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Month: July 2025

The Event Is Over… But Hold On — It’s Not Really Over

Posted on by evolving_ana

You know that deep breath you take when an event finally ends? Whew.
It’s done. It (mostly) worked. You survived. Maybe even nailed it.

And now… you kind of want to close the chapter and move on, right?

But here’s the thing — and I say this with love:
Don’t rush past this moment.

Because what you do after an event might be even more important than what happened during it.

So, What Now?

First: take that breath. You’ve earned it.
Then: reflect.

Grab your notebook, open the Notes app, or talk it out with someone — whatever works for you. And ask yourself:

  • What went well?
  • What didn’t go as planned?
  • What surprised you?
  • What would you do differently next time?
  • Who did you meet that’s worth reconnecting with?

These questions? They’re not fluff.
They’re the beginning of turning experience into strategy.

And What About the People You Met?

They’re not just “contacts.” They’re people who resonated with your energy, your story, your business.

So don’t ghost them.
Send a message. Say thank you. Mention something you remembered from the conversation. Share a helpful tip or a little behind-the-scenes. Just be human.

You don’t have to pitch anything. Just be present.

Because Real Marketing Doesn’t End at the Event

It keeps going — in the follow-ups, in the lessons you apply, in the connections you nurture.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about continuity.

So next time an event wraps up, don’t treat it like the end.
Treat it like the beginning of your next smart, intentional move.

And hey — if you ever need help turning events into long-term visibility and growth… you know where to find me.

Your Instagram Captions Can Now Show Up on Google (Yes, Really)

Posted on by evolving_ana

Imagine this: you write a killer caption on Instagram, post a beautiful photo, and… that’s it. It gets some likes, maybe a few comments, and then slowly disappears into the feed abyss.

Now imagine this: that same caption shows up on Google when someone searches for “marketing tips for small businesses” or “best nail designs in Vancouver.”

That’s not a dream — that’s the new reality.

So, What’s Happening?

Google is now indexing public Instagram content.

What does that mean in human-speak? Basically, the stuff you post on Instagram — captions, alt text, hashtags, your profile bio — can now appear in search results when people Google things related to your content.

This applies to:

  • Business and Creator accounts (public and over 18)
  • Posts made after January 2020
  • Reels, carousels, images, videos, bios — all of it

If your posts are relevant, helpful, and well-written? Google might just show them to people who have never even heard of you (yet).

Why Should You Care?

Because this changes the game.

Instagram isn’t just social anymore — it’s searchable. That means your content has the potential to live way beyond your feed and reach a whole new audience without spending a cent on ads.

And if you’re a small business, coach, or solopreneur? This could be your new secret weapon.

How to Take Advantage of This

Let’s keep it simple. Here are 5 ways to get your Instagram content Google-ready:

1. Write captions like you’re answering a search

Think about what your ideal customer might type into Google. Now write a caption that answers it. Less “just vibes,” more “here’s how I help.”

2. Be clear in your profile

Use keywords in your name and bio. Instead of just “Founder | Dreamer | Coffee Lover,” try “Marketing Coach for Small Businesses.”

3. Use meaningful alt text

Instagram lets you describe your image with alt text. This helps visually impaired users — and now, it helps your SEO too.

4. Name your files before uploading

Yep — “IMG_1933.jpg” doesn’t tell Google anything. But “nail-design-summer-vancouver.jpg”? Much better.

5. Don’t sleep on hashtags

They still matter. Use ones that are specific to your niche, location, or industry — not just generic ones like #love or #smallbiz.

Final Thoughts

Your Instagram is no longer just a scroll-and-go platform — it’s a mini search engine page waiting to work harder for your brand.

So next time you post, think about how someone might find that content days, weeks, or even months from now.

Because now? They actually can.

What to Do When Your Booth Is Empty (and You’re Kinda Freaking Out)

Posted on by evolving_ana

Let’s talk about that awkward moment at a trade show or fair when your booth looks amazing, your team is on point, your product is shining… and still, no one stops by.

You stand there, trying to look chill while inside you’re thinking:
“Where is everybody?”
“Is this even working?”
“Do I look desperate standing here like this?”

If this has ever happened to you, first — breathe.
Second — know you’re not alone.
And third — there is something you can do about it.

This post is your go-to guide for how to handle a slow event, emotionally and strategically. Let’s go.

Step One: Acknowledge the Awkwardness (Yep, It’s Real)

Feeling frustrated or embarrassed during an empty moment at your booth is totally normal.
We’ve all been there — checking our phones, pretending to rearrange flyers, hoping for someone (anyone!) to stop and chat.

