jawline (not your hand!) before buying and (when possible) ask for a sample first. With a sample you can test the colour at home and look at your skin in various lighting situations, to make sure the shade you choose looks natural.
Not blending your face to your neck: Always blend down so your face is the same shade as your body, if it’s not, you are using the wrong color.
In order: mascara, eyeliner, concealer, bronzer, blush and lipstick.
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]]>The post Meet Mackenzie: Marketing Copywriter & Social Media Manager appeared first on Suite 203.
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Since I am originally from Edmonton, I have out of town guests visiting fairly often! I love to start the day moving, so we’d kick off the morning with a bike ride along the Lachine Canal. Next stop, brunch at Les Enfants Terribles at Place Ville Marie to take in the incredible views of the city while sipping mimosas. In the afternoon we’d head out for some retail therapy, because there’s nothing like a shopping excursion to help aid your digestion. Laurier-West and the Mile End are among my favourite areas for exploring boutiques and treasure hunting through vintage stores. We’d cap off the day with comfort food and wine close to home at Dolcetto & Co or Modavie.
The main goal in writing any piece of content is to have it resonate with your readers/followers. Try to put yourself into the target audience’s shoes and re-read it through their mind’s eye. Also, don’t be afraid to be honest and real, it’s often those moments that leave a lasting impact.
I follow a pretty wide range of accounts from @Thedogist to Head of Fashion at Instagram @EvaChen212 (perfect source for any app updates!), but I especially take notice of local brands and influencers when scrolling through my account. I love Montreal influencer @Hey.maca’s cheerful and colourful posts and @boutiquevestibule’s serene feed is always full of interior inspiration.
Out walking my dog Cali, exploring boutiques around the city or trying out one of Montreal’s many fabulous restaurants with my boyfriend.
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]]>The post Think Pink- Styling This Season’s Hottest Fashion Trend appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>We love how this blouse has a classic appearance from the front and an effortlessly sexy look in the back. Layer with a camisole for the workday and let the back lie open for a night out on the town.
For those who prefer to keep their wardrobe in neutral territory, sunglasses are a perfect way to incorporate a colour trend into your ensemble. These bubble-gum-hued sunnies were designed in a 1960’s cat-eye style, as an homage to Audrey Hepburn’s style.
We plan to step into spring on trend in these blush-toned leather boots. With intricate patterns cascading the front and a wooden heel, these boots have just the right blend of casual and cosmopolitan style. Wear them with a flowy dress, or your favourite jeans, either way, all eyes will be on your feet in these beauties.
Typically, we aren’t thrilled to purchase outerwear after spending months in thick winter coats, but when a jacket like this comes along, we can make an exception. This pastel trench has a timeless appearance that feels both relaxed and polished. Wrap the cascading collar to the side and remove the waist tie for a seamless transition from warm afternoons to cool evenings.
Whether you have always been a fan of the pretty in pink look, or you’re just dipping your toe in the rose-coloured pool, the options are endless for incorporating this trend into your closet this spring/summer!
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]]>The post Celebrating Montreal 375: What to See and Do appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>Over the next month, we plan to…
Embrace what’s left of winter at Montreal en Lumière. This event is a testament to Montrealers’ spirit, which is not to sacrifice a good time just because the temperature is sub-zero! Held at Quartier des Spectacles, this annual event is part of the city’s Alive 375 schedule, so be prepared to see the usual showcase reach new heights this year. The line-up includes shows and concerts, delicious food in a Lyonnais theme and a new Illuminart installation. Also, on March 4th Nuit Blanche will bring art exhibits and activities to the streets of the city.
Take an evening stroll around Old Montreal to see Cité Mémoire. This event has been running for a few months now and it is truly captivating. Projections of characters are cast against walls, trees and sidewalks, with each one telling a different story from Montreal’s history. For a more immersive experience, you can also download the Montreal en Histoires app and listen to the soundtrack that narrates the visuals. Grab a bite at one of your favourite Old Port restaurants, get a hot beverage to go and take a trip back in time along the cobblestone streets.
Music lovers are sure to enjoy ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. This opera based on Pink Floyd’s classic ‘The Wall’, will be making its world premiere here in Montreal in March. They say Roger Waters of Pink Floyd first got the idea for this project after a concert at the Olympic Stadium in 1977!
Local brands are also getting into the spirit with special 375 themed products. We plan on rocking a Bleury toque and Jarry scarf to combat the cold while showing off our city pride. Design Montreal has also created several products exclusively for the anniversary including an illustrated box set of greeting cards full of fun Montreal-themed designs including the Habs, bagels and various city landmarks and branded stuffed animal beavers for the little ones.
We’ll be checking in with you throughout the year to share what Alive 375 events we’ve set our sights on. Get your agendas ready because we have a feeling that your social calendar is going to fill up fast this year!
