Strategy in Branding through Social Media

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The development of social media (SM) has become a lifestyle. If you walk around anywhere at school, work, park, grocery store- you are likely to see individuals of various ages glued to their phones. It is pretty sad that society has developed to this point although that is the reality of most consumers today.

There are billions of people all over the world on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and Twitter. It is crucial to know your audiences on these sites and how to grab their attention. Setting up your brand on social media is more than just starting up an account, it is in its’ own way a science.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a B R A N D? According to BusinessDictionary.com, it is the “unique design, sign, symbol, words, or a combination of these, employed in creating an image that identifies a product and differentiates it from its competitors”.
Branding is an important aspect for any organization to be a guru at. This ‘guru’ expertise will be beneficial in setting yourself A P A R T among others who are sharing a similar product/idea and also providing the quality of realness to consumers. Studies by the Pew Research Center found that “eight-in-ten Americans are now online shoppers”. It is not as surprising when there are sites that offer competitive prices, same-day delivery, and a community of shoppers that support the idea- especially when shopping of almost any sort can be done at your fingertips.
Out of all the brands that have successfully built their community online, two brands that I believe have developed a distinct social media presence are Wendy’s and Nike. If you have not seen or heard of both of these brands and their effectiveness on social media- you have to check it out!
Here is a sample tweet of Wendy’s:
Wendy’s has the distinctive characteristic of savage comedy. They reach their audience by using an approach that most brands might be afraid to do because of the level of skill and awareness it takes. Most people would be offended by some of their tweets if it was any other brand, however Wendy’s has captured an audience that appreciates it.
Here is a screenshot of Nike’s Instagram page. The iconic check mark, the slogan of #JustDoIt, and the celebrity sponsors are just some qualities that have made this shoe brand distinctive. Currently, they are promoting a campaign of women empowerment. However one characteristic is consistent which is the emphasis of their mission being “if you have a body, you are an athlete”. You are able to see it on their bio section as well.
If you are an organization, looking to set your brand on social media- remember to be YOU. As much as Nike and Wendy’s are successful at their SM presence, it is because they are being exactly who they set out to be.
Being able to connect all components that you establish out in the world (online or real), make sure it goes with the values & mission you have established. I’m positive that if these aspects are uniquely incorporated then you’ll build your brand in an unimaginable way.

 

Chewy, Chocolate Chip Cookies: Let’s start with the basics

Anyone that starts baking or is an experienced baker should know the classics. Since this is my first blog post, I want to set the foundation of what the basic baker should know. This basic yet classic recipe, that I love is the chocolate chip cookie (CCC). Fun fact- the CCC is actually the first baked good that I learned to make, which goes back to my food science class in middle school!

I believe there are two types of cookie lovers out there. One that loves a crunchy, biscuit-like cookie versus one that appreciates a soft, chewy cookie. If you are the second type, you will love this recipe.

This recipe will leave you mouth-watering for more and asking ‘what is cheat day?”

Ingredients: What will you need?

ONLY 9 ingredients!

  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 & 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Tools: large bowl, measuring cups/spoons, whisk/ or stand mixer, sifter, rubber spatula, ice cream scoop, parchment paper, baking sheet(s)

This recipe makes about 20 cookies.

What are the steps to make this delicious classic?

ONLY 10 steps!

  1. Take a large bowl and mix the sugars, salt, and melted butter until it looks like a toothpaste consistency.
  2. In the same bowl, add in the egg & vanilla. Whisk these ingredients until it looks like the consistency of a thick milkshake.
  3. Now comes the dry ingredients! Take your sifting tool and have it above your creamed mixture. Place the flour & baking soda within this item. Using your sifter, shake the dry ingredients into the bowl until it looks like a pile of snow resting on your mixture.
  4. This is where your rubber spatula will be helpful. Take your spatula and fold the flour into the mixture until it has just been incorporated. (Do not overmix or your cookie will end up being similar to cake)
  5. The LAST & most important ingredient is of course- the chocolate chips. Pour your chocolate chips into your mixing bowl. Using your spatula, take your chocolate chips and fold it into your mixture.
  6. You might assume that your dough is now ready to be baked-wrong. Take your bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Place your covered bowl into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.Why refrigerate? It creates a greater depth of flavor. Basically, the longer it is chilling -> the better the flavor. Use this time to clean your area/tools used. If you leave it in overnight, maybe clean & sleep?
  7. NOW, we are ready to bake! Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Take baking sheet(s) and cover them with parchment paper.
  8. Take out your refrigerated dough. With an ice cream scooping tool, scoop up your dough. With your hands, round your scooped dough into circles. I would recommend placing 6 cookies per tray- these cookies can get big!
  9. BAKE for around 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookie are a golden brown color.
  10. Cool your cookies or serve warm! Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or in my case some almond milk!

    Share these cookies with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!