Hello June & Welcome to Winter!!

Well Winter is finally here in Melbourne!! The days are getting shorter and the nights colder which offers a great opportunity to cosy up on the couch and really plan your business' Social Media Strategy for the next month!!

The following list should outline most of the key dates for businesses to consider when planning their social media content and strategy. Some dates are specific to Australia whilst other dates are International dates that should be considered as they can offer a fun element to your pages. Remember you can leverage off what is current and trending through using the right hashtags but also make it relevant to your own business wherever possible.

1 - 30 June - Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
1 - 30 June - National Burns Awareness Month - Kidsafe Australia
1 June - First Day of WINTER
1 June - Doughnut Day
1 June - Fish & Chip Day (First Friday in June)
1 June - Leave the Office Earlier Day
3 June - Mabo Day
4 June - Western Australia Day
5 June - World Environment Day
6 June - Queensland Day
8 June - World Oceans Day
8 June - World Best Friends Day
9 June - World Gin Day
11 June - Queen's Birthday Holiday
11 June - Gold Telethon - Sydney Children's Hospital
11 - 17 June - International Men's Health Week
12 June - World Day Against Child Labour
12 June - Superman Day
14 June - International Bath Day
14 June - Healthy Tuckshop Day
14 June - World Blood Donor Day
15 June - Global Wind Day
15 June - National Buddy Day
17 - 23 June - Refugee Week
18 June - International Picnic Day
18 - 24 June - Thinking of You Week
20 June - Red Apple Day (Bowel Cancer Australia)
20 June - World Refugee Day
21 June - June Solstice
21 June - International Day of Yoga
21 June - MND Global Day 0 Motor Neurone Disease
21 June - World Selfie Day
21 June - World Music Day
22 June - Chocolate Eclair Day
24 June - Fairy Day
26 June - Beautician's Day
27 June  - Pineapple Day
30 June - Social Media Day
30 June - Red Nose Day

If I have missed any dates then please let me know and I will update the list ASAP. Until next time, happy planning!!

Amanda x

Things to do in Melbourne this Christmas

I feel very fortunate to work as a Social Media Manager as it means I receive lots of information, updates and event invitations hot off the press! I love knowing what's going on in Melbourne, particularly at Christmas time!

With two young children, our lead up to Christmas is an exciting one! Each year we look for different activities in and around Melbourne that celebrate the fun of Christmas! My research over the last couple of years has lead to an abundance of amazing activities for children and families and I thought I'd share this list with you. Some of the activities are FREE, others require a paid ticket, but all of them are fun! If you've discovered any other activities yourself then please let me know in the comments below and I will happily add them to the list

Christmas Activities & Festivities:
Christmas Festival - Overview of Christmas in the City of Melbourne
Santa's Post Box - 3 November - 15 December - City of Melbourne
Christmas at the Old Treasury Building -  13 November - 5 January
Light Up Christmas at Federation Square - 16 November - 5pm - 9pm
David Jones Christmas Concert - 18 November - Sat: 9.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm 
A Big Christmas Day - 19 November - 11am - 9pm - a full day of Christmas activities
Christmas at Federation Square - 24 November - 25 December - Daily - 9am - late
Christmas Carnival - Myer Melbourne - Held at the Bourke Street Mall Store on Saturday 26 November from 10am-6pm, the store will be turned into a festive fun fair with live entertainment, workshops, giveaways and more. 
Rippon Lea Twilight Christmas Festival - held on the 1st December from 5pm-9pm this event includes Local choirs, an Artisan craft market, Christmas craft workshops, House tours in the mansion, Family games and activities, Food trucks, And of course, our favourite friend Santa will be popping by for a visit during the night!
Santa's Magical Kingdom - runs from 17 November - 23 December. We attended last year with our 2 children aged 5 and 3 at the time and they had an amazing time!! We met Mrs Claus, Santa Claus, enjoyed the interactive walk through show, rides, gingerbread cookie decorating as well as a Circus Spectacular Christmas Show. Well worth attending for a fun day out.
Crown Christmas Spectacular - 20 November - 1 January - Watch the Crown Towers Atrium come alive with our magnificent Christmas tree and a spectacular lighting and musical display.
Show Times: 
Daily - 10am until midnight 
Shows begin every 30 minutes
Plus, get a free photo with Santa from 12 - 6pm until 24 December.
Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights - 25 November - 5-10pm. A lovely Christmas celebration for the whole family, there is also Fireworks and  the Lighting of the Christmas tree at 9.45pm.
Crown Casino
Santa PAWtraits - 25 - 26 November - Visit Santa and have a photo with your beloved feathered, fluffy or furry friend and create a special moment this Christmas.
Myer Christmas Windows - 12 November - 24 December - 7.30am - 1am daily
Myer - Santaland - Bookings are NOW Open for the Bourke Street (Melbourne City Store)
Federation Square
David Jones - The Magic Cave - dates to be confirmed
Gingerbread Village by Epicure - 1 Decemebr - 24 December - held at the Melbourne Town Hall, entry to this display is free however donations to the Royal Children's Hospital are welcomed. This year Epicure will craft the F1 Grand Prix so a great Christmas activity for both little and big kids!
Skate with Santa - 2 December - 24 December - 1am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday only
The Wiggly Christmas Big Show - 2 December at Rod Laver Arena - 3 show times
Northside Christmas Picnic - 8 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Dock Community Christmas - 9 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Snowman - 9 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Santa's Photos at Collins Square - 14 December - 21 December
Lah-Lah's Stripey Christmas - 16 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Carol's By Candelight - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - 24 December
Santa Photos - Westfield Shopping Centre's (Westfield Southland is referred to in the link)
RSPCA Santa Paws Photos - for pet friendly Family photos with Santa

