If you’re running a growing business, chances are you’ve been in this loop:

One day, you’re in creative flow, mapping new ideas and big goals. The next, you’re buried in backend tech issues, chasing social content deadlines, or updating a half-broken website you haven’t touched in months.

You’re doing it all, but it’s starting to wear you down.

You didn’t build your brand to spend your nights learning automations or stressing over Instagram reels. You built it to make an impact – and to do that, you need space.

That’s where strategic delegation comes in — not just outsourcing tasks to save time but building a smart, brand-aligned support system that lets you stay focused on what you do best.

At twelve-o-one, we help small-but-mighty business owners scale with intention. Here’s how to decide what to delegate, what to own, and how to keep your brand’s heart at the centre while you grow.

What to Delegate: Tasks That Steal Your Time (and Drain Your Energy)

Delegating isn’t about giving up control. It’s about getting your time and clarity back so you can lead with purpose.

We recommend outsourcing these areas to experts — the ones that need attention but don’t require you to do it yourself.

1. Social Media Strategy & Content Execution

You know your brand deserves better than last-minute posts and outdated visuals. But planning, creating, posting, and engaging across platforms takes serious time and strategy – especially when juggling everything else.

Delegate:

• Content calendars, captions, and visual design
• Reels, stories, and post scheduling
• Platform management and engagement support

Example: Happy Bird Music Studio

This Ottawa-based music studio came to twelve-o-one looking for structure. Their team offered incredible programs for kids and adults, but they were stuck in the cycle of inconsistent posting and last-minute event promotion.

We helped them build a system that supported monthly camp launches, school-year program reminders, and seasonal events – all while giving their brand a fun, family-friendly presence online. With clear planning and support, their enrolment and engagement grew, and their stress decreased. They were able to reach new demographics while continuing to engage their existing community.

2. Website & Brand Refresh

Your brand is evolving – but your website and visual identity haven’t caught up. Maybe you’ve outgrown your DIY design. Or maybe you’ve added new services but haven’t had time to reflect that anywhere public.

A strong brand deserves a digital presence to match.

Delegate:

• Website design & development
• Mobile responsiveness, SEO, and maintenance
• Brand identity updates (fonts, colours, logo usage, tone of voice)

Example: We Are Raising The Bar

Founder Abbie was ready to take her alcohol-free subscription box business to the next level. She turned to twelve-o-one for website support, content structure, and marketing systems that could scale.

“Nancy really listened to our challenges and helped put plans and strategies in place to help grow the business. Working with twelve-o-one allowed me to step back from some of the day-to-day challenges of a small business and focus more on strategy and growth.”
— Abbie R., CEO, We Are Raising The Bar

We created a consistent social and digital strategy, addressed backend tech issues, and implemented better systems, freeing Abbie to focus on growth, partnerships, and the big picture.

What You Should Own (Because It Comes From the Heart)

There are parts of your business that can’t be outsourced – and shouldn’t be.

These are the elements that carry your why, your story, and your energy. You don’t need to do everything, but you do need to stay close to:

Your Voice – No one can tell your story like you. We help you refine and reflect your message, but the core needs to come from you.

Your Vision – You know where you’re headed. We help you shape the path, but your values drive the direction.

Your Relationships – Automated tools are great, but people connect with people. Especially if you’re founder-led, clients and customers still want a sense of your presence.

At twelve-o-one, our goal isn’t to replace you – it’s to support you. So you can stay in your zone of genius while we ensure your brand shows up consistently and clearly across every channel.

You Deserve Space to Lead – Not Just Time to Work

The business owners we support aren’t hands-off — they’re driven, creative, and deeply committed to their work. They care about every detail, every client, and every piece of their brand. But they’re also human. And the truth is: sustainable growth takes more than grit. It requires clarity, systems, and smart support.

You can’t scale if you’re constantly tied up in the day-to-day — chasing content deadlines, troubleshooting tech, or wearing ten hats just to keep things moving. That’s where we come in.

At twelve-o-one, we help implement systems and strategies that free up your time so you can focus on your bigger vision: leading your brand, building relationships, and driving meaningful growth.

Whether you’re running a music studio, launching a subscription box, scaling an e-commerce business, or growing a service-based brand — you don’t have to do it all alone.

If you’re ready to scale with clarity – not chaos – this guide will help.

Understand what to delegate (and why)
Clarify your role as a founder or creative leader
Build a brand support system that works with you, not against you

Download the Brand-First Growth Blueprint

You don’t need to do everything yourself to stay authentic. You just need the right people in your corner – and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Want Help Putting Your Strategy Into Action?

If you’re looking for a partner who understands branding, systems, and how to grow without losing your voice, let’s talk.

Book a free discovery call with twelve-o-one.

The post How to Scale Smarter in 2025: What to Delegate, What to Own, and How to Keep Your Brand at the Centre appeared first on 1201 Journal.

You didn’t start your business to spend hours scrolling through Instagram, stressing over what to post next, or figuring out why your engagement suddenly dropped. You started it because you had a vision – a product or service you believe in, something you wanted to share with the world.

Yet, somehow, social media has become a constant source of frustration. One minute, you’re excited about growing your brand, and the next, you’re stuck trying to navigate algorithms, respond to comments, and brainstorm content ideas – on top of running everything else.

We get it. Social media is crucial, but it’s also a full-time job. That’s why smart business owners in 2025 are outsourcing — they know that their time is better spent doing what they do best while leaving social media to the experts.

1. Free Up Time for What Matters Most

There’s nothing worse than staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with the perfect caption when you’ve got a business to run.

How often have you:

• Scrambled to post something last-minute just to keep your feed active?
• Neglected your social media because client work took priority?
• Felt frustrated that your posts weren’t getting engagement or that your follower count just wasn’t growing – no matter how much effort you put in.

You’re not alone. Many business owners start out thinking they can “do it all,” but before long, social media becomes another stressful, time-consuming task on an already overwhelming to-do list.

A yoga and fitness studio was growing steadily and building a loyal member base, but their social media hadn’t kept up. Class schedules changed often, seasonal promotions went unposted, and members weren’t engaging online.

After outsourcing their social media, they gained a dedicated content plan aligned with their class offerings, integrated video content with instructor spotlights, and launched a challenge series on Instagram Stories. The result was better retention, increased new member inquiries, and improved community engagement.

2. Stay Ahead Without the Overwhelm

Social media moves fast, and keeping up can feel impossible.

What worked last month? Not guaranteed to work today.
Why did your engagement suddenly drop? The algorithm changed again.
Should you be on TikTok? Maybe – but do you have time to figure it out?

Many businesses fall behind simply because they don’t have the time or bandwidth to keep up with evolving trends.

A local restaurant known for seasonal dishes and unique cocktails had a loyal customer base but was struggling to attract new patrons. Their feed was mostly static photos and outdated promotions.

