from the ceo
Dear Readers,
As we gather around our families and friends this November, gratitude naturally takes center stage In our digital age, one thing I often reflect on is how social media connects us across distances, brings people closer, and offers a space for creativity, growth, and learning. At Southern Social, we’re thankful for the opportunities social platforms provide to amplify voices, share stor communities But we also know it’s crucial to nurture a healthy relationship with these platforms, especially during this holiday season when life can get a bit more intense
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, here are three ways to remain grateful while safeguarding your mental well-being as you scroll:
1. PRACTICE MINDFUL SCROLLING
It’s easy to get swept up in endless scrolling, comparing ourselves to others, or feeling pressured to be “on” all the time Make it a habit to pause and notice how you feel as you navigate social media Take a deep breath, enjoy the moment, and consciously focus on accounts that inspire positivity, gratitude, and genuine connection.
2. TAKE DIGITAL TIME-OUTS
Designate a few times each day to be present with family, friends, or yourself without the distraction of notifications Even a brief break from screens can recharge your mind and create room for gratitude in real life. Use this time to reconnect with what truly matters, whether it’s journaling, enjoying nature, or sharing quality time with loved ones
3. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS
Rather than getting caught up in the “perfect” posts, celebrate your own small wins Social media can make us feel like we have to achieve big milestones to be valued, but each day holds its own blessings. Whether it’s a heartfelt comment from a friend, a new follower who resonates with your message, or simply a moment of inspiration – recognize these as gifts worth celebrating
On a personal note, I am incredibly grateful for my family, friends, and our Southern Social team, along with every client and follower who has been part of this journey As we celebrate our eighth year, I’m reminded daily of the strength, creativity, and loyalty that surround me – we’re always evolving, and I’m so thankful to walk this path with each of you. Cheers to a joyful, mentally healthy Thanksgiving season and the connections that make it all meaningful!
With gratitude,
Keisha Olds CEO & Founder, Southern Social Editor, The Social Scoop
november
With November rolling in, social media is buzzing with gratitude
It's the perfect time to show appreciation, spark meaningful connections, and celebrate the warmth of the season If you're curating content this month, here are five key trends that will resonate and keep your audience engaged.
trends
gratitude diaries
WHAT IT IS:
Showcase gratitude through personal stories and reflections. Use video or carousel posts to create a “Gratitude Diary” where you share what you or your brand are thankful for
WHY IT WORKS:
It’s genuine, heartfelt, and people love to connect over shared sentiments, especially this time of year
PRO TIP:
Keep it intimate and relatable whether it’s the small joys, community moments, or customer appreciation shout-outs Invite followers to comment on their own "thankful" moments!
behind-the-scenes (bts) moments
WHAT IT IS:
Offer a glimpse into the “real” side of your brand Showcase candid moments, your team in action, or holiday preparations
WHY IT WORKS:
BTS content is personal and builds trust, making followers feel like insiders Plus, it gives them something exclusive and relatable!
PRO TIP:
Share holiday-inspired BTS like team dinners or preparation for upcoming sales Use video or a photo reel to keep things lively and engaging
3
customer appreciation spotlights
WHAT IT IS:
Feature customer stories, testimonials, or user-generated content showcasing customers and why you’re grateful for them
WHY IT WORKS:
People love to see themselves or others appreciated publicly, and it builds a sense of community around your brand.
PRO TIP:
5
WHAT IT IS:
or video snippets of customers with your artfelt captions expressing your thanks
4
giving back content
WHAT IT IS:
Share what your brand is doing to give back, whether it’s partnering with local charities, donating a percentage of sales, or organizing volunteer days
WHY IT WORKS:
People are inspired by kindness and are more likely to engage with brands that show a genuine commitment to doing good
PRO TIP:
Use photos or short video stories to highlight your brand’s impact, and create a call-to-action to inspire followers to get involved or share their own acts of kindness
cipes
Curate content around seasonal tips, recipes, or hacks that align with November themes think cozy, comforting, and festive
WHY IT WORKS:
This content is shareable and positions your brand as a helpful resource, creating value for your audience
PRO TIP:
Use video tutorials, quick tips, or step-by-step carousels Feature recipes, decor tips, or self-care advice anything that helps followers embrace the season with ease
By tapping into gratitude-focused content, you’ll build deeper connections and create a space where followers feel valued and engaged Remember, November is all about thankfulness, so let your posts reflect genuine appreciation!
Erin Oprea EO Basics featured client
Southern Social Welcomes EO Basics to Our Media Buying Family!
We’re excited to announce that EO Basics by Erin Oprea has joined the Southern Social roster! Known for her fitness expertise and the effortlessly stylish EO Basics apparel line, Erin brings a fresh, confident brand voice that resonates with health and fashion enthusiasts alike. With the holiday season just around the corner, our media buying campaign is set to elevate EO Basics, driving engagement, awareness, and conversions through a strategic approach Here are three ways we plan to ensure success with Erin's media buying campaign
targeted holiday messaging
WHY IT WORKS:
The holiday season is prime time for shoppers looking for giftable, stylish, and functional pieces, and EO Basics perfectly fits the bill By tailoring ad messaging to the season think "gifts for the fitness lover" or "essentials for a healthy New Year" we’ll tap into buyer intent and resonate with seasonal search trends
OUR STRATEGY:
Using data-driven insights, we’ll craft messaging that speaks directly to Erin’s target audience We’ll create a sense of urgency around holiday offers and limited-time deals, reaching audiences when they’re most likely to engage and convert
dynamic retargeting campaigns
WHY IT WORKS:
The reality of online shopping is that many people browse but don’t buy on the first visit Dynamic retargeting allows us to stay top of mind with those who have shown interest in EO Basics, bringing them back to complete their purchase.