Christmas Lights:
Christmas Lights at Lighthouse Docklands - 24 November - 25 December
Christmas Festival Official Tree Lighting Ceremony - 24 November from 7pm - 9.15pm
Giant Christmas Bauble - Federation Square - 30 November - 25 December
Christmas Projections - 1 December - 25 December
Christmas Laneways - decorated for Christmas and full of good cheer a selection of laneways are a great place to stop for a meal or refreshing drink whilst enjoying the atmosphere
The Boulevard Christmas Light in East Ivanhoe - 16 - 24 December from 8.30pm - 11pm each night
Christmas Light Search Website - enter your postcode and search your local area for Christmas Light displays - EASY!

Christmas Giving:
This list is extensive so I have just included a few that are local and that we have supported over the last few years. I am happy to add to this list so please let me know if there are any other Charities or Appeals that you would like to see included.
Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal - 15 November - 24 December - there are a few different ways to get involved this year.
Share The Dignity - Its In the Bag - donations of handbags filled with everyday items + a few luxuries for women who have escaped domestic violence and are in need at Christmas time.
The Salvation Army - assist with their Christmas Appeal in various ways.
The Smith Family - Christmas Book and Toy Appeal
The Melbourne Period Project - supporting homeless people in Melbourne

Christmas Markets: 
Christmas at Queen Victoria Market - on various dates starting the 13th November, Christmas shopping is made easy with this great outdoor market and the Wednesday Night Market leading up to Christmas. Children can post a letter to Santa at the market and you can also have your Santa photos taken there as well.
Mornington Racecourse Twilight Christmas Market - 18 November from 3pm - 8pm
German Christkindlmarkt - 30 November
Collins Place Design Market - 15 December
Markit @ Federation Square - 17 December
City of Melbourne Market Guide - including direct links to market information

Christmas Shopping:
Allen's Lollysmith's Pop Up Store - 15 November (personalised lolly jars)
Myer Giftorium -  Open Now - (personalised Tim Tam Gift Boxes)
Kmart - Personalised Vegemite Jars - Order instore only
Kmart - Pesonalised Nutella Jars - Order instore only
Cotton On - Personalised Milo Tins - coming soon to stores
Cotton On - full range of personalised gifts
Harvey Norman - personalised Christmas Gift range

Christmas Apps:
Portable North Pole - the number one Santa App
Santa's Lil Helper - City of Melbourne Christmas App

Melbourne City Christmas Guide/Map:
Map & Guide

General Websites & Links:
Only Melbourne - The Festive Season - This is a great list that covers most of the local Christmas Festivals, Council run Christmas Carol events and other fun activities in and around the local Melbourne area.

All information and dates are current at the time of publishing. Please ensure you refer to the relevant links (all highlighted text is linked) for the current information and updates.

I hope you and your family enjoy the lead up to Christmas!!
Amanda xx

And You Thought October Was Busy.......

