ASV

Jenny Holloway: Paving the Way for Ethical Fashion Manufacturing

Aga Segurana — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:56 +0000

At ASV, we’re making it our mission to share as much information with our incredible ASV Collective as we possibly can. BUT we can’t do this alone, so we’ve roped in some amazing female entrepreneurs to help us out, offer advice, and provide some inspiration to all of us.

This week we have reached out to Jenny Holloway, founder of Fashion Enter and Fashion Capital.

A few months ago, we held our first ASV Collective panel talk, which focussed on funding and scaling a fashion business. One of our incredible guest speakers was Jenny Holloway, who offered some completely invaluable and inspiring advice for our group of female fashion founders.

But with such good advice on how to reach out to buyers, how to write funding proposals, and how to sustainably and ethically scale production, we didn’t think it was fair that other fashion founders missed out.

So we reached out to Jenny, who kindly agreed to summarise some of the points discussed at the event.

Where did the idea behind Fashion Enter and Fashion Capital come from?

I had lost my brand after ten years hard work to an unscrupulous fashion person who I had foolishly trusted. I ended up losing everything – including the house that was tied into the business. I felt a complete fool! I vowed that I would help designers to not make the same silly mistakes that I had made and hence FEL was born in 2006. FashionCapital.co.uk was actually created in 2001 and was my first job after I had lost my brand. I was working for the Government and supported new designers by creating a site that would provide all information free of charge to help creatives.

You’ve had over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. How do you think the industry has evolved over that time?

These last two years have been a dramatic transformation towards digital technologies – everything is changing at pace, and it’s important to embrace the new ways, but remember that skills are still so important such as pattern cutting and stitching.

And where do you think the fashion industry is heading?

Definitely, I’m seeing a major step away from mass consumerisation and far more concern regarding who made my clothes and if they were ethically made. Recycling and upcycling is now a major growing area, and seeing designs in 3D technologies before making final samples is increasing in popularity.

With your experience in buying, what is the number one mistake designers make when approaching buyers for the first time?

Being unprepared to give “absolute” and “full” information. You need to go into that meeting to know what price you want to sell at and what price is your absolute minimum. Also, not being prepared to know the buyer and their full range of responsibilities.

What advice would you give to designers who are reaching out to manufacturers?

Go and visit and feel the factory. Do you have a good buzz from it? Trust your instincts here.

What are the main things to focus on when increasing production size?

Are you really going to sell each size and quantity? Reduce to a minimum, then fast repeats. Cash flow is King!

How important do you think it is for designers to keep sustainability in mind when increasing production? And what would your advice be for this?

It’s totally imperative to know the ethos of your brand, and heritage, and this means ethics as well as sustainability. It’s absolutely fine to say the ranges are made from end-of-rolls or deadstock fabrics, but don’t be something you are not. Think about how the consumer perceives it, and watch your grammar!

What would your advice be for fashion founders who are looking to secure funding to support their businesses?

Absolutely go for everything you can and go for the max. This is where you need to review your ten-point plan and have a variety of USPs to understand the business tools such as Boston Matrix and 7ps of marketing. Be on it. Live and breathe your brand.

What would be your number one piece of advice to fashion brand founders?

You need to be the master of all trades not the jack of all trades, and be resilient. This is a tough journey ahead, but it can also be so rewarding. Believe!

A huge thank you to Jenny for taking the time to answer these questions so thoughtfully. We hope you found our interview as inspiring as we did!

For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post Jenny Holloway: Paving the Way for Ethical Fashion Manufacturing first appeared on ASV.

Nano Influencer? Micro, Macro, Mega? Which is Which?

Alice Martin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

With the influencer market set to hit $21.1 billion in 2023, it’s more important than ever that you’re staying up to date with the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.

And picking the right partner is absolutely crucial to success. So, before you start on your first campaign, you’ll need to know your terms!

What's the difference between a macro, micro or nano influencer?

Nano influencer: someone with a following under 10,000.
Micro influencer: someone with a following from 10,000 to 200,000 followers.
Macro influencer: someone with a following from 200,000 to 1,000,000.
Mega influencer: someone with a following over 1,000,000.

Should you choose a nano influencer or a mega one?

But which category should you be focusing on?

If you’re a newer business with a fairly small social media presence, you’ll probably want to start in the nano influencer or micro zone. Remember, a partnership has to be beneficial to both parties. So, mega influencers might not see the benefit from working for free or working for a brand that won’t gain them following.

