Social Media Predictions for 2025
What Are the Biggest Social Media Trends in 2025?
At Social Media Academy, based in Liverpool and London, social media is at the heart of everything we do. We keep a close eye on emerging trends and use them to develop our playbook for client social media success on every platform. By paying attention to the social media trends that will dominate 2025, you can set your social accounts up for their best year of engagement, performance, and reach yet.
Generating B2B Leads on the Right Platforms
More brands are focusing their efforts on social platforms that are most likely to engage B2B decision-makers, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Given that 80% of B2B social media leads originate from LinkedIn and 200 million Instagram users visit at least one business profile daily, becoming active on the right platforms can significantly increase your lead generation potential.
How to Adopt the Trend:
- Publish content across multiple platforms to increase your reach.
- Tailor content to each platform for improved click-through rates and engagement.
- Schedule posts for optimal engagement times on each platform.
- Include a link to a lead generation landing page in each social media bio.
- Quickly follow up with leads that interact with your content.
Social Proof
Social proof will be a cornerstone of social media marketing in 2025 as more users seek online reviews, customer testimonials, and brand posts shared by employees and customers to assess a brand's credibility and trustworthiness. Social proof is akin to seeing a queue outside a restaurant – it signals to prospects that if others are having success with your brand, they will too.
- 83% of customers would recommend a brand they follow on social media.
- 82% of consumers seek referrals and recommendations from their acquaintances before making a purchase.
- 95% of consumers read online reviews as part of their purchase decision-making process.
Establishing social proof is crucial as it influences a customer's likelihood of purchasing from, engaging with, or recommending your brand.
How to Adopt the Trend:
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and subsequently share them.
- Share client testimonials and case studies on social media.
- Share client success stories (with permission).
AI Integration
As AI undergoes rapid advancements, we anticipate its increased integration into how brands shape and steer their social media strategies in 2025. Expect to encounter more AI-generated content and captions for enhanced personalisation, AI integration with post scheduling and sharing platforms, and AI-driven engagement and analytics forecasts.
At Social Media Academy, we leverage powerful AI capabilities to drive our scheduling software, which ensures that every scheduled post is disseminated at the optimal time for engagement and reach on each individual platform (as you might expect, LinkedIn users exhibit higher activity on certain days and times compared to Instagram users).
We are also consistently releasing new features and tools, such as our AI Social Media Content Generator and Social Shuffle AI caption generator. With a simple prompt or an existing article, brands are able to craft compelling content and captions to share with targeted audiences across each social network.
How to Adopt the Trend:
- Utilise platforms that offer AI-driven features.
- Employ AI to create and share targeted content with maximum reach.
- Collect and analyse engagement data using AI.
Employee Advocacy & Personal Branding
Another trend impacting social media strategies for B2B brands in 2025 is the shift towards employee advocacy and personal branding. Encouraging your leadership and team members to share content that aligns with and amplifies your brand message will become an integral component of building a substantial, engaged following across social networks.
When your team members focus on developing their personal brands on social media, it can significantly enhance your company's social proof and influence, fostering trust and expanding your reach:
- Employee-shared posts receive 8X more engagement than brand posts.
- Employee posts achieve 561% greater reach than brand posts.
- Personal LinkedIn accounts can amass up to 400 connections monthly, whereas brands are unable to send connection requests, comment on individuals' posts, or join/post in groups.
How to Adopt the Trend:
- Encourage your leadership and employees to share company content on social media.
- Mentor team members who aspire to commence building personal brands on social media.
- Develop an employee advocacy programme, utilising a platform like Social Media Academy for one-click sharing, queues of pre-approved content, AI-driven scheduling and data features, and more.
Snackable & Ephemeral Content
Snackable, short-form content and ephemeral content that disappears after a set period will continue to drive the most engagement across social platforms. Creating Facebook and Instagram Reels or Stories, YouTube Shorts, and concise guides or lists to share on your social accounts will assist you in capitalising on these trends in 2025.
Today, 73% of consumers favour short-form content when researching products and services. Since 33% of the most-viewed Instagram Stories are posted by businesses, it is unsurprising that 74% of B2B marketers who are not yet utilising Instagram Stories intend to do so in 2025. Employ snackable and ephemeral content to educate, entertain, and connect with your target audience on social media.
How to Adopt the Trend:
- Create video teasers for upcoming product, webinar, or feature launches.
- Post brief, concise lists of tips or steps for utilising a product.
- Share 60-90 second Reels on product setup, how-to guides, or company culture.
