Equestrian & rural business blog posts

Blogging has been so beneficial for my business. I enjoy it too. I started off in copywriting and, for me, this blog is a great way to share equestrian and rural businesses as well as PR, marketing and social media advice. All posts have been written to inspire, educate or to share something that is important to me, my business, or my customers.

The blogs you’ll find in the category are likely to be varied in content. Yes, there will be an equestrian, rural or country connection in them (mainly because that’s just who I am!), but be prepared to see a range of subjects. From business profiles, sharing information about the people behind the brand to social media know-how and how to promote your equestrian and rural business more effectively, you’re likely to find it in here.

I Said What I Said: Social Media Pet Peeves Edition

Social Media Pet Peeves: 6 Mistakes Hurting Your Business

Social media marketing expert sharing pet peeves for small business owners

Three weeks into the summer holidays, and my patience is well and truly gone!

As a social media, PR, and marketing expert who has spent years helping small business owners get noticed, I see a lot of content online. Most of it comes from hard-working, hugely talented people who are doing their best to juggle a business, client work, and real life.

However, every now and then, I see trends and posting habits that make me want to put my head in my hands.

Here are my top social media pet peeves – well, six mistakes that are hurting your business, and what you should do instead… and if I upset you, I really am sorry. But they might just help you up your social media game!

1. Microbe-Sized Tiny Text

We have all seen those carousel graphics or Instagram stories where the font is so small you have to squint, take a screenshot, and zoom in with two fingers just to read a single sentence.

Yes, I probably should wear my glasses more often. But if your text is microbe-sized, your potential clients are not going to fetch their spectacles; they are simply going to keep scrolling.

Your audience is busy, distracted, and often reading your posts on a mobile phone screen while boiling a kettle or waiting in the school pickup line. Do not make them work for it. Keep your font bold, clean, and large enough to read instantly without needing a magnifying glass.

2. Generic, Unfiltered AI Posters

For the people sitting in the cheap seats: generic AI content makes you look exactly like everyone else who could not be bothered.

Let me be clear here: I use AI tools all the time in my own business. AI is brilliant for helping you brain-dump ideas, organise your thoughts, or draft a quick outline when your brain feels completely scrambled.

However, I would never let an AI tool spit out generic slop and post it directly to my page.

When you prompt AI to make a social media post without the information it needs on your voice, tone, style, vibe. When it doesn’t understand your customer. When it’s just doing something quick because that’s what you told it. You don’t woo and excite your customers. You make them scroll on, feeling that they really didn’t know you at all. 

3. Context-Free Cliffhangers

Another huge pet peeve of mine is the no-context cliffhanger. You know the ones: hospital check-ins with zero explanation, vague posts saying “I cannot believe this just happened…”, or asking a dramatic question and then completely leaving people hanging.

I am busy enough with my own dramas, and so are your ideal clients. We do not have the time or energy to play detective online.

If you have something valuable, exciting, or important to say, just say it. Respect your audience’s time by giving them clear context, real insights, and genuine value every single time you post.

4. Slapping Emojis Over Faces

This one pops up constantly, particularly in lifestyle, country, and family-run businesses. People post a lovely picture, but stick a massive, random emoji right over a person’s face.

I completely understand privacy concerns, especially when it comes to children or staff who do not want to be on camera. Privacy matters. But if you do not want someone’s face on the internet, simply do not post the picture!

Take a photo from behind, crop the image, focus on the hands or the product, or make your account private. Sticking a giant yellow emoji over a face ruins the aesthetic of your page and looks messy. Job done.

5. “Share This to a Random Account”

I frequently get comments on my posts telling me that someone will share my content if I send a direct message to a completely random account.

They are either up to something fishy that I cannot be bothered to work out, or they simply do not know how the share tool works. Either way, let us just pretend this whole interaction never happened.

Never fall for these spammy engagement traps, and certainly do not use them on other people’s pages. Real business growth comes from building genuine relationships with real human beings who actually care about what you do.

6. Fonts You Simply Cannot Read

If your chosen font looks like a tired spider crawled across the screen after dipping its feet in ink, it is a hard no from me.

Is it scroll-stopping? Maybe. Is it engaging? Absolutely not.

