Jon's CSIT 155 - Spring 2025 Class Blog

Is TikTok a viable piece of my social media kit for my business? As an optimistic skeptic, I could say yes and no. It's used worldwide, and it's most likely the most viral video-sharing platform out there right now. On the other hand, it has raised security concerns, in terms of privacy and access to your information. Additionally, the virality of certain videos and creators can be good or bad. From a business perspective, I believe it could be a great supplemental tool.  There are many positive aspects to the use of TikTok for business. You gain access to a sweeping toolset of performance, engagement, and data analytics. The videos that can be made on the platform offer creative tools and are easily shareable on other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Independent creators can have their own personal accounts with little to no investment upfront and get the necessary views and brand growth. Companies can create a business account, which offers many tools th...

At Broke Witch: Brews & Potions , our mission isn't just to serve delicious drinks and meals, but also to create genuine, lasting connections with our patrons. One powerful tool we plan to use to achieve this goal is through maintaining an engaging blog and occasional vlog or webinar content. Imagine tuning into a vlog demonstrating our newest potion-inspired cocktail or reading a blog post detailing the mythology behind your favorite menu item. By delivering regular content rich in storytelling and interactive elements, we can immerse our guests in the enchanting narrative of our business, encouraging deeper relationships that go beyond just dining and drinking. Adding a personal touch to our online presence is crucial, but knowing when and how is equally important. For a business like ours, which is steeped in themes of witchcraft, folklore, and the occult; adding personality, anecdotes, and playful storytelling often aligns perfectly with our audience. Our customers come to...

Hello Class, For my few posts, I've used a nice small pool of hashtags. Since my business is in the bar and cafe fields. I've used these hashtags: #bar #cafe #bartending #bartender #bakedgoods #bakedgoodies #coffee #coffeelover And a few more along these lines. These tags were often at the top of the list of relatable hashtags hit on a more generic scale and weren't too niche. Many competitors in the field used these hashtags or similar ones. My posts will show up at the top of the corresponding hashtag when the tag is searched. For example, if someone searches #bar or #cafe not long after I've posted with that tag, there is a good chance they will see the post. Also, if it's a heavily used hashtag, then it may be buried. I will have to watch for a good balance and try more of the hashtags that are not as generic but not very niche. Comments on Classmate's Instas: Delilah's Designs: Great work on your first few posts! Using both niche and generic hashtags wi...

 Five Similar Businesses and their use (or lack there-of) of Hashtags: 1.  Twisted Horn Mead & Cider Hashtag Usage:  None :( Followers: 4,070 Most Responsive Content: Real photos and reels of the community/employees having a good time. Post Frequency: Every 1-2 days Last Post: 3/13/2025 Follow // Like Ratio: 4,070 follows // avg. 20+ likes per post Comments: avg. 2-3 comments per post Summary: This business has a nice local following on this account with consistent posts, perhaps where the follow // like ratio starts to fall off is with no use of hashtags. They have a large community to work with and could greatly benefit from collaborative and standard tags on their posts. 2. Hidden Hive Beverages Hashtag Usage:  5-10 hashtags per post. Most typical #mead #meadofinstagram #beer #wine #brewery Followers:  1,848  Most Responsive Content:  Real photos and reels of the community/employees having a good time. " Behind-the-Scenes " photos. Post F...

 Screenshots of my scheduled posts: Upcoming Scheduled posts on my fake business page: March 7th, 8th, and 14th (morning) 7th - Release of a seasonal new menu item, this gives our audience a new product to look forward to, and with a limited timeframe, they may be looking forward to visiting our establishment and trying it. 8th - Holiday post, acknowledging and celebrating International Women's Day! Offering a promotional discount for anyone treating their favorite women in their life. 14th - Another holiday post, for Pi Day! Taking advantage of our status as a cafe and including pastries and baked goods in our menu. Offering a limited-release menu item for that one day creates new interest and sharing potential for anyone looking for a good "pie." March 9th (evening) 9th - A simple status update on our usual Sunday routine when the sun goes down, this confirms a change of environment and consistent updates of this type establish a pattern so customers know that, evenings...