Hopefully this isn't too mind numbing!! If we can help you to navigate your way around, please do contact us for a chat
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Have you ever walked into a sprawling, state-of-the-art gym for the very first time? You look around, and there it is: a dazzling array of equipment. Rows of treadmills, gleaming weight machines, complex resistance bands, and obscure apparatus you can't even name. You know these tools are designed to make you stronger, healthier, and more energetic. But without a clue where to start, which machine does what, or how to use them safely and effectively, it's not empowering – it's overwhelming . You might try a few things, feel awkward, and then just head home, perhaps never to return. This is exactly how many small business owners feel about Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools today. Just like that gym, the digital world is now packed with incredible AI apparatus. There are AI writing assistants (like the fancy new elliptical for your content), AI scheduling tools (your automated treadmill for social media), AI analytics dashboards (the smart scales that tell you what's really working), and countless others. Each one promises to make your business leaner, faster, and more effective. But without a plan, without guidance, and without someone to show you the ropes, these powerful AI tools can feel like a labyrinth of confusion. You know the potential is there to save time, boost your marketing, and streamline your operations, but how do you even begin? What's the right "workout" for your business goals? Which "machines" should you focus on first? That's where we come in!!! At Social Media Academy, we are your AI Trainers and Marketing Coaches. We don't just point you to the equipment and say "good luck." We understand the unique challenges of small business owners – limited time, stretched resources, and the need for clear, actionable steps. Just like a personal trainer builds a custom workout plan, and perhaps a comprehensive wellness and nutrition strategy, we will: Assess Your Business Needs: Help you identify the specific "muscles" (areas of your business) that need strengthening. Create Your Custom AI "Workout Plan": Guide you through the most relevant and user-friendly AI tools, showing you exactly how to use them for your social media and broader business operations. Provide Hands-On Coaching: Walk you through practical exercises, ensuring you build confidence and get real results. Develop Your AI "Wellness & Strategy Guide": Equip you with a clear roadmap to integrate AI into your daily workflow, helping you build a more efficient, productive, and ultimately, less stressful business life. You wouldn't expect to build your dream physique by randomly hopping on gym equipment. Don't expect to transform your business with AI without a guiding hand. Let us be your AI Personal Trainers. Together, we'll build an AI strategy that gets your business in peak condition, saving you time, boosting your marketing, and helping you reclaim your valuable energy.
Unleash Your Business's Smart Assistants: The Next Level of AI in Marketing As a small business owner, I know you wear countless hats. Juggling social media, email campaigns, website updates, and everything else can feel like a constant battle against time. You've heard about Artificial Intelligence helping with marketing, but what if it could do more than just write a quick post? What if it could actually think and manage entire sequences of tasks for you? This is where the idea of AI Smart Assistants comes in – it's the next big leap in making your business run smoother and more efficiently than ever before. Beyond Basic Automation: What Are AI Smart Assistants? You're probably familiar with automation that does one thing: "If this happens, then do that." But imagine having a digital team member who can understand a bigger goal and then figure out all the connected steps needed to achieve it, without you having to guide them through each tiny action. That's the power of these AI Smart Assistants. They're like new members of your team who can think, make decisions, and perform a series of linked tasks all on their own, across different parts of your online world. How These Smart Assistants Can Revolutionise Your Business Think about how much time you spend on repetitive, multi-step tasks. Here are just a few ways these clever AI assistants can transform your daily operations: Effortless Client Management: Imagine a new enquiry comes in through your social media. An AI Smart Assistant can automatically take that lead's details, create a new record in your client system, send them a personalised welcome email that sounds just like you, and even set a reminder for you to follow up later if needed. All done without you lifting a finger after the initial setup! Content That Works Harder: You create one great piece of content – say, a blog post. An AI Smart Assistant could then automatically adapt that content into several versions suitable for different social media channels, schedule them, and even suggest relevant images, ensuring your message reaches more people without extra effort. Streamlined Customer Service: For common questions, these assistants can not only provide instant, helpful answers but also take actions. For example, if a customer asks about booking, the assistant could check availability and even guide them through part of the booking process. Massive Time Savings: By handling these multi-step processes, AI Smart Assistants free you up from tedious admin work. This means fewer errors, less stress, and more time for you to focus on what you do best – running and growing your business. Level the Playing Field: For small businesses, this technology means you can operate with the efficiency and automation levels usually only seen in much larger companies, giving you a serious competitive advantage. Bringing Smart Assistants into Your Business The exciting part is that this isn't just a futuristic concept. Clever digital tools exist right now that can help you set up these multi-step, AI-powered workflows. In my coaching, especially in the Marketing Ecosystem Mastery course, I focus on guiding you through exactly how to build these smart systems. I'll show you how to connect different parts of your business's online presence, demonstrate real-world examples, and work with you to set up automations that genuinely transform your day-to-day. It’s about building a marketing engine that truly works for you, freeing up your time and driving consistent results. Ready to explore how AI Smart Assistants can transform your business? Let's chat about your unique challenges and how building a more efficient marketing ecosystem can help you achieve your goals. Book a Free Consultation Call with Phil
