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COTSWOLD CONNECTED
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BEST ONLINE BUSINESS!!

6/11/2022

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I am so incredibly proud to announce that my dream of a business, Cotswold Connected, is award winning!!

On 27th October, I won the 'Best Online Business' category at the Stratford-upon-Avon Business and Tourism awards 2022.
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It would be impossible to accurately express my gratitude to the Stratford Herald, and fabulous category sponsor Daimon Barber. Recognising my business amongst some of the biggest in our area is a dream come true.
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This was the Herald's first Business and Tourism Awards, and I'm sure it won't be the last!

Beginning my social media management business in the last covid-19 lockdown, I went fully self-employed in January this year. I'm thrilled to say Cotswold Connected has continued to  grow ever since, and what a journey it's been.​

Check out the full list of winners 
here and read the full article in this week's Herald newspaper, pictured above.
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Social Media Made Simple!

5/10/2022

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Many people would have you believe that social media is too difficult to learn, and that paying for advertising is the only way to be seen online. Here, at Cotswold Connected, I disagree.

Which platform should I use for my business?

Each social media platform is different and therefore has different audience demographics. Here are the UK stats:
Snapchat – 57% of users are female. Most popular with 13-24 year olds
Tik Tok – 61% of users are female. Most popular with 18-24 year olds
Twitter – 60% of users are male. Most popular with 18-29 year olds
Instagram – 54% of users are female. Most popular with 18-34 year olds
Pinterest – 72% of users are female. Most popular with 25-35 year olds
Facebook – 52% of users are male. Most popular with 25-54 year olds
LinkedIn – 57% of users are male. Most popular with 30-49 year olds

What is a good social media strategy?

Every business will have a unique strategy specific to their ideal customer. This can take some trial and error before getting the perfect recipe, however content pillars help make the process easier.
Content pillars are a set of 3-5 topics your content will relate to. They help your feed stay focused. Once you have selected your topic areas you can then rotate them to give a varied profile. Many accounts use the following four content pillars – Engage, Educate, Inspire and Promote.
Other more specific suggestions include:
– Reviews / Testimonials
– This or That / Before and After
– Challenges / Competitions
– Entertain – funny and relatable content
– Did you know questions / Ask the audience
Above all else remember that even if your customers aren’t purchasing through your social media channels, it is effectively your shop window. To make customers stop scrolling it needs to add value and be authentic!

Some social media myths for you

​1. Put hashtags in the first comment on Instagram
Sorry to bust this myth but it won’t help at all. Instagram’s Creators account (@creators) and Head of Instagram (@mosseri) have both said you should use hashtags in the caption and “NOT” the comments.
2. Don’t use emoji’s
Emoji’s are a hugely undervalued tool and they can really help engagement rates. Just be sensible with the ones you choose…
Research has shown that using an emoji in a tweet can increase engagement by 25% compared to without. In a Facebook post, you can see shares increase by 33% and interactions by 57%. For Instagram posts, engagement can go up by 48%!!
3. Add links to social media posts
Social media platforms want to keep you on their app so they actually suppress any posts with links. Sometimes people try to put the link in the comments but this also isn’t ideal. This is the reason you will notice accounts saying “link in bio”.
So that you aren’t having to alter the web link in your bio constantly I recommend setting up a free LinkTree account. You can then easily add all relevant links on your LinkTree as well as still having your basic contact information and website details. You just add the LinkTree web address where you previously had your website information. Please refer to my Instagram account (@cotswoldconnected) to see an example of this and why not give me a follow to stay up to date while you’re there.
4. The bigger the hashtag the better
Quite the opposite in fact! If you are using hashtags with millions of tags your content is far less likely to be seen than a hashtag with a few thousand. It is common for individuals and businesses to follow hashtags, however you will not be shown every post that then uses that #. You will only be shown the top (aka most reacted to and popular) posts within their feed, and, even then, it’s only a small selection.
Here is an example – If you look up #socialmediamanager this has 3.1million posts whereas #instagramexpert has 246k posts. Though both numbers are still high you are far more likely to succeed with the 246k hashtag than the 3.1M. Even better, find ones such as #marketinghack with only 5000+ posts!!
5. Always put a call to action
Yes and no. Adding a call to action within your post caption can be a really good thing for boosting engagement and post reach, however you have to be careful. The last thing you want is for your audience to unfollow because they feel used or ordered to do something e.g. “Buy now”.
6. Buying followers is a good idea
Please don’t!! I have helped so many accounts where the owner has previously bought followers and this is honestly one of the worst things you could do. Social media platforms can spot fake accounts and over time they not only close them down but mark accounts associated with them as spam!
As a customer or a competitor it is also pretty easy to spot. If a page has 10k followers but their posts only get 5 or so reactions the likelihood is they’ve bought followers.

