Since social media’s domination of the marketing landscape, businesses have become incapable of prominently succeeding offline. But what if your business is already online? How do you leverage the most relevant social media platforms for your line of work? People interact with, purchase from and come back to businesses they trust. I help you accomplish that by making sure to lead you towards sharing your expertise, thoughts, vision and, of course, story online.
In recent years, social media has been used to raise the voices of people and groups who aren’t usually heard. Online platforms have been used for activism and raising awareness on important issues, like climate change. When it comes to women, their relationship with social media is complicated. However, we must recognize social media’s potential in advocating for women. There are at least 4 social media campaigns that have recently succeeded in helping to empower women.
Me Too Movement
In 2017, the hashtag #MeToo spread like wildfire on social media after influential men in Hollywood were exposed for committing sexual crimes. Over time, the hashtag became a movement that empowered women to speak up and share their experiences. It even began a global conversation around women’s rights and safety at work. Four years later, we can measure the real-life impact of the movement that started on social media as a trend. For example, female representation in the film industry has increased, helping to address the gender inequalities that lead to abuse.
Instagram vs Reality
The trend “Instagram vs Reality” started around 2018, when women would share side-by-side photos of themselves on Instagram for comparison. The first photo would be staged and edited to hide flaws, the second photo would be more natural and relaxed. While these posts could try to be funny, they also promoted body-positivity on social media.
Black and White Challenge
The “black and white challenge” of 2020 began in Turkey to raise awareness on cases of femicide (the killing of women and girls based on their gender). Women would post black and white photos of themselves on Instagram and nominate other women to do the same. The challenge soon started circulating among female celebrities, helping to reach a larger audience. Not only did the challenge highlight a local issue affecting women that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, but it united women around the world in support for one another.
#DoNotTouchMyClothes
In September 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, undoing years of progress on gender issues. Afghan women abroad went on social media to protest the Taliban’s oppression of women back home. Using the hashtag #DoNotTouchMyClothes, women shared pictures of themselves in colorful traditional dress to protest against women being forced to wear black burqas.
Technologies that once seemed like a stretch of the imagination are now at our fingertips. In 2021, digital innovations, like virtual reality (VR), are available to businesses, who try to keep up with these trendsto remain relevant and competitive. This is not always an easy task to do, as businesses can be overwhelmed by all the quickly emerging trends. Here are 5 of the most important digital trendsthat businesses need to keep an eye on.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR technology allows its users to immerse in a 3D environment and experience it as if they are there. The most obvious use for VR is entertainment and gaming. With VR, you’re able to explore fantasy worlds, attend concerts, watch sports games, and visit tourist sites in a more engaging way. Besides entertainment, VR has practical uses for businesses, such as safety simulations and staff trainings in fields like interior design. Promisingly, VR has the potential to revolutionize our online shopping experience. Imagine being able to browse products in virtual stores that simulate real-life ones, all from the comfort of your home.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs are websites that provide users with a similar experience to that of native apps downloaded through an app store. No installation is required with PWAs, as they are available via web browser. Benefits of PWAs include fast load time and reduced device storage, with features that closely resemble those of native apps, like push notifications and offline browsing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to technology that is capable of accomplishing tasks typically associated with intelligent life. The benefits of AI include its ability to process large amounts of data in a manner more efficient and detailed than humans can. For example, AI chatbots can handle more customer service cases and respond faster than workers, all while simulating human speech using NLP. AI can also help with targeted marketing and the personalization of user content, driving up engagement. Overall, AI benefits both the internal and external processes of a business, automating certain tasks and making the work easier.
Voice & Visual Search
Growing in popularity are voice and visual search as alternatives to typed search. A voice search feature allows users to speak into their devices or to their virtual assistant (e.g., Amazon Alexa) to make an online query. Similarly, visual search is an internet search using pictures instead of words. Companies have already started developing image recognition technology, like Google Lens that allows you to “search what you see.” As per Gartner, early adopters of voice and visual search will increase their digital commerce revenue by 30%.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is a system of recording information that is very difficult to hack and corrupt. It is secure and doesn’t require an intermediary, like a bank, for a transaction to occur. While often associated with cryptocurrency, it is growing relevant to digital marketing. Among blockchain’s many benefits include the security of customer data and personal information, ad buying without mediators, and the detection of fraud.
With the arrival of the pandemic came a revolution in our understanding of the workplace. To escape the deadly virus, work had to be transferred online, away from the cubicles and office desks where one could come into close contact with other people. Some businesses found the transition awkward and difficult, but luckily for digitalenthusiasts like me, “online offices” were an already, at least partially, established practice.
My digital experience has taught me that online offices, for all their benefits, still require that attention be given to the “digitalteam.” In fact, employees working remotely might require more attention than regular workers because they tend to feel more isolated or easily distracted from work since face-to-face contact and supervision is limited.
Generally, it is up to the leader of the business to inspire connection, trust, clarity, as well as create a productive work environment through a well-developed employee management plan. This plan is just as important, if not more so, when you are running an online office. And if you are a woman leader, your job becomes extra challenging, as you go against gender stereotypes trying to assert yourself, all while inspiring employees and motivating them to work through online channels.