Over the years, working with countless small business owners and startups, I've come to realise that being a truly effective social media coach is about far more than just knowing how to post. It's a blend of deep understanding, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to empowering my clients. I often reflect on the key attributes I strive to embody every day to ensure I'm providing the very best guidance. 1. Staying Ahead of the Curve: My Deep Understanding of Social Media Platforms and Trends I pride myself on being relentlessly curious and constantly updated. I'm always diving deep into the latest platform changes, algorithm shifts, and emerging trends to ensure that every strategy I recommend is not just relevant, but cutting-edge and truly effective for my clients. The digital world never stands still, and neither do I. 2. It's All About Your Business: My Strategic and Personalised Approach For me, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution in social media. I believe a great coach collaborates closely with each client, taking the time to truly understand their unique business, their audience, and their specific challenges. Together, we define clear objectives, develop bespoke strategic plans, select the right platforms, and craft content calendars that genuinely align with their brand goals. My focus is always on building authentic relationships and emotional connections, not just pushing promotions. 3. Unlocking Your Creativity: My Content Expertise I love helping clients discover their own creative voice and produce content that truly resonates. Whether it's guiding them to create actionable tips, engaging how-to guides, compelling videos, or informative infographics, I ensure their content addresses their audience's pain points and fosters trust. It’s about making them stand out in a crowded online world. 4. Clear Guidance, Real Empowerment: My Communication and Coaching Skills My approach is built on clear, jargon-free communication. I break down complex social media concepts into easy-to-understand, actionable steps, ensuring my clients feel empowered and confident, not overwhelmed. I believe in active listening, asking the right questions, and being fully present to build strong trust and rapport, which is essential for effective coaching. 5. Making Sense of the Numbers: My Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities It's not enough to just post; we need to know what's working. I teach my clients how to interpret their social media analytics, identify what's performing well (and what isn't), and then adapt our strategies based on real data. It's about smart, data-driven improvements that lead to tangible results. 6. Building Real Connections: My Focus on Authentic Engagement Authenticity is at the heart of everything I teach. I guide clients on how to genuinely interact with their audience – responding thoughtfully to comments, messages, and mentions – to foster meaningful connections and cultivate a loyal community around their brand. It's about building relationships that last. 7. Proven Results: My Experience and Portfolio With years of hands-on experience managing social media accounts for diverse clients, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge to every session. My portfolio showcases real results, growth metrics, and successful campaigns, giving clients the confidence that they're learning from a proven track record. 8. Always Evolving: My Commitment to Networking and Continuous Learning The digital landscape never stands still, and neither do I. I'm committed to continuous learning, constantly adapting to new trends, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry. This ensures my clients always receive the most current and effective guidance possible. Ultimately, I see myself as more than just a coach; I'm a strategic mentor and a creative problem-solver. My goal is to provide personalised, value-driven guidance, foster authentic engagement, and continuously adapt to the evolving social media landscape to help my clients truly grow their presence and achieve meaningful results. It's incredibly rewarding to see them succeed.
For years, I chased the dream: that one magical app that would do everything. You know the one – CRM, task manager, invoicing, project tracker, all rolled into a single, glorious digital beast. It felt like the answer to all my organisational woes, especially with my ADHD brain. The reality? It ended up having the opposite effect. I'd jump in to add a simple task, and before I could even type it, my eye would catch a notification about an overdue invoice or a deal to chase. My brain would immediately jump ship, and the original task? Gone, vanished into the digital ether. It took me a long time to realise that for a brain that thrives on clear pathways and minimal distractions, the "all-in-one" solution was actually the enemy. My biggest breakthrough came when I embraced the idea of single-function apps . If an app's primary job is to manage tasks, that's all it does. No tempting sidebars, no flashing alerts from other modules. This approach has been a game-changer for my focus and productivity. It's about finding tools that work with my ADHD, not against it, by removing the constant invitation to get sidetracked. This simple philosophy has transformed how I manage my day, my projects, and ultimately, my business. Google's Dynamic Trio: Keep, Tasks & Calendar – When it comes to keeping my day running smoothly, I rely heavily on Google's suite of apps. They're straightforward, widely accessible, and crucially, they stick to their lanes. This "one app, one job" approach is a godsend for my ADHD brain, preventing the digital clutter that leads to distraction. 1. Google Calendar: Your Time Anchor Google Calendar is my digital diary. It's where every appointment, meeting, and time-blocked session lives. Why does it work? It's super simple and visually clear . When I need to add an event, I open Calendar directly, click the time slot, type it in, and add a reminder. Done. No other features to tempt me away. I also use colour-coding for different types of events (work, personal, client calls) for a quick visual overview, and I set up recurring events so I don't have to constantly re-add regular meetings. 2. Google Tasks: Your No-Fuss To-Do List For all my actionable items, Google Tasks is my go-to. It's exactly what it says on the tin: a simple, straightforward list . There are no fancy features to get lost in, which means I can get in, add my task, and get out quickly. I typically open it as a sidebar in my Gmail or Calendar, type the task, and add a due date if needed. For bigger tasks, I break them down into subtasks to make them less daunting. It's quick, efficient, and keeps me focused. 