Here's how I protect myself on social media even though I own a Digital Marketing Firm and my life revolves around these platforms. Taking these steps will help you be more in control of your experience, help with productivity, and help protect your mental health. 

​Ashley's 2-Week Challenge
 
Scroll with Mindfulness 

For 2 weeks, use social media very consciously. Instead of scrolling for what interests you, be mindful of each post. Stop and ask yourself "how does it make me feel"? Stressed? Anxious? Anger?

Take this time to evaluate posts from:

• People
• Brands
• Companies
• Groups

When you come across things that don't make you feel good - even if it's a post you agree with (hello politics) - mute or snooze it. You don't need to unfriend or unfollow forever, but you can mute or snooze the person or brand who's posting. Remember ... even if it’s an account or post that you agree with, if it's giving you feelings that don't align with what you consider to be healthy ... then it needs to be out of sight (at least for a while).

Keep evaluating, snoozing and muting for 2 weeks. The second week will come with a whole new set of people, pages, and groups you probably forget about, so you'll need to do the process again. 

Protect Your Posts 

If you're like many people you also have friends, connections, and family who you DON'T want to see your good news either. When you move forward and take big steps in your life, there are people that will come to mind and you'll think “What will they think?” “What will they say about me?” - Get rid of them! Restrict them from seeing what you post (the "restrict" option is on Facebook).  

Set Your Phone Up For Success

When it comes to staying off social media, your phone can be your worst enemy! Turn off all notifications from social apps - trust me, you'll feel so much better! You're not going to miss a thing. You'll still be playing on your phone before bed anyway (right???), so don't worry, you'll still see all of these notifications once you actually open the app. 

Turn off:

• Push notifications (sounds, vibrations, and alerts in your notification area)
• App icon badges (shows a number on the app logo)

​Go one step further and choose a few apps to completely detox from. Remove them from your phone all together for a period of time. Most social platforms can still accessed online, so you can pull them up on your computer if you really need to get in.

• Try to cut your use of social apps in half
• Keep only 1 or 2
• Uninstall the rest

 
Look for these options on each platform 

Facebook

• Unfollow
• Block
• Snooze for 30 Days
• Use the “Friends except…” list (restricted list) when you post- see your lists here: https://www.facebook.com/friends/friendlist

 
Instagram

• Turn off Commenting
• Hide
• Unfollow

 
TikTok

• Not Interested
• Unfollow
• Block

 
Twitter

• “Who can reply” settings
• Not Interested
• Mute
• Block
• Unfollow

 
All Platforms

Remember, you can report offensive content. Don't hesitate to report it. 

Also ... it’s an algorithm! Whatever you click on, watch, share, like, or comment on will be what you see more of. You do NOT have to watch or read or reply to content that's sent to you from other people. If you know it's nothing you care for then just ignore it!   

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners are not (yet) in a place where they can spend thousands a month on a digital marketing firm, however they still need guidance and a plan to follow. I've always still wanted to connect with this audience and help them, so that's why I created this class! I've been getting great feedback so far!

• This is the best social media class I've ever taken!
• Whatever you're selling, I'm totally buying!
• I love how you're funny and your teaching style is relaxed. 
• Wow this is a lot of information and all of it is what I needed! 
• I've attended other classes and have NEVER been taught this before!
• Oh crap! I never thought of that and now that you say it, almost  no one is doing it! I can't believe I've been leaving that out ...

The events are listed on Eventbrite -sign up if you're needing help in this area! I love meeting new people and hearing about their businesses and their goals. I also have a Facebook group that everyone is welcome to join after the class where we continue sharing ideas, asking each other for help, and promoting each other when asked. 

Here's the class description

𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭? 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲? 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬.

This class was designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are ready to take big leaps toward growing sales and clients, but aren't ready to invest thousands with a digital marketing firm just yet.