After outsourcing, they shifted to behind-the-scenes reels, recipe teasers, and real-time stories featuring live music nights and chef features. Within three months, they saw increased weekday reservations, more tagged mentions, and stronger connections with local influencers.

3. Show Up Consistently & Build Trust

Imagine this:

You follow a brand online. Their content is great… when they post. But then they disappear for weeks.

Would you trust them with your money? Probably not.

Consistency builds trust – and trust turns followers into customers.

A Canadian e-commerce fashion brand had a strong product line, ethical values, and a visually striking aesthetic — but it wasn’t posting consistently. New arrivals weren’t being promoted, and its Instagram grid felt disconnected from its email and product launches.

After outsourcing, they implemented a fully aligned social media strategy with weekly product drops, scheduled launches, branded editorial content, and behind-the-scenes founder storytelling. The brand saw higher click-through rates, repeat purchases from engaged followers, and stronger collaboration opportunities with micro-influencers.

At twelve-o-one, we help businesses stay consistent, professional, and engaging by developing custom strategies that align with their vision and meet their growth goals.

4. Save Money & Get Better Results

Hiring an in-house team sounds great – until you see the price tag.

Social Media Manager Salary: $50,000+ per year
Ongoing Training Costs: Social media changes constantly
Time Investment: Managing an internal team takes effort

Outsourcing gives you a team of experts for a fraction of the cost – without the headache of hiring, training, and managing employees.

A local music studio in Ottawa offering programs for children and adults wanted to expand beyond word-of-mouth marketing. They had a great community vibe and offered seasonal camps and workshops but didn’t have a consistent online voice or strong digital presence.

After outsourcing, they developed a multi-platform content strategy that promoted events, shared student stories, and showcased their instructors. They also ran Facebook and Instagram ads targeting parents and adult learners in the neighbourhood. Their website traffic more than doubled, and their summer camps sold out ahead of schedule.

5. You Don’t Have to Do It All

As an entrepreneur, you’re used to wearing a million hats. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Social media is more than just posting pretty pictures. It’s about:

• Understanding your audience and what content resonates
• Engaging with followers in a way that builds relationships
• Tracking analytics to improve performance

At twelve-o-one, we don’t just “post for you” – we become an extension of your brand, ensuring that your voice, values, and goals are reflected in every post.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Social Media Work for You

Here’s the truth:

• Social media is necessary for growth
• But it shouldn’t consume all your time
• Outsourcing is a smart, strategic investment

Whether you’re an emerging brand or an established business looking to simplify your marketing, outsourcing your social media gives you the time and space to focus on what you do best. If you’re ready to explore what that might look like, book a free discovery call with twelve-o-one – no pressure, just a conversation about how we can support your next stage of growth.

The post Why Outsourcing Your Social Media Management in 2025 Will Ignite Your Business Growth appeared first on 1201 Journal.

In a fast-changing world, even the strongest brands can start to feel outdated or disconnected from their audience. If your brand is starting to blend into the background or isn’t resonating like it used to, a refresh might be the perfect solution. But here’s the thing—refreshing your brand doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. It’s about building on your foundation, refining what makes you unique, and evolving to meet your audience’s needs.

Let’s dive into how you can refresh your brand thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring it stays recognizable while creating meaningful connections with your customers.

1. Reconnect with Your Core Purpose

Every strong brand has a purpose—the “why” behind its existence. Before making any changes, revisit the core values and mission that define your brand. What made you start this business in the first place? What impact do you want to make?

This step isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of any successful refresh. Your purpose should guide every update, ensuring that you’re staying true to what makes your brand unique.

Example:
When LEGO updated its branding over the years, it didn’t stray from its core mission of “inspiring and developing the builders of tomorrow.” Every visual change, product innovation, and campaign remained aligned with this purpose, allowing them to stay relevant while keeping their essence intact.

Need help clarifying your brand’s core purpose? At twelve-o-one, we specialize in helping businesses rediscover their mission before embarking on a refresh. Let’s start the conversation.

2. Get Real About Your Audience

Your audience today might not be the same as when you first launched your brand. Take the time to understand who they are now, what they care about, and how they perceive your brand.

How to Do It:

• Surveys and Feedback: Ask your customers directly what they value most about your brand and where they’d like to see improvements.
• Social Listening: Dive into social media comments, reviews, and mentions to gain insights into how people are talking about your brand.
• Demographic Updates: Compare your current audience data to past insights to see if there’s been a shift in age, preferences, or lifestyle.

Example:
When Starbucks realized its audience was becoming more eco-conscious, it updated its brand by emphasizing sustainability initiatives like eliminating plastic straws and sourcing ethically. This aligned with its evolving audience while staying true to its core values of community and responsibility.

3. Evolve Your Visual Identity Without Losing Familiarity

Your visual identity—logo, colour palette, typography, and design style—is the most immediately recognizable part of your brand. During a refresh, aim to modernize these elements while maintaining a sense of familiarity.

How to Update Your Visuals Thoughtfully:

• Subtle Logo Adjustments: Update your logo with modern fonts, refined shapes, or fresh colours to make it current without losing its essence.
• Colour Palette Refresh: Adjust hues or add new accent colours that feel contemporary but complement your existing palette.
• Typography Upgrade: Swap outdated fonts for sleek, readable options that better align with your brand’s tone.

Example:
Coca-Cola has maintained its iconic red-and-white branding for decades but has refined its typography and streamlined its logo over time. These changes feel modern yet instantly recognizable, keeping the brand fresh while honouring its legacy.

At twelve-o-one, we help businesses refine their visual identity without losing what makes them special. Let us create a brand you’ll love.

4. Adjust Your Tone Without Losing Your Voice

Your tone of voice is how your brand communicates—whether it’s conversational, authoritative, or playful. During a refresh, you may need to shift your tone to better connect with your audience while keeping the essence of your voice intact.

How to Refine Your Tone:

• Reflect Current Values: Reframe your messaging to address new priorities or values (e.g., sustainability, inclusivity, or innovation).
• Keep It Authentic: If your audience loves your witty, playful tone, keep it—but ensure it feels relevant to today’s cultural landscape.
• Speak Your Audience’s Language: Stay in tune with how your audience communicates now. Is a more casual, relatable tone appropriate? Or do they prefer polished and professional?

Example:
When Airbnb refreshed its brand, it shifted its tone to focus on belonging and connection. The phrase “Belong Anywhere” became a cornerstone of their messaging, emphasizing emotional experiences over transactions.

5. Make Your Refresh a Collaborative Journey

A brand refresh shouldn’t come as a surprise to your audience. Engaging them in the process builds excitement and trust.

How to Involve Your Audience:

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share sneak peeks of your design updates, brainstorming sessions, or early logo concepts.
• Transparent Communication: Be open about why you’re refreshing your brand and how it benefits your audience.
• Social Media Polls: Let your audience weigh in on small decisions, like choosing between color schemes or taglines.

