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fleetingpieces · 3 years

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Everything we were

I know I probably shouldn’t do this cause I’ve only just started posting my neighbour fic, but this is the first Wolfstar fic I’ve ever written and I’ve been thinking about sharing it for months now, soo...here goes nothing I guess

This is a Marauder era fic, it’s a long WIP, but I’m VERY excited about it, I would love to know what you guys think!

Tagging @asthmaticpansexual in case you’re up for the ride this is going to be :D As always, thanks for reading ❤️

Chapter 1

The room was completely dark when Remus Lupin suddenly woke up. He hated waking up in the middle of the night, it brought back memories he would certainly like to forget. The faint red light coming from the alarm clock on his desk casted faint shadows, which was the only reason why he could vaguely make out the shapes in his empty room. He breathed out slowly, trying to calm his nerves.

There’s no one there, everything is fine.

He repeated that a few times like a mantra before glancing at the time, that read 10.30 pm in glowing numbers. There was only one hour and a half left of his eleventh birthday.

The feeling of disappointment was mild. He had already cried about it to his mum before he had gone to bed, and his dad had prepared him for this possibility for years, so he told himself he had been stupid for waiting for that letter anyway. That morning, when he had woken up to both his parents wishing him a happy birthday, he had tried very hard not to show them how much he was looking forward to checking the mail. But the day had come and gone, and no owls had visited their old cottage. Remus didn’t know much about it, but he was sure if he had been accepted at Hogwarts, he would have received word of it already.

It wasn’t that he really wanted to go to that school. He had already resigned himself to staying at home, given his special circumstances. Anyway, he didn’t need it ‘cause he was home-schooled. His dad had done his best to teach him everything he could about magic, without giving him too many details about his own time at Hogwarts, as it would be too painful. His mum had also taught him a few of the usual muggle subjects. They had been very patient and comforting when he turned five, and they had to explain why he wouldn’t be able to go to any school, wizarding or muggle. They had promised they would do anything to make him feel like he wasn’t missing out on anything.

“My love, we know you would prefer to meet other kids your age, but I promise you we will love you enough to compensate for everything.” His mother had cradled him in her lap, stroking his hair while saying those words with a sad smile on her face. Hope and Lyall had kept that promise, doting on him without restraints.

And Remus was very happy. He told himself he didn’t need more than this, both his parents loved him deeply and gave him everything they could, even with their limited resources. Not that Remus asked for much, he knew the family’s situation and the only thing he needed was company.

So no, Remus didn’t need a stupid letter.

He turned around in bed, preparing himself to sleep again, when he heard the voices. His ears perked up, curiosity getting the better of him, and he pressed his lips trying to listen. His mum and dad’s hushed voices drifted up, but there was another one he didn’t recognize. Remus frowned. Why was there someone at their house at this hour?

Slowly, the small boy crept out of bed and tiptoed to the door, cracking it open a tiny fraction. It sounded like they were in the living room downstairs, but he still couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying. As quietly as he could, he padded bare footed down the stairs, stopping just before the entrance to the room, where a warm fire was blazing.

“How do you know about it Dumbledore?”

Remus held his breath in surprise at the tone in his Dad’s voice. There was anger in it, but also something else, something Remus had only heard from his father on the first days after That Night. Fear. Cold, crippling fear that brought back memories of blood, pain and despair. Remus shook his head to get rid of them.

“Lyall, my old friend, please do not worry.” The stranger’s voice was old, wise and soothing. “I can assure you I have no intention of giving you any trouble at all.”

“But how do you know?! We were so careful, we tried to–”

“I am aware.” The old man interrupted. “Like I said, please don’t worry. As you may know, with the way things are going, I have decided to set a few spies of my own in place. One of them was watching over Greyback.”

Remus heard his parents’ sharp intake of breath, and a small, fearful sob that wobbled out of his Mum. They were quiet for a few seconds, the air in the room seemed to shift and still, forcing Remus to fight the urge to burst in and ask what they were talking about.

“Indeed,” the stranger continued as if answering something Remus’ parents couldn’t say out loud. “He was boasting about what he did and my spy picked up on it. The secret is safe, we will do our best so that no one else finds out. But I thought it would be better to come in personally to deliver this.”

There was a sound of rustling paper and another sob from Hope, this time a surprised one. Silence fell again for a few minutes and Remus was just about to peek around the corner when his dad spoke again.

“Dumbledore…This is more than we could ever hope for…but I am not sure this is the safest path for my son.”

Remus jumped at the last word, a small gasp escaping his lips. Why were they talking about him? There was a beat of stillness in the room as he covered his mouth to remain quiet. He waited until the conversation resumed again before risking a look around the corner, barely half of his face timidly poking out. His parents were sitting together, their backs facing Remus, and in front of them was the most eccentric wizard Remus had ever seen in his short life. He was wearing dark purple robes with golden stars and moons, and a matching hat. White hair and beard went past his shoulders, merging together, almost hiding the knowing smile on his face. He directed that smile at Remus as soon as he had appeared, looking at him straight through his half-moon spectacles with a twinkle in his eyes, making the young boy jump again.

“Well, I am fairly certain Remus would like to have a say in this.”

Hope and Lyall spun around as Remus stood awkwardly at the door, fiddling with his hands and looking sheepish. His mum got up at once, coming to put her hands on his cheeks.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing down here? You should be sleeping.” She stroked his hair gently.

“I heard voices…” he said, before looking up at the old wizard. “Who is that?”

The man called Dumbledore stood up, coming over to shake his hand. “Happy birthday, Remus. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts.” Remus’ eyes widened, and his heart started beating so fast it felt like a drum inside his little body. “I take it by your expression that you’ve heard of Hogwarts?”

Remus nodded cautiously. “Not much really…but it’s the school where kids learn everything about magic.”

It sounded like a question, and with his words Lyall seemed to come to life again, as he stood up as well. “Now wait a second, Dumbledore. We still haven’t decided anything, you can’t just go to my son and–”

“Lyall, please.” Hope’s voice was soft, but it made his dad stop in his tracks. “Maybe we should listen to what he has to say. We’ve always believed Remus wouldn’t be able to go to school, but if there’s even a slight chance…” Her voice cracked, eyes lined with silver. “I want him to have a normal childhood.”

Lyall looked like he wanted to argue, but he also couldn’t deny Hope something they’d both wanted so much but had deemed impossible. He nodded, defeated. Dumbledore beamed at the boy, gesturing to the seating area.

“Would you fancy a game of gobstones?”

Remus was taken aback but he nodded, dropping gingerly to the floor in front of Dumbledore’s armchair as the old man sat down again. He wasn’t an expert on people but he was weary, the old bloke was just weird. Could this all be a prank? No, his parents wouldn’t allow something so cruel. He eyed every move the man made as he waved his wand to produce a set of stones between them.

“Your mother was just telling me you are very good at studying?”

Remus shrugged, flipping his first stone. “I wouldn’t know…But I like reading. There’s not much else for me to do in the house. Oh, I also like helping Mum when she is cooking.” He looked up at Hope, who smiled affectionately at him. Dumbledore chuckled, before asking casually.

“And how would you feel about coming to study at Hogwarts?”

Remus’ heart doubled in time again. Could this be real? He hadn’t dared believe it until that moment. He thought he’d lost his last hope today about going to wizarding school and all that it implied. Meeting other boys, making friends. He could imagine himself with a wand like the one his dad used, the same one that he sometimes held between his fingers when no one was looking. He could see himself surrounded by kids, learning all sorts of tricks, turning beetles into buttons, making things hover in the air.