3. Google Keep: Your Digital Scrapbook Google Keep is my versatile space for quick notes, ideas, lists, and saving content. It's incredibly flexible and visually oriented , making it ideal for quickly dumping information without needing to organise it perfectly right away. I use it for jotting down sudden thoughts, creating simple checklists, or – and this is a big one – copying and pasting long articles or content I want to read later. This stops me from getting sidetracked by it right now. I use simple labels (like "To Read" or "Ideas") to easily find notes later, but I don't overcomplicate the system. Gemini: My AI Sidekick and Seamless Integrator For my AI needs, Google Gemini is my chosen agent. While tools like ChatGPT are powerful, Gemini's deep integration with the Google ecosystem is what makes it a game-changer for me, especially with my ADHD. It significantly reduces the friction of moving information between different tools. Gemini isn't just a smart AI that generates text or brainstorms ideas; it's also a fantastic digital assistant that directly interacts with my Google apps. Here's how I use it to keep everything connected: Adding to Calendar: If I'm chatting with Gemini and decide I need to schedule something, I can simply prompt it, "Add 'Client follow-up call at 10 AM tomorrow' to my Google Calendar ." It understands and creates the event directly. Adding to Tasks: Need to remember a new to-do? I just tell Gemini, "Add 'Research new social media trends' to my Google Tasks ." Or even more specific, "Remind me at 3 PM to email Sarah via @Google Tasks ." Saving to Keep: If Gemini generates a brilliant idea or I want to save a summary of a conversation it's helped with, I can instruct it, "Save this response to a new note in Google Keep ." This seamless flow means I can capture information and organise it almost instantly, without losing my train of thought or getting sidetracked by opening multiple apps. It's like having a super-efficient personal assistant who anticipates my next move and keeps everything tidy. Trello: Visualising My Projects (Without the Overwhelm) While my Google apps handle my daily tasks and quick notes, for more structured projects and collaborative work, Trello has proven to be an invaluable tool. It’s a visual project management platform that uses "boards," "lists," and "cards" to organise tasks. What makes it particularly effective for a mind like mine? It's highly visual . My brain loves to see things laid out in a clear, accessible way. This visual structure prevents the information overload that can come with complex projects, allowing me to focus on specific stages without getting lost in the details. Here’s how I use it to keep my projects on track: Separate Boards for Projects: To avoid overwhelming myself, I create a separate Trello board for each major project or client . This keeps everything contained and reduces visual clutter. Simple Lists: Within each board, I stick to very simple, intuitive lists. Typically, these are "To Do," "Doing," and "Done," or specific project stages like "Drafting," "Review," and "Published." This allows me to see progress at a glance. Cards for Tasks: Each individual task within a project becomes a "card." I keep the descriptions on these cards concise and to the point, avoiding the trap of getting bogged down in too much detail at this stage. Colour-coding and Due Dates: I use colour-coding for priority or type of task, and crucially, I set due dates on cards. These visual cues serve as powerful reminders and help me prioritise without needing to dig deep into each task. Trello provides that perfect balance of visual clarity and structured organisation, allowing me to manage larger projects effectively without falling into the "overwhelm" trap. Fireflies.ai & Zoom's AI Companion: My Meeting Memory Boosters Meetings can be a real challenge for many ADHD brains. We want to be present, engaged, and contribute, but also remember every key decision and action point. This often leads to frantic scribbling, missing crucial details, or simply feeling overwhelmed. That's where Fireflies.ai has been an absolute game-changer. Fireflies.ai is an AI tool that joins my online or even in-person meetings. It automatically records, transcribes, and summarises everything that's said. This means I no longer have to worry about taking detailed notes; I can fully focus on the conversation , listen intently, and participate meaningfully. It's truly liberating. Here’s how these tools have transformed my meeting management: Automated Summaries: After every call, Fireflies.ai sends me a concise summary, highlighting key decisions, discussion points, and most importantly, tasks assigned to each participant . This ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Searchable Transcripts: If I need to recall a specific detail from a past meeting, I can easily search the full transcript rather than relying on my often-forgetful memory or trying to decipher hurried notes. Prepared for Next Steps: Before any follow-up meeting, I quickly review the Fireflies.ai summary. This instant refresh ensures I'm always prepared, remembering exactly what was discussed and agreed upon previously. I'm currently trialling Zoom's recently added AI Companion which offers similar functionalities. The goal is to see if I can consolidate my tools and cut down on subscriptions, but the core benefit of automated, intelligent meeting notes remains invaluable. These tools aren't just note-takers; they're memory boosters that significantly reduce post-meeting anxiety and improve my overall productivity. Notion: The "Grown-Up" Experiment (Using it Wisely) So, I'm trying to be a "grown-up" – which, for me, means exploring tools like Notion . It's an incredibly powerful and flexible workspace for notes, tasks, project management, and databases. It promises to do everything, and that's precisely why I'm approaching it with caution! As I've learned, the "all-in-one" solution can quickly become overwhelming for my ADHD brain. My goal with Notion is to integrate it wisely into my existing suite of single-function apps, without falling into the trap of using it for every single thing. It’s a delicate balance, and I'm still in the process of finding the best way to make it work for me, rather than becoming another source of distraction. Here's my current approach to this "grown-up" tool: Single Purpose Focus: Instead of trying to shift all my daily tasks and quick notes into Notion, I'm consciously reserving it for very specific, more formulated processes that genuinely benefit from its powerful database capabilities. Linked, Not Overlapping: The aim isn't to replace my tried-and-tested Google suite or Trello boards. Instead, Notion is meant to complement them. I'm exploring linking information where appropriate, using it for things that benefit from a structured database (like content planning pipelines or detailed client onboarding checklists), while my quick, daily tasks remain firmly in Google Tasks. Controlled Integration: I'm deliberately taking my time to understand its features and how they can enhance, rather than complicate, my existing workflow. It's a careful experiment in leveraging its power without getting lost in its vastness. Notion offers immense potential, but for a brain like mine, the key is discipline and a clear understanding of its role within my overall system. It's a journey towards more sophisticated organisation, but one taken with careful, measured steps.
