HELLO AUTUMN

With the year now in full swing, March is often one of the busiest months for Community and Nationally Significant Events. To cover a good range of topics, I have also attempted to include some International Dates that might align with businesses. If there are any dates that I have missed that you would like to see added then please just let me know in the comments below and I will update the list.

1 - 31 March      National Epilepsy Awareness Month
1 - 31 March      The Water Challenge
1 - 31 March      Jump to Cure Diabetes
1 - 31 March      Bandaged Bear Appeal - The Royal Children's Hospital Westmead
1 - 31 March       March into Yellow - Endometriosis Awareness
1 March              World Book Day
2 March              Schools Clean Up Day - Clean Up Australia
3 March              World Wildlife Day
3 - 11 March      Parks Week
4 March             Clean Up Australia Day
5 March             Labour Day (WA)
5 - 11 March      Kidney Health Week
8 March             International Women's Day
10 March           World Kidney Day
11 - 18 March    Multiple Birth Awareness Week
12 March           Labour Day (Vic)
12 March           Eight Hours Day (TAS)
12 March           Canberra Day (ACT)
12 March           Adelaide Cup Day (SA)
12 March           Commonwealth Day
13 - 20 March    Coeliac Awareness Week
14 - 18 March   World's Greatest Shave
16 March           National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
16 March           Close the Gap Day (Oxfam)
16 March           World Sleep Day
17 March           St Patrick's Day
17 - 25 March    Cultural Diversity Week
18 March           Run for the Kids (Victoria)
19  -23 March   Walk For Water
19 - 29 March   A Taste of Harmony
20 March          International Day of Happiness
20 March          Iranian New Year
20 March          World Oral Health Day
21 March          World Down Syndrome Day
21 March          World Forestry Day
21 March          Harmony Day
21 March          World Poetry Day
21 March          International Day for the Elimination of Racial Descrimination
22 March          World Water Day
23 March          Ride 2 School Day
23 March          Royal Easter Show (NSW)
24 March          Earth Hour 8.30pm
25 March          Neighbour Day
26 March          Purple Day (Epilepsy Australia)
27 March          World Theatre Day
30 March          Good Friday Appeal (Victoria)
30 March          Good Friday
30 March - 7 April Passover

I hope everyone has an amazing month and that this list really encourages you to regularly update your Social Media accounts. Current and relevant posts are the perfect way to leverage and maximise hashtags and content.

Don't forget to Be Social!
Amanda x

VERO - TRUE SOCIAL

Want to know more about this very new Social Media App? The one that aims to be ad-free and algorithm-averse? The first million users on the platform will be able to use Vero for free, for life so if you'd like to know what all the fuss is about and get up to speed then the guys at lifehacker.com.au have done the research already and you can find their article HERE. Let us know your thoughts and if you chose to download!

Social Media Tips, Dates and Planning for December

I had every intention of adding the December list before December 1 - my apologies that I didn't quite get there! Obviously with Christmas ahead of us, December is a quieter month in terms of special events, National and International dates and events as well as awareness campaigns. Probably not a bad thing given how busy everyone is in the lead up to Christmas.

With only a handful of dates listed, some of which may not be relevant to you, your content may be more limited but with the holiday period ahead, I would suggest that you make a point of:
- including your holiday hours in upcoming posts
- advertise and highlight with a follow up reminder, any days which you are CLOSED
- providing advanced notice of any upcoming SALES
- setting up an auto reply on your email and Facebook Messenger in case you're planning a few days of time out.
- Planning a break (even a short one) over the Christmas/New Year period so that you can recharge ahead of fantastic 2018!
- Ensuring that your Social Media accounts are active (try to schedule posts where possible or outsource this work) and engaging and that interactions are being responded to where necessary. Social Media is even busier over the Christmas/New Year period when people are on holidays and have time on their hands to scroll, comment, like and interact so make sure you interact with them!

1 - 31 December - Dinesmart
1 - 31 December - Road Ribbon for Road Safety
1 - 31 December - Decembeard
1 - 31 December - No Gender December
1- 10 December - Say No to Violence
5 December - International Volunteer Day
6 December - St. Nicholas Day
10 December - Human Rights Day
10 - 23 December - Uniting Care Christmas Appeal
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
28 December - The Falls Music and Arts Festival

I hope this above information and tips are helpful to your business in the coming weeks - please don;t hesitate to get in touch or leave a comment below if you do have any questions and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Happy December!
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

Hello Spring......

Well what a last three months it's been. I can honestly say I have never been so happy to see the end of Winter!! With so much illness in and around Melbourne over the last few months, with several heavy doses landing in our house, it's so good to feel the air warming up and see the cherry blossoms on the trees.

With the warmer months ahead and of course Christmas, things are definitely getting busier, our to-do lists are getting longer and special events and dates are multiplying. If you're looking for support with your social media during this time, please feel free to get in touch and find out how we can help.

In the meantime, we hope the following list of events and special dates helps you to plan your social media posts over the coming month and takes a little bit of pressure off you.

1-7 September: Spina Bifida Awareness Week
1-7 September: National Asthma Week
1-30 September: Starlight Movie Month
1-30 September: Save the Koala Month
1-30 September: Big Heart Appeal (Heart Foundation)
1-30 September: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
1-30 September: Dementia Awareness Month
1-30 September: Social September
1-30 September: Foster Care Month
1 Sept - 31 Oct: 2017 Great Northern Clean Up (Clean Up Australia)
2 September: Footy Colours Day
3 September: Father's Day
3-9 September: National Child Protection Week
4-8 September: Kids Teaching Kids Week
4-8 September: Women's Health Week
4-10 September: National Literacy and Numeracy Week
4-10 September: National Stroke Week
4-10 September: National Superhero Week (Muscular Dystrophy Australia)
5 September: International Day of Charity
5-11 September: Spinal Injury Awareness Week
6 September: National Health & Physical Education Day
8 September: Tara Day (Buddhist)
8 September: White Balloon Day
8 September: Star Trek Day
10 September: World Suicide Prevention Day
13 September: National Skatepark Day
14 September: R U OK Day?
16 September: International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer
16-17 September: Clean Up the World Weekend
16-24 September: National Organic Week
17 September: Australian Citizenship Day
17-23 September: Herbal Medicine Week
18-24 September: Meat Free Week
21 September: World Alzheimer's Day
21 September: International Day of Peace
23 September: Bright Pink Lipstick Day
25 September: Save The Koala Day
27 September: World Tourism Day
27 September: World Rivers Day
29 September: National Police Rememberance Day
29 September: World Heart Day
29-30 September: Yom Kippur - Jewish
30 September: International Day of Non-Violence
30 September: International Day of Older Persons
30 September: International Coffee Day
30 September: World Vegetarian Day

Happy Planning and of course, happy posting!!
Amanda x

Pin of the Week....

Writing the PERFECT Instagram Caption is something we all try to do on a daily basis isn't it? Too long, too short, not engaging enough, does it need tweaking, and at the best, is it share worthy?! We all want to write a great Instagram post so when I came across this article on Pinterest from the Team at Who What Wear that I thought was worth saving. It's a great read with several good tips that are worth trying in an effort to mix up your posts and start to build your engagement and following.

Not surprisingly, "How to Write the Perfect Instagram Caption", was the most PINNED post on the Little Bird Social Media "Instagram" Board last week. It's well worth the read and if you have any great tips that you'd like to share on writing the perfect caption then please feel free to share in the comments below - we'd love to know!