Social Pros Podcast

Animal pics brighten our day here at Convince & Convert. We’re sure you can relate! But we’ve found out that there’s so much more to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s social than animal pics. We’re thrilled to welcome their Senior Social Media Manager, Taylor Moore, onto Social Pros to tell us more.   Full Episode Details   Everyone loves animal content on social feeds, right? But what goes into the marketing behind animal content for San Diego Zoo, and how do they tap into humanity’s love for animals and garner meaningful results in the process?  On this episode of Social Pros, Taylor explores why wildlife conservation sits at the very heart of their content strategy and tells us the importance of storytelling on social.  Plus, she shares the story of how she posted a certain viral ‘dik-dik pic’ and why great content can be cheeky as long as it’s relevant to your cause.  In This Episode:  2:14 - Taylor explains what the San Diego Zoo is and stands for 2:40 - The difference between San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park   5:46 - How they drive awareness through social   8:31 - How Taylor and her team stay inspired  11:18 - The story behind that dik-dik post 14:14 - Social pros love-hate relationship with content creation  15:49 - Their reptiles vs mammals performance metrics 20:16 - How they use Twitch and why it works 26:46 - How Taylor’s career has evolved and what’s next for her 33:19 - How you can connect with Taylor Resources  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn  Follow Taylor on Instagram  That viral dik-dik pic…  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

If you feel like your social strategy has plateaued, Michael Corcoran, Ex-Head of Social at Ryanair and Managing Partner of Frankly, has some bold suggestions for how you can refresh your approach on this episode of Social Pros.  Full Episode Details   Do you ever feel like you’re posting the same type of content over and over, but not getting the reach or ROI you once were? It can be easy to get stuck in a rut when you’re making risk-free decisions. This is why Michael Corcoran believes it’s time to be bold and question your choices.  In this episode of Social Pros, Michael tells us how brands can pull themselves out of the “sea of sameness” by re-evaluating their priorities on social. He shares how he helped transform Ryanair’s content marketing strategy as their Head of Social and gives us three foundations for a successful strategy.  Michael believes social media is “the biggest pyramid scheme since Tupperware” and in this episode, he tells us why!   In This Episode:  2:07 - Michael’s time at Ryanair  6:10 - What impacted Michael’s marketing at Ryanair  12:18 - Why social platforms should provide entertainment  15:24 - The benefits of lo-fi and creator content   16:45 - Why social media has become a pyramid scheme  26:51 - Michael’s advice for how to break onto social  35:54 - Why social pros need to challenge themselves and their peers  36:14 - Why social shouldn’t be about quick wins  37:04 - Social will continue to evolve  49:03 - Michael’s last two questions  Resources  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn  Follow Michael on X  Follow Michael on Instagram  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Cut through the noise on LinkedIn with expert advice from Social Media Strategist and Brand Marketer, Jacqueline Joyner, as she joins this episode of Social Pros.  Full Episode Details   When it comes to creating and consuming B2B content, LinkedIn is the place to be. But with content saturation placing obstacles in your way, how can you create the content that gets your message heard?  Joining Social Pros to share her expert insights, predictions, and expertise is Social Media Strategist and Brand Marketer, Jacqueline Joyner. She explains why there’s no secret sauce for social and why she champions experimentation, gut feeling, and demonstrating value.  Don’t get her wrong though - there are some best practices she swears by! Jacqueline explains why leveraging data is essential to running a successful social media strategy.  In This Episode:  1:44 - Discussing Jacqueline’s career  5:33 - Why evolution is vital for sustained success on social  6:20 - What to bear in mind when approaching social  8:30 - Can gut feeling and snap decisions create great content?  10:39 - Why you should let content live and breathe  11:00 - Balancing data with creativity  13:52 - Persistence or consistency?  15:29 - Where to start with LinkedIn content  18:13 - How Jacqueline built toward success  22:09 - Where should paid social fit into your strategy?  27:44 - The power of copy  33:13 - The final two  Resources  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn  Follow Jacqueline on Twitter/X  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Some brands are built for social media, and FIBA 3x3 is certainly one of them. Their Digital Content Manager, Esteban Gonzalez, shares how their community-led strategy transcends borders on the Social Pros podcast.  Full Episode Details   FIBA 3x3 is a sporting discipline that is just perfect for social. But how do they keep their community spirit alive with a global audience?  Esteban Gonzalez favors a rare tactic – opening the organization’s DMs to the public. This allows him to take suggestions, leverage UGC, and foster a “family atmosphere,” as he explains on this episode of Social Pros.  Esteban tells us how his team keeps community front of mind, whether it’s creating regular content or being on-site at events. He shares how FIBA 3x3 adds spontaneity to their content and how they welcome new fans into their community.  Plus, he shares why, if you’re passionate about content, you just need to create it and the opportunities will come.  In This Episode:  1:33 - Esteban introduces FIBA 3x3  4:20 - How Esteban handles FIBA 3x3’s global audience  6:09 - Creating content on the ground  7:54 - Keeping track of a content strategy  11:51 - Honoring different cultures and languages  13:45 - Why 3x3 keep their DMs open  16:40 - Appealing to crossover fans  21:09 - How Esteban grew from intern to manager  25:11 - Encouraging athletes to grow their social presence  30:17 - The power of livestreams  34:21 - Esteban’s final two  Resources  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Esteban on LinkedIn  Follow Esteban on Twitter/X  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