Example:
When Mailchimp refreshed its brand, it shared behind-the-scenes videos of the creative process, showing how they updated their visuals and tone while keeping their quirky, approachable personality. This transparency helped the brand maintain trust with its loyal users.

6. Monitor Feedback and Adjust

A brand refresh doesn’t end once you roll it out. Pay attention to how your audience reacts and be prepared to make adjustments based on their feedback.

What to Monitor:

• Social Media Comments: Are customers responding positively to the changes?
• Engagement Metrics: Look for increases in website traffic, click-through rates, and social engagement to measure success.
• Customer Feedback: Reach out to loyal customers for honest opinions on the refresh.

Example:
When Instagram introduced its new logo in 2016, the initial backlash was intense. However, the company stood by its decision while using user feedback to fine-tune other aspects of the refresh, ensuring the updates resonated over time.

How twelve-o-one Can Help You Refresh Thoughtfully

At twelve-o-one, we understand that a brand refresh is about evolution, not reinvention. Through our expertise in branding strategy, identity development, and creative direction, we help businesses refine their visuals, tone, and messaging without losing what makes them unique.

Whether you’re looking to modernize your logo, connect with a new audience, or refine your messaging, we guide you every step of the way. A refresh shouldn’t feel like starting over—it should feel like stepping into the future with confidence.Ready to refresh your brand without losing your identity? Let’s create something that resonates with your audience and elevates your business. Contact us today to get started!

The post How to Refresh Your Brand Without Losing Your Identity appeared first on 1201 Journal.

When done right, brand consistency builds trust, enhances recognition, and creates a seamless experience for your audience — no matter where they encounter your business. But how do you achieve that level of consistency while tailoring your approach to each platform? Let’s dive into why brand consistency matters and how you can master it across all digital channels.

Why Brand Consistency Is Key

Think about your favorite brands for a moment—like Nike, Lululemon, or Apple. The ones you love and trust are often instantly recognizable, whether it’s a post on Instagram, an email in your inbox, or a product on their website. That familiarity is no accident; it’s the result of intentional, consistent branding that builds a seamless connection with their audience.

Take Nike, for example: their swoosh logo, bold black-and-white visuals, and empowering “Just Do It” tagline are instantly recognizable across platforms, from Instagram ads to their product packaging. The same can be said for Lululemon, whose consistent tone of voice—centered around mindfulness and active living—is reflected everywhere, from their yoga pants hangtags to their email newsletters. Then there’s Apple, a master of minimalistic design and messaging. Whether you’re watching one of their sleek commercials or scrolling through their website, the experience feels cohesive, polished, and unmistakably “Apple.”

These brands prove that consistent branding offers several key benefits:

• Builds Trust and Credibility: Customers are more likely to engage with a brand they recognize and trust.
• Reinforces Brand Identity: Unified visuals and messaging strengthen your brand’s presence in the minds of your audience.
• Improves Customer Experience: Consistency ensures your audience feels connected to your brand, no matter the platform or touchpoint.

On the other hand, fragmented or inconsistent branding can confuse your customers and undermine your efforts to build trust. If Nike used completely different taglines across its social media, website, and email campaigns, it would dilute the powerful, unified message they’ve built over the years.

Keeping your tone, messaging, and visuals aligned ensures you present a professional and cohesive image at every touchpoint—just like the brands you admire.

Building a Seamless Brand Identity

Each platform — social media, email and your website — has its own unique purpose and best practices. Social media thrives on quick, engaging visuals that capture attention in seconds. Email provides an opportunity for detailed, personalized communication that nurtures relationships. Meanwhile, your website acts as the cornerstone of your digital presence, tying everything together and offering a comprehensive space where your audience can learn more about your brand, products and services. It’s your brand’s home base, where all roads lead and where the most in-depth engagement happens.

Here’s how you can achieve seamless brand consistency:

Visuals Are Everything

Your brand’s visuals are the first thing people notice and they play a major role in maintaining consistency. Your logo, colours and typography should remain consistent across all platforms, ensuring immediate recognition.

• On social media, your visuals should match your overall brand aesthetic while adapting to platform-specific requirements. For instance, use platform-specific image sizes but maintain your colour palette and logo placement. [Link to Canva’s Social Media Image Size Guide for reference.]
• In email campaigns, match the design to your website’s branding by using the same colours, fonts, and logo.
• On your website, ensure the design ties everything together, serving as the central visual hub of your brand.

Pro Tip: Use a design tool like Canva or Adobe Express to create visually consistent assets across platforms.

Voice Matters

Your brand’s tone of voice is just as important as its visuals. A consistent tone helps reinforce your message and ensures your audience knows what to expect when engaging with your brand.

While your voice should remain consistent, you can slightly adapt it depending on the platform:

• On social media, your tone can be lighthearted and conversational to encourage engagement.
• In email campaigns, your tone may shift to be more professional, personal, or nurturing, depending on the purpose.
• On your website, your tone should reflect the authority and expertise of your brand while still maintaining your personality.

Nike

• Brand Voice: Empowering, motivational, and bold. Nike speaks directly to its audience’s aspirations, using a tone that inspires action and confidence.
• On Social Media: Nike’s posts often feature concise, punchy messages paired with striking visuals, such as, “Yesterday you said tomorrow. Just do it.” Their captions are motivational and direct, designed to resonate with athletes and dreamers alike.
• In Email Campaigns: Nike emails retain their motivational tone but shift to include product-focused messaging. For example, “The latest running shoes to keep you ahead of the game—shop now.” The tone is still empowering but leans toward promoting their products in a more functional, personalized way.
• On the Website: Nike’s website voice remains bold and authoritative, reflecting its position as a leader in athletic gear. Product descriptions use inspiring language, like “Built to go the extra mile” or “Gear up to break boundaries.” The tone conveys expertise while still motivating the audience.

Lululemon

• Brand Voice: Mindful, inclusive, and active. Lululemon’s tone speaks to their audience’s active lifestyles and sense of mindfulness.
• On Social Media: Their posts are conversational and community-focused, such as “What’s your go-to routine to find balance? Tell us in the comments.” The tone is inclusive and motivational, encouraging engagement from their audience.
• In Email Campaigns: Lululemon emails often highlight products while focusing on self-care and wellness. For example, “Find your flow—our latest collection is designed to move with you, on and off the mat.” The tone is nurturing and empowering.
• On the Website: The tone on their website reflects expertise and mindfulness, with phrases like, “Engineered to feel like a second skin—our leggings move with you through every pose.” The messaging is aspirational yet informative, blending product features with their wellness ethos.

