Thursday, October 19, 2023

What Makes a Facebook Post have the Potential to go Viral and why that is good for your Small Business!

For those passionate about social media, few things can match the exhilaration of one of your posts going viral – and that's precisely what occurred for me last week! Every business dreams of viral growth. It is the perfect way to attract attention, new followers, - and greater business opportunities.

So, what does it mean to go viral? A social media post going viral refers to a post that spreads rapidly and widely across social media platforms, often far beyond the creator's immediate network of friends or followers. When a post goes viral, it receives an exceptionally high level of attention, engagement, and sharing. 

The post that went viral: In my post (below), I shared a series of photographs showing a few of the steps I took to create a Number Five design I made for my granddaughters 5th Birthday a few years ago! It had a simple caption, six hashtags, and one link back to Qualatex - nothing unusual or out of the ordinary.

Sue Bowler
Check out my posts Insights! 


Having 1,627,745 impressions on a single Facebook post is a significant level of exposure for the content. Impressions represent the number of times the post was displayed on someone's screen. It is an important metric to gauge the reach and visibility of the content. However, impressions alone don't tell the whole story. To better understand the performance of a post, you should also consider additional metrics such as:

Engagement: Check how many likes, comments, and shares your post received. High engagement indicates that your content resonated with your audience and encouraged interaction - my post has received to date 854 comments and 494 shares and 2.7k likes! This is a first and I would definitely like to keep the momentum going! 

Certainly, this situation is undeniably thrilling, but how could I leverage it to my advantage?

Observing the post gaining significant traction, I decided to harness its potential. It resonated with individuals eager to create the design themselves or connect with others (who potentially could make the design) by tagging them in the post. Acknowledging the importance of engagement in the social media realm, I expressed my gratitude for their comments and thoughtfully embedded a link to one of my blog posts, which offered an extensive tutorial on creating the design. This strategic move resulted in a boost in the Click-Through Rate (CTR). During that period, the post's views experienced substantial growth, introducing an entirely new audience to my blog. Had the blog been monetised, this surge in traffic could have potentially translated into income! 

Here are some of the key factors that could contribute to viral success:

➡️ compelling content: something that captures the audience's attention and makes them want to share it.
➡️ visual appeal: Posts with eye-catching images, videos, or graphics tend to perform better.
➡️ timing: Posting at the right time when your target audience is most active on Facebook can boost the chances of your content going viral. 
➡️ emotion: Posts that evoke strong emotions, such as happiness, anger, or surprise, are more likely to be shared. 
➡️ relevance: Content that's relevant to current events, trends, or popular is more likely to go viral.
➡️ engagement: The more people engage with your post, the more it's likely to appear in others' newsfeeds.
➡️ influencers: Influencers and other businesses can share your content with their followers, increasing its visibility.
➡️ hashtags: Use relevant hashtags and keywords to increase the discoverability of your post.
➡️consistency and community engagement: Consistently posting high-quality content can help build a loyal audience that's more likely to share your posts.

Why are viral posts good for your small business:

⭐️ Increased Visibility: Viral posts reach a vast audience, boosting brand awareness.
⭐️ Brand Exposure: Viral content enhances recognition.
⭐️ Cost-Effective Marketing: Virality often requires minimal ad spending.
⭐️ Engagement and Community Building: Fosters community growth and customer relationships.
⭐️ Sales Potential: Drives inquiries and sales.
⭐️ Competitive Edge: Sets you apart in your niche.

While not every post goes viral (and sadly they don't) consistent quality content and best practices can increase your chances of experiencing viral moments that benefit your small business.

In conclusion, I had a thrilling few days as I watched the shares and comments on the post multiply, and it became quite riveting viewing! 😄

When I began sharing the link to my blog post, that added another layer of excitement, with the number of views increasing by the minute. It went from roughly 400 to 3,000 in just a few days! Notably, my Facebook and blog post followers saw substantial growth, making this entire experience a great success.

I've heard some people claim that Facebook is less effective than Instagram, but after this experience, I'm not entirely convinced!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me @suebowler




Tuesday, September 12, 2023

"The evolution of the balloon industry alongside the rise of influencers."


