Skip to main content

Connect & Discuss

Join The Arboretum to connect with professionals from around the world. Make connections and discover fresh perspectives on social marketing.

479 Topics
N
nicole.serrano2024Level 1
posted in Likes & Dislikes
KPI Win!

Just analyzed our year over year performance with sprout and we are way up on engagements and on track for our impression KPIs!  

164
emily.murray
L
laura.ingrimLevel 1
posted in Likes & Dislikes
Giveaway Day 8: Likes (AI tools) and Dislikes (Organic Reach)

Likes: I love learning about AI tools and how they can help with day to day tasks. I use them often for writing captions, planning out blog posts, and general brainstorming. I can’t wait to learn more about AI tools that can help with video creation.Dislikes: The organic reach on Instagram and Facebook sucks. I post every day, but not a ton of people see my posts. And I know that Reels and Carousels perform better, but it’s not always feasible for every post to fall under those categories (not to mention, those are more time-consuming). I work at a nonprofit, so we just don’t have the budget to pay for ads all the time. Very frustrating.

121
jaxn.engstrom
J
jessica.correaLevel 2
posted in Likes & Dislikes
Giveaway Day 8: People Don't Click on Links

One of the biggest struggles in my day-to-day as a social media professional is getting residents to click on links for more information. A lot of City projects or programs need more details than can fit in a social media post so we leave a link in the post. The number of comments we get asking things that are in the linked article is a lot. Even the number of questions we get asking things that are included in the posts. It’s really hard to get people to read nowadays. 

345
N
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 7: Help Each Other Out & Win Big!Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

Welcome to Day 7 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza! ✨Today, we’re focusing on supporting each other and sharing our expertise to solve challenges.Here’s What to Do:Find two unanswered questions or submit your own in the below forum and share your insights or advice.https://community.sproutsocial.com/search/activity/unanswered Reply thoughtfully and provide value to help your fellow Arboretum members! Share a link to questions your answered below! Today’s Prizes:Three lucky participants will win Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones and an Arboretum Notebook, Socks and Pen—perfect for staying productive and inspired! 🎧✨Your advice could be just what someone needs, so jump in and make a difference. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together!Learn more about Week 2 of our giveaway, here.

44434
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
O
ohva.commsLevel 2
posted in Likes & Dislikes
Frustration about clients not seeing/seeking out posts with answers to common questions

One of my challenges is that people are constantly asking questions about things that I have JUST posted about. They do not take the time to look for the answer they just seem to want everything spoon fed to them. I usually answer the question with the added component of showing them where they can find the answer themselves. A lot of my time is spent this way but that is the nature of customer service via social media I suppose.

254
F
julia.gross
julia.grossLevel 4
posted in Likes & Dislikes
Eagerly Awaiting Trial Reels!

What’s working for us is posting more carousels, especially with songs in Instagram (their now-looser music licensing is also a win!) After reading that those would show up on the reels tab, I gave it a try and have seen great results from it! Linkedin, while it doesn’t post in a carousel format, has also loved the multi-photo posts. A current challenge is that I’m still eagerly awaiting Trial Reels to be rolled out to me. I’m looking forward to playing around with some new audiences and getting to A/B test outside of our followers.

265
J
B
Brittany TaylorLevel 2
posted in Coffee Talk
What changes are you making based on the Giveaway Extravaganza conversations?

We’re less than a week in and the December Giveaway Extravaganza conversation topics and responses are already impacting the way I work--thank you Sprout and the Arboretum community! 👀 I’m curious: Have you made any changes yet based on the conversations you’ve taken part in here?Here’s my list…Started a running “scratch paper” document in Word, saved to OneDrive so I can access on all my devices. I’m using headline styles to create a table of contents and adding each new idea/suggestion/bit of brainstorming or writing with a new heading. This was a day-1 productivity tip based on ​@katie.deaton’s Parking Lot concept. ​@lisa.rodrigo also mentioned that she screenshots everything. I tend to do that too, but never return to the screenshots I’ve taken! I’m combining the two concepts here so I can 🤞 be a little bit less forgetful about going back to my notes and reminders.   Started a running meeting agenda/notes page in my paper planner. This is a productivity hack from ​@jon.mau, who k

272
B
R
robbie.schneiderLevel 4
asked in Coffee Talk
Favorite Interview Questions

Our team is expanding! As I’m prepping for our candidate interviews, let me ask: What is your favorite question in an interview?

