Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2020

141 SOCIAL MEDIA @ Gift Focus magazine has seen a surge in online hits during the lockdown, as we adapt and press forward with our online offerings in the wake of what is an increasingly digital era. Here, the magazine’s social media coordinator, Beth Morton, gives her top tips on all things social. Company name: Gift Focus magazine Follow me at: Twitter: @gift_focus Instagram: @giftfocusmag How does the magazine use social media? Gift focus uses Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share information and products online. We use all three platforms because they all reach different clients and customer bases. It helps to spend the time and make sure we’re covering all angles. Has the magazine benefitted as a result? If so, how? Social media has definitely increased the awareness of our magazine. It’s made interacting with suppliers a lot easier and a little more personal too. By being active online, we can reach lots of people all day, every day, rather than only when they’re holding our magazine physically. Where do you see the future of social media going, and how can it continue to drive brands forward? It’s becoming more interactive and making the industry much more personal. With more ‘live’ sessions, tutorials and workshops, followers are getting to know the faces of each brand on a more intimate level and forming stronger connections that keeps them coming back to those companies. Brands are reaching out to their consumers in so many new ways that doesn’t just include giving them a discount code or a personalised message with an order. There are many ways to collaborate with companies across social media these days. Brand Partnerships, co-hosting videos or events and digital sponsorships are just a few of the ways that you can work with other people within your community to raise awareness and drive your brand forward. How often do you post and what do you post about? We post a three to five times a week and our posts consist of everything from industry news updates and new product releases, to up and coming company profiles from our magazine editorial and everything in between. If it can be gifted, we want to post it. What advice would you give to first-time social media users? Knowing your target customer will help your posts reach the most people, and more importantly, the right people. Do a little research to see what content your competitors or fellow creators are posting. This is great for learning what hashtags are used within your niche, which is the audience you want seeing your content. Do you have any top tips on how to build and engage with a large community online? Engagement is key. This is probably the most important part and the easiest step to do too. Engage with other creators in your niche and within the gift community on your chosen platform. By commenting, following and networking with other profiles/brands that you like the look of, you’re putting your name out there and you’re building connections that may come in handy later down the line. # WEB WATCH Fol low us @giftfocus @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @giftfocus LET’S CONNECT OUR MOST RECENT LIKES AND MENTIONS ON INSTAGRAM: @littleheartgifts @graceandrubydesigns @daisy_lanes Gift Focus is at the heart of the online giftware community. Here’s a quick update on what’s been happening… LIKED AND RETWEETED ON TWITTER BY: @olive_belle @BusyBeeCandles @GCVA THIS MONTH ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WE’VE MAINLY BEEN: • Showcasing the best brands on the market • Highlight the upcoming features in the magazine • Posting all the newest industry news