Whether it’s your product or your selfie, we’ve got the tips that’ll have your followers clicking that heart button.

Social media is a visual-first platform and it’s one of the keys to unlocking your business’s success. The right photos can make all the difference! But, let’s be real, taking great pictures for social media can feel like an Olympic sport. Between lighting, backgrounds and finding that perfect angle, it’s a lot to juggle. 

But fear not! I’ve got 10 simple and fun tips to help you level up your social media photo game. So grab your camera (or phone!) and let’s SNAP to it!

1. Aspect Ratio: Get It Right for the Best Fit

First things first: make sure your photos are the right size for the platform you’re posting on. If you don’t want your image to look like a pixelated mess, be mindful of aspect ratios.

• Instagram: Square (1:1) or Portrait (4:5) for posts, Landscape (1.91:1) for ads or stories

• Facebook: Square (1:1) or Landscape (1.91:1)

• Pinterest: Vertical images are king! A 2:3 ratio is perfect

Check the specific platform’s photo size guidelines – they're always updating – but these general ratios will set you up for success. You want your photo to show up looking sharp!

2. Backgrounds Matter: Keep It Clean (But Interesting)

A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus off your beautiful product or perfect selfie. So, keep the background in mind before hitting that shutter button.

• Products: For product shots, use neutral, clean backgrounds that make your items pop. Think white, gray, or light-colored walls. But don’t be afraid to get creative! A wooden table, a pop of color, or a textured fabric can give your photos a more dynamic feel. Me? I love craft paper and plywood…

• Selfies & Personal Shots: Find a background that doesn’t compete with you! Avoid that busy, messy living room and look for something simple - like a nice wall, a plant, or even a solid-colored backdrop. If you’re feeling fancy, try some textured fabrics. They’ll make your shot look high-end without you lifting a finger. Speaking of backgrounds, make sure your fingers aren’t in the foreground. LOL 

3. Lighting Is Everything: Natural Light > Flash

Natural light is your BFF. Flash can create unflattering shadows and weird reflections, while sunlight (or soft indoor lighting) gives your photos a natural, warm glow.

• Morning or late afternoon light is the best. The sun is softer and creates those gorgeous, warm tones.

• If you’re indoors, try to position yourself near a window for some of that sweet, natural light magic. If you're out and about, the golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset) is your best friend.

If natural light is scarce, don’t sweat it—grab a soft light source like a ring light. It’ll keep things flattering without washing you out. I just got this light for my phone and can’t wait to test it out. Lights, camera, action, that’s it… 

4. Don’t Fear the Selfie: Tips for Selfie Success

Not a fan of selfies? You’re not alone… Even Tyra Banks has bad hair days! But if you’re running a business or just want to share your fab new look, it’s time to embrace the selfie.

• Angle it right: Hold the camera slightly above your eye level (not below—it can make you look like you’re hiding from a flood). This angle makes you look more flattering and gives your photos an effortless vibe.

• Smile! (Or don’t, if you’re too cool for that). A relaxed, natural smile or a slight smirk works better than an overly posed grin.

• Focus on your eyes: Make sure they’re sharp and in focus! If your eyes are clear and engaging, the rest of the photo will feel alive.

5. Keep Practicing: Perfection is Overrated

Here’s the thing: taking amazing social media photos isn’t going to happen overnight. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Try different angles, experiment with lighting, and see what works best for you.

Don’t be afraid to take a lot of photos! Snap a dozen shots and pick the one that feels the most authentic. No one expects perfection. And honestly, “perfect” photos often look fake, anyway.

6. Invest in Your Gear… But Start Simple

You don’t need a fancy camera to take great photos. Sure, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you top-notch quality, but modern smartphones have insane cameras.

If you have the budget for it, a good quality camera can up your game. But if not? Your phone is more than enough to get you started. Just make sure the lens is clean (yes, we’ve all forgotten that one!) and avoid using the zoom function.

7. Composition: The Rule of Thirds (or Just Don’t Overthink It)

This is one of those photo tips that sounds fancy but is actually super easy to follow. The "rule of thirds" means dividing your image into a 3x3 grid and placing your main subject at one of the intersections.

But hey, don't stress about it. Sometimes, breaking the rules is where the magic happens! Play with different compositions. Try both horizontal and vertical photo orientations to see what works best for you.