If your audience cannot read your headline in less than two seconds, they will swipe right past it. Fancy cursive fonts might look pretty on a wedding invitation, but on a fast-moving social media feed, readability wins every single time. Fonts matter. Choose clear, bold, easy-to-read typography that gets your message across fast.

Have I Been a Bit Harsh?!

Maybe… maybe not!

At the end of the day, social media does not need to feel like an overcomplicated science. It comes down to basic respect for your reader’s time and attention. Make your content clear, keep it honest, bring your real personality to the table, and make it effortless for your ideal client to consume.

Ready to Make Your Social Media Work Harder?

If you are tired of guessing what to post, feeling completely overwhelmed by social media, and wanting a simple, step-by-step strategy that brings in real clients without taking over your life, you do not have to figure it out on your own.

Sign up to be notified about my 60 sprint courses. They are short, hyper-focused, 60-minute training modules designed to give you practical tools to grow your visibility, polish your messaging, and get real results fast.

Or, for honest marketing tips, PR secrets, and practical advice on how to build a business you love, come and follow me on Instagram @rheafreemanpr

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Why You Need to Stop Marketing to People Who Don’t Like Fish

Why You Need to Stop Marketing to People Who Don’t Like Fish

Overcoming Fear of Judgment in Marketing: The Fish Lesson

I have a bit of a confession to make: I completely and utterly loathe fish.
I cannot stand the taste of it, I cannot tolerate the smell, and if you put a plate of seafood in front of me, I will pass on it every single time. I actually had to bolt for the door at a wedding when the fish course was served. But that is a story for another day!
Now, imagine for a moment that you run a high-end, premium seafood business. You spend your days sourcing the absolute best catch, and pouring your heart into your craft. How much weight should my personal opinion carry in your business?
The answer is zero. Absolutely none. I’m never going to be your customer.
Yet, every single day, I see brilliant, highly skilled small business owners take the opinion of people who will never give them a single penny, and adjust their plans accordingly. They put a piece of content online, launch a new product, or share a service they are proud of, and then they get a blank response, or worse, a throwaway negative comment from a random stranger.
And what happens? They freeze. They doubt their entire craft, step back from the spotlight, and completely sabotage their own growth.
If you have ever caught yourself pulling back on your marketing because you are terrified of judgment or putting off the wrong person, let us break down why this happens and how to fix it.

The Trap of Online Paralysis

We have all been there. I have certainly been there too.
You spend hours drafting a social post or working up the courage to talk about what you do. You hit publish, and instead of a wave of applause, you get silence or a off-hand comment from someone who was never going to buy from you in a million years.
Immediately, the internal dialogue starts creeping in:
  • Is my work actually interesting enough?
  • Have I completely missed the mark here?
  • What if people are judging me?
So, you retreat. You let that quiet paralysis set in, you step away from your keyboard, and you stop telling people about what you offer.
The thing is, when you quieten yourself down, your business suffers. You cannot grow a business if nobody knows you exist. When you let the opinion of someone who hates fish dictate how you run your seafood stall, you do yourself, your hard work, and your real customers a massive disservice.

Focus Entirely on Your Real Audience

Clever business owners do not waste time or energy trying to convert people who do not like fish. They focus every ounce of their marketing effort on the people who absolutely love seafood.
They know their ideal customer inside out. They talk directly to their specific needs, their daily struggles, and what makes them tick.
When you get crystal clear on who you are actually talking to, a wonderful thing happens: internet trolls and random negative comments completely lose their power.
The next time a comment or a lack of engagement throws you off course, take a breath and ask yourself one simple question: Is this person my target customer?
If the answer is no, move on. They are just passing through and picking a fight. Do not let someone who is never going to hand you a penny dictate how you show up for the people who are ready and waiting to buy.

Fear of Judgment is Ruining Your Marketing

Underneath running an independent business, the fear is real. We fear failure, we fear being disliked, and we fear being misunderstood.
However, listening to those fears gets you nowhere.
You cannot test your offers, refine your message, or build long-term momentum if you do not put yourself out there in the first place. Marketing is a simple process of testing, reviewing, and tweaking. If you hide away the moment things feel uncomfortable, you rob yourself of the chance to learn what actually works.
It is time to stop letting the loudest, least relevant voices in the room hold you back. Show up bigger, post consistently, and build something meaningful for the people who genuinely value your craft .