If there’s one message social pros should live by, it’s to trust ourselves. Find out why as Jay Acunzo, Host of Unthinkable and Co-Founder of Creative Kitchen, returns to Social Pros.  Full Episode Details   When it comes to social, it’s not always easy to trust your instincts. But the most authentic content that resonates with the most people comes when social pros believe in themselves. Jay Acunzo, Host of Unthinkable and Co-Founder of Creative Kitchen, tells us why as he kicks off 2024 with a bang.  We’ve all felt the weight of bosses’ expectations, brand guidelines, and our own insecurities, but it’s time we flexed our creative muscles and felt empowered to share innovative ideas.  As Jay explains, audiences love marketing that feels human, and trusting your instincts allows you to share raw insights that no-one else can. He explains why trying new things, telling engaging and unique stories, and making the content you really want to make is the key to success on social.   In This Episode:  2:01 - What Jay has done since his last appearance  4:43 - Why authenticity is a priority on social  9:55 - The first towards creating authentic stories  13:26 - The power of trying new things  18:05 - Can Jay’s model apply to everyone?  19:17 - Why AI is your intern, not your rival  27:44 - Jay’s take on perfection  29:22 - Aligning with your boss and keeping your creativity  40:32 - The final two   Resources  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Visit Jay’s website  Listen to Jay’s podcast  Read to Jay’s newsletter  Connect with Jay on LinkedIn  Follow Jay on Twitter/X  Follow Jay on Instagram  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Social media is bursting full of all sorts of creator content. But what lessons can social media marketers take from influencers? We ask Eric Gray, founder of Maverick Content Studio, on Social Pros. Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us make this happen. Please support them; we couldn't do it without their help! This week:  ICUC  Full Episode Details   When you believe in the power of engagement and connection, there are tremendous opportunities for success on social.  That’s why Maverick Content Studio Founder Eric Gray says it’s time marketers learn valuable lessons from creators and start making simpler, more compelling content.  Creator-style content is not only easy to make, but unlike some content that brings in big numbers chased by CEOs, it fosters a deeper audience connection. Eric shares how entrepreneurs are creating simple yet effective videos and tells us why social pros should fight their fears and showcase their personalities.   And here’s some more good news… you can start today. Eric says action beats perfection. If you have a phone and a ring light, you’re good to go!  In This Episode:  2:33 - What Eric has been doing since leaving Universal Parks & Resorts  4:12 - Eric’s take on current events in social  8:16 - Why social first is a good marketing tactic  15:33 - Creating compelling content has never been easier  16:34 - Should you test ideas with influencers?  18:33 - The best practices brands should leverage from creators  22:02 - Why action beats perfection on social  26:12 - Eric’s impact on social at Universal Parks & Resorts  29:50 - Discussing Radical Content  32:14 - Eric’s Final Two  Resources  Schedule a consultation with ICUC  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Eric on LinkedIn  Follow Eric on Twitter/X  Visit the Maverick Content Studio website  Find out more about Radical Content  Eric’s Previous Appearance:  How Universal Parks & Resorts Creates In-Park Social Moments (2022)  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Join us for another deep dive into social media’s burning questions as we welcome Sammy Lent and Zach Fitch to the latest edition of Social Pros Unfiltered. Hear their insights on fandom, why Gen-Z’s pulling back from social, and their top predictions for 2024.  Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us make this happen. Please support them; we couldn't do it without their help! This week:  ICUC  Full Episode Details   In 2024, Amazon will become the next big social media platform, brands will return to in-person community building and fans will become our greatest influencers.  Now, you may be wondering how we can predict the future. We can’t! But the closest we can do is ask our Social Pros Unfiltered guests, Sammy Lent and Zach Fitch, for their biggest predictions ahead of 2024.  Zach shares why he forecasts a rise in Amazon influencers (and how it could even create a little beef with TikTok), while Sammy explains why brands will start to leverage fandom to tell authentic stories to their audiences.  Sammy and Zach also discuss how brands should approach seasonal content, how managers can deal with Gen-Z stepping back from social, and why LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ badge isn’t such a red flag after all.  In This Episode:  2:18 - What percentage of Gen-Z is on social media?  3:17 - Why are Gen-Z pulling back from social?  11:30 - Should brands do seasonal content campaigns?  21:00 - What brands can learn from fandom culture  32:51 - Should you add the ‘Open to Work’ badge to your LinkedIn profile?  40:09 - Sammy, Zach, and Gia’s predictions for 2024  Resources  Schedule a consultation with ICUC  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Leanna on LinkedIn  Connect with Gia on LinkedIn  Connect with Sammy on LinkedIn  Follow Sammy on Instagram  Connect with Zach on LinkedIn  Follow Zach on TikTok  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Have you heard of Notion? You’ve probably already been asked that question… and there’s a good chance that it’s already your “second brain.” Like all great products, it’s the community and the users who make it, so we sat down with Notion’s Head of Influencer Marketing, Lexie Barnhorn, to hear all about it.  Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us make this happen. Please support them; we couldn't do it without their help! This week: ICUC  Full Episode Details   Deemed by many users as their “second brain,” Notion is the go-to place for people to jot down thoughts, ideas, collaborate on business ideas, and create templates for organizing your entire life. If you’ve not already tried it out, this episode with Notion’s Head of Influencer Marketing, Lexie Barnhorn, may just convince you…  Lexie gives us a window into why everyone’s talking about Notion. It doesn’t matter whether you’re following productivity influencers or your favorite D&D DM, the beauty of Notion is you can make it whatever you want. Influencers are at the heart of Notion’s growth and popularity because as Lexie says, they can talk about use cases in their own relatable brand voices.   We hear about Notion’s approach to evergreen influencer content, why trying too hard on TikTok is the wrong approach, how to make your social content more relatable, plus much more!  In This Episode:  1:47 - An introduction to Notion  3:09 - Lexie gives an overview of Notion’s influencer marketing strategy  6:01 - How Notion utilizes unconventional use cases   8:33 - Lexie’s strategy for reaching new communities   10:43 - How Notion balances marketing use cases with product marketing  15:06 - Lexie explains how she acts as an influencer for Notion  18:48 - How Notion maintains brand continuity across platforms   22:14 - The universal truths Lexie has learned while working at Notion  25:40 - How Notion speaks with its community about future developments   27:15 - Notion’s approach to influencer sourcing  32:01 - The final two questions  Resources  Schedule a consultation with ICUC  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Follow Lexie on Twitter  Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn  Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. 