8. Don’t Forget About the Details: Small Touches Matter

Whether it’s a product shot or a selfie, little details make a difference. Make sure the things in the frame look intentional, not random. Adjust your product so it’s positioned perfectly, fix your hair or outfit if needed, and pay attention to your surroundings.

9. Commit to a Schedule: Consistency Wins

It’s tempting to take a picture once in a blue moon and call it a day, but consistency is key! It’s not just about getting a great photo—it’s about creating a consistent visual presence.

Post regularly and try to stick to a schedule. Whether you’re posting once a day, a few times a week, or on a set theme, being consistent will help you build your brand identity and keep your followers engaged. Consistency is the key to your success.

10. Have Fun! And Don’t Stop Posting

Social media is supposed to be fun. Don’t stress about getting everything “just right” all the time. Embrace the awkwardness, get creative, and share the process behind your photos. The more fun you have, the more your audience will connect with you!

So, what are you waiting for? Start snapping! Whether you’re sharing your latest product, a selfie or the perfect cup of coffee, great photos will boost your social media game. And remember: keep posting! Keep practicing and you’ll get better every time.

There you have it! Use these tips to snap photos that look professional but still feel authentic. Your social media game is about to level up. Let me know which tip helped you the most—and feel free to share your photo wins with me!

I hope this checklist helps you get started. If you’ve got questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s document your success… with photos! 

After years of helping businesses get their digital presence off the ground, I've compiled this handy checklist to make sure your website is set up for success TODAY. Need help? Contact me!

Let’s assume you've got your business name, purpose, and logistics all locked down. You've snagged that perfect URL, your branding and logo are ready to shine, and your mission statement and business plan are good to go. These are all essential when launching your business online today. If you need help with any of these, I’m here for you!

Now, no matter which platform you're using (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, GoDaddy - you name it), here’s what you need to do to make your website soar:

1. User Experience (UX): Focus on simple, intuitive navigation. A clean, easy-to-navigate website helps keep visitors engaged and improves your site’s conversion rate.

2. Mobile Optimization: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Many customers will access your site from their phones and Google rewards mobile-friendly sites with better rankings.

3. Vertical Homepage: In the mobile era, people love scrolling! Design your homepage as a scrollable preview, linking to deeper content. This boosts your SEO, keeping visitors on your site longer.

4. Favicon: That tiny square logo that shows up in browser tabs and bookmarks. You’ll want to make sure it's clear, branded and no bigger than 100px by 100px.

5. Browser Title and Site Description: These are mini versions of your mission statement, helping search engines know what your business is all about and ensuring you show up in the right searches.

6. Add Descriptions to Every Page: Use keywords from your mission statement and add them to each page's metadata. It’ll help your SEO and make you more discoverable online.

7. Photo Titles: Don’t forget to title your images with your business name and relevant keywords. This helps with search engine visibility too!

8. SSL Settings: Make sure your site is secure. SSL settings protect your visitors from hackers and keep their info safe. If your site doesn’t have this, it’s a red flag for potential customers.

9. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Make sure visitors know what to do next. Whether it's contacting you, purchasing or signing up, clear CTAs can make a huge difference.

10. Copy, Copy, Copy That (aka Text): Your website’s content is your opportunity to tell your story. Be sure to fill out your About page with your mission, history and a friendly bio with photos of you and your team. People love seeing the faces behind a brand!

11. Email Marketing: Connect your site to an email platform and add a signup form (typically in the footer). Building that email list is gold for growing your business. Bonus: Set up automated emails to nurture your leads and drive more sales!

12. Facebook & Instagram: Social media? A no-brainer. Set up business profiles on these platforms with all the necessary info. They’re your main marketing tools!

13. Social Media Icons: Add links to your social profiles on your site’s footer. Don’t overdo it in the header (especially for e-commerce)—we want to keep customers focused on buying, not leaving your site.

14. Contact Page: Make your contact page easy to find and include all necessary info: your address, phone number and email. Bonus points for adding social media links here too!

15. Blog: Content is QUEEN! Regular blog posts are an easy way to keep your website fresh and show up on search engines. Even repurposing your social media posts works!

16. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: I know, the ugly stuff… With regulations like GDPR in place, it's important to have a privacy policy and terms of service on your website, especially if you're collecting customer data.