In just 60 minutes, we'll have your social posts and marketing promos planned for the next 30 days.
Plus, learn the SECRETS to quickly writing AMAZING social posts and video scripts designed to stop your audience from their mindless scrolling and start a connection with YOUR BUSINESS.
By attending the workshop, you'll get:

• Direction to quickly set you on the golden path toward sales, growth and changing your business forever
• A writing class that will open up the heavens and allow the angels to sing inspiration directly into your ear

It's February and we are feeling the LOVE! The new year came in like a whirl wind and suddenly it's the second month of 2022! We wanted to slow down, press pause on our busy lives, and take a few minutes to just say "THANK YOU" to everyone who's helped our business grow this year.​

THANK YOU for supporting our growth. When you're an entrepreneur or small business owner, your family gets what's left of you at the end of the day. It can be hard for them sometimes as they wait for us to get off the phone, close our laptops, or walk into the front door. We know that following a dream can have some sacrifices along the way and we're so grateful for the support and love from our families.

​​Sony, Lukas, Emma, and Nova - I love you!

Thank you to everyone who has us feeling so #blessed and #loved! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! ​

​Keeping the spark alive with your marketing efforts can feel like a lot of thankless, never-ending work when you’ve fallen into the same, dull routine. (It’s ok, you can admit your feelings to Mama Ash.) If your marketing plan doesn’t give you that tingly feeling then it probably isn’t getting your audience all hot and bothered either.
​
Use these ideas to spice things up.

There are ways to start a low-cost appreciation program. You can …

• Post a picture of a customer/client and tell your audience why you appreciate them. Plus give them a discount/gift after featuring them.
• Create a points program where customers/clients earn free gifts and discounts.
• Follow up sales with a coupon for their next purchase.
• Create a VIP newsletter list for customers/clients so they can learn about discounts first (give them a few days head start to use the coupon before the general public). 

​Everyone loves free stuff (literally everyone). Host a giveaway this month with a Valentine’s Day theme. Something as simple as a “We love your customers” theme where you give a product or service away to a winner each week of the month. 

This is a fun play off those annoying people who always brag about their relationships online. Instead of talking about a personal relationship, you’re going to pair together the following …

• Customer need + one of your products or services = bliss
  • Example for a coffee shop: Busy Monday morning + 25% off a latte = the best morning commute you’ve ever had!
• 2 of your products/services and how they go well together (your customers should purchase both!)
  • Example for a coffee shop: New coffee cake muffin + 25% off a latte = A euphoric experience so full of flavor, you’ll need some privacy. 

I can tell these ideas are like a marketing aphrodisiac to your content calendar! (Maybe I’m just reading into things?) Use these ideas to get started RIGHT NOW before the goosebumps go away!
​
I can’t help you with your love life, I can’t draw you like one of those French girls, but I CAN help you with your marketing:

• Book a 30-minute consult if you're chasing the "rush" that comes with good digital marketing.
• Bliss-out with feelings of delight and relief that only a good marketing plan and a great message can bring.
• Compete with the goliaths in your industry by downloading my free digital marketing workbook and building your own strategy today.
• Grow your business, yourself, and stay relevant in a busy world with free daily text messages.

Starting Monday, December 6th we will be posting tips and ticks for 12 days. Enjoy!

Marketing friends, if you don't have a content calendar then you need to create one today! If you're wondering where to even start, then start here: patreon.com/thatdigitalrush.

​The January 2022 calendar is already out. Sign up today so you can catch up on December and start planning for January!

1. Visit best-hashtags.com to find potential #hashtags. You're looking for keywords to help your posts get more eyeballs on them, but also looking for keywords that will help you find more conversation to join.

2. Take your list and then move on over to each social platform to refine it. Search each of your hashtags to see what kind of conversations are happening and decide if you want to be a part of them. Keep adjusting the hashtag until you find the right collection for your business!

