Ryan Weckerly Archives - Rebranding Ryan

From Stuck to Inspired: Rediscovering the Joy in What I Do

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you back to what truly lights you up. After a time of reevaluating, reflecting, and recalibrating, I’ve rediscovered the joy in my work—and I have to say, it feels incredible.

Ryan Weckerly, Brand & Digital Experience Strategist

There’s something so fulfilling about pouring your energy into projects and people that inspire you. Whether it’s collaborating with a team, creating something meaningful, or simply finding flow in the day-to-day, I’m reminded of why I started down this path in the first place.

To those who might be feeling stuck, I get it—it’s not always easy to reignite that spark. But sometimes, it just takes one fresh perspective, one new challenge, or even one moment of clarity to remind you of your “why.”

If you’re in a space where the spark feels dim, take heart. Sometimes it’s just a matter of stepping back, finding fresh perspectives, or working with people who inspire you. And when that spark reignites, it’s a feeling like no other.

I also want to take a moment to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support along the way. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and has been instrumental in reigniting my passion for this work.

Here’s to finding joy in what we do and to always staying open to what’s next.

How a Simple Apple 🍎 Sparked a Social Media Frenzy (And a Few Banana Jokes)

Creating engagement on social media can sometimes feel like a tricky balance, especially when you’re managing a neighborhood page where people have all kinds of opinions. But it doesn’t have to be complicated! Sometimes, the simplest posts are the ones that spark the most interaction. Take, for example, my recent post:

Here’s a picture of an apple. 🍎

Offended yet? Not red enough? Not shiny enough? Maybe it’s the wrong kind of apple entirely? Who knows – maybe it’s a pineapple in disguise.

Friendly reminder: this is a neighborhood page, not a debate team tryout. Let’s all try a new trick today – kindness. Yep, even on the internet! So, before you fire off your next spicy take, remember, we’re all here just trying to get through another week in Sycamore. 🍎

Pretty simple, right? Yet, this post ended up with 370 likes and 49 comments. The comments were just as entertaining as the post itself:

Katie wrote, “The audacity to post an apple during Pumpkin Fest!!! 😉.”
Darlene chimed in with, “How big is the apple 🍎? I need a banana 🍌 for scale. 🤣😂🤣”
Anne noted, “I cannot love this enough! The salty people should really go axe throwing or to a wreck room instead of spreading their misery online.”
Corey added, “But I want a caramel apple. 😂”

So why did it do so well? The post hit the target demographic perfectly. The people in our community love a little lighthearted banter, especially when it feels relevant to our day-to-day lives. By using a universally recognizable image (an apple) and adding a humorous twist, I kept the tone casual and relatable.

Here’s why it worked:

1. It was simple: Everyone understands what an apple is, and there’s no need for a complicated explanation. Sometimes the easiest way to engage people is through simplicity.

2. It was humorous: Humor is a great way to get people to engage. The playful tone of the post, hinting at how the smallest things can spark unnecessary debates, resonated with people who have probably witnessed similar online squabbles.

3. It allowed people a bright spot in their day: In a world where negative news often dominates, people appreciate a moment of lightness. This post didn’t ask for anything heavy or serious—it just invited a quick laugh and a reminder to spread kindness.

How to Create Similar Posts

If you’re looking to recreate this kind of engagement on your own social media pages, here are a few tips:

Keep it light and fun: People engage more when they feel like they’re in on the joke. Posts that are overly serious or require too much thought might deter engagement. Something as simple as a quirky observation or a playful challenge can get people talking.
Make it relatable: Use imagery or references that are familiar to your audience. Everyone in the neighborhood could relate to the idea of overreacting to something trivial online—because, let’s be real, we’ve all seen it happen.
Incorporate humor: Don’t be afraid to throw in some sarcasm or playfulness. Even a little cheekiness can go a long way in getting people to interact, whether it’s through likes or comments. Humor breaks the ice and invites participation.
Invite interaction: Without directly asking for it, the apple post invited people to share their thoughts (or jokes). The comments showed that people felt comfortable adding their own humor to the mix.
Be timely: Timing matters. This post came during a local event—Pumpkin Fest—so the apple vs. pumpkin comment hit just right. Pay attention to what’s happening locally or seasonally, and tie your posts into that.

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as posting an apple and inviting people to laugh along with you. Just remember, social media is a place for connection, and if you’re able to create a space where people can share a laugh and leave a little brighter, you’re doing it right.