17. Google Analytics: Set this up to track website traffic. The insights are invaluable for making smart decisions about your business.

18. Google Console: Don’t forget to connect your site to Google’s Webmaster Tools. This will allow you to submit your site map and help Google scan your pages and photos.

19. Google Business Profile: What a great feature!!! Verified business address? Check. Customer reviews? Check. Bonus: Google lets you create a free website through this tool. It's a win-win!

20. Test Everything: Before launching, test your website on different browsers and devices to make sure it looks and works great everywhere.

I hope this checklist helps you get started. If you’ve got questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s do this! 

KEYWORDS: 

pioneer marketing, pioneer agency, digital marketing, marketing firm, small business, website development, social media marketing, SEO, content creation

Photo by Angel McCarty

As the new year begins, it’s a natural time to take stock of where your business is and where you want it to go. If you’re like many business owners, growing your brand, increasing visibility and connecting with your ideal audience are likely top priorities for 2025. So, how do you get there? By committing to a consistent and cohesive marketing plan.

Let’s talk about what that looks like and why investing in professional marketing services can transform your business this year. Here’s my must-do’s for any successful marketing strategy…

A Website That Wows: Redo, Refresh, and Optimize
Your website is often the first impression your business makes - it’s your digital business card. If it’s outdated, slow, or difficult to navigate, you could be losing potential customers before they even get to know you. In 2025, it’s time to redo or refresh your website to ensure it reflects your brand’s professionalism and value.

But a great-looking website is only part of the equation. You also need upgraded SEO (search engine optimization) components to help your site rank higher in search results. This means:

• Conducting keyword research to target your audience’s search terms

• Optimizing meta titles, descriptions and alt tags

• Ensuring your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading

With a modern design and optimized content, your website will become a powerful tool for attracting and converting leads. Let us create the digital storefront your business deserves.

The Social Media Strategy Your Business Needs
Social media isn’t just for pretty pictures and hashtags—it’s a powerful way to engage with your audience and build a loyal following. But to make it work, you need a strategy.

Here’s where I come in. Together, we’ll craft a social media plan that:

• Defines your goals: Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales, we’ll set clear objectives.

• Creates a content calendar: Consistency is key, and a well-planned calendar ensures your message is delivered regularly without the last-minute scramble.

• Incorporates trends: From short-form video to carousel posts, we’ll make sure your content stands out and stays relevant.

• Engages your audience: Social media is a two-way street. We’ll prioritize meaningful interactions to build community and trust.

Don’t let social media get you stressed. With a solid strategy in place, you’ll see real results that align with your business goals.

Advertising That Pays Off: Social Media and Google Ads
Organic reach is fantastic, but if you really want to scale your business, paid advertising is a must. Here’s how we can make it work for you:

• Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow for highly targeted campaigns. Want to reach middle-aged dog owners in Dallas? Done. We’ll create eye-catching ads that speak directly to your audience.

• Google Ads: When people search for products or services like yours, you want to be the business they find. Google Ads ensure you’re front and center, capturing high-intent leads right when they’re ready to buy.

With the right blend of strategy, creativity, and budget management, advertising will deliver a strong return on investment. (And guess what? I’ll handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on running your business.)

Content Is Queen: Why You Need Quality Content Creation
You’ve heard the phrase “Content is King,” but in 2025, we’re flipping the script: Content is Queen. It’s all about creating thoughtful, engaging, and value-packed content that resonates with your audience.

Here are some examples of content we can create together:

• Blog posts to boost SEO and establish your expertise.

• Videos for social media or YouTube to connect on a personal level.

• Infographics that break down complex topics into shareable visuals.

• Email newsletters to keep your audience informed and engaged.

Quality content builds trust, positions you as an authority in your industry, and keeps your audience coming back for more. In a crowded digital space, it’s your secret weapon for standing out.

Quick Ideas for Boosting Your Marketing in 2025
Looking for even more ways to grow your business this year? Here are a few quick tips:

1. Refresh Your Brand Identity: A fresh logo or updated brand colors can breathe new life into your business and attract attention.

2. Start a Referral Program: Word of mouth is powerful. Incentivize happy customers to refer new clients with discounts or perks.

3. Use Analytics to Guide Decisions: Dive into your website and social media analytics to see what’s working—and do more of it.