3. Keep your list of hashtags ready so you can include them in your social posts.

4. Make this an ongoing process so you don't miss new hashtags that pop-up.

When working in the world of digital marketing, you're going to come across weird stuff every single day. You're going to have questions about algorithm changes, why videos aren't uploading the way they used to, why certain functions are missing on social platforms. Search for groups to join so you can collaborate with others just like you!

Are you ready to tackle TikTok? It's a great place to be with your business (even B2B!). Creating videos with appropriate sounds can sometimes be a challenge. While you can't jump into every TikTok challenge if you don't want certain language or themes to associated to your brand, there are still plenty of sounds to use! And when the theme is right for you - jump on the latest trend. You can find new trends in the "Discover" area on TikTok.

Use these sounds to get started with TikTok

​Click on the link to listen to the sound and then watch a few of the videos for ideas. I provide the sounds, it's up to you to come up with the ideas!

This one is fun! The first part of your video is someone making a point, solving a problem, making a quick how-to, enjoying food/product, or showing off. The end of the video is a little dance (it's easy to do!). 
​
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VUdPuC/

Here are a couple examples for a quick look: 

This sound lists out days of the week. Use it to showcase your many products, services, recipes, styles, etc. 

Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VUMdFc/

Here are a couple examples for a quick look: 

Promote your product / service and the problem it's fixing. Most of the videos in the trend are about bad things happening, but yours will be the opposite! 
​
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDw2Ww/

Here are a couple examples for a quick look: 

Make a benefit statement about your brand. End with a little dance.

Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDTvgd/

Here are a couple examples for a quick look: ​

Get ready to have fun, strut your stuff, and show off how amazing your business is. 

Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VU6461/

Here are a couple examples for a quick look: ​

TikTok can be intimidating when you first get started. The best advice is to just get started! ​

If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing! ​

Making big moves in life can come with a full heap of anxiety. Especially if you're trying new things like gives speeches, networking, going back to school ... the list goes on. I really like how this video breaks down our responses to anxiety and how we can start to be in control of it. 

Yeah, so, this left me going "huh?" But it was still interesting enough to mention. Read more about this interesting new flavor on cNet or just go straight to the store to see if it's available in your area. Who's willing to try it? Who's willing to actually buy merchandise around this new Dew flavor??? 

This brought up a question I've never thought of before ... do I actually want to DRINK all of the flavors I like? I love Funyuns, but I'd never drink the flavor ... but if it was a hearty soup? Sign me up.

I'll admit, I'm not great at small talk. My personality goes straight into weird topics and TMI topics. Ask me about the weather and I'll tell you about the time when I was 17 and I had to run to the basement during a tornado. I was topples, wearing only underwear because it was super hot in my bedroom (old farm house) and ended up awkwardly standing next to my sister's boyfriend who was still there late at night. And I now go to bed FULLY dressed each night with a huge fear of being naked in public. 

​Anyway, so I'll read this article from CNBC.com a few times myself because guys, I need it.

Walking around with the weight of toxic people on your shoulders? One conversation can ruin your day. Use these tips to help! 

If you're frustrated with your website or just wondering what you can do to make it work harder for you, then start here! You're not alone in learning what works and what doesn't. These mistakes are common and I'm almost always recommending these changes to clients. You're in good company as you keep hustling to improve your marketing platforms and starting with your website is vital! 

We're humans. You have to tell us what to do. Every.Single.Time. A call to action (CTA) is a statement or blurb that tells your audience how to take advantage of all the benefits you've been touting about your business. Or if they're already on your website and reading about the benefits, it can serve as a reminder to buy what you're selling before they leave your site. 

You wouldn't believe how many sales are lost just because a business owner didn't have a call to action (think of it like a mini 5 word sales pitch) in front of their website visitor. For example ... what if I'm 3-pages deep into your site and love what I'm reading? That would be a great time to have a call to action in front of me. It would remind me to buy what I'm reading about and take advantage of those benefits myself.