Nano influencers will also be cheaper. As a small business it’s likely you don’t have the biggest budget in the world. You’ll only have to google “how much does Kylie Jenner charge per post” to see the HUGE fees that some of the really popular influencers are demanding.

BUT, just because a nano or micro-influencer doesn’t have as much of a following, this definitely doesn’t mean they’re not as beneficial. Smaller influencers tend to be really in-tune with their audience. This means their content is often far more relevant and targeted. Which naturally results in a higher engagement rate. If you have a small following but massive interaction, your engagement rate will be higher, and with nano influencers (the good ones, anyway), this is normally the case.

(Top tip: you can look up influencers’ engagement rates on websites like HypeAuditor.)

Ready for the big time?

If you do have a budget and are after as much brand exposure as you can get in a short period of time, you’ll want to be looking at mega-influencers. Just remember, exposure is only beneficial if it’s to the right people…

We hope our blog post has helped you consider some of the options available for influencer marketing. We hope you understand the way the world of influencing works slightly better now. For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram. Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post Nano Influencer? Micro, Macro, Mega? Which is Which? first appeared on ASV.

The 3 free PR tools we use every day

Aga Segurana — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Looking for ways to boost your PR without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered! This week we are sharing our favourite free PR tools, the ones we use daily, and that can help you get the coverage you need without spending a dime. Yes, you read that right. Because they are FREE.

1. Google

One of the most powerful search engines out there, Google can help you find everything you need to know about your industry and competitors. Set up Google Alerts to stay updated on the latest news and trends in your industry. You can also track your brand mentions to see what people are saying about your business.

2. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

Want to get your business featured in major publications? HARO connects you with journalists who are actively seeking sources for their stories. Sign up for their daily emails and pitch your ideas to reporters who are looking for expert opinions in your niche.

3. Twitter

And, of course, Twitter is a goldmine for finding media opportunities. Follow relevant journalists and keep an eye out for the #journorequest and #prrequest tags, where reporters share what they’re looking for in a source. Pitch your business to them, and you might just get featured in their next article.

So there you have it, the three free PR tools that we use on a daily basis to help us get our clients noticed. Give them a try, and let us know how they work for you!

We hope our blog post helps you on your journey to increasing brand visibility and awareness! For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post The 3 free PR tools we use every day first appeared on ASV.

Meet Rachel Harris, Founder of Accountant She

Aga Segurana — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 08:34:44 +0000

At ASV, we’re making it our mission to share as much information with our incredible ASV Collective as we possibly can. BUT we can’t do this alone, so we’ve roped in some amazing female entrepreneurs to help us out, offer advice, and provide some inspiration to all of us.

This week we have reached out to Rachel Harris, founder of Accountant She, because when starting a business, one of the things that can be the most scary to understand is the finances.

Rachel Harris is disrupting what it means to be an accountant, a business owner and an employer in 2023. She is a TEDx speaker, content creator, author, business owner and, most importantly… an accountant! Rachel adds value to her audience of 30,000 by creating completely free long and short-form content delivering financial education. She is passionate about free financial education for everyone, she is the founder of @accountant_she, striveX accountants, striveX audit, striveX consulting and striveX mortgages.

Yes. She’s pretty qualified to help us out with a few questions we had about helping our community of fashion founders conquer their finances…

What are your top tips for financial organisation?

1. Separate Personal and Business Finances
Open a separate bank account for your business and use it exclusively for business transactions. This separation will simplify record-keeping, ensure accurate financial reporting, and make tax preparation easier.

2. Implement a Bookkeeping System
Establish a consistent bookkeeping system to track income and expenses. This can be done manually or with the help of accounting software. Regularly update your records and reconcile bank statements to ensure accuracy.

3. Maintain Organised Records
Keep all financial documents, such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements, in an organised manner. This will facilitate easy retrieval of information for audits, tax filings, and financial analysis.

4. Develop a Budget
Create a budget that outlines your projected income and expenses. This will help you set financial goals, track your spending, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

5. Monitor Cash Flow
Regularly monitor your cash flow to ensure you have enough funds to cover expenses and identify potential cash shortages. Cash flow management is essential for maintaining liquidity and meeting financial obligations.

6. Control Expenses
Review your expenses regularly and identify areas where you can reduce costs. Negotiate with vendors for better pricing, consider alternative suppliers, and evaluate the necessity of each expense item.

7. Invoice Promptly and Follow up on Payments
Send invoices promptly and establish a system for following up on unpaid invoices. Encourage timely payments from customers to improve your cash flow.