I bet you are as afraid as I am of miscommunication, which can easily occur online, or of coming off as “bossy” and “demanding” to the team. you might also be worried about employee work progress in this digitalmoment. But never fear, I have some tips based on years of experience that can help you successfully manage your digitalteam:
Establish rapport. Communicate the strengths and unique skills of each individual. Express appreciation for the team, as well as the importance of their contributions to the success of the business. Make them feel involved, committed, and value.
Provide honest feedback. Whether feedback is positive or negative, it is necessary to communicate it to maintain or improve someone’s job performance. That said, honest feedback does not need to be harsh and threatening. It should focus on constructive criticism and guidance on how to improve performance.
Celebrate success. Celebrate success on an individual and group level, acknowledging and rewarding teamwork especially. When working on projects together, step back and allow the employees to take ownership of the work, present it, and take the credit for success. Remember that their success is also your success.
Allow members to pursue their goals. Encourage employees to pursue their goals through your business, allowing them to be creative at work and to choose projects they are passionate about. So long as company and employee goals align, and client value is achieved, then there should be no problem in aiding employees in their professional pursuits.
Tolerate failure. To err is human and there will be times when a team member struggles or fails to deliver. It is important to tolerate occasional slips and know how to handle failure when it occurs. Work together with employees to examine the failure and take steps to turn them into an opportunity to improve overall processes and procedures. Encourage your employees to try again and support them to succeed.
Hold team members accountable. Maintain clear expectations and hold team members accountable when expectations are not met. Expectations that cannot be compromised should be explained clearly during interviews and reinforced in orientations and monthly team meetings. For example, a priority of mine is customer service and I make sure my whole team knows this. If a customer voices a complaint, I have a candid conversation with the team to address these concerns. If the problem persists despite all efforts, leading to more complaints, disciplinary measures are taken.
Empower your team. Empower your employees to make decisions on their own without having to refer to you about every detail. They should enjoy a degree of independence in their positions, as well as know that their opinions and thoughts are valued in the workplace. Not sharing ideas and thoughts in a team can actually hinder progress.
Reserve one hour for a team catch up. Dedicate an hour in the week where everyone can jump online for a team call to ask questions, share tasks requirements and achievements. This online catch up makes your team feel involved in all company projects and goal achievements, where they are not just limited to what is required of them to do.
To recap, how you manage your team is a crucial part of running your business. The points listed above become especially true and necessary if most of the work is done online. Don’t allow remote work to come between you and your digitalteam, as there is no real reason to for the team to grow apart. Technologies can be used to complete tasks, as well as reinforce communication in a manner that creates healthy work relations and a happy, productive online office.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous facets of our day to day lives have been negatively affected. From the world’s economy and health care systems to businesses and profits, this crisis has harshly halted the steady growth the world has always been accustomed to witnessing. But more specifically, women in businesses have been facing numerous challenges finding the suitable resources to establish and grow their presence in the workplace.
Entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, have also been suffering from the hardships the pandemic has caused. The simple and quick solutions they used to adopt to help maintain their businesses and succeed have become less and less available and profitable.
At this point, the pandemic has moved beyond the health crisis and has turned into a challenge for the labor market. But how do women entrepreneurs around the world overcome this long-lasting obstacle?
Women All Around the Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned most businesses towardssocial mediaand adopting an online presence. Every woman around the world had to shift her business to survive, despite the fact that some might not have been ready or knowledgeable enough to take on this huge step.
An online business requires a various number of upkeeping and focus to succeed. From leveraging the business’s online presence, social media, website and sales to online social events and promotions, women entrepreneurs need to make sure they have all the necessary tools to ensure they keep profiting off their work.
Women in developed countries are opening up to this opportunity and the need for change to maintain their lifelong work and keep their business empowered and successful.
Despite all this, it is important to mention that many women around the world do not have easy access to these necessary tools to profit from these facilities and, in turn, the online world.
I find myself constantly thinking about business women in the Arab world, but more specifically Lebanese woman, who have been horribly affected by what can only be described as the worst and darkest time for women in the workplace this past decade. Not only do Lebanese women have to handle a health crisis but also a financial, economic and social crisis. The pandemic has created a long-term problem that women have to tackle when it comes to their businesses in terms of security, earnings, unclear costs of production caused by the unpredictability of the Lebanese currency as well as limited access to Internet, in a country that is already facing problematic political situations that lead to an unstable infrastructure development.
“Woman is the solution to poverty. Woman is education. Woman is hope for change. Woman is power at work. We can stand on our own and face obstacles together.”
Since the Lebanese Civil War, Lebanese women have put their minds together to restore what is left of the business world. While living in a vulnerable community, they have reinstated hope and faith in other women as well as empowered them to build a stronger career.
Unfortunately, the current situation leaves Lebanese women standing on unstable grounds, while attempting to be more productive and creative in a society that gives them little to no payback. They are forced to survive through this global economic war and local financial crisis by keeping their cash cow income strong to protect themselves in the case of another threatening low-growth market.