As a digital marketer or business owner, you're constantly looking for the most effective ways to drive results. When it comes to generating leads or sales, a common question pops up: Should I create dedicated landing pages for my marketing campaigns, or just add new pages to my main website? It's a great question, and while adding pages to your site seems simpler, a dedicated landing page strategy often wins out. What's the Big Deal About Dedicated Landing Pages? Think of your main website as a well-stocked department store. It has everything: product aisles, customer service, an 'about us' section, and directions to the restrooms. It's designed to inform and navigate. A landing page , on the other hand, is like a highly focused pop-up shop. It has one specific product or offer, a clear call to action, and nothing else to distract you from making that purchase. Here's why that focused approach is so powerful for marketing campaigns: 1. Laser-Sharp Conversion Focus This is the number one reason. A good landing page is built with a single goal in mind – whether it's getting someone to sign up for a newsletter, download an ebook, or book a consultation. No Distractions: Unlike your main website, a landing page typically strips away navigation menus, footers, and other links. This means visitors can't get lost or click away from the offer. It's all about guiding them to take that one desired action. Clear Call to Action (CTA): The "Sign Up Now," "Download Here," or "Get Your Free Quote" button is prominent and unambiguous. 2. Highly Targeted Messaging Imagine running a Google Ad for "eco-friendly dog food." If that ad sends users to your generic pet supply homepage, they might have to hunt for what they're looking for. However, if that ad sends them to a dedicated landing page all about your new eco-friendly dog food line, featuring testimonials, benefits, and a clear "Buy Now" button, the experience is seamless and highly relevant. You can tailor content to specific ad campaigns, audience segments, and even individual keywords, creating a far more personal and effective experience. 3. Unbeatable Measurability & OptimiSation How do you know if your marketing efforts are actually working? With dedicated landing pages, it's crystal clear. Precise Analytics: You can easily track how many people visited the page and, more importantly, how many converted. This allows you to pinpoint what's working and what isn't. A/B Testing Power: Dedicated landing pages make it much easier to test different headlines, images, calls to action, and layouts. This iterative process of A/B testing is crucial for continuously improving your conversion rates and getting more bang for your buck. 4. Agility and Speed to Market In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, being able to launch campaigns quickly is a huge advantage. Rapid Deployment: Building a new page on your main website can sometimes involve developers, design cycles, and multiple approvals. Dedicated landing pages can often be spun up in minutes or hours, not days or weeks. Independent Updates: Changes to a landing page don't risk breaking anything on your main website, allowing for quick tweaks and iterations. When Should You Just Add Pages to Your Main Website? While landing pages are kings of conversion, your main website is still vital. You should build pages directly on your main site for: Evergreen Information: "About Us," "Services," "Contact Us," blog posts, and detailed product/service descriptions that aren't tied to a specific, short-term campaign. SEO Value: Pages intended to rank organically in search results for a variety of keywords and contribute to your overall domain authority. Complex Functionality: If you need deep e-commerce integration, user logins, or intricate database interactions. Long-Term Content: Content that will remain relevant for an extended period. The Takeaway: A Smart Strategy for Modern Marketing Creating dedicated landing pages is absolutely a smart move for your clients' marketing campaigns. It empowers you to: Maximise campaign performance by creating focused, high-converting experiences. Be agile and responsive to market opportunities. Optimise continuously based on clear data. It's not about choosing one or the other; it's about understanding the strengths of each approach and using them strategically. Landing pages fuel your campaigns, while your main website provides the comprehensive home base for your brand.
Running your own business is a whirlwind, isn't it? You're juggling everything from serving your customers to balancing the books. And then there's social media… that never-ending to-do list of posts, updates, and trying to figure out what on earth to say. If the thought of another week glued to your phone, trying to keep up with Facebook, Instagram, and all the rest makes you groan, you're definitely not on your own. Many small business owners in places like Southport (and all across the UK, to be honest!) feel exactly the same. It can feel like a massive time sink, and sometimes you wonder if it's even worth the effort. But what if there was a way to make social media less of a chore and more of a helpful tool – without needing a degree in rocket science or spending a fortune on fancy tech? Enter AI: Your New Social Media Mate Now, we know what you might be thinking. "AI? Isn't that all robots and complicated computer stuff?" Well, yes, some of it is. But the good news is that there are now some really clever (but surprisingly simple) AI tools out there that can take a big chunk of the social media burden off your shoulders. Think of AI in this context as your new, super-efficient assistant. It can help you with tasks that used to eat up your precious time, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – running your business and serving your lovely customers right here in Southport (or wherever you are!). How Can AI Actually Help My Social Media? You might be surprised at just how many ways AI can lend a hand: Coming Up with Ideas: Staring at a blank screen wondering what to post? Some AI tools can help you brainstorm ideas based on your business, what's popular, and what your audience might like. No more creative block! Writing Your Posts: Not a natural wordsmith? AI can help you draft social media posts, making sure they sound engaging and get your message across clearly. You can then tweak them to sound just like you. Finding the Best Times to Post: Ever wondered when most of your customers are actually online? AI can analyse your audience and suggest the best times to share your content, meaning more people will actually see it. Scheduling Your Posts: Instead of having to manually post every single day, AI-powered tools can schedule your content in advance. You can sit down once a week, plan your posts, and let the AI take care of the rest. Imagine those extra hours! Keeping an Eye on Things: Some AI can even help you monitor what people are saying about your business online, so you can quickly respond to comments or questions. No Tech Head Required! The best part is that you don't need to be a tech whizz to use these tools. Most of them are designed to be really user-friendly, with clear instructions and simple interfaces. It's often as easy as typing in a few details about your business and letting the AI do its magic. Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What Matters Social media doesn't have to be a constant drain on your time and energy. By embracing some of these clever AI tools, you can: Save hours every week: Think about what you could do with that extra time – maybe focus on a new product, chat with more customers, or even just have a proper tea break! Be more consistent: Regularly posting engaging content helps you stay top-of-mind with your customers. Potentially reach more people: By posting at the right times and with engaging content, you're more likely to get noticed. Reduce stress: Take the pressure off trying to come up with content on the fly. Ready to Dip Your Toe in the AI Water? If you're a small business owner in Southport (or anywhere else in the UK!) who's feeling overwhelmed by social media, now might be the perfect time to explore how AI can help. It's not about robots taking over your business; it's about using smart tools to make your life a little bit easier and your marketing more effective. At Social Media Academy, we're passionate about helping small businesses understand and use these tools without the jargon. Keep an eye out for our upcoming resources and training on how to harness the power of AI for your social media – you might just be surprised at how much time you can save!