Ready to Show Up with Confidence?

If you are tired of  second-guessing every single post, and feeling completely overwhelmed by what to say to get real traction, you do not have to figure it out on your own.
Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to hear about the new 60 Minute Sprint Series of mini courses. They are short, hyper-focused, 60-minute modules designed to give you clear, practical strategies to build your visibility, nail your messaging, and attract your ideal clients without the headache.
Or, if you want regular practical tips on how to stand out, master your PR, and build your business on your own terms, come and say hello over on Instagram @rheafreemanpr.
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Overcoming Launch Paralysis: What Holly Willoughby Teaches Us

Why Judging Day-One Projects Is Holding Your Business Back

Overcoming Launch Paralysis: What Holly Willoughby Teaches Us

Overcoming Launch Paralysis: What Holly Willoughby Teaches Us

I watched Holly Willoughby’s first show on her new channel. Then I watched the online pile-on start straight after.

It made me sad. Not just for her and her team, because having a thick skin comes with the territory when you work in the media, but for what it says about the rest of us.

The moment someone tries something new, the internet holds them up against people who have had years of practice at that exact thing. Then everyone acts shocked when the brand-new effort is not quite as slick.

That is not a fair standard. Nobody meets it on day one. Not Holly Willoughby, not me, and not you.

Holly had the nerve to try. She took a massive leap, moving from mainstream TV star to launching her own independent channel. That is the bit worth clapping for, not the bit worth picking apart.

If you are currently sitting on a business idea, a product launch, or even just your very first social media post because you are terrified it will not be perfect straight away, pay attention. This is your sign to let go of perfection and just start.

Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle

When you launch a project, draft a press release, or publish your first video, you are putting out your best guess. You refine, tweak, and hone your craft as you go along.

Yet so many brilliant small business owners freeze, gripped by the fear that their work will look messy or unpolished.

They compare their day-one effort to an established brand that has a massive budget, a huge team, and a decade of experience.

It is like comparing a newborn foal to a Grand Prix dressage horse. It makes no sense.

Nothing new is ever polished into perfection on day one. Nothing.

If you wait until your offer, your website, or your marketing campaign feels 100% flawless, you will be waiting forever. You cannot improve something that does not exist yet.

Here Is What Nobody Says Out Loud

When you put yourself out there, you might get silence, a lack of engagement, or even a throwaway negative comment from a critic.

Here is the truth: the people slating someone the loudest are almost always the ones who have never had the balls to try.

It is easy to sit on the sidelines, sip a mug of tea, and pick apart someone else’s hard work. It takes real courage to step into the ring, launch your idea, and risk making a few mistakes in public.

The next time you catch yourself worrying about what people will think, ask yourself if those critics are actually buying from you.

If they are not your target audience, their opinions are completely irrelevant. Stop giving airtime to people who are never going to support your business anyway.

Three Practical Steps to Overcome Launch Paralysis

If you feel stuck in a loop of overthinking, here is how you can break free and get moving today:

1. Shift from Perfect to Done

Set a hard deadline for your next project, whether that is sending an email newsletter, launching a new service, or posting a video. Promise yourself that when the timer hits zero, you hit publish, regardless of whether it feels 80% or 100% ready. Real momentum comes from action, not endless planning.

2. Build Assets You Actually Own

Do not put off building your core brand foundations while you wait to feel confident. Use that nervous energy to grow things that belong strictly to you, like your own mailing list and website. Social media algorithms change constantly, but an email list is a direct pipeline to the people who truly care about your work.

3. Focus on Your Ideal Client

Ignore the noise of the crowd. When you write a post or create a product, speak directly to your one ideal customer. Ask yourself what specific problem you are solving for them today. When you focus entirely on helping your real audience, the fear of public judgment quietly slips away.

Ready to Get Unstuck and Take Action?

If you are tired of overthinking every single move, feeling isolated in your business, and wanting a simple, practical strategy that actually works, you do not have to figure it out on your own.

Sign up for the latest on my 60 minute sprint courses. They are short, hyper-focused, 60-minute training modules designed to give you one tangible result, whether that is mastering your PR, getting a grip on your marketing messaging, or setting up a clear strategy without the overwhelm.

