Anita Kirkbride 
Whether it’s a sudden drop in the stock market, new tariffs on Canadian goods, a messy election year, or a social platform imploding mid-launch—small business owners need to be ready. A little bit of planning prevents panic. This week I’m sharing practical ways to protect your business from whatever chaos comes next—without selling your soul to hustle culture or joining a LinkedIn thought-leader cult.
Bluesky offers a Twitter-like experience: short posts, quick interactions, and a network of conversations. Yet, it’s different enough to warrant exploration—especially if you’ve got room (and time) for a new community. Unlike Twitter, Bluesky is decentralized. That means you have more control, less chaos, and fewer corporate algorithms pulling the strings.
Just when I thought the world had realized that buying Fans for your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account was wrong, I engaged in another conversation where I had to explain why it does not benefit your business to do so. Seriously?
Finding a social media consultant or social media agency in Nova Scotia actually isn’t all that difficult. A new one seems to pop up every month. When I first opened Twirp Communications in 2011 there were only two other social media agencies in Nova Scotia that I knew about, but today everyone thinks they’re a social media expert. Finding a GOOD social media consultant or a reputable social media trainer is a little more complex.
I’ve been blogging about social media marketing for over 12 years now. This week I realized all the new followers and new entrepreneurs I’ve been talking to over the last year probably haven’t gone through my blog to find all the “Digital Marketing for Beginners” articles I’ve written, so I’m compiling them in a listicle for you this week.
Are you caught in the AI trap? It’s easy to fall into the convenience of letting AI handle your social media content, but there’s a risk of losing the authentic human connection that makes social media so powerful. In this post, we’ll uncover the telltale signs that your content might be robot-written and provide practical strategies for ensuring your AI-assisted posts retain a genuine, human touch.
In the news business they say “if it bleeds, it leads” and there’s a similar feeling around social media spheres “Controversy Captivates”. Controversy is a powerful, yet risky, tool of the anti-heroes in social media marketing. While it is compelling and increases your engagement rates, controversial content can also have negative consequences for your small business. If you’re ready to embrace your anti-hero tendencies, adding a bit of careful controversy to your social media marketing might be just the thing to spice it up.
Ever eavesdropped on a conversation at a café and actually learned something new? Monitoring social media is the digital equivalent. Listen to what your customers are saying about your brand—or even better, your competitors. Monitoring tools like Sprout Social, or even simple Google Alerts, can help you keep tabs on customer sentiment and emerging trends. It’s like having a crystal ball, but less mystical and more data-driven.
We see hero marketing every damn day. Being an anti-hero can set your small business apart. It’s about being unapologetically yourself, embracing your uniqueness, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. So, shed the cape, put on your metaphorical red leather jacket, and start rewriting the rules of social media marketing for your small business.
One of the questions I get when I talk about creating educational content for social media is “But won’t my audience just take the information and do it themselves?” I’ll be honest, that is possible. But if they are the DIY type they weren’t likely going to buy from you anyhow, they just would have found a different expert who’s giving the information away. Now you are their expert for this information. WIN!