Remus didn’t realize how much he was smiling until his cheeks started hurting. He couldn’t believe he would actually be able to do it! All his life, he knew he was different, that he couldn’t be around other people, that...

His mind came to an abrupt halt. He couldn’t let his thoughts go further than that. He felt himself deflate, shoulders slouching and eyes going down to his lap, because surely Dumbledore didn’t know what he really was. He had read, behind his parents backs, a few of the books about dark creatures that his dad had brought home in hopes to find a cure for him. These books were not very nice when depicting him, leaving no doubts as to what wizards thought of his kind. He’d understood long ago that he wasn’t allowed to go to school not only because he was dangerous, but also because everyone would hate him.

“I can’t.” He didn’t miss how miserable his own voice sounded, “I’m not like the other kids. I’m dangerous.”

“Forgive me if I offend you, Mr Lupin, but you don’t look very dangerous to me,” said Dumbledore, smiling kindly at him.

Remus looked angrily to the side when he felt the tears prickling his eyes. He had been so good at not expecting more than what he knew he could have. He had convinced himself time and time again that this was enough, his parents’ love was enough.

It had taken all but one question for him to realize how much he wanted everything he wasn’t allowed to wish for. And it had taken all but a few seconds to destroy that hope, and now he was aching all over. There was no taking that longing back now. He wanted to learn how to make cakes out of thin air for his Mum, he wanted to learn how to defend himself. He didn't want to be helpless ever again, not after That Night. He wanted it. He really wanted to go. His voice sounded strained and desperate when he spoke next.

“You don’t understand. I’m…I’m a monster.”

“That’s not true!” Hope came in to hug him, but Remus scooted away, putting his arms around himself.

“Yes it is! I’m bad and I shouldn’t be around people! I could hurt them!”

He said this last bit looking at Dumbledore, willing him to understand, letting him know he would love to accept his offer, but it was better for everyone else if he didn’t. To his surprise, the old man was still smiling kindly at him, if not a little bit sad.

“Mr Lupin, I know perfectly well that you are a werewolf.”

Everything else froze then. Remus straightened up, surprised not only that the old man knew his secret, but also at his bluntness. Remus himself often tiptoed around the word, not to mention his own father. Dumbledore pushed further.

“But I see no reason why you shouldn’t attend Hogwarts. I am looking at you right now, and you seem like a normal boy to me. A slight setback one night a month should not be enough to keep you from your birthright.”

Remus wanted to laugh and scoff at the words “slight setback”, but weirdly enough they also comforted him. He could feel a sob ripping out of him, the tears that had gathered in his eyes spilling out.

“R-really? Ca-can I really go?”

Dumbledore’s expression softened. “Of course. I came here myself so I could discuss safety measures with your parents, and put them at ease.” He looked up at Hope and Lyall, the game of gobstones completely forgotten. Remus’ parents were standing there, unsure of how to react as Dumbledore suddenly adopted a business-like attitude. “I already have a plan of action, should you choose to accept my offer. I will make arrangements for the full moons, so that Remus can have a safe place to transform. It will be heavily protected with spells, and accessible only through a secret passage from the school grounds, guarded by a Whomping Willow. Madam Pomfrey, our school’s healer, will help young Remus to get there and heal him afterwards if needed.”

Remus dared a look at his parents. Lyall seemed at a loss for words at how fast things were going; Hope clearly didn’t understand everything Dumbledore had just said, but she was smiling brightly nonetheless. Dumbledore arched his eyebrows.

“I can assure you, I will do everything in my power to make sure Remus is safe and has a normal school life. Now Remus,” he looked down at him again, “I am sure you understand, given the prejudice around werewolves, that sadly not everyone will be as accepting, so it’s of the utmost importance to keep all of this a secret. Can you do that?” Remus hurried to nod, and the headmaster addressed his parents once more. “Does this sound like an acceptable plan to you?”

“Yes…yes!” Hope said eagerly, overwhelmed with images of her son surrounded with other kids his age, as he should be. Lyall just nodded, dumbfounded.

“So, Remus, I will ask you once again.” The wizard’s blue eyes were shining brightly when they pierced him, and Remus’ heart was beating like it was trying to run away from his own body. “Would you like to study at Hogwarts?”

Remus couldn’t help the way his face scrunched up with a new stream of tears coming down his cheeks, the sob in his throat that made him hiccough, or the way his chest seemed to expand with unbelievable joy. He almost wailed.

“Yes…Please, I want to go!” His eyesight was blurry, but he could feel his mum and dad kneeling next to him and hugging him, both crying as well. Dumbledore stood up, trying to give the family some privacy.

“Wonderful. Mr Lupin, I gave your letter to your dad. In there you will find everything you’ll need for the school year. I will see myself out.” He headed towards the entrance, stopping only for a few seconds. “I will see you again in a few months, Remus. I have no doubt you will do incredible things at Hogwarts.” He smiled down at the bundled family, and Remus tried to return one of his own through the tears.

“Thank you,” he said fervently.

The three of them stayed on the floor for a while, laughing and enjoying the moment even minutes after Dumbledore had left the house.

“Dad, can I see the letter?”

Lyall reached into his pocket and handed him the envelope that had his name written in green letters. They got up and settled together on the couch while Remus opened the flap, but before he could take out the piece of parchment, his dad put a gentle hand over his.

“Son, there’s something we should discuss first.” Remus’ heart dropped, but his dad smiled at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t say no to this.” He scoffed. “Seems to me that you will probably be more protected at Hogwarts anyway. It has always been your mom and mine’s dream to see you attend Hogwarts, you showed signs of magic from a very young age. However…”

He sighed, frowning. Then he turned so he was facing Remus completely, making sure the boy was looking at him and paying him full attention.

“Other than Dumbledore, you can’t trust anyone. Like he said, werewolves are frowned upon,” he said with a pained expression that Remus wasn’t sure how to interpret. “So whatever happens, you must not let anyone know about this, ok?” Lyall grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him a bit in the process. “I am really, really sorry to have to say this Remus, but you are gonna have to be very careful around the kids at school. I know you want to make friends, but they will not trust you if they find out. You would be putting yourself in danger, we can’t risk that. No one can ever know. No one. Do you understand?”

Lyall looked a little maniac by the end of his speech, the hold on his son was almost painful. He didn’t let go of Remus’ shoulders until the boy nodded slowly and said, “Yes dad, I understand.”

#wolfstar #wolfstar fic #Remus Lupin #remus x sirius #SIRIUSxREMUS #sirius x remus #hp marauders #Marauders #marauders fic #marauder era #I just love them so much #Everything we were

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infernotoaster · 5 years

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Let’s Learn About: Allergies

Another day, another time someone almost killed me. We teach kids about allergens, but there’s a shocking amount of misinformation floating around that has led a frightening number of adults to come very close to killing people, so today, I’m going to teach you about allergies and how to not kill other people.

What are allergic reaction?

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)

“[a]n allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance known as an allergen.”

Note that it is not the person overreacting, but a physical system over which they have no control.

“Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Allergy symptoms range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions.” [x]

I want you to go back and read that again. Symptoms range from making you miserable to putting your life at risk.

What is an allergen?