Events are unpredictable. You can plan everything right and still face a slow crowd. What matters is how you respond.

Step Two: Get in Front — Literally

If the booth isn’t drawing people in, you need to go to them.

Step out front. Smile. Greet people as they pass. Ask a question. Offer something simple — a sample, a tip, a reason to pause. Being proactive (without being pushy) can make all the difference.

Keyword tip: What to do when your booth is empty? Step out and start conversations. Simple, human, and effective.

Step Three: Offer a Hook

No, not the aggressive “Can I talk to you about…” hook — I mean a real, valuable reason for someone to stop.

Some quick ideas:

  • A mini giveaway or prize draw
  • A free consultation or demo
  • A “spin-the-wheel” with small rewards
  • A funny sign or clever question

The goal: break the scroll… but IRL.

Step Four: Collect Contacts, Not Just Sales

Even if people don’t buy, they can connect.

Have an easy way for people to leave their name, email, or follow you online.
Use a QR code, a short form, or even a notebook (yes, old-school still works).

Your event ROI isn’t just about sales — it’s also about lead generation and long-term relationships.

Step Five: Create Movement

Slow booth? Turn it into content.

Go live on Instagram. Do a quick behind-the-scenes tour. Record stories. Show up online while you’re onsite.

People are curious. And sometimes the digital traffic you create pulls real people in.

SEO boost: Event marketing tips include using social media to create movement and visibility when booth traffic is low.

Bonus: The Emotional Plan B

This one’s important:
Have a plan B ready before you even set up your stand.

Not just extra flyers or a backup slideshow.
But real alternative ideas — for engagement, for connection, for your mindset.

Because when you know you’ve got options, it’s easier to keep your confidence up and stay in action mode.

Final Thoughts: Trade Show Strategy Isn’t Just About Sales

Some events will be amazing. Others… not so much.

But even a slow event can give you valuable insights, leads, and lessons — if you’re willing to adapt on the spot and show up with intention.

So next time your booth feels a little too quiet, remember:
You’re not failing — you’re adjusting.

And that? That’s good strategy.

Want help building an event strategy that works before, during, and after the big day? Stick around — there’s more where this came from.

Thinking About Joining a Trade Show? Ask Yourself These 7 Questions First

Posted on by evolving_ana

If you’re a small business owner or service provider, chances are you’ve considered joining a trade show or local event to promote your brand.

And yes — those events can be amazing.
But only if you walk in with intention.
Otherwise, what could be a great opportunity turns into just another exhausting weekend with little to show for it.

I want to share with you 7 simple questions I always go through with my mentees before any event. These are the questions that turn “just showing up” into actually standing out.

1. Who do you want to talk to at this event?

Not everyone walking past your booth is your ideal client.
When you know exactly who you’re trying to attract, everything changes — from the way you design your booth to the way you start a conversation.

2. What’s your main goal for being there?

Are you there to sell? Build awareness? Make connections?
Each goal needs a different strategy. If you go in without clarity, it’s easy to walk away feeling like it “wasn’t worth it” — even if the event was busy.

3. How are you going to reach that goal?

Handing out business cards isn’t a strategy.
Think about simple actions: will you offer a small experience? Create moments of engagement? Start specific conversations?

Those are the things people remember — and connect with.

4. How will you know if it worked?

You don’t need a full sales report on the spot — but you do need a way to assess impact.
Leads collected, conversations had, follow-up meetings booked… choose what makes sense for your business and track it.

5. Have you explored what the organizer can offer you?

This one gets overlooked a lot.
Organizers often have mailing lists, maps, social media exposure, and other opportunities for added visibility.
Sometimes all it takes is asking.

6. What’s something unique your brand can offer at the event?

You don’t need an expensive giveaway — you just need something that makes people feel something.
That could be a warm welcome, a mini consultation, or a creative way to present what you do.
Presence is about connection, not quantity.

7. Do you know where your booth is located?

This tiny detail can make a huge difference.
A high-traffic corner, near key attractions, or visible from the entrance — these spots matter.
Visibility isn’t luck, it’s part of your plan.

Final Thoughts: Strategy Turns Participation Into Results

Trade shows don’t have to be overwhelming.
With a little thought and the right questions, you can walk in with confidence — and walk out with real opportunities.

If this post helped shift the way you think about events, save it.
And if you’re planning your next trade show and want a clearer path forward, I’d love to help.