10013
M
T
TAMAYSLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
Community Manager vs Comment Engager

What are the key distinctions between basic comment engagement and comprehensive community building, and how can I determine when to outsource these activities? And if someone is doing community growth are they coming up with strategy or are they executing strategy?

172
Katy4Riskonnect
D
dannytza.rodriguezLevel 1
posted in Coffee Talk
Alcohol: How are you navigating the new TBB online promotion rules?

I'm curious how others in the industry are adapting to the recent changes in the TBB (Trade Buyer Behavior) social media promotion guidelines. What approaches are you finding effective? Any tools, platforms, or specific tactics that are proving successful for you? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing ideas! https://www.ttb.gov/ttb-issues-updated-industry-circular-use-social-media-advertising-alcohol-beverages

731
T
R
rababSprout Team
asked in Coffee Talk
EOY Reporting

What are some challenges you have with your EOY Reporting in Sprout? How do you work around them? 

244
L
becca.alexander
becca.alexanderLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
Brand Ambassadors / Content Creators

Wondering if anyone has successfully created a team of local creators/micro-influencers (1,000+ followers) to promote their business regularly, almost like brand ambassadors. We’re looking into this idea to increase the UGC associated with our brand from other accounts on social and would love any insight into what worked and what didn’t!

241
melissa.carrier
C
Chelsey.StoaLevel 1
asked in Coffee Talk
Two Factor Authentication

Hello! I work for an agency and we have run into quite a few instances lately with Meta + Google needing two-factor authentication. The problem arises when we are required to add a phone number to an account to create or login. I’m curious - how do other agencies handle this? Do you have a team phone that you connect accounts to? A WhatsApp number? Thank you! 

352
raven.gill
Agency Partner
R
rababSprout Team
asked in Coffee Talk
Social Listening

What’s your favorite feature in Sprout’s Advanced Listening? How do you implement it in your workstreams? 

112
jaxn.engstrom
K
KTBrinesLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
What are the Top Influencer - Affiliate Conferences?

I work for an e-commerce, legacy brand and we are really wanting to increase the work we do with influencers and affiliates. What are some conferences or online webinars you’d recommend that are NOT as creator focused. Also, we already use Impact and Share-A-Sale, so hopefully one that isn’t just trying to push their affiliate marketing products.  

141
A
G
GuillermoxFLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
Need Tips: Managing Influencers

I have eight influencers around the country I am managing for my side business and my goal is to get them to Chicago this summer for a weekend retreat. I would love tips on how to keep them engaged with a limited budget. How can I make them feel special and do the work I need them to do?

223
G
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 6: Share Your Favorite Tool & Celebrate Week 2!Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

Welcome to Week 2 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza! We’re turning up the excitement with bigger prizes and even more ways to connect with your peers.Here’s Today’s Challenge:Reply to this thread with your favorite digital tool that makes your work easier and explain why it’s your go-to. Engage with at least two other posts to discover tools you might love too!Today’s Prizes:Two lucky participants will win a Lamicall Laptop Stand and a $150 Amazon Gift Card—a perfect combo to boost your productivity and workspace! 🎁*Laptop not included in prize package.Week 2 is packed with some of our largest prizes, so don’t miss out. Let’s make it unforgettable—start sharing below!Don’t miss out on this week! Learn more here:  

843186
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Welcome New Members - December 9, 2024

Hey everyone! Welcome to The Arboretum—so excited to have you join us!Let's kick things off and get to know one another:🌟 Introduce Yourself: Tell us your name, your role, and what got you passionate about social media.💻 Favorite Platform: Which social media platform do you find most captivating and why?🚀 Campaign Highlight: Share a standout campaign you've either worked on or really admired. What made it so perfect?💡 Expert Advice: What’s your top tip for crafting killer social media content?🔮 Future Trends: What do you think is the next big thing in social media, and how are you getting ready for it?🧠 Learning Objectives: What are your goals for learning and achieving within our community?Your stories and insights are what make The Arboretum unique. Let’s support each other and create an incredible community! ​ @jo.zhou @isatimiraos @geishagarcia @alyssadavis @Crownshite @pamela.reynoso @maybegoodbye @maggie.karantonakis @Ruth.Clay @lizadaaniel @Benjamin01 @kelly.mclemore @dela

796
L
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
🔦 Member Spotlight – Shannon Waldschmidt, Head of Social Media Marketing at The Cigna GroupMember Spotlight