Apple

• Brand Voice: Minimalist, straightforward, and innovative. Apple’s tone exudes simplicity, sophistication, and authority.
• On Social Media: Apple keeps its captions brief and product-focused. A typical Instagram caption might read, “Shot on iPhone 14 Pro. See the details like never before.” They let their visuals do the heavy lifting while the tone remains clean and professional.
• In Email Campaigns: Apple emails are informative and personal, often highlighting key benefits of their products. For example, “The new MacBook Pro is here: Powerful, sleek, and ready for your next big idea.” The tone maintains its elegance while addressing the audience directly.
• On the Website: The website reflects Apple’s minimalist and innovative tone through simple yet compelling product descriptions like, “Powerful. Intuitive. Designed for all the ways you work.” It’s all about highlighting features in a clean, authoritative voice.

Content Should Flow Together

Every piece of content — whether a social media post, email, or website copy — should reflect your brand’s mission, values, and message. While each platform requires different content types, the overarching message should remain consistent.

• On social media, share quick, engaging updates or visuals that connect to your website’s in-depth content.
• On your website, create detailed blog posts, product descriptions, or service pages that complement what you share on social media.
• In email campaigns, nurture relationships by offering value (discounts, insider updates, or exclusive content) while reinforcing the themes you highlight on social media and your website.

Tips for Staying Consistent Across Platforms

1. A brand style guide is your go-to resource for maintaining consistency. It serves as a blueprint for your visual and verbal identity, outlining key elements such as your logo, brand colours, typography, tone of voice, and usage guidelines. With a comprehensive guide, everyone creating content for your brand—whether it’s for social media, email campaigns, or your website—will stay aligned, ensuring a cohesive and professional presence across all platforms.
   
   Don’t have a brand style guide yet? We’ve got you covered. At twelve-o-one, both our Brand Catalyst and Web Launchpad services include a tailored brand guideline alongside the brand strategy and brand identity process. This ensures your brand remains cohesive across every touchpoint, helping you establish trust, recognition, and long-term success. Contact us today to start building a brand you’ll love!
   
   
2. Be Mindful of Platform-Specific Needs
   Tailor your content to suit the platform without straying from your core branding. Social media thrives on visuals and short captions, while email allows for storytelling. Your website, however, serves as the “home base,” where all content and visuals converge.
   
   
3. Leverage Automation Tools
   Simplify maintaining brand consistency by incorporating automation tools into your workflow. Platforms like Metricool allow you to schedule social media posts in advance, ensuring your messaging stays consistent and timely. For email campaigns, tools like Mailchimp enable you to design, automate, and deliver polished communications that align with your brand’s tone and visuals. By automating your efforts, you can focus on growing your business while ensuring your branding remains cohesive and on schedule.
   
   
4. Monitor and Adjust
   Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity—it’s important to regularly evaluate how your branding performs across platforms. Use analytics tools like Metricool to monitor engagement, assess your audience’s response, and identify what resonates most. Adjust your approach as needed to refine your messaging and optimize performance—all while staying true to your brand identity. This proactive process ensures your brand evolves strategically while maintaining its authenticity.

Why Brand Consistency Matters to Us at twelve-o-one

At twelve-o-one, we believe that brand consistency is the cornerstone of building a strong, recognizable presence. It’s more than just creating something visually appealing (though we make sure it does look great!) — it’s about establishing trust, inspiring loyalty, and delivering a seamless experience for your audience at every interaction.

With expertise in branding strategy, creative direction and digital marketing, we work closely with businesses like yours to craft cohesive brand experiences that not only resonate deeply but also leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s your website, social media platforms, or email campaigns, we ensure every element of your brand — your voice, visuals, and messaging — works together harmoniously.

The result? A memorable, authentic, and trustworthy brand that stands out in today’s competitive landscape and builds meaningful connections with your audience.

Let’s Strengthen Your Brand Together

Your brand deserves to shine with consistency and impact. If you’re ready to elevate your business and master the art of cohesive branding, we’d love to help. Contact twelve-o-one today to schedule a consultation, and let’s work together to create a brand experience that captivates your audience and sets your business apart from the rest.

The post Keeping Your Brand Message Strong Across All Channels appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Running a business is no easy feat. Between day-to-day operations, managing a team, and satisfying customers, branding often falls to the bottom of the priority list. But here’s the reality: your brand is much more than just a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s the story you tell, the promises you make, and the emotional connection you build with your audience.

In today’s competitive market, simply offering a quality product or service isn’t enough. Standing out requires a well-thought-out brand strategy—a blueprint that connects with your audience, fosters trust, and drives sustainable growth. However, creating an effective brand strategy that’s tailored to your business is a nuanced process. That’s where the expertise of a professional brand strategist becomes indispensable.

In this article, we’ll explore why investing in a custom brand strategy is essential for your business and how it can help you achieve long-term success.

Why Your Business Needs a Brand Strategy

A brand strategy is the cornerstone of how your business communicates, operates, and engages with its audience. It’s more than just a roadmap; it’s the heart of your brand, guiding everything from messaging and design to customer experience and marketing initiatives.

The Key Benefits of a Custom Brand Strategy

1. Builds Trust and Credibility: A cohesive and clear brand builds a reputation of reliability and professionalism.
2. Differentiates You From Competitors: Highlight what makes your business unique to position yourself as the go-to option in your industry.
3. Creates Emotional Connections: People choose brands they relate to. A strong brand helps you form deeper bonds with your audience.
4. Drives Long-Term Growth: A clear brand identity attracts loyal customers who stick around, refer others, and fuel growth.

Example:

Think of brands like Apple and Lululemon. Apple’s simplicity and focus on innovation connect with creative, forward-thinking customers, while Lululemon resonates with a health-conscious, community-driven audience by focusing on mindfulness and quality. These brands stand out because of their strategic positioning, which is carefully designed to build loyalty and trust.

How a Custom Brand Strategy Works

At twelve-o-one, we’ve perfected a proven brand strategy framework that helps businesses discover and amplify their unique voice. While every project is tailored to our client’s needs, here’s an overview of the process:

1. Building a Strategic Foundation: Start From the Inside Out

Every successful brand strategy begins by uncovering what makes your business unique. This foundational phase includes defining:

• Mission: What is your purpose? Why does your business exist?
• Values: What principles guide your decisions and differentiate you?
• Ideal Audience: Who are your customers, and what do they truly care about?
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What sets you apart from competitors?

By answering these questions, we create the foundation upon which your entire brand will stand.

Are you struggling to define your mission and values? At twelve-o-one, we help businesses discover their “why” and build strategies that resonate. Let’s chat today.

2. Differentiating Your Brand: Stand Out in the Market

In a world overflowing with choices, differentiation is key. A custom brand strategy highlights your unique qualities and positions your business in a way that resonates authentically with your target audience.

Ways to Differentiate Your Brand:

• Highlight Emotional Connections: Share the unique value your brand brings to your customers’ lives.
• Showcase Your Qualities: What do you offer that competitors don’t?
• Develop a Distinct Visual Identity: Ensure your tone and visuals are memorable and unmistakable.