It seems like every business is talking about their AI strategy these days. But let's be honest, a lot of it is just fancy talk. They buy a shiny new AI tool, cross their fingers, and hope it magically transforms their social media. The truth is, AI on its own won't fix your marketing. What will make a difference is having a solid system in place, with AI working as a powerful tool within that system. The Problem with "Vibes-Based" AI We're seeing it all the time: businesses investing in AI writing tools, or AI analytics platforms, without any real idea how to use them effectively. There's no proper training for staff, no integration into their existing workflow, and no clear goals. They end up wasting money on software they don't understand, and their social media results stay stubbornly the same. AI Needs a System to Shine Think of AI as a turbocharger for your car. It can give you a massive boost, but it's useless without an engine, wheels, and a driver who knows where they're going. In social media, your engine is your overall marketing plan. This includes things like: Knowing your target audience inside out Having clear goals for your social media activity Creating a consistent flow of valuable content Engaging with your followers regularly Our Social Media Training: AI Integrated That's why our social media training course is different. We don't just throw AI tools at you and wish you luck. We provide a comprehensive framework – a 3-month marketing plan – that puts AI in its proper place. You'll learn: How to build a robust social media strategy from the ground up Which AI tools are genuinely useful for specific tasks How to integrate those tools seamlessly into your daily workflow How to measure your results and refine your approach over time Get Real Results, Not Just Hype We're focused on getting you tangible results: more engagement, a bigger following, and ultimately, more customers. It's about using AI strategically, not just for the sake of it. #MemeingfulMarketing What next?: Want to see how AI can really transform your social media? Book a free consultation to see how AI can change the way you work forever
In today's fast-paced digital world, social media is a crucial tool for businesses of all sizes. But managing it effectively can be time-consuming and overwhelming. What if you could achieve better results with less effort? That's where AI comes in. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is revolutionising how we approach social media marketing, offering powerful tools to automate tasks, analyze data, and create engaging content. At Social Media Academy, we offer specialised AI training to help you harness the power of AI and transform your social media strategy. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or the flexibility of Zoom sessions, our training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Our Proven AI Training Process We've developed a simple yet highly effective 3-step process to guide you through the world of AI-powered social media management: 1. Smart Social Check-Up The first step in our AI training is to understand where you are now. We'll conduct a thorough Smart Social Check-Up of your existing social media presence. This involves using cutting-edge AI tools to analyse your accounts, identify what's working well, and pinpoint areas for improvement. We'll uncover hidden gems in your data – successful posts you can replicate, optimal posting times you might be missing – and also highlight missed opportunities, such as untapped audiences or underperforming content. This data-driven approach ensures that our AI training is tailored to your specific needs and goals. 2. Putting AI to Work Next, we'll dive into the practical application of AI tools. This is where the magic happens! Our AI training will show you how to put AI to work for your business in meaningful ways. You'll learn how to: Create better content: Discover AI tools that can help you generate engaging captions, suggest relevant hashtags, and even design stunning visuals, saving you time and boosting your content's impact. Chat with followers automatically: Implement AI-powered chatbots to provide instant responses to customer inquiries, answer frequently asked questions, and build stronger relationships with your audience – all without sounding robotic or impersonal. Build systems that learn: Leverage AI algorithms that analyze your social media data to identify patterns and trends, allowing you to refine your strategy over time and continuously improve your results. We'll focus on practical, actionable strategies that you can implement immediately, regardless of your technical expertise. Our AI training emphasizes ethical and responsible AI use, ensuring you maintain a genuine connection with your audience. 3. Watch Everything Improve The ultimate goal of our AI training is to help you achieve tangible results. By implementing the strategies and AI tools you learn, you'll watch everything improve. You can expect to: See your follower numbers climb: Attract a larger and more engaged audience with AI-optimised content and strategies. Watch engagement rates soar: Increase likes, comments, and shares by delivering content that resonates with your target audience. Spend less time managing social accounts: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow, freeing up valuable time to focus on other aspects of your business. Our AI training empowers you to work smarter, not harder, and achieve sustainable social media success. Training Options: In-Person or Zoom We understand that businesses have different needs and preferences. That's why we offer our comprehensive AI training in two convenient formats: In-Person Training: We come to you, at your business premises so that all your tools are close by and we can discuss how AI tools can help you to achieve your goals Zoom Training Sessions: Enjoy the flexibility of learning from the comfort of your own office, with live instruction, Q&A sessions, and engaging virtual activities. What to do next?: Ready to transform your social media strategy with the power of AI? Contact us today or book a free consultation to learn more about our AI training programs and how we can help your business thrive.