Or, if you want honest business advice, practical PR tips, and a gentle nudge to keep pushing forward, come and follow me on Instagram @rheafreemanpr

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Building an Audience on Your Own Terms: Lessons from Holly Willoughby

Why Holly Willoughby’s New Channel Is a Wake-Up Call for Small Business Owners

When Holly Willoughby announced her new YouTube show, Together, the media instantly jumped on the usual angles: the show format, the studio setup, and her return to screen.

To me, they completely missed the point.

Holly is not sitting around waiting for a traditional TV network to hand her a multi-million-pound contract. She took complete control of her own distribution. She built her own studio (I mean, maybe not herself!), brought in her own commercial partners, and decided to publish on her own terms.

We see online creators do this every day. But for someone who was the undisputed darling of mainstream daytime television to step away from the traditional broadcast model? That is monumental. It signals a massive shift in how media, authority, and broadcasting actually work.

There are no gatekeepers. No permission needed.

When you run your own small business, it is far too easy to fall into the the trap of waiting for someone else to give you the green light.

If you are currently holding back on a launch, a campaign, or a new idea, here are four lessons from Holly’s big move, and what it means for your own business.

1. Stop Waiting for Permission

So many brilliant, highly skilled business owners spend years stuck in a holding pattern.

They tell themselves they are:

  • Waiting for the ‘right time’ to launch.

  • Waiting until their offer, website, or product is 100% perfect.

  • Waiting for a publisher, a producer, or a grand industry invitation to crown them as an expert before stepping into the spotlight.

The reality? Nobody is coming to hand you a golden ticket.

You do not need a publisher, a producer, or a seal of approval from a corporate authority to start sharing your expertise. The platforms are already sitting right there on your phone, waiting for you to use them.

2. The Platforms Are Free, Use Them

You do not need a massive production budget or an agency behind you to reach your ideal clients.

The barrier to entry has completely vanished. You have access to tools that allow you to broadcast directly to your target audience every single day:

  • YouTube and Podcasts: Ideal for long-form, authority-building content where you can dive deep into your subject.

  • Email Newsletters: The single best way to build a direct, uninterrupted connection with people who actually want to hear from you.

  • Social Media: Perfect for quick daily engagement, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and answering real questions.

When you realise that you already have the tools to build a loyal, paying community, waiting around for someone else’s approval makes no sense at all.

3. Lean on Your Network

Growth rarely happens in a vacuum. Holly did not try to do everything by herself in a dark room; she brought in a team, secured partners, and leveraged her connections.

Look around at your current network right now:

  • Who can you collaborate with on a joint project or giveaway?

  • Who can you interview for your blog or newsletter?

  • Which complementary business owners share your values and serve the exact same audience?

Teaming up with aligned business owners allows you to share audiences, cross-promote, and grow faster.

4. Choose Formats Your Audience Actually Wants

Holly chose a talk show and lifestyle format because she excels at it, and it is precisely what her audience loves to watch.

Do not overcomplicate your content strategy. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel or copy whatever trend is going viral on social media this week.

Look closely at what your clients ask you for every single day. What are the common struggles, questions, and pain points that keep them up at night? Build simple, helpful content directly around those exact topics.

Take Control of Your Own Business Today

I am not saying you should never strive to work with mainstream media or traditional partners if that is what you want. And I say that as someone who’s had books published with Bloomsbury and been on mainstream TV. Both are lovely, genuinely.

What I am saying is that you do not have to wait for that break to happen. You can make it yourself. And, I did this too. My first book? Couldn’t get a publisher so I self published…

When you control every aspect of what you are doing, you pick who you work with, you decide on the content, and you reap the commercial benefits directly.

Bottom line: you hold the power.

Ready to Take Your Marketing to the Next Level?

If you are feeling completely overwhelmed by your marketing strategy, and wanting simple, practical steps to get real results, let me help you.

Sign up to hear about my 60 Minute Sprint Courses and Membership Group. The courses are short, hyper-focused, 60-minute training modules designed to help you nail your PR, master your messaging, and get your work seen without the guesswork. The membership provides ongoing support where I’m in your corner along with other awesome businesses just like you.