4. Host a Webinar or Live Event: Share your expertise and connect with potential customers in a meaningful way.

5. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share photos, reviews, or testimonials that showcase your product or service.

Start your 2025 marketing journey today. Contact me today and let’s make your 2025 business dreams a reality.

BEWARE OF KEYWORD CANNIBALIZATION: The Spook-tacular SEO Monster!

Hey small business owners - No, this isn't an homage to the 1982 cult classic song "I Eat Cannibals" by Total Coelo - today we're talking about a scary phenomenon called "Keyword Cannibalization" that can feast on your website's search engine rankings. But don't worry, I'm here to help you slay this beast!

What's Keyword Cannibalization? Picture this: You have multiple pages on your website all targeting the same keyword. Instead of being a feast for search engines, it turns into a buffet for confusion!  

Keyword Cannibalization occurs when your own pages start competing against each other for ranking in search results, leaving your content and visibility in a ghastly state. Boo! 

So, how do you avoid the "Curse of Keyword Cannibalization?" (Should be a Nancy Drew Title)

1. Spell it Out: Start by conducting thorough keyword research and create a keyword strategy. Identify DIFFERENT keywords for each page to avoid redundancy.

2. Organize your Dungeon: Structure your website with clear categories and subcategories, giving each page a unique purpose and focus. This way, search engines won't get confused about which page should be served to hungry searchers.

3. Link the Spells: Use internal linking wisely! Connect relevant pages using anchor text that reflects their unique keywords. This helps search engines understand the relationships between your pages, making them more likely to rank higher.

4. Don't Summon Demon Duplicates: Avoid duplicating content across multiple pages. Each page should offer distinct value and information. If you have similar content, consider consolidating it into one page for a stronger magical punch!

5. Unleash the Meta Magic: Optimize your meta tags, including titles and descriptions, for each page. This helps search engines differentiate between them and prevent confusion.

Need help shielding your website from the wrath of Keyword Cannibalization? Contact us TODAY for our special SEO spells.

Keywords: website development, digital marketing, small business, online presence, engaging content, rich keywords, keywordcannibalization, SEO

Here’s Why Your Small Business Needs a Fully Realized Website

In this era of likes, shares and viral memes, it's easy to get caught up in the social media frenzy. However, if you're serious about taking your small business to the next level, it's time to step up your online game with a fully realized website. 

Picture this: a customer hears about your amazing little shop through word of mouth or stumbles upon your social media profile. Excitedly, they decide to check you out online. But alas, all they find is a Facebook page or an Instagram account. Whomp, whomp! 

A dedicated website is like having your very own digital HQ. It's a space where you can showcase your products, share your story and provide a seamless customer experience. Plus, having a website adds credibility to your brand and gives you more control over your online presence. If you ever want future partners, investors or even possibly selling, a great site will definitely be needed to help seal the deal.

Check out these click stats:

1. 84% of consumers believe that small businesses with a website are more credible and  trustworthy

2. 97% of consumers search for local businesses online and a site increases your potential to be found

3. A business with a site experiences about 39% higher revenue per year than those without websites

4. And by having a fully realized website, you gain a competitive edge over those businesses that rely solely on social media accounts. A website allows you to showcase your uniqueness, differentiate your brand and stand out from the crowd

Let’s watch your business thrive together! Your website will be the shining star in your marketing arsenal, bringing in customers from far and wide. Remember, the online world is waiting to embrace your unique mom and pop charm – it's time to CLICK your brand!

Ready to start on your site? Contact us today for a consultation. 

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Keywords: mom and pop shop, website development, digital marketing, small business, online presence, engaging content, rich keywords, search engine visibility

Starting your website and social media platforms can seem like a Medusa’s head, but after years of helping to set up businesses online, I’ve compiled this handy-dandy  checklist for launching an amazing digital footprint for your business.

Feel free to email me if you have questions or need help.

First of all, I’m guessing that you have a business name, purpose and logistics figured out. That you’ve purchased your URL address via GoDaddy or Hover and that your branding and logo are all in place. And don’t forget your mission statement, business plan and goals - All key components necessary when starting a business in today’s digital age.

