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Read MoreGift guides are available for all occasions. For friends, family, and significant others. From those who enjoy FitTok to those who are fans of BookTok. For those who love staying in, social butterflies, and everyone in between. Indeed, one of the author’s cherished holiday routines is perusing the myriad of gift guides released at year’s end.
But what about presents for social media managers? Some might argue that social marketers are the ones who could really use a boost during the holiday season.
We consulted our internal team and Sprout’s community, The Arboretum, to uncover which gifts top the social marketers’ wish lists this year. Here’s what they shared, grouped by interests and niches.
Disclaimer: All products referenced in this piece are neither sponsored nor endorsed and do not contain affiliate links. They are intended solely as examples of in-demand gift categories. Prices are reflective of the current date at publication and may change.
If the social media marketer in your life has a coffee habit that rivals Lorelai Gilmore (and who doesn’t?), there’s one gift that truly counts: coffee.
This is now an established fact: Social media managers adore coffee. Not only do they thrive on caffeine, but cafes also serve as excellent remote work locations during the winter chill. Venturing out, even for a little while, can significantly elevate mood in the cold and dark months.
A gift card to a coffee shop, regardless of the amount, would be greatly appreciated—especially if it’s for a local cafe.
If your gift recipient brews coffee at home, one of their biggest fears is running out of coffee grounds and beans. With a tailored monthly subscription, their favorite coffee will arrive at their doorstep. You can gift a subscription for either one month or an entire year, based on your budget.
We’ve already highlighted how passionately social marketers enjoy their coffee. However, amidst the bustle of daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget to actually enjoy that cup of joe. That’s where smart mugs come into play. They keep coffee warm for hours.
Like this mug, which allows the user to set a precise drinking temperature. Social marketers can rely on this mug to ensure their coffee or favorite hot drink doesn’t get cold or too hot (nobody likes burning their mouth during a meeting).
If the social media manager in your circle is still brewing their coffee using a college machine that takes ages or lacks proper cleanliness, it might be time for an upgrade. A brew machine that makes both coffee and espresso is perfect for those wanting to dabble in crafting café-quality drinks at home. Bring on the caramel lattes.
They fuel up on electrolyte water and green juice in your morning meetings. They are protein fans. Their attendance in workout classes is a key performance indicator. Here’s what we’d suggest for our cherished social marketer wellness buffs.
House plants not only add charm to your remote workspace, but they also provide notable benefits. Research indicates they lower stress, enhance focus, and boost happiness.
This idea comes from Sprout’s senior social media strategist, Olivia Jepson, who pointed out how valuable indoor greenery is within the fast-paced environment of social work.
You can discover house plants and pots at local garden centers—many even offer repotting and care services. Or you can have a plant delivered via a brand such as The Sill.
Explore how to maintain a healthy work-life balance in social media.
Envision generating fresh content ideas without the need to scroll endlessly. With an instant camera, social marketers can seize content or just refine their photography skills the old-fashioned way. Without the stress of app or screen time limits.
This whimsical lavender camera is an example from the newest Polaroid generation. You might also think about purchasing new lenses, film, and photography classes for social content creators who already own a film or digital camera and wish to invest more time in their hobbies.
Though all social marketers would treasure a spa day, wellness trend enthusiasts would be particularly thrilled to receive this gift. Especially for a venue that includes services like infrared saunas, massages, and cold plunges. Extra points if the spa has a visually pleasing aesthetic (just in case they want to capture content while there).
$100 is a suitable starting amount, but since spa services can be pricey, budget accordingly.
ClassPass is a monthly subscription for fitness and wellness that is beloved by those who like to spice up their workout routines. Each month, members earn credits to use across various fitness studios, gyms, and even beauty establishments.
While you can gift any amount in ClassPass credits, $240 covers a year-long basic subscription.
As these social marketers would tell you, prolonged sitting is associated with adverse health effects. A walking pad or under-desk treadmill provides a fantastic way to accumulate steps and stay warm on chilly winter days.
Some walking pads have built-in holders for your computer—making it simple to walk while you work. Others only have a bar, meaning they require a standing desk to be utilized during the workday.
Social marketers who take center stage in videos, webinars, and other digital formats strive to present their best selves. And they might already possess a top-notch ring light. Here’s everything else they need to elevate their home recording setup.
Check out our comprehensive guide to remote video production.
