Figuring out how to generate more traffic continues to be an issue for several Ponoka businesses, but some owners got a few lessons in social media marketing last week.
Brittany Moore, owner of Moore Media Management, played hostess to 15 local business people at the Canalta Hotel in for a brunch-and-learn event dedicated to small and home-based businesses.
“This was about helping small businesses to be able to utilize social media marketing as part of their business,” said Moore, who created the company after moving back to Ponoka about a year ago.
“It’s the 21st century and most Ponoka businesses are still not utilizing something that can provide them with free advertising. This session was to help them be able to use it in the right way and help to create a professional, recognizable brand.”
This was the first in what Moore hopes will be quarterly sessions with a goal of re-energizing business in central Alberta, though specifically targeting Ponoka.
“My main goal is to help revitalize the economy in Ponoka and draw both people and businesses to town while also maybe creating opportunities that would help fill out our downtown,” she said.
Having grown up in Ponoka, Moore came back with her husband and now two-year-old boy after spending around a decade away. She commented it was somewhat humourous about how she came to this point in her life and career.
“I had a wonderful job as a social media analyst for MLS (Major League Soccer) and, as a sports nut, I absolutely loved what I did,” she stated.
“But, with all of the travel and other things, it made life far too busy especially after we had our baby. So we needed a change, moved to Ponoka and I decided to try and use my finance and social media background to help small business owners succeed and grow.”
With the company’s aim set on digital marketing, branding and content management, the session was about providing professional advice and information that businesses can use to be better online.
“This was about giving them the proper information and how to use it. It was really good with lots of great questions,” Moore explained.
As for the session, it focused mostly on Facebook and just what businesses need to do to counteract the new algorithm as well as navigate the various rules and privacy conditions involved.