What does Cotswold Connected do?

With over nine years social media experience I’m passionate about using my expertise to help businesses grow – both their online accounts and their actual business profits! With over 80% of people now buying online and 85% using social media it’s crucial your business is visible.
Many find social media stressful or too time consuming while they are focusing on their business. Cotswold Connected takes away that stress and time constraint by managing your accounts, creating content and boosting your brands visibility all in one. I maximise your company’s reach while focusing on organic social growth.
If you’re not in a position to have social media management just yet, I also offer 1:1 lessons and power hours. Ensure your business is on the correct track with Cotswold Connected.
Why not get in touch or follow me on social media?
07582 248 380
info@cotswoldconnected.com
www.cotswoldconnected.com
Instagram & Facebook @cotswoldconnected
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Wedding Shoot

25/5/2022

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What a day we had at Meadow Barn, Stratford-upon-Avon!
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Shoot Participants - 
Sarah Day - One Day Film Productions - sarah@onedayfilmproductions.co.uk 
Anthony Hall - Anthony Hall Photography - info@anthonyhallphotography.com
Sarah Haywood - Sarah Haywood Photography - hello@sarahhaywoodphoto.com 
Katie Wilber - Cotswold Connected - info@cotswoldconnected.com
Annabel Richardson - Annabel Sarah Bridal Shop - annabelsarahbridal@gmail.com
Dean Carter - Carter Esquire - info@carteresquire.co.uk
Sam Smith - Trust Salons - trusthair@gmail.com 
Di Hassall - Diane Hassall - di@dianehassall.com
Debbie & Bev - The Stratford Park & Golf Hotel - events@thestratfordpark.co.uk 
Lorraine - White Violet Event Dressers - whitevioletevents@gmail.com 
Hannah Harris - Emmie's Den - hannah_harris23@hotmail.com
Laura Mills - The Enchanted Dreamer - the.enchanted.dreamer@btinternet.com
Jo - White Ivy Flowers - jo@whiteivyflowers.com
Bam - Fizzy Fiesta - bam@fizzyfiesta.co.uk
Annabelle Gallagher - Belle Peach Creative - bellapeachcreative@hotmail.com
Shelley - Elite Limo Services - eliteexecutivetransport@hotmail.com
Matthew Hewston - propertyd93@gmail.com
Nick Giles - Giles Fireworks - sales@gilesfireworks.com 
Sam Strecker - Cake Fantastique - cakefantastique@hotmail.co.uk
White Rose Ceremonies
Chris Onslow - chris.btob@googlemail.com
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Ladies First Finalist 2022!

28/3/2022

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2022 got off to an exciting start!!

I was delighted to be shortlisted as a Finalist for the Ladies First Awards. I was a finalist within the Achieves through Marketing Award 2022.

Ladies First received over 250 nominations so I am incredibly honoured to have been a finalist alongside some remarkable women
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All the finalists attended a judging day on 7th February at Metropolis, Coventry. Outside the weather may have been gloomy, but inside the room was full of vibrant people celebrating fabulous achievements.

Not only did I meet lots of great people, but the judging day gave me a chance to wear my purple 'power' suit! Purchased in early 2020 I have been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to wear it.

The prestigious Awards Dinner was held at Coombe Abbey,  on Thursday 24th March. We all had a wonderful evening celebrating in style.


I may not have won, but I had a truly incredible time being part of such a fabulous experience. Sending all my congratulations to the lovely Vicki!

Here are some photos from the night for you...
The events were raising money for the Ladies First chosen charities - Suited for Success & St. Basils.
 www.suitedforsuccess.co.uk
www.stbasils.org.uk.
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Scheduling Apps

31/8/2021

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If you batch create your content in advance you can also schedule your posts. This means they will post automatically at the time you select (optimal posting). There are free trials for lots of the platforms and the basic plans aren’t usually too expensive either. Apps include: 

Hootsuite
  • Considered the all-in-one tool for posting, monitoring, analytics etc. It also allows links to blogging platforms
  • Free plan for 3 profiles with 30 scheduled posts however paid plans allow more. Much more cost effective to pay annually rather than a monthly plan
  • Engagement and re-sharing can be managed directly through Hootsuite. It even has the inboxes linked.
  • Has guides/educational resources e.g. Hootsuite Academy
  • Gives a calendar view for posting