Where Do Lebanese Women Go From Here?
I have trained women of all age groups so I know that no matter her professional field, her age or her social status, any Lebanese woman deserves to reserve her place in the global market to become a priority online. Living through a crisis does not mean that she needs to give up or retire. Every woman is capable to manage and master at least one or two platforms on social media.
If you are a Lebanese business woman suffering from the crisis, keep your digital presence growing to give you advantages in the global market and to be known around the world. You never know when you might find a business partner, an investor or even a potential client that would help expand your business globally.
In addition to that, it is important to keep in mind the various other services you could provide to people in these difficult times. Freelancing, coaching, selling products online and selling online services are some of the many different things you could add to your business to help make it more prosperous.
It is a time like any other to hold onto your passion and to prioritize it. Take the time to master social media techniques and profit from home through online methods. It might be a long road ahead, but it surely is profitable!
Check the different online packages I offer to motivate Lebanese women here. If you need to know more about further applications, let’s connect!
It is very important to remember that Digital Marketing is not a shortcut to earn money. It is significant to put in a good amount of time and effort to learn the basics before diving into it. When you start having a little experience online, you will start to find different ways to earn money. The more you are exposed to it, learn from it as well as practice it, the more you can make considerable earnings from your digital marketing techniques.
As a digital expert myself, my aim is to take on a new approach to strengthen and support women and their business journeys whether they want to grow their careers, pick up their startups online or run their own businesses from scratch. I want to empower women to feel more comfortable when starting a home-based business so they can focus on other aspects of their lives as well.
Given all this, I have created various digital training packages to help women find sustainable means of increasing their economic empowerment in this inevitable crisis. If this idea sounds daunting to you because you simply feel like do not know how to use social media at its full potential, chances are, changing your ways of thinking in your business will help you sell and succeed in completing your goals.
Start earning money online and I guarantee you that you won’t regret it!
Due to the fickleness of social media trends, it becomes quite difficult to anticipate what is going to reach maximum popularity year after year. Numerous prominent social media platforms and various websites and applications have hit large numbers of traffic without any prediction being made possible beforehand. Because of that, it is important to acquire and adopt specific strategies that will help in anticipating the best for your website.
To help you on your journey, I have gathered up the five main marketing strategies that should be adopted in 2021. There are several different factors you need to take into consideration in order to align your online activities with all your marketing needs. Update your social media strategies and be at the top of your marketing game online this new year by planning, anticipating and adapting to the new trends.
Set Your Goals
Before jumping into the creation of your social media accounts, you need to set your aim as well as discover your essential tools. These will give you a kickstart when furthering your reach to the public, building your fan base and growing your followers count. Here are a few samples of objectives that might be relevant to your plans.
• Make sure traffic towards your website increases by at least 50% each year
• Allow a yearly 60% increase in engagement with your website
• Set a minimum of 20% annual increase of revenue generated from your social media
These strategies listed above are just a few of the many significant goals you should set for yourself to allow your targets to be reached faster and your online brand to progress each year.
Choose Your Audience
When step one is complete and you have fully defined your goals, there comes a time where your audience should be identified, set and catered towards. The crowd that follows you are the people that will lead you to accomplish the set goals. This is why it is important to get to know your clientele quickly and to make sure your content works to your advantage.
Start off by identifying your current customer base. You need to focus on the targeted audience and identifying these clients will help you map out the steps you will need to take to expand your goals accordingly. If you do not know how to examine your customer base to find the right target, there exists a plethora of available online tools that will help you simplify the ways clients can reach you, attract future clients to your website and grow your brand. Some of these online tools include Google analytics, Facebook audience insight and LinkedIn analytics. Take advantage of these online channels to assure success in 2021.
Diversify Your Content
Every day, the number of Facebook users grow more and more. People are intrigued by the various diverse content that is available for them to read, watch or interact with for free. This is allowing the social media marketing trend to become more and more promising each day. Allow your clients to engage with your content by diversifying it and making it more interactive through the use of various available tools and materials.
Set a Budget
Before advertising, it is of high importance to specify and set a budget that you are willing to spend marketing your website. Depending on the amount your budget allows, divide it and spread it out throughout the year(s) and make sure to keep track of the results of your ads. Even if you feel like you will reach your goal faster if you spend more, never exceed your maximum budget since that will drastically affect the next year to come.
Publicize on Mobile
Numerous research studies have shown that people are tuned in with their mobile phones to the point where 68% have claimed to perceive vibrations from their devices despite not getting any notifications. Businesses have taken advantage of this reality by focusing on adopting strategies made specifically for mobile devices. Research claims that 33% of phone users use their phones for research while 49% of them use it for shopping. Do not miss the chance of expanding your following as well as growing your business by making your website noticeable and mobile friendly.
Since the birth of social media, it has become apparent to everyone that these online platforms are the best places to publicize various content to succeed. Play on the side of the algorithms and create a website or a blog to take advantage of the success other websites have received online. Raise the traffic on your website and push your ranks on Google, since it is the most widely used search engine on the Internet and will solidify your website in the digital world.
Social Promotion and Anticipation: Best Strategies of 2021