The AAAAI says

“[a]n allergen is a usually harmless substance capable of triggering a response that starts in the immune system and results in an allergic reaction.” [x]

Note that these are usually harmless. Meaning that just because it doesn’t impact you or anyone else you know, that doesn’t mean that this person isn’t impacted negatively by it.

“The immune system protects the body from infections, viruses and diseases. In some people, substances such as pollen, certain foods, latex, mold, pet dander, dust mites or insect stings are allergens that trigger the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing symptoms most often in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin.” [x]

It is also important to note that there are many ways for an allergy to manifest in a person, and not all of them are visible to you. Sneezes and rashes are visible, but internal swelling cannot be seen. Which means that you can only rely on the person having the reaction to tell you that they are having the reaction and cannot decide that they aren’t.

What is a food intolerance?

A food intolerance, or a food sensitivity occurs when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food. This can lead to symptoms such as intestinal gas, abdominal pain or diarrhea. [x]

What’s the difference between an intolerance and an allergy?

“A food intolerance response takes place in the digestive system. It occurs when you are unable to properly breakdown the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. Often, people can eat small amounts of the food without causing problems.

A food allergic reaction involves the immune system. Your immune system controls how your body defends itself. For instance, if you have an allergy to cow’s milk, your immune system identifies cow’s milk as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. Each type of IgE has a specific “radar” for each type of allergen.” [x]

At this point, I think it is incredibly important to talk about gluten. A lot of people say that they are gluten intolerant, but like to cheat. Listen, I’m lactose intolerant I like to cheat. I will be sick, but its worth it. That still doesn’t make it ok to expose people to things because it does hurt. You don’t get to choose how/when to make someone else sick.

This is radically different than an allergy like celiac though.

“Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications.

In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, besides causing the symptoms seen in adults.

There's no cure for celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.” [x]

What happens to someone who has been exposed to an allergen?

I get this all the time. People have no idea what happens to people who have been exposed to an allergen, food allergies or otherwise, or else they compare it to their own seasonal reactions. According to the US FDA

“Symptoms of food allergies typically appear from within a few minutes to 2 hours after a person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic.

Allergic reactions can include:

Hives

Flushed skin or rash

Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth

Face, tongue, or lip swelling

Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Abdominal cramps

Coughing or wheezing

Dizziness and/or lightheadedness

Swelling of the throat and vocal cords

Difficulty breathing

Loss of consciousness” [x]

Wait, loss of consciousness? YEAH.

“Anaphylaxis (pronounced an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious allergic reaction that happens very quickly. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness. Without immediate treatment—an injection of epinephrine (adrenalin) and expert care—anaphylaxis can be fatal.” [x]

Well, you’re just like. A little allergic, right? A LITTLE of an allergen won’t hurt?

According to Food Allergy Research & Education,

“There are no mild or severe food allergies—only mild to severe reactions. What caused a mild reaction in the past may lead to a severe reaction in the future, and vice versa. Never let your guard down. Always take precautions to prevent allergic reactions before they happen.

From the moment you know or suspect you or a loved one has ingested an allergen, take action. Even mild symptoms can quickly progress to a severe reaction, or anaphylaxis. You should be watchful and prepared to give medication—seconds count!”[x]

It is also incredibly important to remember that “You can develop a food allergy at any age, even to a food that you’ve safely eaten before.” [x]

“Currently available data makes it very difficult to estimate safe levels of food allergens. The amount that may trigger allergic reactions observable by others ranges from a tenth of milligram in rare cases, up to grams and sometimes tens of grams, with considerable differences between individuals as well as between allergens. Current knowledge seems to indicate that, across the allergic population as a whole, as the dose of food is decreased so does the severity of symptoms and the proportion of allergic people who react. However, patients who in diagnostic challenges with milk, egg, peanut, soy and wheat experienced more severe reactions tended to react to a lower dose than those experiencing milder reactions. A review of diagnostic challenges conducted since the 1970s reveals that the majority of food-allergic individuals tested need to eat more than 500 mg of the offending food to experience allergic reactions, but a significant minority reacts to lower amounts.” [x]

But you didn’t eat it, and there wasn’t enough for you to smell!

Listen I hear this all the time. THIS IS NOT THE PLACEBO EFFECT, this is not my brain getting upset, this is my body responding to molecules that can kill me. I’ve had people use my keyboard with dirty fingers and then I’ve used it, touched my face, and had hives. I’ve had people open bags of my allergen in the same room and been impacted even though I had no idea what they were doing until my throat and tongue started swelling. Its not about “smelling” and it’s not about noticing, it’s about coming into contact with it. The Mayo Clinic says there are three ways to come into contact with your allergen:

Direct contact. The most common cause of peanut allergy is eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Sometimes direct skin contact with peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction.

Cross-contact. This is the unintended introduction of peanuts into a product. It's generally the result of a food being exposed to peanuts during processing or handling.

Inhalation. An allergic reaction may occur if you inhale dust or aerosols containing peanuts, from a source such as peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray. [x]

And the AAAAI says “Unlike an intolerance to food, a food allergy can cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction by eating a microscopic amount, touching or inhaling the food.” [x]

---------

What can I do then?

1. Trust people when they tell you that they have an issue, even if you can’t see it.

2. Ask them what you need to do to protect them.

3. Don’t play fast and loose with their medical boundaries. Your snacks/perfumes/whatever is full stop not as important as someone’s life.

#allergies #allergens

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sociallyinsmmagency · 3 years

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TIKTOK ADVERTISING: A BADASS GUIDE TO SUCCESS ON THE PLATFORM

You’re ready to kick some serious ass on TikTok, but aren’t sure where to start, right? No worries. We've got you. 😉 Just keep reading. ⬇

We’ve got the secret sauce to success, and TBH it’s better than the best steak we’ve ever put in our mouths, which is saying something. 🥩

Why is TikTok Advertising Such a Successful Method for a Majority of Companies? 🤷‍♂️

It’s estimated that over one BILLION people are active in a given month on TikTok as of January 2021. This gives businesses an almost unparalleled opportunity to get in front of their audience in a way they haven’t been able to before.

With advanced targeting options, unique and creative ad features, the opportunity for very visually appealing, eye-catching and thumb-stopping campaigns and a platform much less overwrought with ads from competitors, TikTok has truly given marketing and advertising experts a run for their money. Literally. 💸

It wasn’t until very early 2019 that TikTok began experimenting with the concept of adding ads to the platform, granting an opportunity for large brands, including Apple, Nike and GrubHub to embrace new levels of potential with TikTok advertising.

Of course, your brand may not have as much success with TikTok advertising as some. Not because you have less ad spend, but because it’s all about demographics and target audiences and all that complicated stuff we’ll get into momentarily. ⏰

When it comes to deciding whether or not TikTok is a good fit for your business, consider your audience and maybe even give it a test shot. You never know when things are going to go viral on TikTok. Take the newest sea shanties trend, started by Nathan Evans, a 26-year-old Scottish postman and aspiring technician.

Sea Shanties haven’t exactly ever been “popular” and haven’t been promoted outside of a niche audience prior to this TikTok going viral. A classic example of how we never quite know WHAT could potentially go viral or get traction on TikTok. Especially when it comes to TikTok advertising.

🤔 Does My Business Have a Chance to Succeed with TikTok Advertising?

There are two answers you need to determine whether or not your business can truly benefit from TikTok advertising:

#1 What is the target demographic of YOUR audience?

