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Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Social media is not going anywhere anytime soon. As more and more apps have been developed over the years, opportunities within the digital world have expanded immensely. Today, you can create an account and endorse your business, passions, or talents to millions of users with the click of a button.

Although it can be hard to break through the glass ceiling and make a name for yourself in such a saturated market, the importance of social media in your business strategy has reached an all-time high. The majority of users on social media would purchase items directly from brands that they follow, and visually based platforms like Instagram are widely used by Gen Z. Whether your business is large and established or just starting out, social media can work wonders for your brand. 
Ashley Hupp, a GNL speaker and The Paradise Bartender, has recently used social media not only to strengthen her brand, but also to serve as her full-time career after she lost her job in March 2020.

“It’s about figuring out how to be your own boss,” Ashley says. “It’s tactical, but it’s a great space to be in.”

Ashley understands the importance of social media and has used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote and monetize her business. What started out as a fun side hustle has turned into a job with a following of 2.7 million on TikTok and 135k on Instagram. 

“I have 2.7 million friends,” Ashley says. “I want everyone to know they can come talk to me.”

Engagement is a huge factor in determining the success of your brand on social media. That is why, despite her large following, Ashley still finds time to chit chat with and get to know her followers. By dedicating an hour every day to scrolling through all of her comments and direct messages, Ashley is able to successfully maintain a strong community connection and subsequently boost engagement on her pages.

“Be yourself and be genuine because people can tell when you aren’t,” Ashley says.

With a large community and high engagement comes a lot of screen time and, for some influencers, a lack of schedule and blurry work-life balance. While Ashley does not mind the nonstop life of an influencer, she has time-management tips for anyone who may want to embark down a similar road: 

“Have a set structure that works for you, not someone else,” she says. “If it gets to the point where it feels like a chore, make it fun for yourself.”

Setting a schedule, being authentic, and having fun are all parts of working a social media strategy. Ashley’s energetic, bubbly, and positive energy are displayed across her platforms. She says she wants to help and inspire people and bring positivity into as many lives as she can. 

“People always tell me I have a good attitude, and I want to keep pushing that out there,” Ashley says. “If I can do that with a mocktail or a cocktail, then that’s amazing. I just want to share positivity and good energy.”

Taking the risk with social media can seem daunting, but researching, equipping yourself with the right tools, and staying true to yourself and your brand will take you a long way.

“Don’t care what people think, just do it,” Ashley says. “I wanted to do this years ago, but I didn’t. You can be your own worst enemy and slam doors in your face, so why not open doors?”

We couldn’t have said it any better! Make sure to tune into our workshops each week to see some amazing women who have been opening doors for themselves. And follow us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.