Go through your website and look at it from an outsider's point of view. Can your visitors quickly buy what you're selling wherever they are on your website? Read more about call to actions here.

We're humans. We want instant gratification and instant confirmation. So good grief - create some landing pages already! Have you seen someone promote something on social media and you click, so excited to learn more, only to land on their home page or a webpage chock-full of tons of STUFF that you have to sort through to find what you're looking for? I see it all the time. 

This is true wherever you're promoting your products and services (social media, email, podcast, etc.). When you talk about a topic or benefit statement and include a link, the user wants to see that exact statement or topic at the very top of the webpage they visit. They want to know they landed in the correct place, they want the benefit statement reinforced, and they don't want to scroll or search for it. Here's a great layout for landing pages you can use today. 

We're humans. We want more of everything as often as we can get it. Blogs are an excellent way to:

• Add keywords to your website
• Reinforce your expertise in the industry
• Talk about topics that are relevant to your products and services
• Most importantly, connect with your audience

If you don't have a blog yet, then I recommend you start one! You don't have to post everyday. Start with once a month. Then move to twice a month. Then keep adding more as you can. They don't need to be long and don't need a ton of professional photos. Just start with what you have for now. 

Here are topic ideas to help you get started:

• Employee spotlight
• Product spotlight
• Product/service "concerns" with answers for those concerns
• Top how-to questions for your products/services with answers 
• Holiday posts (sales, how a product/service can be used for the holiday, etc.)
• Personal stories (how you got started, motivation for your readers, etc.)

We're humans. We're constantly looking for connection, especially before we spend money. This tip is very important for small-to-medium sized businesses and those who provide "services" ... your "About Me" page is going to be read, guaranteed. What's on yours? Do you have one? You should have an "About Me" page with at least a professional bio. It would be great to add personal touches as well (only give as much personal info as you want. You need to feel safe, too!). You could add a paragraph about why you started your business. Some other personal touches could be: hobbies, projects you're working on, vacations you've taken, how many kids/grandkids you have, etc.

Pick one of these items to tackle each week until you've successfully overhauled your website. Need help? Contact us today! We'll conduct an audit and help you prioritize your to-do list. 

If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing! ​

Not for the faint of heart, that's for sure! With videos like "Rat House of Horrors" we can see how @crimescenecleaning on TikTok has 4.2 million followers. It's morbid and gross and I'll admit, entirely entertaining!  Watch the interview on Vice and find out why people are so obsessed. 

Pinterest is helping creators turn clicks into cash! Learn more from TechCrunch.

The Hoth has created a wonderful visual that breaks down the perfect sales page that will help you convert leads and boost site traffic. Click on the image above to see the full visual. 

What would you say if you only had 2 minutes to introduce yourself and explain why you're amazing??? Coming up blank? That's totally normal! Use these tips to make sure you're ready next time. 

Your social handle is your username on social media. You want these to match as closely as possible. Ideally they will match your business name, but if it's taken by someone else then find something as close as possible and make sure they all match. 

Visit each of your social accounts and look them with the fresh eyes of a stranger. Is everything on-brand? Do your colors, fonts, and photos have a similar look and feel? If you're using a headshot, is it professional? Does your cover photo have a call to action or a benefit statement? Does it help tell your story? Make updates accordingly! 

If someone goes to your social profile, will they quickly find a way to contact you? This could be a link to your website, to a scheduling platform for your calendar, or your phone number. Don't make your audience work hard to contact you! 

Why would someone want your products and services? Quickly state the benefit of doing business with you. This is a bit harder because you usually have to stay within a certain character limit, but it's totally worth the work and edits! This will set you apart from your competition. 

Emojis are great for visual story telling! Look through emojipedia.org to find the best ones for your business and include them in your social bio. They are attention grabbing and will help tell your story! 

Hashtags are like keywords for your bio, plus they also stand out visually which is great for those just scanning your bio. 

Download the PDF so you can start checking these updates off your list!