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Hi everyone, I'm always looking for ways to help you streamline your business and free up your time. AI (Artificial Intelligence) might sound like something from a science fiction film, but it's actually becoming incredibly useful for small businesses like ours. There are now some amazing tools that can automate tasks, boost your marketing, and generally make life a lot easier. I've been doing some digging, and I want to share 10 of the most promising AI tools I've found. These are all designed to be helpful even if you're not a tech whizz, so don't worry if you're not particularly confident with computers! Tool 1: HeyGen Description: First up is HeyGen. In simple terms, HeyGen lets you create videos using AI avatars – those are like computer-generated people. Instead of having to film yourself or hire actors, you just type in what you want the avatar to say, and HeyGen turns it into a video. This is a really clever way to make training videos, marketing clips, or even just quick updates for your customers, without needing fancy equipment or any filming skills. Key Features: You can choose from a range of different AI avatars. It's really easy to turn text into a video – you just type, and the avatar speaks. Some versions let you create an avatar that looks like you (if that's something you're interested in!). It can speak in different languages, which is brilliant if you have customers overseas. Use Cases: Imagine creating a welcome video for new customers that feels really personal, without you having to be in front of the camera every time. If you need to explain a product or service, HeyGen can help you make a clear and engaging explainer video. It's also great for creating quick social media adverts. Pricing: It's worth having a go with the free trial to see if it's right for you. They have different monthly plans, depending on how many videos you need to make. The cost goes up as you need more videos or extra features. Personal Thoughts : I can see this being a big time-saver for creating those 'how-to' videos that so many of you need for your websites. I'm still getting my head around how realistic the avatars are! It's quite impressive, but it's important to use it in a way that still feels genuine to your brand. For small businesses on a budget, HeyGen could be a really cost-effective way to get professional-looking videos. Tool 2: ElevenLabs Description: Next up is ElevenLabs, which is all about creating realistic voices with AI. You can type in any text, and ElevenLabs will read it aloud in a very natural-sounding voice. What's even more amazing is that it can create an AI version of your own voice, or any other voice you want, which opens up some very interesting possibilities. Key Features: The voices sound incredibly lifelike – much better than the old computer voices we're used to. You can adjust things like the speed and tone of the voice. The voice cloning is the standout feature – it's a bit like making a digital copy of someone's voice. It works in lots of different languages. Use Cases: If you're creating audio versions of your website content for people who prefer to listen, ElevenLabs is ideal. For those of you creating online courses, this could save you hours of recording time. Imagine creating personalised audio messages for your customers using your own AI voice! Pricing: There's a free option to try it out, which is always good. The paid plans charge you based on how much speech you generate each month. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential for this to make online learning more accessible. The voice cloning is where it gets really interesting, but we do need to think carefully about the ethics of using this technology responsibly. For small businesses, ElevenLabs could be a quick and affordable way to add professional audio to your marketing or training materials. Tool 3: Gemini Description: Now, I'm sure you've all heard of Gemini! It's Google's latest AI model, and it's designed to be incredibly versatile. Think of it as a super-smart assistant that can help with all sorts of tasks – from writing emails to brainstorming ideas. What sets Gemini apart is its ability to understand and work with different types of information, like text, code, images, and more. This makes it really powerful for a wide range of business needs. Key Features: Gemini can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. It's designed to be very responsive and helpful, almost like having a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague. It's constantly being updated and improved, so it's only going to get better over time. Use Cases: Need help drafting a social media post? Gemini can do that for you. Stuck on what to write in an email to a difficult client? Gemini can help you find the right words. Want to brainstorm some new marketing ideas? Gemini can be your sounding board. It can even help you understand complex data or create reports. Pricing: Access to Gemini varies depending on how you want to use it. Some features are integrated into existing Google products, while others might be accessed through APIs or other platforms. It's best to check the latest Google AI announcements for the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential of Gemini to help small businesses with their marketing. It could be a game-changer for creating content and engaging with customers. What I love about it is how easy it is to use. You can just ask it a question in plain English, and it understands what you mean. For those of you who struggle with writing, Gemini could be a real lifesaver. Tool 4: AnswerThePublic Description: AnswerThePublic is a brilliant tool for understanding what your customers are really asking about. It basically shows you all the questions people are typing into search engines related to a particular topic. This is incredibly valuable for your marketing, as it helps you create content that actually answers your customers' needs and questions. Key Features: It generates visual 'search clouds' that show you questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related searches. It organises the data in a clear and easy-to-understand way. It helps you identify trends and patterns in what people are searching for. Use Cases: If you're writing blog posts for your website, AnswerThePublic can give you a wealth of ideas for topics to cover. It's great for planning your social media content – you can create posts that directly address your customers' questions. It can also help you optimise your website content to rank higher in search engines. Pricing: There's a free version that gives you a limited number of searches per day, which is a good way to try it out. The paid versions offer more searches and extra features. Personal Thoughts: I use this tool all the time! It's amazing for getting into the minds of your customers and understanding what they're struggling with. It's so much better than just guessing what people want to know – it gives you concrete data. For small businesses on a tight budget, the free version is a great starting point. Tool 5: Google Alerts Description: Google Alerts is a free tool from Google that sends you email notifications whenever new content about a specific topic appears online. It's a really simple but powerful way to stay updated on your industry, your competitors, or even mentions of your own business. Key Features: You can set up alerts for any keyword or phrase. You can choose how often you receive alerts (e.g., daily, weekly, or as it happens). You can specify the sources you want to monitor (e.g., news, blogs, web). Use Cases: Keep track of what