October passed in blur for us so I must apologies first for missing this list of Special Dates and Events last month! I'm back on track again for the build up to the end of the year. With only 8 Fridays until Christmas, the weeks only seem to be getting busier with so many "International" and 'World" dates scheduled for the months ahead. The schedule is busy with several "Awareness" campaigns this month so if you align yourself with any of these then this month will be a great time to share their message.

As I always suggest, incorporating national dates and special events into your marketing activities and social media posts can be a great way to create engagement, further grow your followers, link in with trending hashtags and network with other like minded businesses.

I hope the following list will take all the hard work out of planning October for you and that it will assist you with preparing posts, content and your businesses marketing calendar. Please don't hesitate to comment below if I have missed something and I will update the list accordingly. 

1 - 30 November - Movember
1 - 30 November - Asbestos Awareness Month
1 - 30 November - World Vegan Month
1 - 30 November - E-Tea Month (Epilepsy Australia)
1 - 30 November - Learn on the Loo (WaterAid Australia)
1 - 30 November - Lung Health Awareness Month
1- 30 November - National Novel Writing Month
1 November - World Vegan Day
4 November - National Day of Unity
5 November - International Volunteer Managers Day
5 - 11 November - National Others Week
7 November - Melbourne Cup Day (Melbourne)
8 November - Thank U NICU Day
10 November - World Science Day for Peace and Development
11 November - Rememberance Day
11 - 18 November - Australian Food Safety Week
12 - 18 November - National Psychology Week 2017
12 - 18 November - Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week
12 - 18 November - National Adoption Awareness Week
12 - 19 November - Alopecia Awareness Week
13 November - World Kindness Day
13 - 19 November - National Recycling Week
14 November - World Diabetes Day
15 November - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
16 November - International Day for Tolerance
17 November - World Prematurity Day
18 - 25 November - Schoolies Week
19 November - Eureka Climb 2017
19 November - World Toilet Day
20 November - Universal Children's Day
21 November - World Hello Day
21 November - World Television Day
21 November - Human Walking Program (Lost Dogs Home)
23 November - Thanksgiving
25 November - World Orange Day (Against Violence against Women)
25 November - Don't Fry Day  (Sun Awareness)
25 November - White Ribbon Day
14 November - 31 December - Dinesmart

Enjoy your month and happy planning!
Amanda x

Just around the corner.....

Who can believe that August is just around the corner and Spring is quickly approaching?! Seriously, where did that time go. It must be time to start planning your marketing calendar for the month ahead again - a new collection of special events and occasions that you can utilise for the promotion and growth of your own business on social media.




It's often difficult to keep up to date with special days, international days of celebration, national events and awareness weeks but incorporating national dates and special events into your marketing activities and social media posts can be a great way to create engagement, further grow your followers, link in with trending hashtags and network with other like minded businesses.

I hope the following list will take all the hard work out of planning August for you and that it will assist you with preparing posts, content and your businesses marketing calendar. Please don't hesitate to comment below if I have missed something and I will update the list accordingly.

1 - 7 August:         National Breastfeeding Week
1 - 7 August:         Dental Health Week
1 - 7 August:         Homelessness Prevention Week
1 - 7 August:         Healthy Bones Action Week
1 - 7 August:         Donate Life Week
1 - 7 August:         OCD and Anxiety Disorders Week
1 - 8 August:         Meat Free Week
1 - 31 August:       Tradies National Health Month
1 - 31 August:       MS Readathon
4 August:               National Aboriginal and Islander Day
5 August:               Jeans for Genes Day
5 August:               Cafe Smart
6 - 12 August:        National Missing Persons Week
8 August:               World Cat Day
9 August:                International Day of the World's Indigenous People
12 August:             World Elephant Day
12 August:              International Youth Day
12 - 20 August:       National Science Week
13 August:               Left Handers Day
13 August:               City to Surf Fun Run
19 August:              World Humanitarian Day
19 August:               International Orangutan Day
19 - 25 August:        Book Week
19 - 27 August:        Queensland Seniors Week
20 - 26 August:        Hearing Awareness Week
20 - 26 August:        Speech Pathology Week
21 August:               Cupcake Day
21 - 27 August:        Keep Australia Beautiful Week
25 August:               Amnestea
25 August:               Daffodil Day
27 August - 2 Sept:  National Op Shop Week
27 August - 2 Sept:  Legacy Week
28 August - 3 Sept:  National Superhero Week (supporting Muscular Dystrophy)
31 August:                National Meals on Wheels Day

Happy planning!