Zen Gardening and the Man in the White Hat

Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.

A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.

He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.

After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”

We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.

The Power of “Yet”

“I don’t know yet, but I will.”

One simple word—yet—holds the key to a growth mindset. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. When we add “yet” to a sentence, it shifts our perspective from limitation to possibility.

“I haven’t mastered this skill… yet.”

“I haven’t reached my goal… yet.”

With “yet,” we remind ourselves that growth is a process. It’s a powerful affirmation that success isn’t about being there now—it’s about the commitment to get there.

Build Stronger Connections with Authentic LinkedIn Content

I recently had a great conversation with a friend about his career path. He was torn between sharing his journey on LinkedIn, which included some more traditional roles he took to support himself financially, versus only highlighting his dream job. My advice to him was simple: authenticity trumps perfection every time.

LinkedIn has become a platform flooded with seemingly perfect career trajectories and inspirational quotes. While these posts can be uplifting, they often lack depth and genuine connection. In contrast, sharing a story about overcoming challenges or taking a non-traditional path can resonate far more deeply with your audience.

My friend’s journey, from “pay-the-bills” jobs to his dream role, is a story that many people can relate to. It’s a tale of perseverance, learning, and growth. By sharing his experiences openly and honestly, he can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

This isn’t just about LinkedIn; it’s a broader principle in marketing. Whether you’re sharing a personal story, promoting a product, or building a brand, the key is to connect with your audience on an emotional level. A well-crafted narrative is far more powerful than a generic, shared inspirational post.

So, the next time you’re considering what to share on LinkedIn, remember: authenticity is your greatest asset. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even if it’s not always glamorous. Your story could be the inspiration someone needs.

Where Do You Find Your Inspiration for Ideas?

Inspiration can be a tricky thing. Some people find it in the hustle and bustle of a crowded city, while others might find it in the solitude of their own thoughts. For me, it’s a bit different. My ideas tend to spark during my daily walks with my golden retriever, Rose.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, even if it’s just for a short stroll. The rhythmic pace of walking, the sights and sounds of nature, and the joy of seeing Rose explore the world with such enthusiasm—it all blends together to create the perfect environment for inspiration to strike.

I often find that the act of walking helps clear my mind. It’s as if the physical movement allows my thoughts to flow more freely, unencumbered by the usual distractions. Ideas that were previously just out of reach suddenly become clear. Sometimes, it’s a new angle on a project I’m working on, or a fresh topic for a blog post. Other times, it’s a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at me.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rose seems to have an uncanny ability to lead me to these moments of clarity. Maybe it’s the simplicity of her joy—chasing a squirrel, sniffing a new scent, or just enjoying the moment—that reminds me to stay present and open to new ideas.

So, where do you find your inspiration? Is it during your morning coffee, in the pages of a book, or perhaps in a quiet corner of your home? Everyone has their own unique source, and it’s fascinating to hear where others discover their creative spark.

5 Tips on Using AI to Streamline Your Small Business Marketing

Automate Your Customer Interactions

Ever feel like you’re drowning in customer queries? AI chatbots can help you stay afloat. These nifty tools can handle common questions, provide instant responses, and even guide customers through your sales funnel. By automating these interactions, you free up more time to focus on other important aspects of your business. Plus, customers love the quick response times!

Personalize Your Email Campaigns

Gone are the days of generic email blasts. AI tools can analyze your customers’ behaviors and preferences, helping you craft personalized emails that resonate with your audience. Whether it’s suggesting products based on past purchases or sending birthday discounts, personalized emails can boost your engagement and conversion rates.

Optimize Your Social Media Presence

Keeping up with social media can be a full-time job, but AI can make it a lot easier. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer use AI to analyze the best times to post, the type of content that gets the most engagement, and even automate your posting schedule. This means you can maintain an active social media presence without being glued to your phone all day.

Enhance Your Content Creation

Stuck on what to write about next? AI can help with that too. Tools like Copy.ai and Jasper can generate blog post ideas, social media captions, and even entire articles based on the topics you provide. While I wouldn’t recommend relying entirely on AI for your content, it can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing and save you from writer’s block.

Analyze Your Marketing Data

AI analytics tools can sift through mountains of data to provide you with actionable insights. Whether it’s tracking your website traffic, understanding customer behavior, or measuring the success of your campaigns, AI can turn data into a goldmine of information. With these insights, you can make more informed decisions and tweak your strategies for better results.