Or, if you want advice on building authority, mastering PR, and growing your business on your own terms, come and follow me on Instagram @rheafreemanpr

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Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing one of the most interesting (and, let’s be honest, slightly random) rebrands I’ve encountered—Twitter’s transformation into X. Elon Musk, the man behind this rebrand, is an impressive entrepreneur with an amazing record, but I was keen to get under the skin of this one and thought what better way than on the podcast… let’s go…

Twitter’s Rebrand to X

There are a few points to this podcast- the key talking points you’ll hear are around…

A rebranding overview: Twitter’s change to X breaks conventional rebranding rules, making it a particularly interesting case study. We’ll explore the strategy behind this move and what it means for the platform’s future.

The vision: It would seem that Elon is looking to evolve and develop Twitter into something much more expansive than just a social media platform. We’ll discuss his potential ambitions and what this could mean for users.

Why rebrand?: Companies rebrand for various reasons, including evolution, development, and sometimes to distance from past negative reputations. We’ll explore these motivations in depth.

What do you need to think about before you rebrand?: Before jumping into a rebrand, it’s crucial to understand why you’re doing it and ensure it’s not just out of boredom. A successful rebrand requires clear objectives and a solid plan to communicate these changes to your audience.

What makes a successful or unsuccessful rebrand?: We’ll look at examples of both successful and less successful rebrands. Factors that contribute to success include maintaining some consistent elements from the old brand to help with recognition and continuity.

What are consistent elements of a brand and why do these matter in a rebrand?: Brands like Apple have managed to evolve while keeping core elements intact, ensuring brand recognition remains high.

Tips for a Successful Rebrand

1. Why are you doing it?: Clearly define the reason for your rebrand. Whether it’s to modernise, shift direction, or target a new audience, knowing why you’re doing it will guide the entire process.
2. Consistency is key: Keep some elements of the old brand to ensure recognition. This can be the colour palette, fonts, or logo elements.
3. Communication really does matter: Ensure your audience understands the reasons behind the rebrand and how it benefits them. Buy-in from your customers and stakeholders is crucial in the success of a rebrand.

Rebrands are complex but necessary for growth and adaptation in a changing market. By understanding the reasons behind them and maintaining some consistency, businesses can navigate rebrands successfully. It’s going to be really interesting to see how Twitter/X’s rebrand goes, and the potential impact it will have on the brand.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Small and Supercharged Podcast. If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, join our community or Mastermind Group!

Small & Supercharged Book

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Let’s talk about BETA International

Let’s talk about BETA International

BETA International is the UK’s trade show for equestrian and country businesses. It takes place in September, is held at Stoneleigh, and is a great place to network, see new products, and speak to the people behind the best known brands in the equestrian and country community. On this episode of the podcast, I caught up with Claire Williams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the association that owns BETA International, to find out what the 2023 event has in store for anyone attending.

BETA International Claire Williams

BETA International- the equestrian industry’s UK trade show

Did you know that BETA International has been running for over 40 years?! No, I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t either. Claire shares lots about the trade show in this episode of the podcast, so let’s dive in, shall we…


Background of the Trade Show:

BETA International is a real staple of the equestrian and country trade sector, being the only one of its type in the UK. We talk about the evolution of the show over the last 40 years, and why and how the trade show moved and adapted during Covid-19.

Transition to Stoneleigh Venue:

BETA International used to be at the NEC, but moved to the NAEC at Stoneleigh a few years ago. We talk about why Stoneleigh works so well for exhibitors and visitors alike, and how it’s a familiar venue for equestrians and country folk due to the other shows, societies and more that are based there.

Importance of Networking:

Networking is a crucial aspect of any trade show, and we talk about the amount of opportunities to connect with industry peers and stay updated on developments that BETA International provides. We also talk about the relaxed atmosphere at Stoneleigh and how this continues to create really great interactions with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Understanding the Trade Show:

The role of BETA International, in fact, any trade show, has evolved as time has passed. Now, it serves as a platform for suppliers to showcase their products to retailers and industry professionals, to network and consolidate relationships, rather than to solely gather forward orders for the next season. For attendees, they can explore new launches, innovations, and participate in educational seminars. It’s not just about placing orders.

It’s all about the exhibitors

Exhibitors and their stands make up a key part of the show and offer insights into new products and innovations, sharing best sellers, and catching up with their customers. Claire also talked about some memorable stands from past events as well as innovative equestrian products.