Amanda

Planning for May.....

It's that time of the month again and what a busy month ahead.....who can believe May is already here?! A new month, a new list of special events and occasions that you can utilise for the promotion and growth of your own business on social media.

I hope the following list will take all the hard work out of planning May for you and will assist you with preparing posts, content and your businesses marketing calendar. Please don't hesitate to comment below if I have missed something and I will update the list accordingly. I hope you all find this useful!

May 1 - Kiss Goodbye to MS
May 1 - 7 - International Composting Awareness Week
May 1 - 7 - National Family Day Care Week
May 1 - 7 - Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
May 1 - 31 - Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
May 1 - 31 - Miracle Month of May
May 1 - 31 - Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Month
May 1 - 31 - 65 Roses - For Cystic Fibrosis
May 1 - 31 - Mindful in May
May 1 - 31 - Dine with Heart Month - Supporting Sacred Heart Mission
May 2 - White Shirt Day - Supporting Ovarian Cancer
May 3 - World Asthma Day
May 4 - International Star Wars Day
May 4 - Play Outside Day
May 4 - 8 - Live Below the Line - Supporting Poverty in Australia
May 5 - Shine a Light on Road Safety
May 5 - Sports Without Boarders
May 5 - International Midwives Day
May 5 - 8 - Ride to Cure Diabetes
May 6 - Starlight Day - Supporting the Starlight Children's Foundation
May 6 - 13 - Heart Week
May 8 - World Red Cross Day
May 8 - 14 - National Volunteer Week
May 12 - International Nurses Day
May 13 - Fair Trade Day
May 14 - Mother's Day
May 14 - Mother's Day Classic
May 15 - International Day of Families
May 15 - 21 - National Family Week
May 17 - World Baking Day
May 19 - National Walk Safely to School Day
May 21 - RSPCA Million Paws Walk
May 21-27 - Food Allergy Week
May 25 - World MS Day
May 26 - National Sorry Day
May 27-28 - Red Shield Appeal - Supporting the Salvation Army
May 27 - 25 June - Ramadan
May 28 - Amnesty International
May 29 - Wear White at Work Day - Supporting Mental Illness
May 29 - Biscuit Day

Other Upcoming Australian Events can be found here. They might not be included on this calendar but provide a range of state specific events for the month.

Happy May!

Amanda

The Best Times to Post on Social Media

I get asked this question all the time and if you're reading this, you must be wondering as well!! The truth is, there is no "best time" across the board but there will be a "best time for you". Use your page insights for a snapshot into the activities of your page likers. Try to post at different times across the day and see which posts receive more "likes", more engagement, more reach, more retweets and you will soon work out the ideal times for you and your business.

As a starting point, I found this great info graphic at Social Media Today which I think provides a good guide across each of the platforms. I would be interested to know if you've spent time on working this out for your own business.....what did you decide were your best times?

I hope this helps you achieve better results across your chosen social media platforms.

Amanda

Using Photos in your Marketing

I posted to my Facebook page recently regarding the use of photos in the marketing of your business. You can find the relevant post here. With photo sharing and the use of images playing such an important role in social media, I am aware that people often search Google Images for photos that can be used on websites, Instagram, Facebook and even Twitter and Google+ as we all know that the reach of posts can be so much more successful when an image or images are added.

What some people don't realise is that many of the photos that are made public on Google Images are actually copy righted images that can't be used without a license or having been purchase to use to promote your own business activities. Getty Images own the rights to many of these and they will fine businesses for the incorrect use of these.

If you are searching for images the make sure you add the word "FREE" to your image search and confirm that the images your are downloading are Free for commercial use with No attribution required.

There are several sites that you can join that allow you to purchase images if yours is a businesses that needs a good range of images to use regularly but if you are just looking to use free images once every so often then there are some great free sites to use as well. I've added a few links to my Facebook post to get you started! I hope it helps.

Amanda

Post Engagement - Tip #2

Short and in the point is always the best approach with the majority of posts. The Facebook News Feed is a busy place to be - try to make you message and post stand out from the rest!! Your engagement will improve as a result.

Deciding on the right social media platform/s to use for your business starts with really understanding what each can offer and how to make the most of them for your business. Managing a business' social media accounts can take up a considerable amount of time within the week so it's important to focus on those that will really benefit your business and increase the businesses profile and brand.

The following infographic offers a simple and fun explanation of each of the platforms and how they can be used in business.