Welcome to the first blog in my new series; You do You Girl Series! This series will be posted fortnightly (it’s out there in cyberspace now – I’ve committed!) and dives briefly into the minds and lives of ladies who own their own businesses. I’ve interviewed women whose businesses are relatable and who dish out some SUPER helpful content that is very relative for other small business owners. So be sure to tune in every fortnight for some invaluable advice for anyone on the ol’ entrepreneur train.
First to be featured in our series is the amazing Kirsty Whybrow. Kirsty is a kick ass VA who specialises in social media management. She manages some pretty cool accounts, and has some key insights into how to make social media work for YOU and not the other way around. Read on, young Padawan to learn more about Kirsty and her wonderful world of social media management (and if you don’t know Star Wars references, then shame on you).
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Kirsty, mum and wife. I love weekends with the family, and breakfast dates with my puppy! Can’t start the day without my morning coffee and love to wind down with a block of chocolate and some good old Home & Away.
Tell us a little about your business
My business started out as my side hustle about 18 months ago. It quickly became something I was so passionate about, and knew I wanted to be doing day in day out!
I love providing social media management to some amazing brands and online based businesses. Working with these brands on a day to day basis, providing both general admin support, website support and email marketing. Basically, what they need to get off their to-do list – I’m happy to do!
What inspired you to start your business?
My daughter – Rosie! Starting school this year, I desperately wanted to be there each day to pick her up and drop her off. To be able to have the flexibility to attend sports days and school assembly. This drive was what make me work so hard to be able to make my business my full time gig!
How did you make the move from part time to full time?
A big leap of faith!? Seriously, though, I juggled full time work and my side hustle until I just couldn’t manage anymore (I really don’t recommend this!!). I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband. I knew I had the drive and passion and just had to make the rest work!
What’s the dream? What’s the end game?
Working with a team of VAs under my own banner. To be able to offer a package to small business and then have specialised VAs working with me with specialised tasks.
Who inspires you and why?
So many amazing women in business inspire me! Two spring to the top of my mind.
Steph from @montii.co – this lady is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to business. She juggles Mum life and two amazing brands. Constantly growing, moving and expanding her business (she’ll hate being mentioned too!).
The second is Karen Vivarelli – @karen_vivarelli. I was lucky enough to find Karen via Instagram though a mentor program she was running! She has helped me learn and grow so much in my own business, while running her own very successful OBM role #organisationqueen
What’s your best piece of advice for biz owner’s utilising social media?
I have to say the best piece of advice I can give is to plan and be organised. Use scheduling tools such as Plain, Later or Sked – have your social media planned out a month in advance (if possible). Having to write content on the fly, or feel the pressure of having to post doesn’t generally produce quality content.
5 things biz owners should implement in their social media strategy
1. Use planning and social media scheduling tools,
2. Post quality content that brings something to your audience,
3. Use quality images, where possible keeping within branding colours and themes,
4. Hashtags! Research hashtags, use a range of both hashtags within your niche and larger hashtags where your customers hang out, and
5. Engagement! Engaging with your audience in a genuine authentic way.
Your top 3 tips to creating quality social media content
1. I like to work out three to four “themes” depending on your branding. This keeps your content varied and your audience engaged. To produce quality content you need to be benefiting your audience, for example you may like to work around personal, informative, local / travel and product.
2. Secondly, plan! If you can batch your content this is going to work best!! Sit down with your themes and any upcoming events or promotions and batch out a month’s worth of content. Once your mind is in the creative mind, the content will flow.
3. Thirdly, images! When it comes to Instagram in particular, it’s a visual platform. Having quality images will be the first thing your audience will see; you need them to stop the scroll.
Quick Questions
What podcast you’re currently listening to:
Always listening to Tracey Harris Mums with Hustle, and newly, Startups and Downs.
Last movie you watched?
When a Star was Born.
Contact Kirsty:
Website: https://www.kirstywhybrow.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kirsty_whybrow_va/
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