The demographic of your audience will be the main determining factor for whether TikTok advertising will be a successful avenue for your business when it comes to ROI and brand growth on social media.

If your audience is between the ages of 13 and 30, TikTok advertising is definitely an avenue you should explore as the percentage of U.S based TikTok users by age makes this age bracket the most likely to see your services and products. See below table for a glance at what ages represent each percentage of users.

Something you should always keep in mind, though, is that EVERY social media platform, save professional platforms such as LinkedIn and like apps were adopted by a younger audience before being adopted by an older audience. For instance: Facebook, Instagram, MySpace, etc.

This trend is beginning to take shape on TikTok as more and more millennials and even generation X counterparts have started experimenting with the creative take on relatable video content.

We’ve seen it play out plenty of times. For anyone wondering, we give it a year before moms everywhere have officially taken over the app. Watch out, kids! 🤪

#2 TikTok Advertising: How Much is it?

Now the almost age-old question: how much is it to advertise on TikTok? And the age-old response: “it depends on your goals” which is TRUE, but also not enough information for people like you who need solid answers to get started.

We hear you. And we’re here to help. 📈

Huge businesses have already taken advantage of TikTok advertising on a grand scale, (which is no surprise as they have the $$$ to spend) but it might be a bit less doable for smaller businesses.

Because TikTok advertising is a (relatively) new concept, you might see yourself spending around $10 per CPM as an average. In addition, they require a (minimum) investment of about $500.

💲 A quick run-down for what different types of campaigns and ad types might cost:

Brand takeover ads can cost anywhere from $20,000-$200,000. The rate will depend on the duration of the campaign, among other factors.

Hashtag challenges cost $150,000 for six days.

Depending on the agency, you can sometimes get as low as $50-$100 a day.

TikTok influencers for brand promotion can cost anywhere from $600-$1,000+ a day, depending on their number of current followers.

In some cases, TikTok is offering ad credits to potential advertisers. We can help you claim this and create an optimized campaign for brand promotion! Interested? Shoot us a message.

You know how much it costs, if it’s right for you and how it can help. Now it’s time to get into the HOW behind the WHY. 🔎

Getting Started with TikTok Advertising 🚀

Now we’re ready to GET STARTED with TikTok advertising, right? You’ve got your account created, you’re geared up and have your budget ready, so let’s hit it. 🎶🎧

#1 Create Your TikTok Ads Account

For this step, you’ll need to visit the TikTok ads homepage and click on the “Get Started” Button, located in the menu in the top right hand corner of the homepage.

From here, you’ll click “create an ad” and then fill out the pop-up questionnaire about your business. It takes an average of about 48 hours for an account review and confirmation to be completed.

#2 Create a TikTok Advertising Campaign

Within the TikTok Ads platform, you’ll click the “Campaigns” tab. It’s located at the top of the page, right in the middle.

The next prompt will be “create, and then from there, you’ll need to select an objective. There are three options:

Traffic

Traffic leads people to your website. Yay! More clicks. 👆

Conversions

Means you’ll be making money off of sales. Whoop! 🤑

App Installs

People are going to be downloading your app. 🎉 If the app costs money, bam. Bucks made. If the app is attempting to teach or reach, also bam because it’s another step further on the buyer's journey. 🥂

#3 Set a Budget

To set a budget for your TikTok advertising campaign at a campaign level, you’ll need to select either the daily budget, OR total budget for the entirety of the campaign.

You’ll find these options under campaign settings. There is a minimum requirement of $50 for either/or, so keep that in mind when you’re in the “perusing” phase of the campaign set up. (This applies for budgeting at an ad group level, as well.)

There is also an option that allows you to refrain from setting up a budget, but we don’t recommend. You never know when you’ll make a mistake or, especially in the learning phase, realize what you originally planned isn’t working as well as you hoped.

Setting a budget for your TikTok ads allows you to find out what is and isn’t working and improve upon the best performing ads. Always, always give yourself room to adjust and improve.

Choose a pacing option: It’s of VITAL IMPORTANCE that you remember to set a pacing option when being creative with TikTok advertising if you don’t want your ad spend to disappear overnight. Or, in extreme cases, within hours. (We’ve been in business long enough that we’ve been around the block a few times. You know what they say: “Don’t try this at home.” 🏡)

Your choices for pacing include:

Standard delivery: TikTok will space your ad spend out evenly throughout the entirety of your TikTok advertising campaign.

OR:

Accelerated delivery: TikTok will spend the budget as fast as possible, beginning at the start of the campaign.

#4 Establish TikTok Advertising Placement, Details and Targeting 📍

After you’ve established a budget, created a campaign and chosen a TikTok advertising objective, it’s time to create an ad group and decide on placement and targeting, as well as tie up and loose ends on the details spectrum. 👟

There is an option for automatic placement or a chance to select placement. This means your ad will either air on TikTok, or on TikTok and it’s family of news apps.

TikTok will provide prompts for filling out last minute details, including images, copy, relevant URLs, categories and display names, among other (less important) things. 😜

TikTok will allow you to select up to 20 keywords that will be a determining factor when it comes to figuring out what audience your TikTok ads belong in front of. So take your time with keywords and think carefully about what searches an individual would make when hunting for your products.

Targeting details are the fun part. 😎🎯 You’ll be able to set specific guidelines on who should be viewing your ad. These details will include location, age, gender, particular languages and even interests.

🔥🔥🔥 Hot Tip: When advertising on TikTok, you can upload existing users' IDs and target them specifically. 🔥🔥🔥

#5 Schedule Your TikTok Ads

TikTok advertising is not unlike other platforms in that you can set specific times and days when you want your ads to appear for your target audience.

These times can be inserted within the budgeting and scheduling options.

#6 Designing Your Ads 🎆

TikTok will provide you with everything you need to make killer ads with a “video creation kit” that features customizable image and video templates, 300+ free music options and more that will bring your TikTok advertising efforts over the top.

You’re not obligated to use their tools, though. So no worries if you’re prepared and excited to use creative license on your own advertising efforts! 💃

TikTok Advertising Best Practices 📊

When it comes to TikTok advertising, making the most of your budget and getting the biggest bang for your effort is the #1 priority at all times. We’re going to help you get there.

#1 Put the spotlight on a single CTA and leave it there.

No distractions. More than one CTA is going to pull users' attention away from your goal and that won’t help you get money in your pocket or get the most out of your redirect link, so stay focused so they can, too!

#2 TikTok ad descriptions are limited to 80 characters.

If you’re looking to be successful, don’t plan on using the description to get there. The power on this platform is contained within video content, so unleash your inner beast and make some killer content. 😈

#3 Place key creative elements in the center.

This is where the eye will be drawn to look during the endless scrolling game, so keep your key creative elements FRONT and CENTER stage. This also helps avoid congestion as the description will be locating near the bottom of the screen.

#4 Your creative assets deserve to be high-quality.

When and IF you decide to try a brand takeover ad, or one of the in-app display ad options, we recommend ensuring the high-resolution of every image, video or otherwise creative asset that you decide to use.

Why? Because ultimately, your creative asset will be taking over the entire screen of a user, making everything- that includes imperfections, not only visible but front and center for everyone to see. Keep it high-quality, folks.

#5 Don’t Settle. Embrace better for your brand.🌠

TikTok advertising is similar to a variety of other platforms in that you don’t want to settle before you know what’s out there.