Whether you’re building a Wordpress, Wix, SquareSpace, GoDaddy, Shopify or some other platform-based website, here’s what you need to do:

• Favicon: It’s the small square graphic that brands your business in browser windows and bookmark pages. They’re usually no bigger than 100pxl x 100 pxl.

• Browser title and Site Description: Think of these as offshoots of your mission statement. They help Search Engines properly display your business in appropriate searches.

Browser Title

Site Description

• Add descriptions to all of your pages. I usually take the site description, full of rich keywords for my business and copy them into the metadata of each page of my site. This will also help SEO (search engine optimization). 

• Photo Titles: Make sure you title all of your site’s photos to include your company name and any other important keyword info.

• Site Security and SSL Settings: Very Important! Confirm your SSL security settings are in place to prevent hackers from impersonating you or stealing visitors' information.

• Facebook and Instagram: The main 1-2 punch social media platforms. There’s so many more but these are the go tos. Be sure you’ve set up correctly, your business FB and IG accounts with your about and bio sections fill out correctly. For Facebook I like to rearrange the tabs so they're in an appropriate order for my business. I will also add a “join email” tab linking to my Email Marketing account so customers can sign up and an Instagram tab via Woobox so my customers can easily follow my IG account.

• Social Media Icon: Be sure to connect your social media accounts to your website and the social media icon links to your footer and your contact page. I don’t add them to the header too much, especially for e-commerce websites because they take the customer off the site straight away.

• Contact Page: Have a clear and easily accessible contact page with your address, phone and email address. As I mentioned before, I also will repeat the social links.

• Copy, Copy and more Copy AKA Text: Add text to your site pages. Descriptions, titles and photo captions. Have a well laid out About page. Include your mission statement, history and bio, with photos of you, your business and team. People love seeing the people behind their fave brands!

• Email Marketing: Connect your site to your email marketing platform and add a signup field, usually in the footer.

• Blog: Add a blog if you’re up for it. Search engines respond to a site that’s active and changing and a blog is a great way to keep adding new content. Even if you just repeat your social media posts on your blog, it’s great to have the additional/expanded content for your site.

• Google Analytics: Set your your Analytics or Google Analytics pages so you can properly follow your traffic and adjust your business accordingly.

• Google Console: The last 2 points are part of the Google Webmaster system. Setting up a Google Console account will allow you to submit your site map to Google so all of your pages and photos are properly scanned by Google for searches. It’s FREE.

• Google Business: This is a great feature that allows you to verify your business address so you show up in the Google location searches as well as allows you to manage your customer reviews and also build a website. Also FREE!

Hope this helps. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with questions.

I first met Karen from Bop to Tottom back in 2015 to talk about an e-commerce website for her Kingston NY shop. It wasn’t the right time but when the Covid 19 pandemic hit in early 2020 Karen decided it was time to take the plunge and make her beloved Bop to Tottom boutique an online / e-commerce destination.

I chose to pitch the Shopify e-commerce platform. I love their responsive product and their customer service is excellent. I was able to foster a good deal for a year account so we forged ahead.

My goal was deliver a neat and polished site. Classy, professional and easy to navigate but also ring true to her brand. I accomplished this with a fun and engaging homepage. You can learn about the 20 yr old shop but also add items to cart right away (why wait). A clear and focused About page with lots of photos is very important to me. Also a useful and well written FAQ page and Policy and Procedure pages are a must in my book.

Give it a spin and let me know that you think. boptotottom.com

Dreams came true for me in an otherwise crazy time. I got to create Sweet Sue’s new website and their first ever “official” Facebook page? After being closed for the Covid-19 pandemic, Sue Taylor, the founder, decided to reopen for Take Out and wanted some help. I was thrilled that I got the gig.

Since started her business in 1984 and being famous for the most delicious pancakes that are as big as your head, Sue really didn’t ever have to market her business… It was all just word of mouth. But now we live in different times. Small businesses need a digital footprint to remain relevant and communicate with their fans/customers.

So, she wanted a simple, one page website that communicated the new Take Out policies in addition to her reduced menu. I used a GoDaddy platform site builder to keep her costs down. And the second I made her Facebook page, it was like the flood gates opened with eager fans ready to feast.

Who knows how this pandemic will playout, but I’m happy that my Pancake Dreams got to come true! Bon appetit.

Click here to view the project gallery.

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The day Sweet Sue’s reopened… 6/27/20