Internship Opportunity

Marketing and Events Intern

Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our team for Summer 2022 as a Marketing and Events Intern!

This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Southington, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting accounts for clients in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook.

 

We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You will draft the written copy for social media posts and learn to curate/create engaging visual content, all while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Additionally, you’ll attend a variety of local events including concerts, influencer collaborations, grand openings, TV segments, and more. Our ideal candidate is creative, responsible, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to create compelling content!

 

This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. Time commitment is flexible and is determined by candidates’ availability.

 

What You’ll Do
  • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under the direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
  • Attend a variety of local events assisting with planning and production, content creation, and other tasks as needed
  • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
  • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 
Our Ideal Candidate:
  • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
  • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
  • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
  • Is a highly organized self-starter who can work independently
  • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 
Requirements:
  • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
  • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
  • A writing portfolio/sample of content including social media copywriting is a plus

Apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Info@imagemarketingconsultants.com 

 

INTERNSHIP

Social Media Account Assistant

Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our social media team for the fall 2021 semester as a Social Media Account Assistant!

This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing Consultants is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Plantsville, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting accounts for clients in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook.

 We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You will draft the written copy for social media posts and learn to curate/create engaging visual content, all while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to create compelling content!

This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. We are flexible on the time commitment/number of hours per week depending on the candidate’s availability.

What You’ll Do 

  • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
  • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
  • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

Our Ideal Candidate:

  • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
  • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
  • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
  • Is a highly organized self-starter who can work independently
  • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

Requirements:

  • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
  • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
  • A writing portfolio/samples of content including social media copywriting is a plus

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and any examples of your work (i.e. social media content creation, writing samples) to: info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

 

Internship Opportunities at Image Marketing

Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our Social Media & Creative teams for the spring 2021 semester! We are looking to fill two internship roles: in Social Media Copywriting and Social Media Content Creation.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing Consultants is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Plantsville, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting one of our largest accounts for a client in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on either social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook; or social media content creation – creating engaging visual content for Instagram and Facebook, including photos, videos and graphics.

More details and qualifications about each role can be found below. 

Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COPYWRITER INTERNSHIP:

We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You’ll work directly with our Account Management and Creative teams on the development of bi-weekly social media content calendars for our client, with a focus on copywriting.  You will draft the written copy for social media posts while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to draft compelling content!

This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. The expectation is approx.20 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s availability.

What You’ll Do

  • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
  • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
  • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

Our Ideal Candidate:

  • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
  • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
  • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
  • Is a highly-organized self-starter who can work independently
  • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

Requirements:

  • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
  • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
  • A writing portfolio/samples of content including social media copywriting is a plus

Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR INTERNSHIP:

We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, digital media/visual arts, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You’ll work directly with our Account Management and Creative teams on the development of bi-weekly social media content calendars for our client, with a focus on the  visuals. You will be responsible for sourcing and creating high-quality visual content for social media, including photography, graphics, and video assets. You will also learn about brand color palettes/guidelines, visual standards, and social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, thinks outside the box, and has a great eye for engaging visuals!

This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. The expectation is approx.20 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s availability.

What You’ll Do

  • Create visual content for social media (under the direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
  • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging visual content (including photos, video, and graphics)
  • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, writing content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

Our Ideal Candidate:

  • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
  • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in class brands to stay inspired.
  • Is creative with an appreciation for visual aesthetics
  • Is a highly-organized self-starter who can work independently
  • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

Requirements:

  • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
  • Some knowledge/experience using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Canva.
  • Some experience creating a variety of visual content 
  • A portfolio of visual content including photography, videography, and/or graphic design is a plus

Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com.

Preparing for a Virtual TV Interview

Image Marketing’s Director of Client Services Katherine Bolas appeared in a recent virtual tv interview on Better Connecticut! ule Advanced settings.

Broadcast interviews are invaluable. They provide a direct platform to increase brand awareness and credibility, and allow consumers to see the ‘personal’ side of your business.

Though the benefits of TV interviews haven’t changed since the start of the pandemic, the interviews themselves look different. Social distancing regulations have prompted most news stations to conduct interviews via Skype or Zoom, instead of inviting guests to their studios. 

Virtual interviews expand coverage opportunities for businesses and media outlets, who can now host guests located anywhere, at any time. Given these benefits, virtual interviews are likely to outlive the pandemic. Knowing how to prepare for them will definitely give your business a competitive edge in our virtual world.

Having secured 20+ virtual tv interviews for our clients in just the past few weeks alone, the Image Marketing PR team is no stranger to the spotlight (even if we’ve traded in professional studio lights for our own at home “studio” set-up and ring light for the time being!) Read on for our team’s best tips and tricks to best prepare for your next virtual interview.

 

Here are the 3 key steps to preparing for your broadcast tv virtual interview: 

 

TIP #1: SET THE STAGE

Your “Zoom-Studio” should replicate the clarity and intimacy of an in-person interview. A clean backdrop, personable camera angle, and excellent lighting ensure that your viewers (and interviewer) engage with what matters most: you, your business, and your message. 

Backdrop

Keep your backdrop tidy and simple; avoid sitting in front of cluttered shelves, patterned walls, or posters. These items can distract your audience, or even steer conversation away from your business. 

Camera Angle 

Place your camera at eye-level, and sit about two feet away from your device. Keeping your face “center stage” will help you appear confident and professional.

Lighting

Be sure to avoid shadows or harsh lighting. Welcoming, natural light helps your audience form positive associations with your business. While natural light is preferable, it can be replicated with blue-tinted LED bulbs. 

Facing your light source eliminates shadows created by back and side-light; but, be sure to sit several feet away to avoid appearing “washed out.” 