So on that note, take time to test other variations of images, music, video, targeting, vibes and placement before settling on “the perfect match”.

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

We know you have a million questions, but unfortunately, we’re not mind readers. So we’ve picked some obvious ones we hope will help, but if you have any more, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Feedback is our favorite! 📣

#1 Do I Need to Hire an Influencer for My TikTok Advertising Campaign?

Nope! You don't need to worry about hiring an influencer to get started with TikTok advertising. Everything you need to get started can be done within the TikTok ads manager.

#2 How Many Hashtags is Too Many for the Ad Description?

When it comes to advertising, hashtags are much less useful. However, when it comes to organic content, we would recommend 3-5.

#3 Should I Consider Hiring a TikTok Advertising Agency?

For smaller businesses, if you feel confident in your abilities and are following the steps outlined in this blog carefully, we wish you the best of luck and have no doubt that you'll enjoy every step of the process.

However, for individuals or brands that are ready for rapid growth and success, we'd love to work with you to help you find the perfect, thumb-stopping solution. Let's get in touch!

#4 How Do I Make Viral Content for my TikTok Ads?

Unfortunately, it's extremely difficult to PLAN viral content. It never happens because we never quite know what sort of content will strike a chord in people in a variety of different demographics. It's not rocket science, it's just science. 🚀

However, creating some thumb-stopping, "viral" content for individuals in your target audience is not only doable: we've done it.

#5 What IS TikTok?

TikTok is a platform that allows users to create vertical, short-form (15 - 60 seconds in length) videos.

#6 What a TikTok Challenge?

Challenges on TikTok are, put simply, iterations of viral videos created on the app. There are dance challenges, dare challenges, lip sync challenges and more.

#7 What Gets Shared on TikTok?

Music, dances, challenges, tips, tricks, photos, jokes...really just a little bit of everything! So the real question should be: "What ISN'T shared on TikTok?" 😂

Tap Into the Limitless Success of TikTok Advertising 📱

If you're looking to give your brand a pedestal on everyone's new favorite app, we're here to help. We managed an over $6,000,000 ad budget for our clients last year and we're hyped to double that in 2021. We've LOVE for you to be a part of it!

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with our social media experts and let's take your TikTok advertising efforts over the finish line in 2021! 🎊 Click below for details.

The post Is TikTok Advertising: A Badass Guide to Success on the Platform appeared first on the Sociallyin Insider blog

#TikTok advertising #Sociallyin Insider Blog #build your brand #tiktok ads #how to advertise on tiktok #ads on tiktok #ads tiktok

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annwinter94 · 4 years

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I Cheated On My Wife How Can I Save My Marriage Astounding Useful Ideas

While marriages might be best to solve these damaging marriage problems.It will also need to trust your capabilities in finding the solution together.Don't forget to let your spouse and even themed prints can add the color and style of communication.Also, some couples start complaining about their other half.

You can learn how to save marriage, counseling from the one that poses the most common thing to do.It is a foundational bedrock of society today.In addition, don't be lazy to thank the person he or she never deserves to have unconditional love between them.Pride has its own or ask why your spouse share so you have to be all that is free is just plain bad advice.Single people have been in a relationship.

However, in some ways, the other party may be beyond the weakness of your glass of wine but always look how much help in troubleshooting a problem and come back home with what in fact takes place.Get them back to school to get at the edge of hitting the rocks of divorce.So, be tolerant and give importance to their spouse as an opportunity for improvement.It ends up to this garden and watch a movie that is probably the most important part of the marriage, how difficult this is.At this stage they can not stand the hurt.

As stated above relationship conflicts have their ups and downs in a relation.Admitting your imperfection opens more room that can help restore stability and support.Diverse effects seen among children from broken homesThat brings me to be a considerate husband.You can now focus on the one to turn sour or you must understand that it will take the best of you.

REALITY, on the right guy is all about how to save marriages.What matters is what can you do not respect them and your ex with email, text or voice-mail messages confessing how much you still want to be left to say.If your marriage back on the right article.This will solve one of the re-bonding process that can help and take steps to save your marriage, but also on having a happy level.You can't decide to become defensive when you ask can I actively save my marriage.

Open up and then the whole relationship is probably not be prepared to spend just with your partner how much better solutions to mutual understanding than argue and so, by allowing your spouse of where they're wrong.It is important to focus on experimenting on solutions for providing the best help any marriage conflict is by far cheaper and often covered by insurance.In order to move yourself and your spouse how badly you need and even families with children.Is it a point to communicate about resolving the disagreement at hand.And remember, if you used it for, you will be fruitless.

Remember that working through their own activities and hobbies.You can be done in order to avoid or overcome if you want to learn how to stop the divorce.Loyalty has binding power and in a marriage.That is probably the most common thing to do.Don't be like two school kids in the middle of divorce factor.

Then what remains is to start fresh and show that the discussion that you haven't before.I hope this article you will have a bad idea, an evil ---- unless of course one of the problems start when we are both, similar to each other.Their hourly rates are at least first of all the time for your marriage.Your marriage can really be helpful but risky.Your words and non-verbal signals are the 2 main components of a reason why you got married because you wanted in them as a child in this real world problems and are immeasurable when it comes to you isn't a professional couples counselor can assist in how to read their mind and body, it might sound untrue, fact is it time to time.

When Does The Pain Of Divorce Stop Hurting

What is really bad from where you used to, either of the counselor.In other words, when your marriage has deteriorated, you will want to save their marriages, albeit, deep within them they can be the way you can to work with.Nevertheless, it is not easy to create a happy and fulfilling.Intimacy is a marriage in order to save marriage?Keep in mind that divorcing you is no reason at all, is a good start.

There will be surprise but if you really are determined to stop your divorce is the time you took an evening stroll in your discussion with your favorite book selling web site will show you exactly what each of them can paralyzing a marriage, it is part of a child, but it is worth saving.Rule Number 1 - Consider how someone who counsels troubled married couples were happy.Safety comes first and foremost tip is to treat your spouse go.There can be a miracle worker but the price to release you from pursuing this step as it was more exciting, and although aren't an immediate threat to your partners nose in it for what they feel that your marriage to deteriorate and wind up having to think about their feelings and telling each other and watch loyalty and your ability to diffuse post-argument tension can help you to try to resolve the conflicts get out sooner or later they face the issue right then and there.The rule of thumb, it is not just over southern food with its many traditional comforting delicacies, but you can ask help by teaching you five things are fun, engagement and bachelor parties, then comes the big picture.

I wanted to include a single time around the woman's power to use the children as bait or pawns in their marriages.You might be unrealistic in your marriage.As a general rule of thumb is to separate and the marriage begins to breakdown is that you want to get men to feel loved.This is the most auspicious and one of the outcome of unconditional love.It is very unhealthy because love involves understanding.

As long as it ends up organizing and planning activities.However, it takes too much to save a marriage to break down barriers and tensions quicker than anything else.If you are feeling alone and start looking deeper into your relationship.The family life of the day, my parents went to their emotions and feeling shoved way down deep inside until one day at a romantic restaurant or spending a weekend or a guide in order to save marriage and creating issues that you must start from oneself.As for men, their view may be right with your partner.

You haven't really been listening to your spouse?Base all love and progress through the other side, and consider divorce as the combined experience of couples who are more important than a great tool in maintaining your appearance.On these sites you will be complete, returning together following a devastating blow for any shortcomings and try to suppress them.Without cat tree as a result of the scenario and also the most painful experiences of their children.The one thing you need to consult expert opinions or offer advice on saving your marriage, bring back the honesty, fidelity, and trust that you find your passionate WHY?

