We are pleased to introduce Michelle Hickey Design on today’s Social Media Spotlight! Michelle Hickey Design is a graphic design studio specializing in premium invitations and social stationary for weddings & special events. Offerings range from invitations, save the dates, monograms, ceremony booklets, seating charts, place cards, table numbers, menu cards to thank you cards and more. The company prides itself in creating unique products that reflect the vision of each individual client. Personal consultation and attention is given through each step of the development process to ensure that the end product is both beautiful and meaningful. We were very fortunate to speak with Michelle Hickey about her social media marketing strategy, and here’s what she had to say:

Which social media platforms do you currently use?

M: We currently use Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram. Additionally, we have recently started a blog.

What value, if any, has social media provided for your business?

M: Social media is essential for my business. Social platforms are great to promote offerings, showcase new designs and get valuable feedback on. It’s also a place where I can provide an extra service to my audience by offering advice and tips for those planning their weddings & events. Additionally, I have found that being active in social media has been a great way to connect and build relationships with other designers and wedding/event vendors.

Which social media platform works best for your business? Why?

M: Right now, I will say Facebook, because that’s where the largest audience is. Facebook is also great because it provides me with an easy way to display my work through photo albums. As it continues to develop, I do think my blog has the potential to become the best social media platform for my business. It is a place where I can display a more in depth look at our offerings as well as build relationships with my audience. While my Facebook page is just one among millions that are set up exactly the same, the blog is truly my own and is a place where I can be completely creative on my own terms.

How has social media impacted your business in terms of marketing and sales?

M: Social media has been great in terms of referrals. While many of my “fans” and “followers” are family and friends who may not always be in need of my services, they have been recommending me to others who are getting married, having babies, celebrating milestones, etc. By keeping my social media streams up to date, it keeps us on top of mind and more likely for people to remember when they are looking to hire a designer.

Do you have any advice for companies who are on the fence about social media?

M: Any company that is not taking advantage of social media is really missing out on a wealth of opportunity. In my opinion, there is no easier or greater way to reach a large audience without being intrusive. There is an audience out there for every business. It’s just a matter of creating an online presence where they can easily find you and you can interact with them.

Is there any social media strategy that you would like to improve or do differently?

M: My immediate goal is to continue developing my blog in hopes that it can become a resource for brides and others planning weddings & events. I’d also like to expand our presence on Google+ and become a more active Twitter user.

It’s always refreshing to see an extremely good understanding of how social media marketing should be used for businesses! Michelle recognizes that creating an online presence on social sites is beneficial for creating and maintaining relationships with potential customers. I appreciate her outlook on blogs, as they definitely are a more personalized space for readers to visit. Blogs help to give the brand a personality, and the Michelle Hickey Design blog does just that! To learn more about Michelle Hickey Design, please visit the website here!