Example:

Dove stands out by redefining beauty standards through campaigns like “Real Beauty,” which celebrate diversity and self-confidence. This strategy resonates emotionally and sets Dove apart in the beauty industry.

3. Crafting a Visual Identity: Make Your Brand Instantly Recognizable

Visuals are the face of your brand, and they need to communicate your personality, values, and tone. This phase includes:

• Logo Design: A simple yet memorable design that aligns with your brand.
• Color Palette: Colors that evoke the right emotions and represent your values.
• Typography: Fonts that communicate your personality—whether professional, playful, or cutting-edge.

Example:

When Airbnb unveiled its “Bélo” symbol, it represented belonging. This wasn’t just a rebrand—it was a visual representation of their mission, connecting emotionally with their audience while reinforcing their identity.

Your brand visuals should tell a story, not just look pretty. Let twelve-o-one help you craft a visual identity that resonates. Learn more.

4. Creating a Brand Guide: Ensuring Consistency Across All Platforms

Consistency builds trust. A Brand Guide serves as your brand’s bible, ensuring that your logo, fonts, colours, and messaging remain cohesive across all touchpoints—be it social media, your website, or printed materials.

Why a Brand Guide Matters:

• Keep your messaging cohesive across all marketing platforms.
• Builds recognition and trust by presenting a unified image.
• Makes it easier for your team to create on-brand content.

Example:

Coca-Cola has remained consistent for decades. Whether it’s a social post, packaging, or an ad, you always know it’s Coca-Cola. This consistency has built trust and recognition globally.

Don’t have a Brand Guide? Both our Brand Catalyst and Web Launchpad services include comprehensive guidelines. Let’s create one for your business! Get started.

5. Focusing on Growth: Let Your Brand Do the Work

Once your strategy is in place, your brand becomes a tool that works for you—attracting customers, building loyalty, and driving growth.

How a Strong Brand Drives Growth:

• Attracts the Right Audience: Authenticity draws customers who align with your values.
• Builds Loyalty: Consistency and clarity foster long-term relationships.
• Drives Sales: A clear, engaging brand creates a path from awareness to conversion.

Example:

Patagonia’s purpose-driven branding, focused on sustainability and activism, has turned them into a beloved brand customers are proud to support. Their loyal following is the result of strategic branding that aligns with their audience’s values.

Ready to let your brand work for you? Contact twelve-o-one today to start building a strategy that drives growth.

Why a Custom Brand Strategy Matters

At twelve-o-one, we know that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies. We tailor every brand strategy to align with your unique identity, audience and goals, combining proven frameworks with creative direction.

Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or refining an existing one, our approach ensures your business connects authentically and positions you for long-term success.

Are you ready to stand out, build trust, and create a brand that resonates? Let’s start your branding journey today.

The post Why Your Business Needs a Custom Brand Strategy (And How to Create One) appeared first on 1201 Journal.

What is Brand Photography?

Brand photography is a collection of images that communicates your brand. It focuses on capturing images that visually represent and communicate your brand’s identity, values, and personality. It goes beyond showcasing products and services and aims to create an emotional connection with your target audience. By crafting visual narratives, brand photography helps convey the essence of your brand and what sets it apart from competitors as it makes your business memorable.

Benefits of Brand Photography

Enhances Brand Recognition and Recall

Consistent and high-quality brand photography helps establish a visual identity that is instantly recognizable. When consumers consistently see captivating images that align with your brand’s values, they develop a strong association between those visuals and your business. This association increases brand recall and strengthens your brand’s presence in the minds of consumers.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Professional brand photography demonstrates your commitment to quality and attention to detail. High-quality images that accurately represent your products or services instill trust in potential customers, making them more likely to choose your brand over competitors. Authentic and visually appealing images help create a positive perception of your business, enhancing its credibility.

Supports Storytelling and Emotional Connection

In the digital age, consumers seek meaningful connections with the brands they support. Brand photography plays a crucial role in storytelling by visually conveying your brand’s narrative, values, and personality. It evokes emotions and creates a bond between your brand and its target audience. By capturing the essence of your brand through images, you can engage and resonate with your customers on a deeper level.

Uses of Brand Photography

Website and Social Media

Your website and social media platforms are key touchpoints for engaging with your audience. Utilizing brand photography in these spaces helps create a visually consistent and compelling brand experience. Whether it’s through product shots, lifestyle images, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, brand photography adds depth and authenticity to your online presence, attracting and retaining customers.

Marketing and Advertising Campaigns

From print advertisements to digital banners, brand photography is a powerful asset for marketing and advertising campaigns. Eye-catching visuals that accurately represent your brand can captivate your target audience and effectively convey your brand’s message. Well-executed photography enhances the impact of your campaigns, increasing their effectiveness and driving engagement.

Brand Collateral

Brand photography can be used to create various marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and business cards. By incorporating consistent visuals into your collateral, you reinforce your brand’s identity and maintain a cohesive brand image across different mediums. Consistency in branding helps establish professionalism and trustworthiness, leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.

How to Get Started with Photography for Your Brand

Define Your Brand Identity

Before diving into photography, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand’s identity, target audience, and key messages. Define your brand’s personality, values, and unique selling points. This foundation will guide the visual storytelling in your brand photography.

Hire a Professional Photographer

While smartphone cameras have come a long way, investing in a professional photographer with expertise in branding photography is highly recommended. A professional will understand how to translate your brand’s vision into compelling visuals, ensuring high-quality images that align with your brand’s identity.

Plan Your Shoots

Collaborate with your photographer to plan your brand photography shoots. Determine the locations, props, models (if needed), and any specific shots you want to capture. Plan your shoots strategically to capture a range of images that can be used across various platforms and campaigns.

Edit and Optimize

Once your brand photography session is complete, work with your photographer or a professional editor to refine and optimize the images. This includes color correction, cropping, and enhancing the images to maintain a consistent and visually appealing brand aesthetic.

Branding Photography FAQ

What equipment is needed for brand photography?

The equipment needed for brand photography depends on the complexity and scale of your shoots. Generally, a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, along with a selection of lenses, lighting equipment (such as strobes or continuous lights), and accessories like tripods and reflectors, are commonly used in brand photography. However, the specific equipment can vary based on the desired style and requirements of your brand. You may also want to style your shoot with various products, furnishing and your models.

How much does brand photography cost?

The cost of brand photography can vary widely depending on several factors and can range from a few hundred dollars  upwards to over $20,000. Factors including the photographer’s experience and reputation, the complexity of the shoot, the number of locations and models involved, the post-processing requirements and the usage rights for the images. It is best to reach out to professional photographers in your area and discuss your specific needs to get accurate pricing estimates. 

How long does a brand photography session typically last?