Imagine this scenario: You’re about to record a video for social media when you discover your phone is about to die. Now you must try to get a good take while conserving battery. Or you need to stop and plug in (hoping to find an accessible outlet).
With a portable charger, social marketers can ensure they’re always prepared. And do we sense that chargers tend to deplete faster during winter?
A portable charger like this option guarantees social marketers’ devices stay charged while on the move. We especially appreciate its ability to charge two devices simultaneously and compatibility with various gadgets.
An exceptional quality microphone that minimizes background noise can save a lot of time. With a high-fidelity microphone, social marketers can create videos efficiently. As one of our Arb members noted, “I’d love a podcast-quality mic. Especially one with a retro vibe. It would make voiceovers much easier.”
This model features a bidirectional polar pattern, allowing one person to speak in front while another talks in the back, aiding marketers in capturing audio from interviews or collaborative posts.
Check out our guide to launching your podcast.
A fuzzy webcam—like those built into most computers—fails to meet the quality required for hosting webinars or creating video content. Social marketers who frequently present on-screen need a high-definition camera. For instance, this webcam records in 4K quality and highlights the subject regardless of lighting conditions.
These social marketers maintain a home office that rivals even the finest Pinterest boards. It’s organized and meticulously designed, yet they’re still lacking tech that could enhance their remote work experience.
Note: All of these presents are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
With a Google Nest Hub, you can monitor and manage all your devices from a single interface. Turn lights on and off, adjust the temperature, play music, check your calendar, and more. As one Arb member stated, the hub provides all necessary household information at your fingertips—without needing to leave your workspace. A true luxury for those who optimize everything.
A robust speaker with clear sound creates the right atmosphere for a superior home office experience. Social marketers can enjoy their favorite playlists or “co-work” alongside their preferred podcast hosts.
While this model costs around $150, some more advanced versions can be considerably more expensive. Make a well-informed choice considering your budget and the recipient’s preferences.
Arb members expressed their discontent over having to replace Bluetooth headphones that fail after a few months. Others shared how valuable noise-canceling headphones would be for concentration. Merging both features is music to their ears.
These noise-canceling headphones help social marketers focus on the task ahead while tuning out distractions. Plus, they’re ideal for an open-office environment.
We understand. A few years back, we weren’t certain whether hybrid or remote work would become the norm. So, you still have that uncomfortable chair, or the one you bought for aesthetic appeal that lacks adequate support. Your favorite social marketer can understand that too.
The ultimate present this holiday scene is an ergonomic, stylish chair that offers fantastic comfort.
Choosing a meaningful and practical gift for a social marketer may feel overwhelming, but a considerate option can significantly impact their daily routines. From the coffee they depend on to the tech that aids them in content creation, these gifts demonstrate your recognition and appreciation for their efforts.
Whether it’s a smart mug to keep their coffee hot or a pair of noise-canceling headphones for focused content creation, each of these ideas serves as a reminder of the support they receive. This holiday season, step beyond the ordinary and offer something that genuinely enhances their work and personal well-being.
Want to score some of the items featured in this article? Participate in the Sprout Social Arboretum and follow our 2024 Holiday Engagement Giveaway.
The post The optimal gifts for social media managers appeared first on Sprout Social.
Read MoreInstagram Reels boast some of the highest engagement metrics on the platform. These brief vertical videos garner greater impressions and comments compared to any other format. For small enterprises, Reels offer the quickest route to expansion on Instagram.
However, if you’re posting each Reel manually, particularly multiple times each day, you might be causing more harm than good. Your team could end up investing countless hours weekly in a task that’s readily automatable with a social media scheduling tool.
By scheduling Instagram Reels ahead of time, you ensure consistent posting, hit optimal engagement periods, and concentrate on crafting superior content. This strategy is also an excellent way to satisfy the algorithm, accumulating those views, likes, comments, and shares.
In this article, we’ll outline three methods to schedule Instagram Reels.
Absolutely! You can schedule Instagram Reels using three distinct approaches:
We’ll guide you on how to schedule your Reels using each method below.
Important: Scheduling Instagram posts and Reels is exclusively available for Instagram Business or Creator accounts (not personal accounts), so verify your account type before you begin. Find out how to switch to a professional account here.
While third-party scheduling options for Instagram have existed for some time, the app itself only introduced native scheduling at the end of 2022. Users can now schedule up to 25 posts daily and up to 75 days in advance through the Instagram app exclusively. This feature is available only in the mobile app and not through a desktop login.