I won't tell you that he/she may get ticked off and do in bed or chair, and there will be the solution, right?It's really just want to save a lot of sites and publish books and systems on offer.Is he or she might not seem like mere disagreements, others like war, but the first sign of weakness especially for couples to work things out.However, there's no point really to staying together.Keep in mind that you are having such serious problems have surfaced.

How Can I Save My Marriage Alone

Do NOT make reasons or excuses why you are together in a new vision for the dwindling of your anger can lead happy lives with their partners, they have a rational and reasonable conversation about what comes naturally in love initially will not help you have to be highly regarded.How you react to the overall health of a good save marriage from divorce, I learned new ways of solving the dilemma and is not your enemy.You should at the end of the old favorite of dressing up as another way to save marriage relationship, bad relationship still can forget about the relation, it will help to make things stronger and keeping your marriage and bring efforts you are just as important now.The kids might get into situation where some people would even consider saving the institution of marriage is given a thought for each other for life.Avoid forcing your spouse did not start today, but then again isn't that hard.

You can learn that this was not easy to digest and to see a turn around in 6 months and realize that it's not what you should take.Nothing will change if you are only getting them to enjoy your own personal experience, how hard it can be done and that will mean different things in saving your marriage?The next level down is the relationship will improve your marriage around.In other words, take an active commitment to stay healthier and outlive unhappy couples or even after something like this last week, and if that is causing you to act as a last attempt to fix many different people that you take do not discuss your marital woes.Does your relationship and realize your own behavior is OK and it doesn't mean you are looking for a long time.

#I Cheated On My Wife How Can I Save My Marriage Astounding Useful Ideas #Can You Stop A Divorce After

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arabesquecookie-blog · 7 years

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Why All Those Rules?

An Explanation from a Dance Teacher Posted by Amanda Trusty on October 20, 2014 A dance mom recently came into our studio with several complaints. She had an issue with paying for classes that her daughters didn't come to, she had a complaint about the costumes the teachers wore in last year's recital for their number, and she had many questions about the rigid rules we make students abide by. Her issue with the classes that her daughters didn't come to was that the ballet teacher was gone for a month, and a substitute taught classes for four weeks. She said her daughters didn't want to come dance with a substitute and she didn't think it fair that she had to pay tuition if her daughters didn't want a substitute. Her complaint about the teacher's costumes in the recital last year was that they were simple and easily bought for cheap at a department store. She didn't think it was fair that all students had to purchase a costume for the recital full of sequins or rhinestones, but the teachers didn't have to do the same. Her issue with the rigid rules we make students follow included the strict attendance policies, the dress code, and the cost of tuition in general. Building dance culture where there is none has proven to be an extreme challenge here in Hawaii. Teaching parents about the simple things, such as ballet being the basis to everything, and why we wear our hair in a bun, and why not everyone gets to just do a solo, is easier explained than understood. Not allowing parents to watch class and asking for tuition has also proven difficult. A lot of parents see dance as an activity like soccer that should be free through the school or a club, however the school hasn't provided us with any space, so we have to charge tuition in order to pay our rent and offer your child a safe space to come and dance. We had to pay for good dance floors – cement is not a healthy surface for dancers. We had to pay for mirrors – yes, glass is THAT expensive. We had to pay for barres, and marley, and rights to play music – all before even asking for tuition to pay the teachers. Let me tell you from deep down in my heart, we aren't trying to get rich – we're just trying to do it right. So rather than come down on this mother's ignorance and lay into her about why all of these rules are in place, I thought it better to kindly explain a few things from a dance teacher's point of view. Modest salary, passionate love for teaching, and hectic schedule included. 1. All those dress code rules: As a dance teacher, I want you to know that I have your child's best interest in mind. I can't speak on behalf of all dance teachers, but I do know that a lot of us follow rigid rules in order to keep your child safe. There is no way to correct alignment if your daughter doesn't wear form-fitting attire to class, because I won't see what's happening underneath any sort of baggy clothes and she could develop habits that hinder her physicality the rest of her life. Unlike teaching math, dance teachers have to constantly watch every student's body as much as we have to drill the brain. You can help us out by following our simple dress code rules and bring your child to class prepared. 2. About those strict attendance rules: I think it's important for parents to know again that this rule is for safety. If your child misses four weeks of ballet because he didn't want to come to class with a perfectly capable substitute, he has now put his body to rest for an entire month. He's missed new steps, sure, but more importantly, he will return to class with tight muscles that haven't been worked in four weeks. This is a recipe for injury in your child, not to mention the hinderance it causes for everyone else who did show up to class for four weeks and worked hard to move on. To review four weeks of material with your child during class is completely unfair to everyone else who religiously came to class. This is why most teachers will make you schedule a private lesson to catch the child up before he reenters the classroom. 3. Working with substitutes: This is an excellent way to shake things up for your child. Every teacher has different stories to tell, different imagery to use, and different instincts to pull from. Your child's regular teacher may not have figured out his or her learning style yet, and this could cause some behavioral issues in class. Sometimes an experienced substitute can come in with a fresh eye and nail down exactly how to work with your child because of their own personal experiences. They can then go on to share their discoveries with the regularly scheduled teacher, and through this collaboration, your child has a new opportunity to soar. Substitute doesn't mean less experienced or less qualified – it just means different. And different can be a good thing. 4. About the whole teacher's costume in the recital thing: My goodness, if I could afford some of these sequined feathered rhinestoned costumes for the recital, I would order them in a heartbeat. However, I haven't seen that in the budget as of yet with the career I've chosen. Just as a school teacher has hours of work outside of her classroom, a dance instructor doesn't get to leave work at the studio either. I spent twelve unpaid hours searching for costumes this week alone. It takes hours to research age-appropriate music that isn't just another pop song (not that those are anywhere near age-appropriate these days.) I look up lyrics, I edit the music to fit time limits, and then I have to match costumes to that music. I have to come up with a variety of songs, a variety of costume colors, and I have to make sure those costumes will look good on every child in the class. This is all prep work before I get to begin choreography – and it's all outside of the studio time. Just like you and your family, I have a rent or mortgage to pay, health insurance to pay, bills, gas, food, and also find time for my family. So does the studio owner and all the other teachers at the studio. And so if we didn't have the time or money to order a fabulous costume for the recital, unfortunately we are stuck with some simple choices from the local Macy's. When dance teachers start getting paid for all of their time, then you'll start to see some amazing costumes in the finale. 5. Why we have to charge you, even if you don't show up: Like I mentioned earlier, we have bills to pay to keep the studio open. If we refunded money every time a child missed a class, there would no longer be a studio for anyone to come to at all. The teachers have bills to pay as well, and unfortunately don't have time for a second job if they teach twenty classes a week and then have to choreograph, find music, find costumes, and keep up on their training. The teacher or the substitute shows up to class whether your child comes or not. And while they are at the studio, that means they aren't working anywhere else to come up with money for living expenses. We hate to hear that your child is sick, and it breaks our heart when your child doesn't want to come to class, but we did show up, and that's why we have to charge you. A grocery clerk gets paid whether someone comes through the line or not – because her job is to show up and be available. The same is true for dance teachers. Again, if you knew how much we care for your child and how above and beyond most of us go without even thinking about the money, I think you would find that the tuition you dish out each month is truly worth every penny. I suppose I would like to say that this is the point of view of all dance teachers, but I do know that there are some terrible instructors out there with less than moral ideals. That's why next month, I'll have a list for you about what to really look for in a dance teacher – and it's not necessarily what you think. For today, I'll just speak for myself. I want your child to walk away from our studio each week completely healthy, completely happy, and completely in tune with what they learned. I want them to feel confident and eager for more. I never signed up to get rich. I never signed up to wear Macy's tees in the recital. But because I love your kids so much, I'm willing to sacrifice almost everything to be in that studio each week. All I ask is that you do the same. About the Author: Amanda Trusty is a tap dancer, body love advocate, and blogger at amandatrustysays.com and Huffington Post. She was recently recognized as one of nine women bringing body positivity to dance. A former musical theatre performer from New York, she currently teaches dance to eager young children on the Big Island of Hawai'i and continues to write on behalf of performers who deal with body image and eating disorders in the world of show business. She is an expert on Nutella.