OUR STRATEGY:
By creating segmented retargeting campaigns, we’ll deliver customized ads based on the shopper’s browsing behavior Whether it’s a reminder about items left in their cart or showcasing related products, these ads will help increase conversions by connecting shoppers with what they’re most interested in
influencer-driven content amplification
WHY IT WORKS:
Erin’s influence as a fitness expert gives EO Basics a unique advantage in the apparel market By amplifying her voice and content across paid channels, we’ll leverage her authentic connection with her followers to drive new customer engagement
OUR STRATEGY:
We’ll create ads that showcase Erin in EO Basics gear, sharing her favorite pieces and styling tips Her followers look to her for fitness advice and lifestyle inspiration, so these ads will build trust while driving traffic directly to the site
By combining holiday messaging, dynamic retargeting, and influencerdriven amplification, we’re setting EO Basics up for a successful holiday season Erin’s unique voice and style, paired with Southern Social’s media buying expertise, make for a winning formula this holiday season!
on a
small businesses Budget
Creating compelling social media content on a budget is achievable, especially as we head into the holiday season Here are five tips to help your small business or brand make an impact without overspending:
repurpose and recycle content
WHY IT WORKS:
focus on authenticity and storytelling
WHY IT WORKS:
People connect with stories, especially during the holiday season Use your brand’s unique voice to share behind-thescenes glimpses, customer testimonials, or personal stories Authentic content doesn’t require high-end production, yet it resonates deeply with audiences
HOW TO DO IT:
Share holiday traditions within your team, highlight how your product or service benefits customers, or post customer stories that showcase real-life im
Maximize what you already have to reach new audiences and keep content fresh Repurposing extends the life of each piece, saving time and budget
HOW TO DO IT:
Turn a blog post into a series of social posts, create quote graphics from customer reviews, or compile a video montage of user-generated content (UGC) This strategy allows you to reach different platforms and audiences with minimal effort
diy visuals and graphics
WHY IT WORKS:
NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER
user-generated content (ugc)
WHY IT WORKS:
UGC is authentic, cost-effective, and helps build community engagement When followers share their experiences, it boosts credibility and encourages more interaction
HOW TO DO IT:
Run a holiday-themed UGC campaign, asking customers to share photos or stories featuring your brand. Repost this content on your own channels, giving credit to the original creators to show appreciation
With tools like Canva and Adobe Spark, anyone can create professional-looking graphics on a budget These tools offer templates and stock images that can elevate your content
HOW TO DO IT:
Create holiday-themed graphics, infographics, or animations to catch attention Use templates for a consistent look across posts, and add your brand’s colors and fonts for a polished, onbrand appearance
strategic scheduling and engagement
WHY IT WORKS:
Consistent posting and engagement keep your audience connected Scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can help you post during high-engagement times, even on a budget
HOW TO DO IT:
Map out a holiday content calendar, and schedule posts during optimal times for your audience Make time to engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and shares, which strengthens community and increases organic reach
By focusing on authenticity, repurposing content, using UGC, creating DIY visuals, and scheduling strategically, you can create impactful social media content on a budget through the holiday season and beyond
workwith
southern social
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY
Capturing the essence of your brand with professional, high-quality images tailored to elevate your visual identity.
VIDEOGRAPHY
From conceptualization to post-production, we create compelling videos that resonate with your audience and enhance your brand story
INFLUENCER MARKETING
Connecting your brand with influential personalities to amplify your reach and authenticity in the market
COPYWRITING
Crafting compelling content that speaks to your audience, from website copy to social media posts and marketing materials
DESIGN
Our creative team provides everything from logo design to complete visual branding guides that reflect your brand’s ethos.
MARKETING CONSULTING
Strategic consulting to refine your marketing approach, identify opportunities, and optimize your brand’s market position
EVENT PLANNING AND COVERAGE
Expertise in orchestrating events and providing comprehensive photo, video, and social media coverage to maximize exposure
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Our team manages your presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, ensuring consistent engagement and growth
PAID MEDIA
Effective management of paid advertising campaigns across multiple channels to drive traffic and conversions
why choose southern social?
At Southern Social, we offer a full-service, white glove experience that allows you to enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive digital marketing department without the need to hire in-house Our one combined team of experts performs the work of multiple full-time employees, ensuring a high level of productivity and quality in every task
benefits
DESIGNATED ACCOUNT MANAGER:
Your primary point of contact who understands your business and coordinates all services
REGULAR COMMUNICATION:
Weekly check-ins and regular updates to keep you informed and involved
ANALYTIC REPORTING:
We provide detailed weekly and monthly reports to track progress and refine strategies.
IN-PERSON MEETINGS:
Whether face-to-face or via Zoom, we believe in building strong client relationships through direct communication
OUR PROMISE:
We treat our clients as partners in business, aligning our strategies with your goals to ensure mutual success. With Southern Social, your digital marketing is in expert hands