The duration of a brand photography session varies based on various factors, including the scope of the shoot, the number of setups and locations, the number of products or models involved, and the overall complexity of the project. Sessions can range from a few hours for a simple shoot to multiple days for larger productions. It’s important to communicate your requirements and expectations with the photographer to determine the appropriate timeframe for your specific project.

How can I ensure my brand photography aligns with my brand identity?

 To ensure that your brand photography aligns with your brand identity, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your brand’s values, personality, and target audience. Communicate this information to your photographer, sharing your brand guidelines, mood boards, or visual references. Collaborate closely with the photographer throughout the planning and execution stages to ensure that the chosen locations, props, models, and styling elements accurately reflect your brand’s identity.

Can I use stock photos instead of investing in brand photography?

While stock photos can be a convenient and cost-effective option in some cases, they may not fully capture the unique essence and identity of your brand. Branding photography provides an opportunity to showcase your products, services, and brand story in a customized and authentic way. It allows you to have complete control over the visual representation of your brand, ensuring consistency and reinforcing your unique selling points. Investing in brand photography can significantly enhance the impact of your marketing efforts and help differentiate your business from competitors.

Branding photography is a powerful tool that can elevate your business to new heights. It enhances brand recognition, builds trust, and establishes an emotional connection with your target audience. By incorporating brand photography into your website, marketing campaigns, and brand collateral, you can effectively communicate your brand’s identity and stand out in a crowded market. Invest in professional brand photography, plan strategically, and unleash the full potential of visual storytelling to boost your business’s success in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive branding solution that encompasses strategy, brand identity, and creative art direction for brand shoots, twelve-o-one is your ideal partner. Our team specializes in helping businesses develop a strong and compelling brand presence. With our expertise in branding strategy, we can assist you in defining your brand’s unique positioning, values, and target audience.

In addition to strategy, we have established partnerships with talented photographers who excel in capturing captivating brand photography. By collaborating closely with these photographers, we ensure that your brand shoots align perfectly with your brand identity and messaging. Our creative art direction expertise allows us to provide guidance on the overall visual direction, styling, and storytelling aspects of the shoots.

At twelve-o-one, we understand the power of cohesive and impactful visual branding. By combining our branding strategy, brand identity development, and creative art direction services with the skills of our trusted photography partners, we offer a seamless and comprehensive solution for elevating your brand’s visual representation.

If you’re ready to take your brand to new heights and create a powerful visual identity, reach out to twelve-o-one today. Let us help you craft a brand experience that resonates with your audience and sets your business apart from the competition. Contact us to discuss your branding needs and embark on an exciting branding journey together.

The post How Branding Photography Can Boost Your Business (2025) appeared first on 1201 Journal.

What exactly is the Instagram algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm consists of a set of instructions that determine when and how specific content is displayed to individual users. It takes into account numerous factors such as user history, location, profile, device, trends, relevance, popularity, and more. Algorithms play a vital role in deciding which content reaches the intended audience, from search engine optimization to social media platforms.

Since algorithms are constantly evolving, yesterday’s marketing tactics may not be as effective in the future. It’s crucial to adapt your strategy on each platform accordingly. While regularly posting with relevant hashtags is important on Instagram, it doesn’t guarantee reaching your target audience every time.

So, how does the Instagram algorithm work in 2025?

The Instagram algorithm determines the order in which users see posts while scrolling through their feeds. Based on specific signals, it prioritizes the best posts, pushing the most relevant ones to the top for maximum visibility, while others are placed further down.

Although the algorithm is subject to change, the following three key ranking factors can guide your Instagram strategy:

Relationship with the user: If a user has interacted with your past Instagram content, they are more likely to see your future posts. Therefore, fostering continual engagement is crucial for building a loyal audience.

User’s expressed interest: The algorithm analyzes whether a user interacts with similar posts and accounts while exploring Instagram. Users who engage with similar content are more likely to see your posts.

Post relevancy: When you publish a post on Instagram, the algorithm assigns it a relevancy score, which influences its visibility in the feed.

Consider the following general factors as well:

• High competition if users follow numerous accounts.
• Lower odds of visibility if users spend less time on Instagram or infrequently open the app.
• Business and creator accounts don’t face disadvantages in terms of organic reach compared to personal accounts.
• Instagram enforces community guidelines and may remove posts or suspend accounts for repeated violations.
• Misinformation labels are applied to posts containing false information, and repeated offense may lead to decreased visibility for the user’s content.

Instagram Feed and Stories

The majority of what users see on their feed and in Stories are recent posts from the accounts they follow. The algorithm further customizes the order of these feed posts and Stories based on various signals:

Basic information about the post or story: This includes factors such as likes, posting time, and location tags.

Data on the account behind the post: The algorithm considers how many people have interacted with the account recently, gauging its popularity and the likelihood of user interest.

User activity: Instagram tracks the number of posts liked, shared, and saved to predict which posts will interest the user.

User’s interaction history with the account: This involves measuring the user’s engagement with the account’s posts, including comments, likes, saves, and visits to the account’s profile page.

By analyzing this data, Instagram makes educated guesses about the content that should be presented on each user’s feed.

In March 2022, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, introduced two features that allow users to customize their feed:

Following: This feature displays posts from followed accounts in chronological order.

Favorites: This feature prioritizes posts from accounts with the most interactions and allows users to view them chronologically.

However, the Instagram algorithm still personalizes the main feed based on the aforementioned signals.

Instagram Explore

The Explore page algorithm on Instagram aims to help users discover new content. It uses the same signals as the feed and Stories to curate and rank engaging content for individual users. User actions like likes, saves, and shares play a significant role in the Explore algorithm.

For example, if a user is a fan of Avengers movies, Instagram may present popular Marvel content or even superhero content from other franchises like DC or Image on their Explore page.

To increase your chances of being featured on users’ Explore pages, utilize strategic hashtags and engage with recent trends. Leveraging hot topics and news stories can boost your posts’ ranking on users’ Explore pages.

Instagram Reels

Similar to Explore, Reels are usually seen by users who don’t follow the accounts posting them. The Instagram algorithm applies similar signals as it does for Explore but emphasizes content that entertains the user. It focuses on predicting whether a user will watch a Reel till the end.

To enhance the visibility of your Reels, share them on your feed first, accompanied by hashtags and a location tag. Additionally, engage with Reels that appeal to your target audience. Reels are designed to help users discover you, so it’s important to develop a strategy to maximize your Reel content as soon as possible.

Now that we’ve covered how the Instagram algorithm works, let’s explore different ways to adapt your approach and reach more customers.

Tips for working with the Instagram algorithm in 2025

Consider the following tips to leverage the Instagram algorithm for your business:

Focus on relationships, not just reach: Audience loyalty and continual engagement are more crucial than ever for earning top spots in your followers’ feeds. Foster relationships with your audience through tactics such as posting user-generated content on your Stories and sharing Reels.