Role of Sponsors:

BETA International is sponsored by Neue Schule, and we talk about how sponsors support and benefit from association with the show. We look at things like alignment and why sponsorship should be mutually beneficial to ensure maximum value for all concerned.

Horse & Rider New Product Showcase:

The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Horse and Rider magazine, showcases innovative products and technologies and is a real hub of the event. New products are placed into relevant categories and then are judged by retailers and industry experts for their market potential. The designated area also means that visitors can come and see what’s new up close and read about it before heading over to the relevant stand for more information.

CPD Opportunities:

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminars offer attendees opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and are part of BETA International’s programme that attendees can enjoy for free. Speakers cover a range of topics relevant to equestrian retailers, providing valuable insights. Every year, the schedule is carefully planned to deliver variety and value, so there’s something (well, many things!) for everyone. And it’s all absolutely free!

If you’re an equestrian, country or pet business, make sure BETA International is firmly in your calendar. I’m lucky enough to work with this fab organisation, so I am a bit biased, but it’s THE place to be this September- you won’t regret it…

To find out more about BETA International- look into getting a stand, register to attend, to anything else, make sure you check out the website here.

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The Barbie Movie = a marketing masterclass

The Barbie Movie = a marketing masterclass

Barbie movie

There aren’t many people that have escaped the Barbie-mania that has swept over the Uk over the last few months, and that’s far from accidental. Barbie the toy has always been a little bit of a crowd splitter, with people liking or hating the doll that was seen to symbolise a lot about women, but the film… that hit differently.


As someone who was most definitely in the ‘not a fan’ camp, I started noticing the marketing campaign as it unfolded quite a few months ago. There were filters, collabs, pink billboards… and when the film premiered (and the Malibu Dream House was available on Air BnB), the PR machine that is Barbie went up many (many) levels. I’ve been in awe of how everything pink and Barbie has infiltrated so many areas of our lives over the last few months. As I chat about in this episode of the podcast.

Even though the reported budget exceeds what most have to spend in a few lifetimes, there’s a whole lot to learn from Barbie, as I share in this episode of the podcast. Here’s how this podcast is broken down:

Let’s start at the beginning… Barbie’s history and stereotypes

There’s no doubt that Barbie has historically been well known for stereotypes connected to the appearance of women. I feel that this was one of the parts about the brand that, over the years, was so galvanising. As people’s body shapes and lifestyles have changed, I was interested to see how the scriptwriters would address this in the movie… but they have.

The marketing masterclass

As a marketer (or marketeer- however you want to say it!), I’ve been fascinated by the marketing masterclass that the Barbie Movie has been. Yes, the team has had a large budget, but the creativity and cleverness that has been applied in so many different ways has been- in my opinion at least- very exciting and inspiring to watch.

Collaborations

A big part of the Barbie Movie promotion has been around collaborations. These have spanned industries from games to cosmetics, food and so much more. Collaboration can be a highly effective way to marketing a brand and the fact that so much time, energy and money was put into this side of marketing here- and how effective it was- really does prove this and then some.

Promotional activities

It didn’t stop with collaborations- in fact- Barbie infiltrated every area of our lives around launch, including the Barbie pink Google search and the Barbie filters all over social. Not only were these fun and engaging but helped to further heighten the buzz and excitement around the film’s release.

Branding and consistency

One area that the team nailed was the detail around Barbie’s brand identity. The specific shade of pink, the specific fonts in campaigns… every time we as the public see these, not only can we instantly recognise them without the whole story, but it further reinforces the brand recognition and recall.

Influencer marketing and social proof

I also talk about how influencer and social media played a huge part in the hype, and this was largely thanks to the thought that the marketing team put in to make these interactions engaging, interesting and photo worthy. These steps illustrated the power of social proof in building credibility and excitement around a brand or product.

And the star of the show- Margot Robbie

Margot had a huge impact on the marketing of the movie and continued to ensure column inches for each launch around the globe thanks to her fashion choices mimicking those of actual Barbies through the ages. This helped to generate even more interest in the Movie and a lot of media coverage too.