people are saying about your brand online. Monitor your competitors' activities and marketing campaigns. Stay informed about the latest trends and news in your industry. Find new content to share with your social media followers. Pricing: Google Alerts is completely free to use. Personal Thoughts: I recommend setting up Google Alerts for your business name, your key products or services, and your main competitors. It's a really easy way to keep your finger on the pulse. It's amazing how much information is out there, and Google Alerts helps you filter out the noise and focus on what's important. For small businesses, this is a fantastic free tool that can provide valuable insights. Tool 6: ScribeHow Description: ScribeHow is a tool that automatically creates step-by-step guides and documentation. It records your screen as you perform a task and instantly turns it into a clear, visual guide with screenshots and instructions. Key Features: Automatic screenshot capture. Step-by-step instructions generated from your actions. Easy editing and customization of guides. Options to share or embed guides. Use Cases: Create training materials for new employees. Document your business processes and procedures. Provide customer support by showing people how to use your products or services. Generate how-to guides for your website or knowledge base. Pricing: ScribeHow typically offers a free trial or a free version with limited features. Paid plans usually offer more advanced features and unlimited guide creation. (You'll need to check their site for the specifics) Personal Thoughts: This tool is a game-changer for creating training documentation! It saves so much time compared to manually writing out instructions and taking screenshots. If you're always answering the same questions from customers or employees, ScribeHow can help you create clear guides that everyone can refer to. I think this would be particularly useful for businesses with remote teams, as it makes it easy to share knowledge and processes. Tool 7: Suno Description: Suno is an AI tool that allows you to create music with vocals. You can generate songs in various styles and genres just by providing text prompts. It simplifies the music creation process, making it accessible to those without musical expertise. Key Features: Text-to-music generation. Ability to create songs with lyrics. Support for various music styles and genres. User-friendly interface. Use Cases: Creating background music for videos or presentations. Generating unique jingles or theme songs for your brand. Producing personalised songs for social media content. Exploring musical ideas without needing instruments or recording equipment. Pricing: Suno may offer a free trial or a free tier with limitations. Paid subscriptions likely provide more song generation credits or advanced features. (It's best to check their website for the most current pricing details.) Personal Thoughts: This is a really fun and creative tool! It could be a great way to add a unique touch to your marketing materials. While it might not replace professional musicians for high-quality recordings, it's excellent for quick and easy music creation. For small businesses looking to create engaging content on a budget, Suno offers an interesting option to explore. Tool 8: NiceJob Description: NiceJob is a reputation management platform that helps businesses collect and showcase positive customer reviews. It automates the process of gathering reviews from various platforms and helps you use those reviews in your marketing to attract more customers. Key Features: Automated review collection from multiple sites. Tools to share reviews on social media and your website. Features to monitor your online reputation and track your progress. Use Cases: Building trust and credibility with potential customers. Improving your online reputation and search engine rankings. Saving time on manually collecting and sharing reviews. Pricing: Look for different plans based on the number of locations or the features you need. They often have trials or demos available. Personal Thoughts: For local businesses, online reviews are absolutely essential. NiceJob seems like a great way to make the most of those positive customer experiences. I like that it helps you not only collect reviews but also use them actively in your marketing.If you're struggling to get enough reviews or want to improve your online reputation, NiceJob is worth checking out. Tool 9: Synthesia Description: Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that allows you to create videos with AI avatars. Similar to HeyGen, it simplifies video creation by enabling you to generate videos from text, using digital avatars as presenters. Key Features: A variety of AI avatars to choose from. Text-to-video conversion in multiple languages. Custom avatar creation (possibly, confirm on the website). Easy video editing and sharing. Use Cases: Creating training videos and tutorials. Developing marketing and sales videos. Personalizing video messages for customers. Pricing: Look for free trials or subscription plans with varying video lengths or features. Personal Thoughts: AI video generation is becoming more and more impressive. Synthesia could be a cost-effective way to produce professional-looking videos without expensive equipment. It's important to consider when using AI avatars is appropriate for your brand. Sometimes a real person is still more effective. For businesses that need to create a lot of video content regularly, Synthesia could save significant time and money. Tool 10: BigVu Description: BigVu is a teleprompter and video creation app that helps you record professional-quality videos with your smartphone. It combines a teleprompter to help you read your script with features to edit, add captions, and share your videos. Key Features: Teleprompter functionality that scrolls your script. Automatic captions to make your videos more accessible. Video editing tools to trim, add music, and brand your videos. Easy sharing to social media platforms. Use Cases: Creating engaging videos for social media marketing. Recording presentations and training videos. Producing video updates for your team or clients. Pricing: They often have a free version with basic features and paid plans for more advanced functionality. Personal Thoughts: I've always struggled with looking natural on camera, so a teleprompter app like BigVu is very appealing! The automatic captions are a great feature for making videos more accessible to everyone. For small businesses that want to create professional-looking videos on a budget, BigVu is a handy tool. CONCLUSION So, there you have it – my top 10 AI tools to help you supercharge your business! We've covered a lot of ground, from automating tasks and creating engaging content to managing your reputation and streamlining communication. Remember, AI is a powerful tool, but it's not about replacing you. It's about empowering you to work smarter, not harder. By exploring these tools and finding the right fit for your needs, you can free up time, improve your efficiency, and ultimately achieve your business goals faster. I encourage you to take the next step and try out a few of these tools. Most offer free trials or free versions, so you can experiment without any risk. I'm really keen to hear what you think! Which of these tools are you most excited about? Have you used any other AI tools that have been a game-changer for your business? Please share your thoughts with me – let's learn from each other! *Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. **Double-check the details and pricing on each website, as this information can change.