Comment on posts from relevant users and brands: Engage with potential customers, influencers, and related businesses by leaving thoughtful comments on their posts. Be genuine, add value, and avoid generic responses or sales pitches.

Respond to comments promptly: Replying to comments, particularly while your post’s reach is at its peak, boosts social proof and encourages further engagement. It can spark conversations and increase the reach of your current and future posts.

Utilize hashtags effectively: Choose hashtags that your target audience actively searches to discover content and users. Engage with posts that use relevant hashtags, and click through to explore and interact with the content.

Repost past content to Stories: Repurposing previous posts ensures your best content receives additional visibility. However, avoid excessive repetition and keep your feed fresh by pruning repeated content.

Encourage engagement on your Stories: Use hashtag stickers with your branded hashtag, share user Stories, and employ interactive stickers like polls and questions to foster engagement, which can translate into higher reach for your static posts.

Share Instagram posts to Stories: Maximize your social media strategy by sharing your most important posts, such as new product announcements, to your Stories. This increases the chances of reaching your followers.

Consider paid options: If organic reach is limited, consider Instagram ads or influencer marketing to boost your visibility. Set a budget and monitor your spend to remain in control.

Monitor your results: Track your progress using Instagram Insights. Look beyond follower count and examine metrics like accounts reached, accounts engaged, and total followers to understand the impact of your Instagram marketing efforts.

Remember, while the Instagram algorithm may change, building and nurturing relationships with your audience remains essential. By adapting to algorithm updates and engaging with users both inside and outside your posts, you can find new ways to reach your intended audience on Instagram.

Ready to take your social media presence to the next level? Don’t let the ever-evolving digital landscape hold you back. At twelve-o-one, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs like you explode their social media reach and connect with their target audience.

With our customized done-for-you support and our proven Social Launch Intensive program, you’ll have all the tools and strategies you need to start growing your social media following and achieving your business goals.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stand out in the crowded social media landscape. Take action now and reach out to twelve-o-one. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your social media presence. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your social media journey.

The post Understanding the Instagram Algorithm in 2025 (Latest Insights) appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Find a Profitable Niche:

Before diving into the world of online e-commerce, it’s crucial to identify a profitable niche. Research current market trends and analyze consumer demands to find a niche that aligns with your interests and has the potential for growth. Look for gaps in the market where you can provide a unique value proposition to your target audience.

Conduct Market Research:

Market research plays a pivotal role in the success of your e-commerce business. Understand your target audience, their preferences, and buying behaviors. Identify your competitors and analyze their strategies. Conduct surveys, interviews, and analyze online forums and social media discussions to gather valuable insights. This information will help you refine your product offerings and marketing strategies.

Create a Business Plan:

A well-structured business plan acts as a roadmap for your e-commerce venture. Outline your business goals, define your target audience, and detail your marketing, operations, and financial strategies. Include a thorough analysis of your competition and a realistic projection of revenue and expenses. A solid business plan will not only guide your actions but also attract potential investors or lenders.

Choose the Right E-commerce Platform:

Selecting the right e-commerce platform is crucial for your online business. Evaluate different platforms based on their features, ease of use, scalability, and pricing. Consider factors like website design options, mobile responsiveness, inventory management, and integration with payment gateways. Choose a platform that aligns with your business needs and budget.

The Best E-Commerce Platforms of 2025

• Squarespace
• Square Online
• Ecwid
• Shopify
• Wix
• Weebly
• BigCommerce
• WooCommerce
• Big Cartel 

Build a User-Friendly Website:

Your website serves as the face of your e-commerce business. Design a visually appealing and user-friendly website that provides a seamless shopping experience. Ensure intuitive navigation, clear product descriptions, high-quality images, and easy checkout processes. Optimize your website for mobile devices, as a significant portion of online shoppers use smartphones and tablets.

Develop a Robust Marketing Strategy:

Effective marketing is crucial to drive traffic and generate sales. Leverage various digital marketing channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. Develop a cohesive strategy that focuses on reaching your target audience, building brand awareness, and driving conversions. Regularly analyze your marketing efforts and adjust your strategy based on performance metrics.

Implement Secure Payment Systems:

Establish trust with your customers by implementing secure payment systems. Choose reputable payment gateways that offer encryption and fraud protection. Enable multiple payment options to accommodate different customer preferences. Clearly communicate your security measures to build confidence and encourage conversions.  

Best Payment Gateways in 2025:

• Stripe
• Square
• Paypal

Optimize for Search Engines:

Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital to improve your online visibility and attract organic traffic. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant and high-ranking keywords in your niche. Optimize your website content, meta tags, URLs, and product descriptions with targeted keywords. Focus on creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that appeals to both users and search engines.

Establish Strong Customer Support:

Providing exceptional customer support is crucial for the success of your e-commerce business. Set up channels for customers to reach out to you, such as email, live chat, or phone support. Respond promptly to inquiries, address customer concerns, and provide a seamless post-purchase experience. Build a reputation for excellent customer service to foster customer loyalty and positive reviews.

Continuously Adapt and Improve:

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Monitor market changes, track customer feedback, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement. Embrace innovation, experiment with new strategies, and be open to making necessary adjustments to keep your business competitive.

Starting an online e-commerce business in 2025 offers immense opportunities for success. By finding a profitable niche, conducting thorough market research, and implementing effective strategies, you can establish a thriving online presence. Remember to prioritize user experience, focus on marketing efforts, and provide excellent customer support.

At twelve-o-one, we understand the challenges of starting an online e-commerce business, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. We offer a range of comprehensive support to bring your business to the digital world. Whether you need assistance with branding, website development, social media management, or other digital marketing services, our team of experts is ready to guide you.

Don’t let your dreams of running a successful e-commerce business fade away. Take action today and let twelve-o-one be your partner in turning your vision into reality. Contact us now to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to online success. Start your online e-commerce business in 2025 with confidence.

The post A 10-Step Guide to Launching a Successful Online E-commerce Business in 2025 appeared first on 1201 Journal.

In today’s digital age, social media has become a fundamental component of business strategy, with a significant impact on brand recognition, customer engagement, and sales growth. Social media planning is essential for optimizing your social media strategy, and having the right tools can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll discuss the must-have social media planning tools for 2025 that will help you streamline your strategy and take your social media marketing to the next level.

Canva

Visual content is crucial for engaging your audience on social media, and Canva is an excellent tool for creating high-quality graphics and visual content. Canva offers a wide range of templates and design elements that can be customized to suit your brand, making it easy to create stunning graphics and visual content that can be shared on social media.