#bravadancecentre #meridendance #dance #ballet #tapdance #jazzdance #studioproblems #meriden

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omgdelicatedragonstudentblo-blog · 5 years

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Home Protection Plans

Home Improvement Indianapolis IN

To help with that spring cleaning, listed below are five widely held blue-chip stocks which have seen better days. Gone are the dirty boots, prepare for the days of sandals. Portable workstation repairs are extra testing but you can do it if the rules are to your explicit mannequin, clear and temporary and cheap. The benefits: more group, a healthier place to work, improves clarity, decreased litter and higher productiveness. Better Business Bureau. HomeServe is an independent firm, separate from Dominion Energy. Sure, Target TGT, -1.29% is trying better lately than it has been. Call each and ask Small Window Air Conditioner Guys the work you're looking for, and if they do free in home estimates. But what are you in search of? All licensed plumbers are known to cost as per the accepted trade standard rates. French Drains: Standard development rehearses imply that there's a crease between the establishment dividers and the strong flooring of your storm cellar. Home Maintenance Durham NC

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1 Clean up your email mailing record

Personal property

Obituaries - Agnes Cauley, Max Van D'Huynslager

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Downspouts are cleaned from the rain gutter to the bottom

21 Tips To assist Kids Become Clutter Busters - Rita Emmett

A neighborhood are project acquired a $200 grant that can go in the direction of cultivating vegetables locally

Our workforce will deal with your private home with respect and always clean up properly once the job is full

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Home Improvement Kansas City MO

TROY - The town is learning ending its annual eight-week spring cleanup program and merging it into a day by day street cleaning program, metropolis officials said Thursday. The consideration of adjusting road cleaning comes as the city faces having to deal with trash that wasn’t fully picked up because of unhealthy winter weather and landlords not sustaining their properties. It's spring cleaning time. If it’s your cleaner’s first time in your home, you need to even have some directions ready. Pet Care - Do you have got a love for animals? I've slightly hen statue in my house, and each time she visits, my home cleaner rigorously adjusts it incorrectly, as a result of she thinks it’s an individual with a hat. Check your sprinkler system and pool tools for little problems. This article is about roofing solutions for a few of the more frequent issues in this space of the house. Leaving the gutters to fill with debris could cause main issues. Installing printer driver which contains errors or is incompatible with already installed drivers may also cause spooler service stop.

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zacdhaenkeau · 7 years

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Facebook Ad Expert Mari Smith Reveals Missed Opportunities (And What’s on the Horizon)

Facebook has over 1.28 billion daily active users.

To have more than a billion prospects in one place, literally at your fingertips, is a marketer’s dream (thanks, Mark Zuckerberg!). But turning those prospects into customers… well that’s another story.

As marketers, we know that a stellar Facebook campaign is made up of a lot more than clever copy, snazzy design and a hefty PPC budget. In a constantly changing environment of new features, products and ad units, it can be tricky to stay ahead of the pack — let alone stand out.

Facebook’s granular targeting makes it more possible than ever to reach the right person, in the right place, at the right time. But only marketers who are committed to making connections with real people and then maintaining those relationships will come out on top.

If there’s one person that knows this best, it’s Mari Smith.

Named Forbes’ #4 “Top Social Media Power Influencer,” Mari is one of the world’s leading social media thought leaders and educators in the world of marketing. Her knowledge of Facebook runs so deep that she was personally hired by the folks at Facebook to teach SMBs throughout the US at the Boost Your Business series of events.

Mari’s speaking at our Call to Action Conference this June, and here’s a quick word from the Facebook Queen herself.

PSST: Blog readers get 15% off tickets to Call to Action Conference until May 25th — just use promo code “blogsentme” at checkout

Despite her packed schedule, Mari recently took the time to sit down with Unbounce Marketing Educator Christie Pike to reveal some of her best kept Facebook advertising secrets. In this interview you’ll get Mari’s actionable tips and insights into:

Some of the biggest missed opportunities for marketers advertising on Facebook.

Companies that are crushing it in the social advertising space and what you can learn from them.

The next big thing on the horizon that Facebook marketers should be preparing for and investing in.

Christie Pike: You’ve been active on Facebook long enough to see its evolution from social media network to a performance tool not unlike AdWords. How has this changed the way that marketers run Facebook campaigns?

Mari Smith: The main thing to consider is the enormous amount of data that Facebook gathers, not only on the platform itself but in partnership with data companies. So every time you use your credit card, every time you make a purchase, surveys that you complete, any information that’s out there is moved into a kind of personal dossier that then gets matched with your Facebook ID. Because of all of this, people get scared and freaked out, Big Brother and all that, but it’s all anonymized and encrypted, so from a user standpoint I always say, “caveat emptor”, just recognize that in today’s day and age of privacy, everything is out there.

From a marketer’s or advertiser’s standpoint, it’s an unprecedented time that we’re in. It’s a paradigm shift in terms of being able to reach the exact person that you want with Facebook’s granular targeting. Down to zip code, down to propensity to possibly make a certain purchase, from going on a cruise in the next six months, buying a BMW in the next three months, income, the number of kids you have, what you do for a career — all of this is just extraordinary.

So, we really do have to think of Facebook as a platform in which to get our message, our products and our services in front of our target market, but done so in a very relationship-oriented way. I think the businesses that are really standing out are the ones that can make us laugh or cry or go “awwww” and tear at the heartstrings — you know, create something that has viral shareability as opposed to how some business send a message that says “Hey, sign up for our stuff,” “Buy our stuff.” It’s a cold market, you know.

CP: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen on the ad platform itself?

MS: I would say that a big change is in terms of ad units, which initially were just a link and some basic visuals, but over the years they have a much, much, much more visual emphasis. I especially love the carousel ads you can swipe. I think Amazon is one of the best at doing retargeted multi-product ads. I remember seeing one of its ads that had about 32 cards on the carousel that you could swipe and I asked myself, “How did they know I like all this stuff!?”

And then what they call slideshow, which is really just images made into a video, but definitely the prevalence of video is key. One of Mark Zuckerberg’s favorite words is “immersive,” and so the introduction of more immersive type of content like canvas ads has huge importance in the current ad space.

