Social University

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on incredible women-owned businesses right here in Birmingham, Alabama. This month is dedicated to celebrating women who have shaped history, are leading the charge today, and mentoring the next generation. We’ll also tackle the ever-present imposter syndrome and explore ways to build lasting confidence. But today, let’s celebrate the local...

This February, amidst all the Valentine’s Day love, we’re taking a slightly different approach. Today, we’re talking about the things we love to hate in the social media sphere – the common mistakes small business owners make, and a few personal pet peeves we just can’t ignore. Let’s jump right in! In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:04 Buying Followers or Engagement 01:...

These days our phones are practically an extension of ourselves, and the apps within them are essential to our daily lives. This month, we’re sharing the love – specifically, the apps and programs we adore and brought with us into 2025. We have compiled a list of favorites from the entire Social U team, so you know these tools are tried, tested, and truly valuable. Let’s dive right in! In this epi...

In today's crowded marketplace, your brand is your most valuable asset. It's more than just a logo; it's the identity and story of your company, what sets you apart from the competition, and what resonates with your target audience. As a social media manager or small business owner, understanding and investing in your brand is crucial for success. In this episode, we will talk about...

As a small business owner, you wear many hats. Marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to social media. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok, it can be tempting to try to be everywhere at once. However, spreading yourself too thin can be counterproductive. The key is to identify the best social media platform for your specific business needs and...

In the dynamic world of social media, consistent growth and engagement require a proactive approach. A self-audit is essential for any business looking to optimize its social media presence and ensure it's effectively reaching its target audience. This in-depth review allows you to analyze your current strategies, identify areas for improvement, and refine your approach for maximum impact. In...

The potential ban of TikTok has been a major topic of discussion, and the situation is rapidly evolving. While a court has temporarily blocked the ban, it's crucial for businesses to be prepared for the possibility of losing access to this popular platform. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:18 The Ban  01:30 Legal Challenges  04:54 Potential Impact 06:55 Download...

As we wrap up 2024, it's time to start thinking about what the new year will bring to the world of social media. This year has seen some significant shifts, and experts are already making predictions for 2025. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:09 The Rise of Micro-Influencers 02:36 The Return of Public Forum 03:53 Experimental Marketing 05:25 Unscripted and Authen...

In last week’s podcast, we celebrated local businesses that we love! This week, we are switching our focus back to social media. Let’s talk about some of the best moments of social media in 2024. Take some time to enjoy these before the new year!  In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:47 Massachusetts Cafe 02:55 Goat Named Mr. Joshua 03:44 Trending Moms are Leaving Gift Ca...

Description In last week’s podcast, we celebrated apps, programs, and websites that make our lives easier. This week, our gratitude turns to something closer to home: local businesses. We’re giving shout outs to some incredible businesses in our communities. Let’s shout out Birmingham businesses—the heart of where I am today. In this episode, we will talk about these important topics: 01:13 Celebr...

Description As we embark on a month of gratitude, it’s a perfect time to spotlight the digital tools that enrich our daily lives and make work more manageable. At Social U, our team thrives on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and we’ve curated a list of apps, programs, and websites that are indispensable to us. Here’s a glimpse into our toolkit and why we’re so thankful for these resources. In t...

Description As we head into a season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the ways we can show appreciation, not only personally but in our businesses as well. Expressing thanks doesn’t have to wait for Thanksgiving—it can be part of our workplace culture year-round, strengthening relationships with both our team and clients. Here are some actionable ways to incorporate appreciation i...

Description In this podcast, we’re diving into some of the biggest recent social media horror stories. It’s essential to learn from these public mistakes, especially with social media’s power to amplify every blunder. For new listeners, we are Social U, where we share weekly social media tips and insights. This year was particularly challenging for many brands and personalities, highlighting the i...

Description October is in full swing, which means it’s spooky season—a time to discuss nightmares. But today’s blog isn’t about haunted houses or ghosts. Instead, we're diving into social media nightmares that can haunt small business owners, nonprofits, and even large companies. These common mistakes can derail your online efforts if not addressed, but the good news is they’re avoidable. Bel...

Description Social media has transformed how businesses interact with customers, offering them the chance to build strong online communities. However, not every interaction is positive, and negative comments or encounters with online trolls can happen to any business. Navigating negative feedback while maintaining professionalism can be tricky, but with the right strategies, you can turn challenge...

Description Holiday contests! As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it’s time to focus on how you, as a small business owner or nonprofit, can take advantage of holiday contests to boost your brand. Let’s dive into the details of running successful social media contests, from the benefits to the practical steps, and why it’s an excellent strategy for the holiday season. In this episode, we wil...

Description As Halloween approaches, social media platforms light up with festive content that both delights and engages audiences. Whether you're a small business owner, a marketer, or simply someone looking to make an impact online, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to inject some seasonal fun into your content strategy. In this blog, we'll explore creative and effective Halloween-t...

Description As a small business owner, the holiday season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning. With only 3 months left until Christmas, it’s critical to create a holiday strategy that aligns with your business goals. Whether your aim is increased sales, enhanced brand awareness, or philanthropic efforts, a well-thought-out plan can lead to success during this p...

Description Running a small business can be overwhelming, especially when you wear multiple hats: social media manager, accountant, salesperson, and more. To help you manage the challenges, we’ve compiled a list of top online education resources that will help you grow your skills and expand your business knowledge. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a small business owner, these resources offer valu...

Description In the dynamic world of social media marketing, understanding whether to invest in organic posts or paid ads can significantly impact your business. Both methods have their merits, but knowing when and how to utilize each can make all the difference. Let’s break down the pros and cons of organic versus paid social media posting to help you make informed decisions. In this episode, we w...

Description Social media is one of the most powerful tools for businesses to reach their audience. But with so much effort being poured into creating content, engaging with followers, and managing multiple platforms, a crucial question arises: how do you know if your social media efforts are paying off? How do you gauge if all your hard work is translating into meaningful engagement, click-through...

Description Creating engaging content remains a top priority for businesses and content creators alike. As we navigate through 2024, it's crucial to understand the latest trends and strategies that can help you captivate your audience and stand out in the crowded online space. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the most effective types of content, trending strategies for 2024, and ti...

Description Are you heavily invested in using social media to grow your small business but struggling to get the engagement you desire from your posts and captions? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Crafting the perfect caption that captivates your audience and drives engagement is an art. Today, we’re going to explore the world of captivating captions, why they matter, and how to op...

Description Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, Becky is going to discuss invaluable tips and tricks to help elevate your podcasting game. From naming your podcast, learning the right equipment, and engaging your audience, we've got you covered. Get ready to take your podcasting skills to the next level and make your voice heard in the ever-growing world of podcasts...

Description In the dynamic world of social media, Instagram stands out as a powerhouse platform for businesses and individuals alike. However, navigating the maze of recommendations and best practices can be overwhelming. Let's dive into Instagram strategies, separating the ideal from the realistic, and provide you with actionable insights to boost your presence on this visual-centric platfor...