1. Canva Free: Canva Free is a web-based graphic design platform that offers basic features and tools for creating simple designs. It provides access to over 8,000 templates, 100+ design types, and 1GB of cloud storage. Canva Free users can also upload their own images and access a library of free images, icons, and graphics. However, it has limited access to premium features and resources.
2. Canva Pro: ($149,99 CAD / Year) Canva Pro is the paid version of Canva that provides users with access to more advanced features and resources. With Canva Pro, users can access over 75 million premium stock images, videos, and graphics, collaborate with team members, create brand kits, and access unlimited storage. Canva Pro also offers a range of productivity tools such as Magic Resize, which enables users to resize their designs to multiple formats with just one click.
3. Canva Team: ($199.90 CAD / Year) Canva Team is designed for businesses and organizations that require collaborative design tools. It offers all the features of Canva Pro, plus additional features that enable teams to work together effectively. With Canva Team, team members can collaborate on designs, share brand assets and templates, set up workflows and permissions, and monitor usage and analytics. Canva Team also offers an enterprise-level solution, Canva Enterprise, for larger organizations with more complex needs.

Overall, Canva Free is a great option for individuals and small businesses looking to create simple designs, while Canva Pro and Canva Team offer more advanced features and resources for professional design work and collaboration.

Buzzsumo

Buzzsumo is a powerful content marketing tool that allows you to discover trending content in your industry and identify the top-performing content on social media. With Buzzsumo, you can track your competitors’ social media performance and gain insights into what type of content resonates with your audience, helping you plan your social media strategy more effectively.

SEMrush

SEMrush is a powerful SEO and marketing tool that offers a range of features to help you optimize your social media strategy. With SEMrush, you can track your competitors’ social media performance and gain insights into what type of content resonates with your audience. It also provides detailed analytics and reporting features to help you measure your social media performance and track your ROI.

Metricool

Metricool is an all-in-one social media management platform that allows you to manage all your social media accounts from a single dashboard. It is an excellent tool for social media planning and scheduling posts ahead of time. Metricool also provides detailed analytics and reporting features to help you measure your social media performance and track your ROI.

With plans starting at $0 per month, Metricool offers a range of options to fit any budget and social media management needs.

PRO 5 plan is just $12 USD per month (annual payment), or $18 USD per month (monthly payment) and includes management of 5 brands with all social media profiles, scheduling up to 2,000 posts per month, competitor analysis for up to 100 competitors, reports in PDF or PPT, and more.

For larger businesses, their TEAM 15 plan is $35 per month (annual payment) or $49 per month (monthly payment) and includes management of 15 brands, scheduling up to 5,000 posts per month, team and client access, role management, customized report templates, and more.

Besides being one of the most comprehensive social media scheduler tools on the market, Metricool recently rolled out features like AI copy assistance which makes creating content even easier for businesses. Metricool is a top choice for businesses of all sizes. Sign up for your free trial today and take advantage of this powerful tool to grow your social media presence!

Flick.tech

Flick.tech is a powerful Instagram hashtag generator that helps you find the most relevant and effective hashtags for your Instagram posts. With Flick.tech, you can analyze hashtag performance and gain insights into what type of hashtags resonate with your audience, helping you optimize your Instagram strategy and improve your reach and engagement.

Flick.tech offers a range of pricing plans to fit any budget. Their Starter plan is just $10 per month (annual payment), or $12 per month (monthly payment) and includes up to 2 Instagram accounts, hashtag suggestions, engagement metrics, and 150 monthly searches. For larger businesses, their Advanced plan is $20 per month (annual payment) or $24 per month (monthly payment) and includes up to 5 Instagram accounts, advanced hashtag analytics, competitor analysis, and 500 monthly searches. With features like these, Flick.tech is a must-have tool for any serious Instagram user. Get a head start on growing your Instagram following today with their free 7-day trial and experience the power of Flick.tech firsthand!

AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a content marketing tool that allows you to discover the most popular questions and topics related to your industry. With AnswerThePublic, you can identify the most popular search terms and queries related to your brand, helping you create content that resonates with your audience and improves your SEO performance.

In conclusion, social media planning is crucial for optimizing your social media strategy and achieving your business goals. With the right social media planning tools, you can streamline your strategy, create high-quality content, and measure your social media performance more effectively. By incorporating these must-have social media planning tools for 2025 into your social media strategy, you can take your social media marketing to the next level and achieve success in the digital world.

We know social media planning can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance it with other aspects of your business. But with twelve-o-one’s Plan-In-A-Day workshop, you don’t have to worry about spending countless hours planning your social media content. Our workshop is designed to show you exactly how to plan all your content for the month in just one day, leaving you feeling confident and stress-free about your social media planning. With our expert guidance, you’ll learn how to create a comprehensive social media plan that aligns with your business goals and helps you engage with your audience. Sign up for our waitlist today and take the first step toward mastering your social media planning workflow!

The post <strong>Maximize Your Social Media Strategy with These Must-Have Planning Tools for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Video Content Will Continue to Reign Supreme

Video content has been on the rise for years, and its popularity will continue to grow in 2025. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are perfect for sharing videos that capture attention and engage audiences. Businesses that leverage video content will have a significant advantage in reaching their target audiences.

Augmented Reality (AR) Will Transform Social Media

Augmented reality is no longer a novelty but a significant part of the social media experience. In 2025, expect to see more businesses using AR to create interactive experiences that immerse users in their brand. From virtual try-on experiences to interactive product demonstrations, AR will transform the way businesses engage with their audiences.

Social Commerce Will Take Center Stage

Social commerce is the integration of e-commerce with social media platforms. In 2025, social commerce will continue to grow, and businesses that take advantage of it will see significant benefits. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for social commerce, with features like shoppable posts and product catalogues. Brands that embrace social commerce will be able to convert social media followers into customers seamlessly.

Private Messaging Will Become More Important

In recent years, private messaging has become increasingly popular, and its importance will continue to grow in 2025. More people are using private messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat to communicate with friends, family, and businesses. Businesses that are accessible through private messaging platforms will have a significant advantage in engaging with their customers and providing personalized experiences.

Personalization Will be Key to Success

Personalization has been a trend for a while, but in 2025, it will be essential to success. Social media platforms will continue to provide businesses with more data to understand their customers better. Businesses that use this data to create personalized experiences for their customers will stand out from the competition. From personalized content to customized offers, personalization will be a significant factor in social media success in 2025.

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with the constantly evolving social media landscape can be a daunting task. Businesses need to focus on adapting to the latest trends in order to stay relevant and engage with their audiences effectively. At twelve-o-one, we understand the importance of social media success and can help guide you through the process.

By allowing us to take care of the technical aspects of your social media strategy, you can focus on areas of the business you are most passionate about, such as creating new products or services. Our team of social media experts will work with you to develop a tailored strategy that meets your business’s unique needs, leveraging the latest trends, such as video content, augmented reality, social commerce, private messaging, and personalization. To learn more about our services and how we can help take your business to the next level, visit our website or contact us today to book a call. Let us help you achieve social media success in 2025 and beyond.

The post <strong>5 Social Media Trends You Should Know in 2025: Insights for Business Success</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.