Social Media |
Measuring brand growth is difficult but it can be done! Jacqui Jones, Founder and CEO of One Degree Marketing, wrote this blog post framing how we should think about our social media likes and follows as business owners.
Social media marketing has become the number one way to market a business.
Especially for small businesses, because social media is low-cost, often small business owners want to measure the success of their business on social media follows and likes.
Brand growth can include social media numbers. But, it should never be your full picture. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but banks don’t deposit “likes.”
So, how else can you measure business success?
Revenue
First things first, are you profitable? Notice the question wasn’t, “are you making money?”. But, instead, are you profitable? Even if you’re making lots of sales, that doesn’t mean that you’re turning a profit.
So, don’t hurry past this measurement. If you barely see a profit, it’s time to consider a different pricing strategy or cut cost. Pricing as a marketing strategy as well, making revenue, is a great way to measure success.
Finding that your social media presence is generating revenue is a wonderful feeling. But, not every brand is solely after revenue.
Engagement
It’s wonderful to have many likes and follows. However, proof that you’ve married the right audience with the right content is shown in engagement.
Don’t be disappointed by low audience numbers. If you have high engagement, you are doing well.
As social media platforms have evolved, we have learned that social media engagement is the epicenter of success.
Having high engagement means you have created community, likely through consistency and purposeful content.
Consider these two measurements as greater than likes and follows. They both prove that you are in the right place with the right audience providing the right content.
Member Spotlight |
We love that within the Forge community you can find a variety of people from different companies with different job titles- that’s what makes the Forge family so unique. Claire Scherzer is a Forge member who works as an Interior Designer for Ellis Architects. We asked her more about her company and how the pandemic has affected her job.
Alabama Department of Public Health- State Public Health Laboratory
Tell us more about Ellis Architects and your job position!
Ellis Architects is a full service architectural and interior design firm, founded in 1992. We serve a variety of educational, residential, commercial, civic, religious and healthcare clients located throughout the state.
As a Registered Senior Interior Designer with our team, I strive to create interior environments that address the well-being, health and safety of client needs, while making informed decisions about style and aesthetics that are cohesive and timeless. I work collaboratively with our project team from the early conceptual phase through the completion of the built environment and the client’s occupancy.
What is your favorite aspect of being an Interior Designer?
Our firm is fortunate that we serve a variety of project types, so no two projects are the same. Having the trust of our clients to turn their ideas, visions and dreams into the reality of a built environment provides great satisfaction and is my favorite aspect of being an Interior Designer. No matter the circumstances, the opportunity to design interior spaces that ultimately lead to the success of our clients is positively rewarding.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your business?
Among the many things this current pandemic has taught us, is that interior design matters. Many of the industries that we work within on a daily basis: hospitality, education, hospitals, residential, retail and commercial spaces are all witnessing first-hand the need for their interior environments to be modified quickly to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of its occupants.
As a design professional, we are used to putting the needs of our clients first. With our “new normal”, our learned attributes of understanding, patience, and problem-solving have become critical to our path forward. Some projects have been placed on hold due to the unknown, so we have to be sensitive with our client communication and understand their challenges. Developments in virtual technology have allowed us to continue review meetings. The introduction of new materials and products currently in development that increase safety for end-users is at the forefront of all discussions. Easy to clean materials, antimicrobial finishes, touchless anything are now a must for heavy traffic areas!
It has certainly been a challenge as we navigate through unchartered waters, but striving to use our creative talents to discover the best solutions is what we do!
Why did you decide to choose Forge as a coworking space?
Forge checked off so many of the needs for our firm including convenient location for our Birmingham team members, a collaborative working environment, and so many wonderful amenities. Of course, who wouldn’t love the many dining options available with just a quick walk downstairs to the Pizitz Food Hall!
Be sure to check out the work of Ellis Architects Inc. on Instagram and Facebook.
Forge News and Updates |
In the spirit of giving this holiday season and beyond, we wanted to create a list of nonprofit organizations that are either set in Birmingham or have top members that live here in the Magic City. Although 2020 has been a year filled with challenges, the reward of giving remains.
Magic City Woodworks
This unique organization gives unemployed men “stuck in a rut” an opportunity through a paid 6-month apprenticeship. Magic City Woodworks is a wood and metal shop in the heart of downtown Birmingham that offers beautiful wood pieces with an impactful story.
photo from Magic City Woodworks Facebook page
Urban Avenues
Urban Avenues’ mission is to bring together disconnected communities by inspiring curiosity and to make beautiful things together. They create ventures to add life to the city through art, conversation, and meals. This organization has a passion for people and recognizes the importance of community.
photo from Urban Avenues Facebook
Mwana Villages
Although this nonprofit’s location is far from Birmingham, the U.S. Director, Wellon Bridgers, resides here in the city. Located in the Republic of Congo, Mwana Villages’ mission is to provide refuge for orphans and vulnerable children with an approach that prioritizes family preservation.
photo from Mwana Villages Facebook page
Jefferson County Memorial Project
This grassroots coalition has four main goals that consist of researching documented racial terror victims, educating the public on this history, placing historical markers, and advocating for reform where racial injustice still exists today. Their hope of JCMP is for Alabamians to confront history and reconcile for a better future.
photo from JCMP Facebook page
The Nature Conservancy
For those that are passionate about the Earth, The Nature Conservancy is an organization that is perfect for you. They work to protect Alabama for people and nature to ensure a future where both can thrive.
Jimmie Hale Mission
The Jimmie Hale Mission is an organization that has been a Birmingham staple since 1944. They help men afflicted by homelessness in downtown Birmingham through education remediation, job readiness, and spiritual support.
photo from JHM Facebook page
First Light
First Light is a center for homeless women and children in the Birmingham area, whose mission is to create hospitality in a safe and nurturing community and to allow its members to reach their full potential. They have an emergency shelter, permanent housing programs, and other projects to support the women in the community.
photo from First Light Facebook page
Community Kitchens
Serving lunch 365 days a year, The Community Kitchens is an organization that opens its doors every day to anyone hungry. By serving breakfast during the week in addition to their lunch service, they amount to serving over 65,000 meals a year. Everyone is welcomed and treated as a guest when going to the Community Kitchens.
photo from Community Kitchens Facebook page
Firehouse Ministries
This nonprofit’s mission is to provide homeless men in the Birmingham area, age 18 and above, a caring environment and supportive services to help break them out of the cycle of poverty. Firehouse Ministries treat all guests with dignity, provide those guests accessible and clean facilities, and empowers all guests to achieve their life goals.
While 2020 might have been the hardest year yet, these great organizations continue to make our city a better place. Whether you’re wanting to volunteer more during the new year, or simply want to donate to a Birmingham non-profit, these listed are just a few of the great philanthropic organizations to consider.