Be aware that only Instagram Business and Creator accounts can utilize this feature. Personal accounts cannot schedule content.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Launch your Instagram app and tap the + at the bottom of the screen or swipe right on your home feed to initiate a new Reel.
Select Reel from the content options at the bottom.
You can either capture clips directly using the in-app camera or upload videos from your device.
Incorporate text, stickers, music, effects, etc., then add your caption.
Click More options at the screen’s bottom.
Enable the Schedule this reel option, then pick your desired date and time from the available menu.
Return to the previous screen and tap Schedule.
Although Instagram’s native scheduling is user-friendly, it does come with certain limitations. For instance, you cannot cross-post to different accounts. If you require sharing content across various platforms, explore the second or third methods for scheduling Reels.
Using a third-party scheduling tool also provides access to deeper analytics to monitor your Reels’ performance. We’ll dive deeper into that later.
<pWhile Instagram’s native app scheduling works well for certain businesses, those handling a broader social strategy will benefit from a tool that enables easy scheduling and management of content across multiple platforms.
Sprout Social is one such tool, allowing you to go beyond just scheduling Reels. You can cross-post on various networks, collaborate with your team, engage with your audience, and track detailed analytics—all from a single platform.
Here’s how to schedule Instagram Reels with Sprout on your desktop.
To schedule your Reels using Sprout Social, start by connecting your Instagram profile(s). Log into your Sprout dashboard or sign up for a free 30-day trial here.
Click Connect a Profile and select Instagram from the options list. Then, follow the prompts to link your Instagram profile with your Sprout account.
Important: Link all your Instagram accounts to Sprout to schedule Reels across multiple accounts. You can also attach other social profiles, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X).
Once linked to your profile, click Publishing on the left to access Sprout’s social media calendar where you can toggle between list, weekly, or monthly calendar views.
Hover over your calendar to schedule a Reel for a specific day, with an option to leave notes (like Reel ideas to share with your team).
You may also bypass the calendar view and click the blue pencil/paper icon in the top-right corner of any screen to create a new Reel.
Select the Instagram profile you wish to post on from the dropdown menu.
Now, begin composing your Reel. If you need ideas, here are some Instagram Reel ideas to spark your creativity.
Start by uploading your media. There are multiple methods in Sprout to do this:
After uploading your video, you can modify the thumbnail frame by clicking the pencil icon that appears when you hover over the attached media. You can also upload a different image as your thumbnail.
This is also the spot where you can choose to share your Reel to your profile feed or have it exclusively appear in the Reels tab.
Next, develop an enticing caption for your Reel. You can also add appropriate Instagram hashtags, or tag other users and brands in your caption (like during a partnership).
Sprout pro tip: Utilize our Enhance by AI Assist feature to generate additional caption ideas and expedite your creative process. If unsure about posting topics, Enhance by AI Assist can help create content from a draft you input in the Compose box. To adjust the content’s tone (consider: friendly, confident, or professional), try Suggestions by AI Assist to match captions with your brand’s voice.
If you’d like to use audio from Instagram’s sound library in your Reel, you must designate a Mobile Publisher. This individual will post your Reel via Instagram’s mobile app and will receive a reminder (push notification) from Sprout’s mobile app when it’s time to do so.
Scroll to When to post and select your desired date and time. This is when your scheduled Reel will be published. You can also adjust the time zone if your audience resides in a different country or region.
If uncertain about optimal posting times for your Reel, select Optimal Send Times to view data-driven recommendations on when your audience is most likely to encounter your content. Sprout’s ViralPost™ technology identifies the best times to post based on your past engagement data to enhance your Reel’s impact.
Once you finalize the date and time, click Submit or Schedule to add it to your calendar.
Scheduling Instagram Reels with Sprout’s iOS app mirrors the desktop process, with minor variations. You can conveniently schedule videos on the go from your device.
Follow these steps to schedule Instagram Reels using Sprout’s iOS app.
It’s also possible to schedule Instagram Reels using the Meta Business Suite.
First, connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page to access both via the Meta Business Suite. After that, proceed with the steps below to schedule your Reel.
Log in to Meta Business Suite and click Create reel.
Upload one or more videos for your Reel content.
Here, you can also compose a compelling caption to accompany your video. Add any relevant hashtags, location tags, or mentions.
You can make basic adjustments to your Reel prior to publishing or scheduling.
Trim your video, feature trending sounds from the available library, incorporate text, and even enhance the original audio. An editing timeline at the bottom facilitates easier editing and audio synchronization.
Click Next and choose a date and time to schedule your Instagram Reel.
At this stage, you can also include a poll and adjust privacy settings (either Public or Restricted).
Once you’re finished, hit Schedule. Your Reel is now set to go live at your selected time.
If you’re like most marketing teams, you’ve realized that Reels are a valuable asset for expanding on Instagram. However, posting your videos manually throughout the day may not be the most efficient strategy.
Here’s why scheduling your Reels in advance could be the best step for your Instagram strategy.
Pre-scheduling Instagram Reels allows for regular posting of fresh content, keeping your audience engaged and your brand prominently displayed.
This consistency demonstrates to your followers that you’re actively invested in maintaining connections with them. Inconsistent posting can diminish even the best content’s impact, potentially leading to a loss of audience interest.
Sprout’s scheduling capabilities make it simple to keep a steady posting rhythm. You can organize your publishing calendar well in advance and ensure you’re not solely posting Reels but incorporating a variety of content types like image posts, Carousels, and Stories.
Connecting with your audience when they are online is critical for your Reels to gain attention. Instagram’s algorithm favors content posted at optimal times, resulting in increased visibility and engagement.
Determining the ideal times to post can be complex, especially if your audience spans multiple time zones.
This is where Sprout’s ViralPost™ feature comes into play. It analyzes audience activity and suggests when to post for maximum engagement. Relying on data rather than guesswork allows you to schedule your Reels for optimum impact.
Daily manual posting of Reels can detract from other essential tasks such as strategy development or content creation. Scheduling enables you to batch your efforts, allowing for a focus on significant, high-priority tasks.
Need evidence? Our Social Media Productivity Report indicated that 63% of marketers believe manual tasks prevent them from achieving high-impact work. However, with effective social media management tools, 59% report having additional time for task completion.
With Sprout’s publishing features, you can upload and schedule Reels in bulk, plan in advance, and eliminate the stress associated with daily posting. With everything organized within one platform, you can devote more time to creative thinking and meaningful engagement with your audience.
Producing outstanding Reels involves more than just hitting “post”—it requires thoughtful planning, editing, and crafting content that genuinely resonates with your audience.
When you pre-schedule your Reels, you gain extra time for researching customer preferences, brainstorming content concepts, refining visuals, writing compelling captions, and selecting the best hashtags for increased visibility.
Combine this with Sprout’s AI Assist for caption ideas and post drafts. Our intelligent writing tools ensure that every Reel you publish is polished and of high quality.
Handling social media content can become overwhelming, particularly when managing multiple platforms or collaborating with a team. Scheduling helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute issues such as errors, typographical mistakes, or missed deadlines.
Sprout Social further simplifies this process with a centralized workflow for drafting, approving, and scheduling Instagram Reels and other posts. Team members can cooperate on, review, and approve social content, ensuring brand alignment prior to publication.
Grasping how your Reels perform is vital for refining your strategy. Metrics such as reach, views, and engagement rates illuminate what works and what can be improved. Without these insights, you’re left guessing your audience’s desires.
Sprout Social’s robust Instagram analytics help you monitor your Reels’ real-time performance. With detailed data concerning your audience and individual posts, you can tailor your content, reach the right audience, and boost ROI over time.
Let’s be honest: manually posting Reels throughout the day is probably not the most effective use of your time. While Reels are thriving on Instagram right now, dedicating hours to publishing reduces the time you can devote to creating high-quality content.
The good news? Scheduling transforms everything. You’ll maintain a consistent posting cadence and free up time to concentrate on building your brand on Instagram. No more abruptly stopping everything to post a Reel at that moment.
Utilizing a tool like Sprout simplifies this process further, providing you with everything required to manage, schedule, and optimize your Reels in one location. Sign up for a 30-day free trial today and experience the impact of scheduling.
The post How to schedule Reels on Instagram in 3 ways appeared first on Sprout Social.
Read MoreThe Divi 5 Public Alpha is available for testing. If you use Divi 5, you’ll notice an update notification for Public Alpha Version 4 today. We release new Divi 5 versions every two weeks, and it gets better each time! If you haven’t tested Divi 5 yet, try it and let us know what you […]
The post Divi 5 Update: Public Alpha Version 4 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.
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With martech budgets facing cuts, CMOs must rethink metrics, align stakeholders and prove value to secure investments.
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