Small & Supercharged Book

 

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Is that really you? How to spot a fake account on social media

Is that really you? How to spot a fake account on social media

Have you ever had an encounter with someone who pretended to be someone they weren’t? In real life, the fake moustache is a big giveaway(!), but online, on social media, it’s a lot harder to spot. A few weeks ago, some delightful individual decided that I would be a good person to pretend to be. The whole thing was more than a bit strange, but as you know, I like to use these weird experiences as learning points for anyone who needs them- myself included(!), so, let’s dive in to how to spot a fake account on social media, shall we?

This blog is taken from a podcast I recorded all about the experience, so make sure you head off and listen to the whole podcast for all the juicy details (and all the strange bits of the story!)

My impersonator (affectionately referred to as ‘fake me’) did a really good job. They took lots of elements from my account and bio, targeted people I knew, and bizarrely even promoted a course I run (I assume this was some kind of trust gaining exercise), but they let themselves down on a few points, which I chat about on the podcast.

From this, I have opted to pay for verification on my Instagram account. Should I have to? No, but my Instagram account is important to me. Did it aid the removal of the fake account? It vanished in under 12 hours. Should you? It’s a personal decision whether to opt for the subscription, but it did provide me with a positive outcome in this situation.

Dealing with impersonation on social media can be unsettling, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some key takeaways:

1. **Be vigilant**: Pay attention to language, communication style, and subtle details that might indicate an account is not genuine.

2. **Check usernames**: Look for subtle variations, extra characters, underscores, or misspellings in usernames that impersonators might use.

3. **Avoid clicking on links**: Be cautious about clicking on links, especially if they are shared through direct messages. Verify the legitimacy of the links through other means, such as going to that person’s website and

4. **Screenshot and report**: If you encounter an impersonation account, take screenshots of the interactions and report the account to the platform. Provide evidence to support your report.

5. **Inform the person being impersonated**: If possible, reach out to the person being impersonated through other channels to let them know about the situation. Share any evidence you have.

6. **Consider verification**: Depending on your situation and preferences, you might explore verified subscriptions offered by social media platforms for added security and support.

Remember, maintaining awareness and staying proactive can help protect yourself and others from the impact of impersonation on social media. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, follow these steps to address it effectively.

Small & Supercharged Book

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When should you work for free?

When should you work for free? Navigating the Work-for-Free Landscape

Have you ever been asked to work for free? For exposure? For reach? Most people have, and there are some good reasons why working for free can pay, as I discuss in today’s episode. I talk about seven reasons why you might want to consider working for free and seven reasons why you should run for the hills. This is a blog of the podcast- as always, there’s a lot more detail in the podcast (you can listen below or anywhere else you listen to podcasts or below!), but the blog below provides a summary.

Seven reasons to work for free

1. Building Your Portfolio: We all start somewhere, and if you’re embarking on a new journey or career, you might lack experience. Doing some free or low-paid work can help you build a robust portfolio, showcasing your skills and capabilities.

2. Gaining Experience You Lack:  Sometimes, you need evidence of your abilities in a specific area. Working for free allows you to gain valuable experience, whether it’s in photography, public speaking, or any other skill you’re looking to develop.

3. Opening doors you can’t see: Free work can open unexpected doors. You might make valuable connections, get offered courses or training, or receive invitations to events that wouldn’t be on your radar otherwise.

4. Charity support: If it’s for a cause that is close to your heart, offering your services for free can be a way to make a charitable contribution.

5. Payment in Kind: In certain situations, receiving a higher-value item in exchange for your services might be worth considering. If the item/service aligns with your needs or interests, it can be a win-win.

6. Using It as a Stepping Stone: Sometimes, doing free work can serve as a stepping stone, opening doors to future opportunities or enabling you to qualify for something you aspire to do.

7. Passion: If a project or opportunity genuinely excites you and brings you joy, that alone can be a good reason to offer your services for free.

This is not an exhaustive list- at the end of the day it’s your time, and you can use it as you like!

Seven reasons not to work for free

1. Guilt Trips: If someone tries to manipulate you into working for free by playing on your emotions or making you feel guilty, it’s a red flag. Healthy discussions are fine; guilt trips, not so much.

2. Lack of Value: If a project offers no value to you, either in terms of brand promotion, personal development, or genuine interest, it might not be worth your time.