Later
  • Focused on media based content so best for Instagram and Pinterest
  • Paid plan allows story scheduling, comment management, location tags & multi photo posts
  • Has a ‘Quick Schedule’ element to drag & drop
  • Creating posts begins with the image upload rather than the writing. Other platforms tend to begin writing first

Buffer
  • There are three apps within Buffer. Buffer publish for creating & publishing. Buffer reply used for engagement. Buffer analyze is still in development but will be for analytics.
  • User friendly with intuitive characteristics. 
  • No social listening to see trending topics etc.
  • Only includes Pinterest for the paid plans

Facebook Creator Studio
  • Free with no membership tiers but only for Facebook & Instagram
  • Can manage from a PC but not stories
  • Allows insights alongside a streamlined inbox for messages etc
  • Includes a rights manager feature for your photos
  • Can schedule all types of content except Reels and stories.

Social Pilot
  • You need to pay extra for inboxing and comment management
  • Cleaner look than Hootsuite and intuitive
  • First login gives an in depth tutorial
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The Prince's Trust!

7/8/2021

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I am beyond thrilled to announce I have been officially approved by the Prince's Trust as a new business!

The trust offers fantastic support to young people throughout the UK. As an organisation they give 16-30 year olds the opportunity to create their own business, join their dream career or re-train.

Over the last couple of months I have been working hard to successfully participate in the trust's Enterprise training and formulate a full Business Plan... very exciting!!

Cotswold Connected has now been fully approved and I have a lovely mentor to help guide me on this wonderful adventure!  
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Why should I employ a social media manager?

15/7/2021

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Did you know that as of 2020, more than 84% of individuals claim to be influenced by social media when making purchasing decisions.

With consumers spending an average of 3 hours a day on social media here's how having a social media manager can greatly help you and your business: 


Not enough hours in the day?
As a small business it's normal to find your to-do list is an ever growing mystical beast. On top of this you're juggling competing priorities within your business, working all hours, potentially childcare and the pressure of general life admin.

A freelance social media manager, like me, can take a huge weight off your shoulders (and shorten that dreaded to-do list)! With us around you don't need to worry about consistently posting, having specific strategies per platform, creating content, growing your presence and interacting with your business community. Just think about all that time you'll get back, all for well under an employees wage!

Don't understand social media?
In our current digital age 95% of millennials expect a business to be on social media with 91% of all social media users accessing via a mobile device. Social networks are complex, multifaceted platforms, if you don't know what you're doing be careful otherwise your business may suffer!

Thankfully social media managers (aka me), are avid social network fans. We test features as they are released so our services give you an advantage over your competitors. We know better than anyone how to get results for your business.

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Ready to advertise but not sure how
Social media and search engine ads can significantly drive traffic to your website. This in turn can hugely boost sales!

Social Media Managers know the best platforms to use and budgets to set. I guarantee you'll get better results by using us!

My current page isn't growing or getting seen
This is usually due to one of these factors - not posting consistently, lack of strategy, no community interaction and not effectively using hashtags.

Social media is called just that for a reason. You need to interact!
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Hi, I'm Katie!

21/6/2021

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Lovely to meet you and welcome to Cotswold Connected!

I thought I'd take this opportunity, my first blog post, to introduce myself. I'm sure you don't want an essay so I've detailed my top 10 facts below. I hope some make you laugh, maybe question my sanity but ultimately, I hope these give you a glimpse into Katie, the person behind the business.

1. Born and bred in the Cotswolds, I now live in a house that's been in my family for 5 generations. As you can probably tell family means a lot to me!

2. I have two little assistants in the form of gorgeous rescue house rabbits - don't worry I didn't let them drink tequila and the hats fell off shortly after this photo!
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3. I skydived over the Swiss Alps from a helicopter while strapped to a Hungarian!

4. I'm planning to visit every country in Europe by my 30th Birthday. I'm just over half way through the list currently.

5. Pasta is my favourite food. I could and often do, eat it every day, much to my family's bewilderment.
6. Some say I was a deprived child (not really), but to this day I have never tried Coca-Cola or Haribo. Not once!

7. Through modelling I have been on the front cover of a wedding magazine! Seeing yourself on a shop magazine rack is the most bizarre feeling! I featured within two editions of this magazine, have modelled for an international drinks brand and also model for photography courses.

8. Jane Austen is my favourite author. She will always remain an inspiration, going against the 'status-quo' throughout her life.

9. Purple is my favourite colour - that I'm sure you could tell already.

​10. When I'm not working my social media magic I can often be found gardening. I take great pride in my cottage garden!
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Katie | Social Media Manager
Cotswold Connected
info@cotswoldconnected.com
07582 248 380
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