8. Plan for Taxes
Stay informed about tax obligations specific to your business and plan for them throughout the year. Set aside funds for taxes and maintain accurate records to facilitate tax preparation.

9. Seek Professional Advice
Consider consulting with an accountant or financial advisor to get expert guidance on financial matters. They can help with tax planning, financial analysis, and provide valuable insights to improve your financial management practices.

10. Review Financial Reports
Regularly review financial reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) and use them to make informed decisions about your business’s financial health and future strategies.

What's the biggest myth about accounting for small businesses that needs to be squashed?

Accounting is not just about recording financial transactions and submitting tax returns. It provides so many amazing insights into the financial health, performance of a business and the financial wellbeing of the founder!

What's the most common mistake small businesses make in regards to finance?

One of the most common mistakes small businesses make in regards to finance is small business owners failing to keep their personal and business finances separate. Separating your business finances from your personal finances is one of the quickest, easiest and most impactful changes you can implement into your business from the very beginning!

What number one tool would you recommend to small business owners to look after their finances?

I would recommend using accounting software to really lean into your numbers and take control of your business! Accounting software provides numerous benefits and can streamline financial management processes. This can cover bookkeeping and expense tracking, financial reporting and time efficiency. We teach all of our clients to use accounting software to conduct a monthly financial wellbeing routine within their business which includes planning for cash, tax planning and setting goals for their business!

At what point should a small business owner reach out to an accountant such as yourself for help?

There are many points in your business journey when it’s important to reach out to an accountant. This could be when you’re setting up a business or changing company types. Tax Planning and Compliance.

An accountant can help optimise your tax position, ensure compliance with relevant tax laws, identify potential deductions and credits, and file accurate tax returns. But most importantly, an accountant can change the way you feel about your finances. You should get an accountant when you want one, is my best advice!

What made you decide to take the leap and start your own company?

Ooh juicy question! I wanted to do better. I trained at a top 75 accountancy practice, so I was technically qualified at a very high level, but I wanted to take that top-tier service and apply it with people at the centre of everything. Financial education is something that is not taught at schools, and so for me, my content and my business is the way that I can do that on a scale!

As an entrepreneur yourself, what advice would you give to those looking to start their business? And for those looking to scale up?

My main advice would be to define your vision and have clear business goals in mind.

Streamline Operations and Processes
Review your existing operations and identify areas where you can improve efficiency and productivity. Automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and leverage technology to optimise your processes.

Invest in Marketing and Sales
Develop a robust marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and attract new customers. Utilise various marketing channels, including digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and targeted advertising. Invest in sales initiatives, customer relationship management, and lead generation to drive growth.

Build a Strong Team
As your business scales, focus on hiring and retaining top talent. Assess the skills and expertise needed to support growth and fill key roles in your organisation. Foster a positive work culture, provide opportunities for professional development, and empower your team to contribute to the business’s success.

You've also gained a great following online - how did you build this community?

I have! Our community is now 30,000 small business owners who want to feel better about their finances! Consistency, community and clarity around my audience and goals has been the secret for me. I’ve always been crystal clear on who my audience is, how I can add the most value to them and what my role is within the industry.

A huge thank you to Rachel for taking the time to answer these questions so thoughtfully. We hope you found our interview as interesting and helpful as we did! Give Rachel a follow on Instagram.

If you’d love to read more interviews with amazing individuals, head to the blog. For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post Meet Rachel Harris, Founder of Accountant She first appeared on ASV.

How Pinterest is the underdog of Social Media

Aga Segurana — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to social media, the usual suspects almost always come to mind. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. But one platform that often gets overlooked is Pinterest. With over 400 million monthly active users, Pinterest is the true underdog of social media platforms.

To understand Pinterest the most important thing to note is that it has a unique purpose when compared to other platforms. So why is that? Well rather than being a platform for social interaction and networking, Pinterest functions more as a visual search engine. Users go to Pinterest to search for ideas, inspiration, and solutions to their problems.

Whether it’s planning an outfit, decorating a home, or finding recipes, Pinterest has become the go-to platform for people looking for inspiration. Essentially, Pinterest allows users to discover and save content that speaks to their interests and needs.

So, the big question is: why should I use Pinterest as part of my social media strategy?

1. Pinterest is great for product discovery and purchase decisions

According to a survey by Cowen and Company, Pinterest is the second-highest platform for product discovery and is the top platform for influencing purchase decisions. This means that Pinterest users are more likely to make a purchase based on what they see on the platform.