"My Italian genes just LOVED working on this project with @philipcarrevent"
Design by Chris Adamo, CBA, Owner at Balloonpro.co and Balloons Online and Owner at The Balloon Crew - Balloons.net.au


The balloon industry shares similarities with the fashion world as it undergoes continuous transformation and development. I have witnessed many of trends emerge and fadeover the last three decades. This includes the introduction of novel and creative balloon-related products, as well as the emergence of a fabulous array of exciting balloon colours. Among the memorable moments, one that stands out vividly is the introduction of the organic style of balloon decor. This revolutionary approach offered a liberating form of balloon arrangement, breaking away from the constraints and conventions of traditional Classic Balloon Decor. 


Some within the industry held the belief that this new trend would have a brief existence, echoing sentiments such as "it requires an excessive number of balloons," "it demands too much time," and "people won't be willing to pay extra for the additional balloons and time." However, this prediction couldn't have been more off-base. Amidst the pandemic, when numerous balloon enterprises faced a sense of hopelessness, a contrary phenomenon was unfolding. In places where contactless deliveries were sanctioned, a fresh surge of balloon artists emerged along with the evolution of “ballooning influencers.”


The balloon industry has consistently featured a key group of influential figures—balloon artists who have conducted workshops and sessions at prominent global events. I can certainly identify myself as belonging to this category. However,  a new wave of influencers has had a notable impact on the balloon market since the pandemic in several ways:


So, what exactly is an influencer, and how do they influence the ballooning community?


Promotion and Visibility: Influencers showcase balloon decor in their content, whether it's home decorations, party setups, or event displays. This increased visibility has brought attention to balloon decor, encouraging individuals to try it themselves or hire professionals.


Organic Display using Qualatex Chrome Balloons by
Blow it with Bex


Trends and Inspiration: Influencers introduce new trends and creative ideas. Their unique designs and innovative concepts inspire consumers and professionals to explore different styles and themes in balloon decorations.


Halloween Decor by Bubble Hustle Balloons in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Consumer Engagement: Many influencers engage directly with their followers through Q&A sessions, tutorials, and live demonstrations. This interaction has educated and encouraged people to experiment with balloon art, especially during lockdowns when DIY projects gained popularity.


Business Collaboration: Some balloon manufacturers and suppliers collaborate with influencers to promote their services or products. This partnership can boost brand recognition and reach new audiences. Influencers often share their positive experiences with balloon businesses, leading to referrals and recommendations.


Photo by @Sarah_lit with @Northstarballoons


Community Building: Influencers have fostered a sense of community within the balloon industry. They connect enthusiasts, artists, and businesses, creating a supportive network for sharing ideas, techniques, and resources.


Market Expansion: The pandemic prompted many individuals to explore home-based businesses, including balloon decor. Influencers played a role in guiding newcomers through tutorials, business advice, and product recommendations, contributing to market growth.


In summary, influencers have contributed to the resilience and evolution of the balloon market during the pandemic and beyond by promoting creativity, inspiring trends, and fostering a sense of community. They've helped balloon decor remain relevant and adaptable to changing circumstances.


The balloon industry is not unique; influencers can practically be found in every industry, from book reviewing to fashion blogging, and their knowledge and understanding of their niche places them in a position of power and authority within the digital realm.


Here are a few balloon-related accounts that have substantial followings. I am sure there are many more, but these are the companies that I follow. 



The Event Collective @theventcollectivex, with a jaw-dropping 994K followers:

The Event Collective, established in 2018 and based in Austrailia, is a directory and convenient place to find anything and everything party or event-related. The Event Collective shares the work of balloon artists and event companies from around the world.


Balloon Designers ♡Genesis Nieves & Iravid Nieves

Decolovers @decolovers: with 926K followers





Qualatex @qualatex: With 176K followers, Qualatex is a major balloon manufacturer and educator known for providing high-quality balloons and educational resources. They have a significant following due to their global presence and educational content.




Dream Higher Events @dreamhigherevents:

Boasting an impressive 205K followers, Debbie Boxall of Dream Higher Events has experienced remarkable growth in just a few years. Debbie's fine art and fashion design background undeniably influence her distinctive style and boundless creativity. Her balloon journey narrative is truly compelling; I wholeheartedly recommend exploring her story on her Instagram page.



