MARKETING, DESIGN + PHOTOGRAPHY INSIGHTS FOR NZ BUSINESSES.
Welcome to the Shout + Co. journal. As an Auckland-based creative agency, we share our latest tips, behind-the-scenes projects and expert advice to help you grow your brand. Browse our articles below covering everything from custom web design and SEO, to commercial photography and social media strategy.
Pumpkin Gnocchi in a butter & thyme sauce
Love me a bit of winter, cosy stews and pastas are my love language. So here's one that's really awesome for those who love pasta but are trying to cut down on the amount of it they eat. It is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free, just depends on the flour you use.
Social Media Tip of the Week: LinkedIn
You might have heard about a little website called LinkedIn. Many people (and by "many" I mean millions: 467 to be exact...) use it as a digital CV of sorts, crafting an online persona to put forward in a prospective job search. And that's it. They use LinkedIn only when applying for a new job, dusting off the digital cobwebs before they click "apply".
But what if you're not looking for a job? What if you're totally happy doing your thing, running your own business? What if you just want to network with like-minded people? Is LinkedIn pretty much defunct in your case? Not at all. And I'll tell you why.
Recipe of the Week: Bean dumplings in a Veggie Broth
This is a good one as the temperatures drop: when it gets really cold, I reckon there's nothing better than a hot, aromatic noodle soup to warm things up. Best of all, you probably have most of these ingredients lurking in your pantry cupboard already - and it's probably the easiest thing you can make.
Social Media Tip of the Week: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Here's a great idea for those of you that have officially run out of great content for your social media: recycle previous posts.
5 Images for $135
Mondays. Sucky. But not so sucky when you get a cool deal from your favourite stylist & photographer (insert winking emoji here).
So what's with this GDPR thing?
There's a lot of talk, fear and speculation surrounding the imminent arrival of GDPR so I've scribbled down a handy guide to navigating this new policy. I've had my lawyer ensure that I'm on the right side of the law - and if you have access to the same services, you should consider doing it too.
Recipe of the Week: Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas
It's been a couple of weeks since I shared a recipe - it's been a bit busy 'round these parts (... < massive understatement...). But I'm back at it - and this time I'm bringing you a recipe that is a bit tough to photograph (because it's not a "pretty" dish) but it's damn good so whatcha gonna do.
Services Spotlight: Social Media
Every week, I place a spotlight on one of the services that I offer - this week I wanted to focus in on the Social Media aspect of what I do.
Social Media Tip of the Week: Giveaways
It's been radio silence on the Journal here for a while because quite simply, I have been snowed under with work! And don't get me wrong, I completely and utterly appreciate all of the business that you are sending my way - but when that happens, I look at my "what is important and essential list" and decide what needs to fall away from this week's to do list so that I can give my clients my full attention.
Roasted Chickpea & Broccoli Salad
If you're looking for a warm, hearty salad to get stuck into this winter, then your search is over. I created this salad by mistake. I was actually on my way to making this as a filling for burritos but after tucking into it straight out of the roasting pan, I thought "why bother!". So now we eat it as is on a bed of spinach. Have it on toast, on lettuce - however you want to but just eat it. It's that good.
Services Round Up
There are a lot of new faces following me since the last time I did a SERVICES ROUND UP post. So I thought I'd recap, a little differently this time - just to show the new folks in the back what's what.
Veggie Rolls
These Veggie Rolls are super delicious and quick to make. They are ideal as a nibble at a party or get-together.
Social Media Tip of the Week
Social Media is undoubtedly the greatest marketing tool at a small business' disposal. It's never been easier to keep customers updated on what's going on in your world while keeping your finger on where the market and your competitors are heading.
You'll go bananas for this banana bread
This banana bread recipe is one that I have used for years and she's never let me down. She can either be made into a loaf or muffins - either way the recipe still works.
The week that was...
Special shout out to this week's public holiday. Nothing like a day off to help get you through the week. Although if you're a small business owner like me, then you can't help but put in a few hours of work on a non-work day.
Social Media tip of the day...
E-newsletters, mailers, email marketing - whatever you want to call it - have you included it as part of your marketing strategy? If so, then take a read below - Im about to give you some tips on how to nail email marketing to ensure your newsletters get read by the people who matter the most: customers.
Homemade Cleaning
I've mentioned briefly before how we are swiftly making changes to do the way we do things at home, to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and our reliance on plastic.
The week that was
Wow. What a week.
Between the daily social media work I do for clients, newsletters that I create for them, shoots that I've been getting stuck into and content I've been crafting for other brand owners, this has been one. manic. week. Hello Friday - you're a sight for my sore eyes.
Posting Schedule
Time is money, so they say. And when it comes to social media - this is definitely the case. Posting at the wrong time could see your reach plummet, while posting at key times of the day and week will ensure your business gets noticed by potential customers. Employing a strategy of sorts when it comes to your posting schedule will be instrumental to your social media activity.
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