2. Pinterest rewards high-quality, relevant, and engaging content

Pinterest is a platform that prioritises organic growth. Unlike other social media platforms that heavily rely on algorithms and paid advertising (looking at you, Instagram). Pinterest rewards content that is high-quality, relevant, and engaging. This means that brands can grow their audience and reach without spending large amounts of money on ads. They can do this by creating content that resonates with Pinterest users instead.

3. Longevity of content

Unlike other social media platforms where content can quickly become buried in a feed, Pinterest content has a longer lifespan. Pins can continue to be discovered and saved over time. This means that brands can continue to get exposure and engagement from their content long after it’s been posted. We’ve seen this with our clients, that despite having a more relaxed posting schedule, the brand still manages to see fantastic results due to its content constantly being re-exposed to new audiences.

It’s clear, with its growing user base and increasing relevance for businesses, it’s time for brands to recognise Pinterest as a valuable platform for social media marketing.

So, what are some next steps that brands can take to use Pinterest to their advantage? Here are a few tips:

Tip 1) Set up a business account

Firstly, If you haven’t already, set up a business account on Pinterest. This will give you access to features like analytics, promoted pins, and rich pins. What are rich pins I hear you ask? Rich Pins are a type of organic Pin that automatically syncs information from your website to your Pins. This means if something changes on the original website, the rich Pin is updated to reflect that change. Amazing, I know.

Tip 2) Utilise high-quality visuals

Secondly, since Pinterest is a visual search engine, it’s essential to use high-quality, visually appealing content. This means using high-resolution images, having clear typography, and a consistent aesthetic.

Tip 3) Use keywords

Of course, to improve your content’s discoverability on Pinterest, use relevant keywords in your descriptions and titles. This will make it easier for users to find your content when searching for related topics.

Tip 4) Focus on creating valuable, informative content

To build trust with your audience and establish your brand as an authority in your industry, focus on creating valuable, informative content. It should solves your audience’s problems and provides them with inspiration and ideas.

Tip 5) Use analytics to track your results

Finally, use Pinterest analytics to track your performance and see which pins and boards are getting the most engagement. By using this information, you’ll be able to optimise both your content and strategy over time.

We hope our blog post inspires the beginning of your Pinterest journey and happy pinning! For more tips, be sure to check out the blog, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post How Pinterest is the underdog of Social Media first appeared on ASV.

5 ways to make the most out of Instagram Reels

Alice Martin — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Implementing Instagram reels into your social media strategy is one of the most important things you can do as a brand to increase your reach on social media. Here are a few of our favourite stats to prove why:

2.35 billion people interact with reels every month
The highest Instagram Reels engagement rates are obtained by Instagram accounts with fewer than 5,000 followers, reaching up to 3.79% on average. To put this into perspective, the average engagement rate per post for fashion brands is 0.25%
91% of Instagram users watch videos on the platform. Every. Single. Week.

The growing popularity of video formats such as Instagram reels and TikTok doesn’t show any signs of slowing, so you’re probably going to want to start implementing this before it’s too late!

Hopefully, you’ve already started to include a few reels in your content strategy, but if not, not to worry, as we’re here to provide you with a few tips on how you can make the most out of this video format.

1. Creative Content

Creative, unique, interesting and, most importantly, authentic content is key for standing out on the Instagram algorithm. With so many users and so many brands using the platform, you’re going to have to stand out.

2. Edit In The App

The algorithm favours those brands that edit their reels in the Instagram app. This includes adding text and sounds from the Instagram Library and clipping your videos. It’s also great to add closed captions to your videos.

3. Trends, Trends, Trends

If you’re a fan of watching reels, you’ll notice that there are new trends emerging all the time. Whether that be a sound, a template, or a content idea, jumping on these quickly and adding them into your strategy is one of the easiest ways to stay relevant. But remember, copying an idea won’t work, it’s important to add your unique take on the trend to make it personal to you and your brand

4. Consistency is key

There are so many users on the app, there WILL be someone that absolutely loves and relates to your content. Keep posting, keep thinking of new ideas, and know that through trial and error, you’ll eventually nail your formula.

5. Add Hashtags To Your Instagram Reels

Lastly, It’s recommended to include 3-5 really relevant, targeted hashtags, as this helps the Instagram algorithm “understand” your content and serve it to relevant audiences.

