I attended the first Social Media Summit at NIACC this fall and after having a few weeks to process, I realize I learned SO MUCH.  As a business owner, I found so much valuable advice and many tips that I integrated into my social media routine that very same day.

Here were my take-aways:

1. I really love instagram. It's my favorite of all the social media apps, probably because I love taking photos. The Kupchos, with Wolf Tree Magazine, spoke during the lunch hour. (check them out on instagram, their photos are amazing). They showed many of their beautiful photos, and shared that they love the VSCO cam app. I've had that app on my phone for awhile but felt a little overwhelmed by it. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I've just been playing around with it until I get the pic to look the way I want it to. It's pretty easy. I also started using the editing options in instagram. I feel like my photos have gotten a little better with the editing. Might be time to think about a photo editing program for my computer. 
2. Scott Meyer from 9 clouds gave the final speech and it was fantastic.  I was intrigued and interested the whole time.  One of the most valuable things I heard:  All of your social media outlets for your business should direct people back to your website.  Genius!
3. Laura Cunningham spoke about Facebook for business and I got to help out as a North Iowa Blogger.She mentioned a lot of great apps to design advertising for your business. I really like to use A Beautiful Mess and have been trying to create more with this app. She definitely inspired me to get a little more creative with my posts.
4. I can't remember who said it, but it was mentioned that you should write several blog title ideas. Some companies have writers write hundreds of titles and then they pick the one they think will draw people's attention. It has made me think again about some of the titles I've chosen. I'm not going to write 100's but maybe brainstorming a few might help grab more attention.
5. Email marketing is important. It has been on my to-do list to set up a monthly email for Natural Plus.  I signed up for mail chimp.com and did nothing about it. Since hearing someone from Constant Contact speak, I have been inspired to move email marketing up on my to do list. I think there is value in reaching your customers that want to hear from you, and I finally feel like I have enough knowledge about the nursery to inform our customers.

Overall the social media summit was great and I learned tips and tricks to help me navigate social media for my business.