Welcome
Welcome to another issue of SeniorInspire the Newsletter!
This week finds me heading into my slow season with temps dipping into the sixties and fifties. Worse, even colder weather is not too far behind.
This is also the time of year I start making lists and planning out the things I want to fix or do differently next year.
And with that in mind, I think you'll find some great info in this week's newsletter that will help you as you plan for next year. It's gonna be a great one!
Instagram and Social Media
You're using Instagram hashtags wrong!
If you're not living under a rock, you're probably aware that Instagram posted some tips about how to use hashtags on their Creators Account.
Big news? They now suggest you use no more than 3-5 hashtags in your posts!
OH NOES!! I've been doing it all wrong!! 😱😜🤪
Here's a video summary I stumbled on that does a great job explaining Instagram's Hashtag Tips.
Check it out for sure, but whatever you do, don't forget to include the #SeniorInspire hashtag on all your senior images! I mean, how else am I going to see ALL your beautiful images.
Your Website
Too busy for SEO?
Let's start with a few questions...
- Do you have a website?
- Is learning more about search engine optimization (SEO) something that's been on your todo list for years?
- Does the mere mention of SEO make your eyes glaze over?
If you answered yes to all three questions, read on...
As we barrel towards 2022, making your website work better for you should be high on your list of things to work on during the off season.
Your website may be the most important tool in your marketing arsenal and implementing a few SEO basics could make your site a whole lot more visible heading into the new year.
To get yourself headed on the right track, check out this video from marketing expert Neil Patel.
It's only 9 minutes long, but it is jam packed with some useful SEO information to get you going.
So, grab some coffee, prop your eyes open with toothpicks, and be prepared to take notes!
2022 is going to be a great year!!
Your mental health
It's all about perseverance
Here's a fantastic article I ran across on the subject of perseverance in business.
The article really spoke to me! For example... 'The problem with turning your hobby into a business is you lose your hobby.'
Ding, ding, ding!
Of course your perspective on this depends completely on where you are in the cylcle of running a photography business.
In the beginning, it's all fun! Sure, there are some annoyances you discover about running a business early on that could result in your undoing, but everything else is a blast.
Going on shoots? Fun!
Working with new clients! Fun!
Having people tell you how great your work is? OMG! Fun! Fun! Fun!
But eventually, Daddy takes the T-bird away (Beach Boys? Anyone?)
What used to be fun turns into... WORK!
You may even find yourself growing a bit cynical about the compliments... Have these people never seen Ben Shirk's work?
But in the end, it's all about perseverance. That's what tells you to stick with it and do what you need to be doing even after it stops being fun!
If you really want to run a successful business, persevere! Don't stop just because it's no longer fun. That's the precise time you want to push through and give it your best!
If you're looking for a word to tape to your bulletin board as we head into the new year, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one than PERSEVERANCE!
And Finally
That's all for now!
Let me leave you with this beautiful duet featuring Halsey and Lindsey Buckingham. If you missed it on SNL this week, check this out!
What I love about this clip (besides the music) is the contrast in outfits between Halsey and Kim Kardashian, who introduces the singer.
One of them is wearing an outfit you'd never want a senior to show up in. The other is wearing something you'd love to see your senior show up with. I'll leave it up to you to decide which is which. 😃
Have a great week!