Remember, results won’t happen overnight, but with consistency and a bit of strategy and planning, you can use reels to your advantage.

We hope our blog post helps you on your journey to viral video stardom! Get our full Instagram Guide to conquer the platform today.

For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post 5 ways to make the most out of Instagram Reels first appeared on ASV.

5 things I’ve learnt as a PR Intern

Doya Dady Hassane — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Coming from France to join the ASV team as their PR intern, I have had the chance to dive into the exciting world of PR. I’ve worked alongside industry professionals and gained valuable hands-on experience. I’ve seen first-hand how PR strategies and tactics are developed and implemented in real-life situations. Now, I can share the top lessons that I’ve learnt on the job.

1. Adaptability is key

Moving to a new country and working in a new industry has been overwhelming at times. However, it has allowed me to learn that taking the time to adapt to a new culture and environment is essential to success. I found that being open-minded, curious, and showing my willingness to learn truly helped me thrive as a PR intern.

2. Embracing Cultural Differences as a PR Intern

Secondly, coming from France, I had to adapt to a new culture and language. While it was intimidating at first, I found that embracing these differences allowed me to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

3. Creativity is essential

In PR, creativity is essential, especially when developing campaigns, and being able to contribute and come up with ideas and creative solutions pushed me to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to reach our client’s target audience.

4. The importance of communication

As a non-native English speaker, I was initially nervous about communicating effectively with my colleagues. However, I quickly realised that communication is key in the PR industry and that being clear, concise, and confident is essential to success.

5. Attention to detail is crucial

Learning how even small errors can have a significant impact on a PR campaign’s success has allowed me to develop a meticulous eye for detail —proofreading, fact-checking, and ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date before sending it to the media is KEY!

Of course, Interning in PR in a city like London has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. In short, I’ve learned so much about the industry and myself. I feel that I’ve grown both professionally and personally. In fact, the cultural differences between France and the UK have taught me to be more adaptable and open-minded. Finally, I’m excited to take these lessons with me as I continue my career.

We hope you found our blog post interesting, if you liked this, you may like our blog 7 things I’ve learnt as a Social Media Intern also. For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post 5 things I’ve learnt as a PR Intern first appeared on ASV.

5 Reasons to add Influencer Marketing into your Marketing Mix

Alice Martin — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:00:06 +0000

Working in Social Media, we spend a lot of our days liaising with influencers to try and secure some features for our clients. And when it works, and we do manage to create an amazing activation or get some incredible coverage, you may see us celebrating our influencer marketing strategy like this:

This is because, at ASV, we know and have seen first-hand the power that influencers have over consumers, the power to, well… influence! But what are the main benefits that your brand could reap, should you sow the seeds of influencer marketing?

1. Building Brand Trust

Firstly, Influencers have already built trust with their followers. They have a ready-made list of people, a community, that respect their opinions and are waiting to hear their recommendations. By working with the influencer, you get to benefit from this, too.

2. Increasing Brand Awareness

Secondly, Influencer marketing can greatly expand your reach and positioning online, introducing your brand to a whole new audience.

3. Put Your Product/Service in Front of Your Target Audience

If you’re choosing the correct influencer to work with, they’ll be in touch with the right people you want to put your brand in front of. This is why it’s KEY to carefully select who you’re working with, rather than just opting for anyone.

4. Content Creation & Influencer Marketing

It can be so hard to think of content ideas, not just for social media but across all channels. Working with influencers is a great way to fill any gaps and introduce interesting, authentic and engaging content for your customers.

5. Value for Money

Yes, working with influencers can be expensive, but compared to costly, traditional advertising, it can actually be cheaper and generate a better ROI and have FAR more benefits (especially if you’re looking to work with micro-influencers).

We hope you found our blog post helpful but if you want more information about how you can build influencer marketing into your marketing mix, including a step-by-step guide on how to create an influencer campaign – click here to download our influencer marketing guide.

For more tips and resources, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also learn more about our social services here.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post 5 Reasons to add Influencer Marketing into your Marketing Mix first appeared on ASV.

Collective Conversations: Scaling and Funding a Fashion Brand | June 23

Aga Segurana — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:28:42 +0000

Ever wanted to scale up your fashion brand but were unsure where to start? Think you need funding to take your business to the next level but don’t know how to obtain this? Well, we have the event for you, scaling & funding a fashion brand!