“Is my marketing for my small business working?”

The other day, I was having lunch with a friend, an interesting question came up: “Is my marketing for my small business working?” It’s a great question and one that many small business owners grapple with. However, one meeting alone can’t provide a definitive answer. To get a clearer picture, I asked the him five key questions. These questions help determine whether their marketing efforts are on track and delivering results.

What are your marketing goals?

First things first, we need to know what success looks like for your business. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, generate leads, boost sales, or perhaps improve customer retention? Clear, specific goals provide a benchmark to measure your marketing performance against. Without these, it’s challenging to determine if your marketing is effective.

Who is your target audience?

Knowing your target audience is crucial. If your marketing efforts aren’t reaching the right people, they’re not going to be effective. We discussed who their ideal customers are, their demographics, interests, and pain points. Understanding your audience helps tailor your marketing messages and channels to where they will be most impactful.

How are you tracking your marketing efforts?

Tracking is key to understanding what works and what doesn’t. I asked what tools and metrics they’re using to monitor their marketing activities. Are they using Google Analytics, social media insights, email marketing reports, or customer feedback? Having robust tracking mechanisms in place allows you to analyze data and make informed decisions.

What is your current marketing mix?

We then delved into their marketing mix—the combination of channels and tactics they’re using. Are they focusing on social media, email marketing, content marketing, SEO, PPC, or a mix of these? It’s important to have a balanced approach and diversify your marketing efforts. Relying too heavily on one channel can be risky.

What are your results so far?

Finally, we looked at the results they’ve seen so far. This includes both quantitative data like website traffic, conversion rates, and sales figures, and qualitative data like customer feedback and engagement. We compared these results to their initial goals to gauge how well their marketing is performing.

By the end of our discussion, we had a much clearer picture of where they stood. While we didn’t have a definitive answer right away, these questions laid the groundwork for ongoing analysis and improvement. Marketing is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continuously monitor and adjust your strategies to ensure they remain effective.

So, if you’re wondering whether your marketing is working, start by asking yourself these five questions. They’ll help you identify strengths, uncover weaknesses, and ultimately, refine your approach to achieve your business goals.

On Writing

Over the past year, I’ve done a lot of writing just for the sake of writing. I’ve blogged, I’ve journaled, I’ve crafted ads. I’ve written my wife and kids cards for big events, mini events, and non-events. When I write a note by hand, I rarely use cursive. When I write a note, I print, mainly to make it legible for the reader. I save cursive for my own private journals. In the past, writing felt like work; now I write for enjoyment, for creativity, for reflection, and much more.

And the title of this post is a nod to my favorite author.

Why Your Social Media Isn’t Working for Your Small Business (and How to Fix It)

Setting up social media profiles and posting updates are common steps for small businesses aiming to increase their online presence. However, many businesses find that their efforts are not yielding the expected results. Here are five common reasons why social media might not be working for your small business and some hints on how to turn things around.

1. Lack of a Clear Strategy

Posting random updates without a clear plan often leads to disappointing results. A well-defined strategy is crucial. Determine your goals, identify your target audience, and decide on the type of content that will resonate with them. This focused approach will drive more meaningful engagement.

2. Inconsistent Posting

Inconsistent posting can lead to a disengaged audience. A regular posting schedule keeps your audience engaged and helps maintain interest. Developing a content calendar can ensure that you post consistently and keep your followers informed and engaged.

3. Ignoring Analytics

Success on social media is more than just accumulating likes and followers. Analyzing metrics such as engagement rates, reach, and click-through rates can provide valuable insights into what content works and what doesn’t. This data-driven approach allows you to refine your strategy and better meet your audience’s needs.

4. Not Engaging with Your Audience

Social media should be interactive. Merely posting content without responding to comments or engaging in conversations can result in missed opportunities. Actively engaging with your audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and creating conversations can significantly enhance loyalty and trust.

5. Overlooking the Power of Visuals

Visual content is highly effective in capturing attention and increasing engagement. High-quality images, videos, and infographics can make your posts more appealing and shareable. Utilizing visually engaging content can effectively convey your brand’s message and attract more followers.

Looking Forward

Identifying these common pitfalls is the first step to improving your social media presence. In the next post, we will explore five simple and effective strategies to enhance your social media performance. From content creation tips to engagement techniques, these actionable steps will help you achieve your social media goals.

Stay tuned for practical solutions to grow your social media efforts!