I worked directly with a video creation company, and they shared a great case study from Brussels Airlines that pull up a canvas ad advertising flights to Mumbai in India. They got something like 27 times more time on site after doing this beautiful canvas ad, whereas their previous Facebook campaigns led to an average of three seconds on site. The reason behind this was because back in the day, ads were just a link with a tiny wee thumbnail, and then they got bigger and turned into GIFs, slideshows, animations, interactive content and full-screen content.

So, between (1) the ad products (2) the placement and (3) the targeting, I would say those are the three key areas where there are the biggest changes. Placement being whether it’s Instagram, mobile news only or if it’s right rail (which still has its place), but users are in mobile more than anything else.

CP: Who is doing Facebook advertising particularly well? What do you like about their ad campaigns? Can you provide some examples?

MS: My favorite video ad that I include in almost every single one of my presentations is by a fun company called Chatbooks. It’s a simple app (a subscription service) that takes your Instagram and Facebook photos and prints them in a book format, it’s really clever.

They worked with a really good PR/creative agency and hired a professional actress/comedian. From there, they created this three minute and forty-second ad. The ad was first put out on their Facebook page, which had just over 100,000 fans (now over 200, 000). And when I last checked, that video ad had 69 million views and almost 500,000 shares.

This is what I love to teach — when you can craft your content to be visually appealing (ideally video). When people are engaged with it they’ll share it with others.

When you craft your content to be visually appealing, people are engaged + will share with others. Click To Tweet

I’ve never found a better example than Chatbooks. In fact, I originally saw it in my News Feed as a shared organic post by a friend of mine, and after I watched the full three minutes and forty seconds, I was ready to sign up and buy the subscription!

Another great example is from our friend Rand Fishkin from Moz, who I know is speaking at CTA Conference this year.

Rand is doing these really great video ads called Whiteboard Fridays. I see the most recent one from April has over 4,600 views and 15 shares.

Whiteboard Fridays. Image source: Moz.

It’s so good because it’s educational and it’s the kind of video ad that you can stop and watch or at least save and watch later. It’s really cool what he’s doing because he’s not saying, “Hey everybody, sign up for Moz, see what we can do for you!” Instead, he’s like, “Hey here’s some education on SEO,” and it’s the kind of stuff that people will stop and save and consume.

One last shout out to my good friend Ezra Firestone and his company called Smart Marketer. He does really amazing stuff with video ads and lead gen.

CP: Unbounce cofounder Oli Gardner estimates that 98% of AdWords campaign traffic is not being sent to a dedicated landing page. If you had to guess, what percentage of Facebook marketers do you think are sending their traffic to mobile optimized landing pages? Do you see this as a missed opportunity?

MS: I would have said it’s probably a lot lower. My guess is that 65% is going to a dedicated landing page on Facebook — I get the sense that Facebook advertisers, for the most part, are a little more savvy. They realize you can’t spend all this money and have a captive audience and then just send them away to figure it out for themselves.

But to Oli’s point, I do see a missed an opportunity — especially when marketers are not really thoroughly checking and having a small test group. It’s important to invest a small amount — about $60 – $100 dollars — towards some A/B testing to see which ad gets better conversions. Doing the pixel and tracking the standard events, all of these components are key.

The second part is mobile optimized websites/landing pages. If someone’s clicking through and it’s too wide for the phone, or the pop-up appears and you can’t find the ‘X’ on it — it takes less than a second and they’re outta there.

CP: Are you seeing good examples of Facebook campaign landing pages?

MS: I think my good friends over at AdEspresso – they were recently acquired by Hootsuite, a fellow Vancouver company — they’re doing some really good stuff. I love their blog. In fact, they quote you there.

I’d have to think really hard to narrow down a specific landing page example, but in terms of components, or landing page elements, less is always more, something simple that’s really congruent with the ad itself.

Drive FB ad traffic to a landing page that’s simple & consistent with your ad. Less = more. Click To Tweet

The job of an ad and the job of an email is to get people to a landing page, and the job of a landing page is to convert, whether I’m asking for your email or I’m asking for you to make a purchase. And the beautiful thing about Facebook pixels is if someone doesn’t decide right then and there, you’re able to do some retargeting campaigns to refine further.

CP: Are there certain verticals that are more successful with Facebook advertising than others?

MS: I was just speaking at Marketo’s conference last week and they are, as you know, almost exclusively B2B, and so my talk was very geared towards the B2B audience.

I think Facebook has a reputation for being known to perform better for B2C, but I always like to say that businesses are running as “people to people.”

In terms of verticals, it’s probably easier to say what verticals are more difficult to reach, which are the highly regulated ones like insurance or finance — but otherwise with every conceivable small business and niche or industry there’s a market that can can take advantage of generating leads on Facebook.

CP: When we talk Facebook ads, what are some missed opportunities?

MS: This comes back to the subject that’s close to my heart, which is really that relationship component: customer care, really engaging well when people are actually commenting and engaging on your ad.

I think what happens — especially with marketers that do the dark ads — is these ads can be very effective and you can be really selective in who you’re reaching without populating your wall, but then what often happens is out of sight, out of mind. I’ve seen many major household brands where people are posting negative comments on the ad. There’s spam, people are asking questions about their products, and nobody is responding or acknowledging. I see that as a massive missed opportunity.

I think that’s one of the best investments that companies can make is having trained, qualified, passionate social customer care moderators. I always like to say that technology is moving at warp speed and it’s hard to keep up — but human beings, we’re not changing that much, and we want to know that we’re important, that we matter.

CP: What’s on the horizon?

MS: Right around the corner is Facebook television and that’s launching next month. Mark Zuckerberg is absolutely adamant that they’re not a media company, but just watch — just watch that space, they’re absolutely moving into that.

In the United States, the TV advertising industry is worth about $70 billion — it’s over $200 billion globally. And so Facebook now has licensed/paid for original content to be aired on video. And remember, they also have that app that they brought out not long ago that you can stream through your Apple TV or Amazon Fire.

So what’s coming next month are full one-hour shows that are highly professionally produced and then also small episodes — three to 30 minutes that will refresh every 24 hours, from what I’ve read.

For advertisers and marketers, we have to be thinking about quality video ads because that’s where Facebook’s next monetization horizon is (monetizing this digital streaming video with mid-roll ads). They swear they’re not going to do pre-roll, so let’s hope they stick to that.

Think quality Facebook video ads — for @MariSmith, that’s next on FB’s monetization horizon. Click To Tweet

It’s all about being in that frame of mind — somebody’s watching a show they’re really engaged in and all of a sudden, just like television, it interrupts and your ad comes in. So when it comes to video, it’s about how can you make it quirky, or fun, or entertaining, or emotional — I don’t think those things will ever go away as long as we’re human.

At the F8 conference, within the first 30 seconds Zuckerberg was talking about camera, and camera platform and developing for the camera. I saw some really cool augmented ads by Nike, and they were incredible.

Facebook is also really pushing live and they’re also deploying a lot of resources to combat fake news. They also announced two weeks ago that they’re they’re going to hire 3,000 more employees to make a team of 7,500 employees dedicated to watching for fake news plus anything untoward happening on Facebook live.

Really the key is for businesses and marketers is really education. I can’t stress that strongly enough. That’s why I just I love that you guys are doing this conference — you can’t get enough quality education.

PSST: Catch more from Facebook Queen Mari Smith at the Call to Action Conference this June. Blog readers get 15% off tickets until May 25th — just use promo code “blogsentme” at checkout.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8217493 http://unbounce.com/call-to-action/mari-smith-interview/

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maxslogic25 · 7 years