Get ready for a powerful event moderated by Aga Segurana, founder of ASV, and our esteemed panellists, Phoebe English, the mastermind behind her namesake brand and Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Capital, who will be on hand to provide invaluable insight into how they’ve built their businesses to where they are today, the challenges of scaling up a sustainable brand and securing funding as a woman.

There’ll be time to ask questions, so whether you’re just getting started with your fashion brand or ready to take it to the next level, our panel talk will provide you with a deeper understanding of how you can too grow your brand by learning from the best in the biz.

Key Details

Topic: Scaling a brand and finding funding for your fashion business
Speakers: Phoebe English and Jenny Holloway
Date: Tuesday 27th June 2023
Time: from 7 PM until 8:30 PM (doors will open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Southwark, London, SE1 (full address will be sent with ticket confirmation)

Limited spaces, so don’t let this be the one that got away.

About Phoebe English

Phoebe English is a recognised sustainable fashion designer who is included in the British Fashion Council’s Positive Fashion collective. Her brand was founded in 2011, and she has since become a regular at London Fashion Week, showcasing her designs that aim to explore less extractive fashion systems. In 2022 Phoebe won The Marie Claire Sustainability Award for Best Sustainable Designer Brand.

About Jenny Holloway

Jenny Holloway is a former buyer and fashion entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the industry. For almost ten years, Jenny was Director of her successful business Retro UK Ltd which included retail boutiques and wholesaling to major retailers such as John Lewis, Principles and independents. In 2000 Jenny commenced a consultancy business and was approached to be an Industry Advisor on Government funded initiatives.

About Us

Founded by Aga Segurana, ASV Collective is a community founded to create a space for female fashion founders to come together and support like-minded women. We know how isolating running a business can be, so we are dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for female entrepreneurs to help you run and grow the brand of your dreams.

Part of the ASV Collective Event Series

The post Collective Conversations: Scaling and Funding a Fashion Brand | June 23 first appeared on ASV.

7 things I’ve learnt as a Social Media Intern

Zeynab Hassanali — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:22:39 +0000

As a Social Media Intern at ASV, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to learn about all things social! It’s common to think that as a social media intern, all you’ll be doing is creating posts and publishing them on various platforms.

However, it is so much more than that. During my time as an intern, I have learned about analytics, monitoring, and other crucial components that are needed to build a successful social media campaign.

1) Planning is Crucial

Before starting any social media campaign, it’s crucial to have a clear plan in place. Creating a comprehensive social media strategy that outlines goals, target audience, messaging, and metrics for success is integral. This helps ensure that all content and campaigns align with the brand’s and client’s overall objectives.

2) Social Media is a Powerful Storytelling Tool

Social media provides a platform for brands and businesses to share their stories uniquely and engagingly. However, compelling storytelling is vital in building a solid narrative and connecting with followers. During my internship, I have learnt just how important it is to craft compelling stories that resonate with the target audience and drive engagement, whether that’s through visual content or written copy.

3) Authenticity if Key

In the current social media landscape, authenticity is valued more than anything by audiences. Brands that are transparent and genuine in their messaging and content are more likely to connect with followers and build a loyal community.

4) Consistency is always valuable

Posting consistently is essential for maintaining engagement with your audience. During my internship, I have learnt all about the importance of creating a content calendar. A posting schedule is essential to ensure we post consistently on all social media channels. Posting consistently helps keep your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that your account is active and relevant.

5) Quality over Quantity

It’s better to post high-quality content less frequently than to post low-quality content more often. Quality content is more likely to engage your audience and drive conversions.

6) Data Analysis is Essential for Optimisation

Analysing data is crucial for measuring the success of social media campaigns. Plus, it helps make informed decisions about future strategies. During my internship, I learned how to track and analyse metrics. These included engagement rates, reach, and conversions, to name but a few. This information was used to identify trends, optimise content, and adjust the overall strategy as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Download our social media report to track your socials easily.

7) Social Media is Constantly Evolving

The social media landscape is constantly changing. Staying up to date with the latest trends and features is essential. Remaining informed about the latest developments in social media allows brands to stay relevant. It allows them to engage with audiences in new and innovative ways.

If there’s something I’ve learned is that social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness. Not to mention connecting with audiences and driving engagement. You need to create a comprehensive strategy, craft compelling content, and analyse data to optimise campaigns. This guarantees brands can establish a strong presence on social media and create a loyal following.

We hope you found our blog post helpful, plus, if you’d like to learn more we have even more social media tips on the blog. For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post 7 things I’ve learnt as a Social Media Intern first appeared on ASV.