3. Extra Pressure: Taking on free work shouldn’t add excessive pressure to your already busy life. If it starts negatively impacting your well-being or other commitments, it might be time to reconsider.

4. Feeling Exploited: If you sense that someone is taking advantage of your skills and time without offering fair compensation or acknowledgment, it’s a clear sign to reassess the situation.

5. Effort vs. Payback: If the effort you’re putting into a project significantly outweighs the payback, whether in positive feelings or tangible benefits, it might not be a sustainable or wise endeavour.

6. Damaging Your Brand: If a project, whether paid or free, has the potential to harm your personal brand or professional reputation, strongly consider moving away from it (at speed!)

7. Your Gut Says No: Trust your instincts. If your gut feeling is telling you that something isn’t right or doesn’t align with your values and objectives, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline the opportunity.

In the end, the decision to work for free is yours and will be different to anyone else. It will probably depend on various factors such as your goals, values, and the specific circumstances of each opportunity. It’s crucial to know your worth, be open to discussions and, most importantly, be comfortable with the decisions you make regarding your time and energy.

Shameless plug- I wrote a book, called Small & Supercharged: Small Steps to Supercharged Your Brand on a Budget. If you’re in need of a good read to help you grow and scale your business, it’s highly recommended (by others who aren’t me!) See the Amazon reviews here!

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Being an influencer with Alanna Clarke

Being an influencer with Alanna Clarke- what’s it like being an equestrian influencer?

Alanna Clarke is a 20-year-old dressage rider, law student, and social media superstar with big followings across a range of platforms, brand deals, and some very exciting things to come. On this episode of the podcast (or blog, depending on how you’re consuming this!), we talk about her experiences as an influencer, challenges of this line of work, and lots more besides.

alanna clarke equestrian influencer

Alanna talks about her social media journey, and how she’s actually been involved with social media and growing her accounts since she was just 13. Lockdown prompted her to explore TikTok, where her funny horse-related videos gained traction. But it’s not just TikTok where Alanna’s numbers are impressive- she’s also got an incredible following on Instagram and has a growing subscriber base on YouTube. That said, as Alanna emphasises, it’s about more than the numbers…

How have the platforms and content evolved?

The desires and trends that create engagement have changed since Alanna started, and she talks about  the shift from creating videos in her bedroom to incorporating outdoor scenes with her horses. We talk about the importance of authenticity and staying true to yourself, especially as she navigates brand collaborations.

The Highs and Lows

Our conversation takes a more poignant turn as Alanna reflects on the challenges she’s faced, both online and offline. She talks about losing friendships and enduring online attacks from people she once considered friends. But there have also been a lot of highs, from meeting people at shows to working with brands and events.

Working with brands

Working with brands is a big part of working as an influencer, so we chat about this and Alanna shares a challenging experience with a brand, which really highlighted the importance of clear communication in influencer partnerships. Alanna has learnt a lot from working with brands and shares plenty of tips around how to develop and nurture good relationships that work for everyone.

Influencer marketing evolution

Influencer marketing continues to grow in popularity- whether this is through short or longer term projects. Alanna explains how she prefers longer-term connections with brands and why this is. We also look to the future of equestrian influencer marketing and influencer marketing as a whole, how working with influencers is a rising trend, and how major brands that used to support athletes are now seeing the huge value that influencers can bring to their marketing efforts and seeking relationships in those areas. We both predict a continued shift towards influencers as key players in brand promotion within the equestrian space. We also both agree on the value that influencers can bring to the table. However, this depends on many factors including relatability, authenticity, and ability to connect with their audience. This can set them apart from traditional marketing avenues. The conversation highlights the missed opportunities for top athletes who may not fully embrace influencer marketing.

Payment?

We talk about payment… as this is an interesting topic and one that is a regular discussion in influencer and brand circles. Alanna argues that influencers, especially those for whom influencing is a full-time job, should be compensated for their time, effort, and creativity. We talk about the struggle of determining fair compensation, considering factors like product value and content requirements, especially when equestrian influencer marketing is a fairly new marketing proposition to many businesses.

I loved chatting to Alanna about all things influencer, and if you’d like to follow her and see what she gets up to on her social media platforms, you can do so by following the links below:

Alanna Clarke Instagram

Alanna Clarke TikTok

Alanna Clarke YouTube

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