Bubblegum Balloons @Bubblegumballoons:

Founded in 2013 by sisters Laura & Sally and their best friend Megan, they began the Bubblegum business in their family home. Surrounded by endless amounts of confetti, feathers, helium, and ribbon, the Bubblegum dream was born. With a vision to create a beautiful personalised gift for every special occasion, the business has grown into a team of Balloon Ninjas who travel worldwide to deliver the Bubblegum Balloons magic! Today, Bubblegum Balloons still boasts a magnificent 194K followers. 

 


The Event King - @jesustejadax: - 177k followers



Blow it with Bex @blowitwithbex: -155K followers




Dress your Daydream @dressyourdaydream: - 148K followers




Edward Munoz - @edward_munoz: - 128K followers






Balloon Occasions - @balloonoccasions: - 125K followers



Feathered Fox Designs - @featheredfoxdesigns - 119K followers




With a Twist Balloons - @withatwistballoons: - 112K followers



Are influencers important for the growth of the balloon industry? While influencers can amplify these efforts and reach a broader audience, they are just one piece of the puzzle. The collective actions of professionals, businesses, industry associations, and the broader community all contribute to the continued relevance of balloons in the eyes of the general public.



Happy Ballooning! 


Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler (only 33.9K followers 😊)










Friday, August 18, 2023

Balloon Stacks: The Creative Balloon Bouquets

Over the past few years, a new and exciting style of deliverable design has emerged – Balloon Stacks, or Balloon Bouquets.

The Evolution of Balloon Bouquets over Time ⏰🎈 Back in the day (we're talking many years ago 🦕), a balloon bouquet was simply a bunch of helium-filled latex and foil balloons tied together and securely fastened to a weight. Nowadays, balloon bouquets have become much more sophisticated. These stacks are creatively arranged and have a unique blend of colours, techniques and designs that make them a perfect fit for any occasion.

Check out this stunning example of a creative Balloon Bouquet! Designed by Jackie Ochitwa of With a Twist Balloon Creations in Alberta, Canada, this masterpiece showcases the artist's mastery of this style of decor. I usually live by the philosophy of "less is more", but in this case, more is definitely better!

Design by Jackie Ochitwa, CBA

For me, it is all in the detail, and that is what Jackie is especially good at! Jackie's twisting skills really give her the edge when creating these intricate designs. Learning a few twisting techniques definitely elevates any balloon artist's work! 

Jackie has her own YouTube channel 'Jackie O' where you will find a selection of video tutorials that show a number of techniques she uses in her designs.

I have also included below, Jackie's Kawaii class from the Q Corner Balloon convention 2020. This FREE video class is approximately  1 hour and 45 mins long and is packed with some great techniques and twisted design ideas to recreate for your bouquet designs... Happy viewing!



Balloon Number Stacks are also extremely popular, and they make the perfect gift for anyone celebrating a special birthday from 1 to 100! There is definitely no age limit for these fabulous balloon designs! I love this vibrant tropical theme Number Nine design by Debbie Boxhall of Dream Higher Events. Those HOT colours really do 'pop'. 

Balloon Design by Dream Higher Events in Kent. UK

Here are some more great example of creative balloon bouquets.

Love... Covered in Sprinkles!

Any Valentine would swoon over this SWEET concoction of balloon goodness!

Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA




Tutu Cute!

Surprise a little dancer with this ballet themed delivery!

Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA

Gold rose is a classic and a favourite regardless of the age. This Number 80 design is by Ventura County Balloons in California, USA



Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA
Please note that the Black numbers have now been discontinued but could be easily replaced with any colour.




Designer name: Zahraa Jawad, CBA of Forever Balloons Boutique in Beruit, Lebanon

There is no limit to the amount of creativity you can use within one of these displays. The only limitation is your ballooning abilities. If you would like to learn more, there are some truly great resources:

1. You can tune into Q Corner's FREE Balloon Show or you can join the Q Corner School of Balloons for a monthly nominal fee where you will get access to lots of video tutorials and extra Q Corner content.

2. You can tune into Happy Hour with Cam & Eve. Simply click on the link to view all the past live streams. Once again, these are all free!


I hope that you have enjoyed this post, thank you for read!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
Follow me @suebowler