Orangetheory Fitness's approach to building a strong community on social media, utilizing strategies like social listening, user-generated content, and community integration on platforms like Reddit and Facebook. The podcast delves into maintaining brand authenticity, balancing national and local presence, and predicting future trends in social media management.

Sharing the personal stories behind your brand can empower your employees, build audience connection and attract future talent. But where do you start? Hear top tips from Jonathan Hatch, Talent Brand Program Manager at Zoom, on Social Pros.  Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us make this happen. Please support them; we couldn't do it without their help! This week:   ICUC  Full Episode Details   Sharing the personal stories behind your brand can empower your employees, build audience connection, and attract future talent. But how can social pros reap these benefits by creating employee-led content in authentic, non-exploitative ways?  Jonathan says it’s all about adding fun to the equation. Getting to know the person behind the work can make for compelling content and also encourage more employees to want to share their stories.  On this episode, Jonathan explains how employee branding can appeal to potential new hires by igniting curiosity and giving the audience a glimpse behind the curtain. Plus, he highlights the top platforms for employee branding and discusses how sharing stories can enhance wider company culture.  In This Episode:  2:31 - Jonathan discusses his career  4:19 - How storytelling plays into employee branding and storytelling  7:14 - Is LinkedIn the hub for storytelling?  9:29 - Getting employees excited about being a voice for your brand  12:56 - Balancing individuality and brand goals  17:54 - Why we’re in the most transparent era of LinkedIn  19:50 - Managing cultures and subcultures in the brand  25:16 - Why team culture is “your life” when you’re at work  32:09 - Jonathan’s Final Two  Resources  Schedule a consultation with ICUC  Grab your free Social Media Audit Bundle  Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn  Follow Jonathan on Twitter/X    Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers.