Here you’ll find samples of blog writing, web copy, and social media content from past projects.
Project #1: Instagram Strategy for an Etsy Store Start-Up
I happened to know this client in particular very well, so I maintained a more casual tone throughout the proposal. She wanted to handle most of the posting side herself; I just assisted with the research/strategy.
Brand: watercolor art inspired by peace, joy, and the unique beauty of nature. Light-hearted, whimsical, feminine, handcrafted. KC local business, but can ship anywhere through Etsy store. (You can still market the crap out of being a KC business though, if you’re down with it)
Brands you’re inspired by: Rifle Paper Co., Made in KC, Nickel and Suede, West Elm, Made Well, Hammerhand Coffee, Kristin Made Inc
Purpose of Instagram: promote products and drive traffic to Etsy store!!! (So the number of profile visits and website clicks is going to be an important stat to keep track of)
Target demographic: women 18 – 35, artsy types, Target shoppers, boutique store frequenters who like unique, handcrafted, but affordable decor. Not extravagant spenders but willing to spend a little bit extra for something unique and handmade. Basically, I’m describing you, but you can be your own target demographic! (Most business owners are)
Strategy:
- Phase 1: Photos – you, Jon, and Rachel have that covered, but if you ever need help with ideas, I’ve seen lots of different ways to post photos of the same thing on IG!
- Phase 2: Captions – you also have this covered! Keeping them short and sweet will probably work well for you because it’s mostly about the visual. Describe the product and its inspiration, and (subtly, if you prefer) include a Call To Action (CTA) to go check out your Etsy store. (Example: “Now available in my Etsy store! Link in bio!” No sweat)
- Phase 3: Posting schedule
- As per what we talked about, for starters you can post 1-3 times a week, DEFINITELY once a week minimum
- Best times to post for your niche: Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 3 pm
- Best BEST time: 3pm on Wednesday
- Weekends are no go, Mondays are okay between 1pm and 3 pm
- Source: Sprout Social, Best Times to Post on IG for Consumer Goods (in case you wanna look for yourself)
- As you post more and get more followers, we’ll look at your insights and see when you’re getting the most engagement. It may be within these time frames, or it may be different. Each account is unique, but this is a good starting point
- Phase 4: Hashtags, etc!
- Tips for hashtags: use all 30, put them at the very bottom of the caption separated by dots OR you can put it as a comment, don’t use the same hashtags every time or at least freshen them up every month or so!
- Core hashtags (these you can use for every post, there’s 20 of them): #heartandpalmstudio #smallartist #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinessowners #smallbusinesssupport #supportsmallbusinesses #supportlocalbusiness #etsystore #etsystoreowner #etsyshop #etsyshopowner #etsyshopofinstagram #handcraftedart #watercolorart #watercolorartist #watercolorartists #watercolorartwork #watercolorprints #watercolorflowers #artprintsforsale
- Use any of these (13) if you want to advertise that you’re a KCMO artist: #kcmoartist #starvingartist #localartist #localartists #supportlocalartists #supportlocalart #kansascity #kansascitymissouri #kansascityart #kansascityartist #kansascitylocal #kclocal #buylocalart
- If you use these, I’d definitely set your location to Kansas City, MO, otherwise don’t set a location unless you really want to
- Other options to fill up the 10 free spaces: flower-specific, season-specific, aesthetic-specific. Examples: #geraniums #roses #eucalyptis #fallaesthetic #minimalistdecor #minimalistdecoration #floraldecor #watercolordecor (or any others you think up on the fly that are unique to that post)
- Tagging accounts: say you used something by Rifle Paper, then you can tag Rifle Paper! They may not like the post or anything but it can expand your reach. DEF tag local businesses in the photo and/or mention them in the caption. Example: you took some photos with your Hammerhand mug in the background. Tag/mention Hammerhand!
- Phase 5: engagement!
- Type 1: Reactive – easy-peasy, it’s just responding to comments and DMs!
- Type 2: Maintaining – commenting on accounts you follow, especially small – medium ones within your niche!
- Type 3: Proactive – this one’s a little more involved, it involves finding new accounts and commenting on posts. If you want to learn how to do this I can show you how, it’s easy and you put as much time into it as you want to.
- Phase 6: (perhaps for later, don’t want to overwhelm you) Instagram stories
- Can be used to promote new posts/products
- Or just show your personality w/o divulging too much of your personal life
- You can plan these out or do them on the fly
- I can talk to you more about them another time unless you’re really curious!
Project #2: Artist’s Bio for an East Coast Street Wear Brand
A one-time project for the artist/business owner’s website. Names redacted.
P.E. is a graphic designer and visual artist. Born and raised into a family with strong roots in the northeast surf and skate movement, he grew up at his local skate shop, Water Brothers, in Newport, Rhode Island. It was there that he would pick up on the unique visuals and stylized graphics that were displayed on t-shirts, skateboards, and magazines, as well as in the videos that played nonstop. The shop introduced him to the street culture and fueled his creative energy at a young age. Inspired by his surroundings, P began representing his sense of style through art and clothing.
In 2012, after gathering inspiration from different cities while on skateboarding trips, P launched his own street wear brand. He dove in head first, buying all the screen printing equipment and setting up underneath the ramps of his friend’s indoor skate park. Seven years later, P continues to produce high-quality clothing that seeks to promote individual expression and creativity. His designs have been worn by professional athletes, famous artists, and even featured on an episode of the hit morning show “The Breakfast Club,” where platinum recording artist and hip-hop legend N.O.R.E sported one of the brand’s sweatshirts.
Motivated and inspired by the momentum of the brand, P has continued to expand his sense of creative expression. He started exploring visual art in search of his own unique style, drawing inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol to cultivate his own originality. Avoiding traditional methods and going for a mixed-media approach, he finds light experimenting with unorthodox techniques and mediums. His current collection of work includes a series of fine art screen prints on premium cotton paper, including one based on a previous street art installation: a stylized pineapple with the word “hope” underneath. In Rhode Island, the pineapple is symbolic, dating back to the 1600s when sailors on distant voyages would return home with pineapples and place them outside their front doors. This signified that they’d made it home safe and that guests were welcome, fortifying hope in the community. Northeast culture continues to infuse and inspire P’s work, paying homage to his roots.
In addition to screen prints, his current collection also includes sculptures/arrangements made of salvaged metal, as well as abstract drawings with oil stick on reclaimed objects. His street background gives his work a raw, edgy style that has allowed him to create art that goes beyond the design elements of his brand. P finds value in each process no matter what the product is. He enjoys exploring different techniques and exercising his creative freedom in unique ways.
As a self-starter and self-taught artist, P is encouraged by progression and driven by his own thoughts and desires to take chances with art and design.
Project #3: Eating Dairy Free at Disney World Blog Post
A 500-word blog post commissioned by a Disney World blogger who specializes in vacation planning with food allergies.
Good news for those with dairy allergies: eating dairy free at Disney World IS possible!
How, you may ask? Well, it just takes a little bit of planning… and knowing where to find the best dairy allergy-friendly meals and snacks!
But trust me: you will not starve and you WILL be able to enjoy some delicious Disney eats while you’re on vacation! Don’t be scared, you’ve got this, and I’m here to help!
So let’s dive into where you can find dairy free food at Disney World.
Ordering with food allergies
First, when you reserve dining, make sure to list your allergies. (They don’t have options for all, so pick what you can!) Then CLARIFY at check in that you have allergies and get an allergen menu (if they have one).
Please consider talking to a manager or chef, especially if you have more than one allergy and ESPECIALLY if you have a cashier that might seem like they don’t know what they are doing.
As far as the kitchens, Disney has dedicated allergy kitchens and we know that they follow FARE guidelines. If they have a risk of cross contamination, they tell you.
You know those gut feelings that something isn’t right. Speak up! They have never given me any problems (except one cashier, but that was the exception).
So where are the best places to find dairy free eats in the parks?
In general, Magic Kingdom and Epcot are the best for allergy-friendly food. However, you can find at least a few good options in all four of the parks.
And you’ll want to stick mainly with restaurants that are owned by Disney, because then you know for sure that they have allergy protocols in place. Here’s a list of restaurants that are NOT owned by Disney so you can watch out!
For snack kiosks, you’ll want to check labels! Most quick-serve places have prepacked food that list allergens, but there are also some that offer menus. Pecos Bill is a good choice in Magic Kingdom and Sunshine Seasons at Epcot also has some options.
At Animal Kingdom, the dino-themed Restaurantosaurus is a fun place to grab lunch and Zuri’s is ideal for snacks and treats.
And if you’re in Hollywood Studios, don’t fret! We’ve had success at Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo (they have dairy-free cheese)!
For sit-down restaurants, your options will vary depending on where you go, but most places will accommodate dairy allergies! Ask for a menu and don’t be afraid to speak to a chef or manager! At Magic Kingdom, Tony’s and Skipper Canteen are two of our favorites.
At Epcot, we were really happy with Regal Eagle!
And in Animal Kingdom, we’ve had good experiences with Satu’li Canteen.
But let’s talk about dessert…
When you can’t have regular dairy desserts like ice cream and cake, it’s always a triumph to find delicious, dairy allergy-friendly alternatives that satisfy your sweet tooth! Fortunately, you can find some yummy options at the parks!
I do have a full list of top dairy-free desserts at Disney World, but let me just highlight a few!
Blue and Green Milk, people!!!
When you’re at Galaxy’s Edge, you just have to try the blue and/or green milk! And the best part is: it’s Top 8 free!
Dairy-Free Ice Cream!
In the France corner of the Epcot World Showcase, you’ll find L’artisan des Glaces Ice Cream Parlor, which offers some really yummy dairy-free sorbet!
Sunshine Seasons also has a great coconut-based fruit parfait!
And if you’re in Hollywood Studios, the Sci-Fi Dine-In has a delicious dairy-free cookie milkshake!
Simplify Media 