Featured Image credit: LoogArt
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]]>The post Love is in the air: Canadian Influencers Share their Tips for a Sizzling Night in Montreal appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>What to wear, where to eat, and how to enjoy the company of a loved one. Whether you are heading out for a romantic night on the town or having a Valentine’s Day celebration with your girlfriends, these experts have got you covered!
1. What is your go-to beauty look for a date night?
Red lips and a smoky eye. I actually started using red lipstick only a few months ago and am currently obsessed.
2. What style advice do you have for women looking to feel confident when meeting someone new for a date?
Do not wear something too tight, too revealing or too plungy (at the neckline). Anything that looks great on you only when you are not moving is a bad idea! Make sure you feel comfortable first, you’ll already be prettier and sexier!
3. What would you plan for a daytime date in Montreal?
I would go for a walk in the Old Port. There you can find cute coffee shops, have a bite or do some shopping. The streets of Old Montreal are so interesting and romantic.
4. Red roses or a box of chocolates?
Roses. Although I love chocolates, I think roses are the ultimate luxury!
5. Favourite love song?
”Quand on n’a que l’amour” from Jacques Brel. I have a thing for French crooners.
1. Which would you choose to make your date night look pop? Bold makeup or bold jewellery?
Bold makeup. My style is pretty simple, I rarely wear jewellery at all.
2. What is your favourite outfit for a date night?
Something casual and comfortable like a loose top and a skirt or a v-neck cami and low waist jeans. A date for me implies food and food can imply going up a pants size in one evening so being comfortable after dinner is pretty important if you eat a lot like I do!
3. Favourite Montreal coffee shop to snuggle up with your valentine on a cold night?
Crew Cafe (for the couches)
4. What would your ideal evening date in Montreal look like?
It would start at a cafe (can’t skip Montreal’s amazing cafe scene) to leave some space for small talk, then moving on to dinner after. It would probably end up with a walk in Old Port and movies or something completely improvised.
5. Favourite love song?
I don’t usually listen to love songs so I don’t have a favourite but I mainly like the sadder ones for some reason… so I’d say Photograph by Ed Sheeran.
1. What’s your go-to date outfit?
A suit is a gentleman’s armour. I would avoid overdressing though to not overshadow my date. My choice would be a charcoal two-piece suit or a contrasting light grey blazer and black trousers with no tie and an eye-catching pocket square and lapel pin.
2. What’s your Valentine’s Day dinner restaurant pick?
I rarely get to eat Italian, so I would bring my date there. Or I would bring her to some nice Korean restaurant.
3. What local activity would you recommend for a first date?
I do not enjoy sitting and watching a movie. I would rather interact with my date. I would take her ice skating in the winter or for a nice walk/coffee shop when the weather gets better.
4. Date night drink of choice?
I love red wine. That would be my choice. But for a more casual talk, I’d open a bottle of Glenlivet 12 or some cranberry vodka (I do like Belvedere).
5. Favourite love song?
Personally, I do not have a love song I like. But I do prefer smooth RnB like True Colors from The Weeknd
1. What is your favourite outfit for a date night?
You can never go wrong with a jumpsuit or jumper with nice back detailing.
2. What would your ideal evening date in Montreal look like?
A dinner in a trendy restaurant (Cadet for example), followed by a walk in our beautiful city!
3. Favourite Montreal coffee shop to snuggle up with your valentine on a cold night?
4. Which would you choose to make your date night look pop? Bold makeup or bold jewellery?
Bold Makeup
5. Favourite love song?
All of Me from John Legend
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]]>The post How to Unplug, while Maintaining your Online Identity appeared first on Suite 203.
]]>Going out for a walk or run without your phone is a great way to incorporate some tech-free moments into your day. We wouldn’t recommend heading out the door ‘sans phone’ when you have an urgent phone call scheduled, but this outing will serve as a great reminder that most things can wait for 20 to 30 minutes, without your response. Another great idea when you’re out for dinner: place everyone’s phone in a pile on the side of the table and leave them there. Sure, you may not capture a #foodgram but you’ll really enjoy your meal and your company, without distraction.
Whether you are planning to post a story on Instagram, reply to comments on a Facebook post, or respond to unread emails, schedule specific blocks of time to focus on these tasks and stick to them. This way you can give your full attention to the tasks at hand, but move on when time is up. You will find you are more productive when you are plugged in, allowing more engaged time with your family or friends in your off-time.
Have you ever checked your phone convinced that it is vibrating, only to see that nothing was there? We have too! While our phones and laptops are essential parts of our everyday communication and work lives, many of us have developed the habit of checking our phone for no reason. On top of this, we can all attest to spending hours on an app, or social network without any productive outcome. Tools like Freedom and Self Control have been set up for this exact purpose. Calls or texts can still come in, but you can block access to specific applications, to help maintain productivity and minimize distractions.
We hope these tips will help you fulfill your resolution to ‘unplug’. Electronic devices and social media are a huge part of our lives and allow us to maintain an online identity, but embracing your time apart from them is just as important.
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