Time to meet, Shannon Waldschmidt!​@shannon.waldschmidt, our Member Spotlight for November, leads the social media marketing team at The Cigna Group – a team that’s just been recognized as a finalist for "Best Use of Social Media" by the Content Marketing Institute’s Content Marketing Awards! 👏 She’s been shaping the way social connects and engages, taking innovation to the next level. But there’s more to Shannon than you might expect from a Head of Social…From Journalism Major to Social Media MavenBelieve it or not, Shannon didn’t start her career in marketing! She’s a former journalism major with a dance minor, and she even dipped her toes into musical theater. This artsy background fuels her creative spark on social – and we think that’s pretty cool!Shoutout to @Things.I.Bought.and.LikedWhen it comes to inspiration, Shannon is all about authenticity. She loves the account @Things.I.Bought.and.Liked for its honest, no-sponsorship approach to sharing recommendations. Shannon loves th

832
jaxn.engstrom
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 3: Coffee Talk Reflections ☕️Holiday Giveaway Extravanganza

CLOSED FOR ENTRIESWelcome to Day 3 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza!Today, we’re hosting our Virtual Coffee Talk at 12 pm CT. Join us for our virtual networking event, then come back here and share what resonated with you most during the session.Step 1 : Register here:Step 2:Join us at 12pm CTStep 3:Reply to this thread with your favorite takeaway, idea, or insight from today’s Coffee Talk. What stood out to you, and how will it help you in your work or approach to social media?Today’s Prizes:Two participants will win a Logitech Webcam, Arboretum mug and $100 Amazon Gift Card—perfect for leveling up your virtual meeting setup! 🎁Let’s keep the conversation going and build on the ideas we explored together during the session. Share your reflections below, and don’t forget to reply to at least two other members’ posts to spark more collaboration!

35027
julia.gross
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 2: Show Us Your Workspace!🎁 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

CLOSED FOR ENTRIESWelcome to Day 2 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza!Today, we're celebrating the spaces where all the magic happens—your workspaces.What to Do:Reply with a photo of your workspace here in this thread below and tell us how it inspires your creativity or helps you stay productive. Is it the setup? The view? A special item that keeps you motivated? Share your story!Today’s Prizes:We’re giving away a JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker and $75 Amazon Gift Card to three lucky winners to energize your workspace! 🎁Don’t stop there—like and reply to at least three other posts to share compliments, ask questions, or swap ideas. Let’s spark some inspiration together and keep the conversation going!Also, make sure to RSVP and attends tomorrow’s Coffee talk for a chance to win 1 of 2 Logitech Webcam AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card!Learn more about our Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza, here.

898168
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
R
rileyrroseLevel 1
posted in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 2 - my office space

 My workspace! My fav part is the big window beside me where I can look out over the yard - especially when it’s covered in beautiful snow like today! The thing that keeps me most motivated is caffeine (not pictured as it’s in my hand not on the desk hehe).

315
R
jaxn.engstrom
jaxn.engstromLevel 4
posted in Coffee Talk
How to Get Into the "Flow" State at Home - Productivity Tip #1

As someone who works with a hybrid schedule, working days from home can get difficult. I’ve learned one trick that helps me tap into the flow state and that’s a commonly know technique called “Pomodoro.” Here’s how to use it to your advantage: Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task—no distractions. After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle 4 times, then enjoy a longer 15-30 minute break. This structured focus helps your brain ease into the flow state by eliminating distractions and creating momentum (this word in underlined for a reason). Bonus tip: Use the first few Pomodoros for challenging tasks when your energy is highest! Happy working!!

171
Gina Kirby
M
MarrisaLevel 2
posted in Coffee Talk
Workspace Photo

Here’s my little office. It’s a small closet sized office, but I love it. I have worked in an office where you are stuck in cubicles and have no view of the outside world or any privacy. Despite the size I have two large windows and I have a door that I can close!   

121
A
B
Brittany TaylorLevel 2
posted in Coffee Talk
Newbie Department of 1 checking in!

Hi everyone! I’m Brittany and I’m based in the marshes of South Carolina Low Country. I lead a team of 1 (ha! hi! it’s me!) on my company’s marketing and communications efforts. Being a team-of-1 is great for fast-tracking ideas I’m excited about. But when I’m stuck or frustrated or wondering what my next best step is, having a sounding board is the best. And TBH, the sounding boards I’ve experimented with online haven’t been great. I’m hoping The Arboretum community will be The Good Place. I really truly want to find some industry friends and colleagues to bounce ideas off of, learn from, and help when I can.Are there any other marketing islands out there looking for some camaraderie and community?

40
B
The Arboretum Terms of UseCookie settings