Pro-tip: to take your lighting set-up to the next level, consider purchasing an inexpensive ring light.  They’re easy to use and will help eliminate any harsh shadows and make your set-up look professional and polished.

Tip #2: DRESS THE PART

Hoodies and sweats may be our “new normal,” but it’s important to dress your best!

Dangling headphones and multi-colored or patterned clothing can be distracting. Instead, opt for wireless headphones (or none at all), simple jewelry, amd a solid, long sleeve top. This will prevent you from getting “lost” in your backdrop, and keep your audience focused on your responses. When it comes to color, wear what you feel most confident in, but keep in mind that most tv studios will tell you to avoid wearing white or black, as they can appear unflattering in harsh lighting. 

 

TIP #3: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

Practicing for your interview (independently or with colleagues!)  will help eliminate technical challenges, and help you feel more confident. 

Practicing also provides the opportunity to check that your headphones and microphone are working properly, and your lighting and backdrop are well suited for a television appearance. 

Zoom’s recording feature enables you to record and watch your practice interviews. Observing how you look, sound, and interact with the “interviewer” will help you perfect your body language, and eliminate any vague, awkward, or unnecessary elements in your responses or pitch.

 

Conclusion

A successful interview will help develop your brand and bridge the gap between you and your customers. Practicing, setting the stage, and dressing the part, will ensure you get the most out of your virtual TV interview.

Now that you know how to ace your interview, need some help getting your segment booked? Contact us for help developing media relationships, earning television exposure, and highlighting your business to the right audience!

 

Sources:

 

https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/what-to-wear-zoom-meeting/

https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/5-ways-to-look-your-best-on-your-next-zoom-meeting.html

http://www.metiscomm.com/guide/broadcast-interview-guide

 

 

 

How to Use TikTok to Promote Your Business

TikTok is trending! With a global mission of inspiring creativity and spreading joy, the app has accumulated over 800 million active users since it launched in September of 2016. While TikTok may be best known for its viral dance videos created by popular creators like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae, dance routines and lip synching are far from the only types of content you’ll find on the app. In fact, Tik Tok recently launched TikTok For Business to assist brands of all sizes “unleash their creative side.”

 When it comes to creative content and brand storytelling, TikTok is the top platform of the moment.  A simple 15-60 second video can be all it takes for your business to grow your audience and make real connections with both brand loyalists and potential new customers.  62% of TikTok users in the U.S. are under the age of 30, which also presents a unique opportunity to connect with young consumers. As the app continues to grow in popularity, it’s creators are increasingly diverse as well and include parents, teachers, politicians, high schools, universities, small businesses and major corporations. They all use the platform for the purpose of increasing engagement, sharing their ideas, products and opinions and creating content their target market can relate to and enjoy.

The app also allows for you to interact with your audience in all new ways. You can “duet” videos, comment, direct message, run contests, challenges and promotions, and use influencer marketing to spread your message.

Check out some success stories from large and small businesses that used TikTok to connect with audiences in unique and creative ways:

Success Stories

Universal PicturesThe film studio uses the platform as a way to promote upcoming movies and engage with American users. They launched a branded hashtag challenge themed #FindYourMagic,resulting in over 19K user-generated videos. The company also utilizes influencer marketing, working with 10 popular creators to post “magical stories” using magic tricks and illusions. To date this content has received over 1.3 million likes! Universal Pictures also grew more than 11K official account followers in just six days.

Clean & ClearWhile launching their limited-edition face wash in India, Clean & Clear  took to TikTok to help increase brand and product awareness. Their target market was female teens across India, and they started a #UnbottleApnaSwag challenge that invited girls to engage with the brand and show off their diverse personalities. They featured five bottle packaging styles that correspond with five personality traits. They enlisted five of the top female influencers to help spearhead the challenge and inspire participation. As a result, the campaign received more than 1.96 billion video views, 2.62 million user-generated videos, and Clean & Clear gained more than 10.4K followers. 

Popcorn Friday – In the midst of the pandemic, small businesses felt the blow to business more than most. Owned and run by the Scrubb family, Popcorn Friday is a small popcorn shop located in Spring Branch, Texas. Natalie Scrubb, seeing her family’s business struggling, seized the opportunity to help by creating a TikTok video showing off their business and their products. The video reached 1.5 million viewers! After that online orders started flooding in from all over the country. The business had an increase in sales in the thousand-percents.

Conclusion

Regardless of the size of your business and no matter what you sell, TikTok can help your brand get noticed. All it takes is a camera and a little creativity. Not sure where to start? Contact us today for help developing your own TikTok social media strategy. 

Top 10 Fall Styles You Can Expect to See in 2020

The crisp autumn air, pumpkin spice lattes, and apple cider donuts are starting to make their annual comeback. Summer may be coming to a close, but the good news is that with a new season comes new fashion trends to look forward to. 

As anyone who was asked, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” back in 2015 can attest to, 2020 isn’t what anyone expected it to be!  While the coronavirus pandemic continues to play out, the uncertainty in what the fall will bring hasn’t stopped designers from putting a new spin on your favorite fall wardrobe essentials – and then some. Fashion designers put their best fall booties forward, and discussed upcoming fall fashion trends via Zoom.

The Image Marketing team works with copious amounts of shopping centers around the United States, so it’s safe to say we have a solid idea as to what trends you can expect to see popping up on store shelves (and also appearing in your Instagram feed!) Our team came up with the 10 most trending styles to shop for this fall. Whether you are heading into the office, or just dressing up for your weekly Zoom meetings, there’s no reason why you can’t stay up-to-date on the latest fall fashion trends.

Want a sneak peek at what styles will be taking over your Instagram feed in the coming months? Check out the top 10 fall fashion trends for 2020 below:

1. Sheer Fabrics

LULUS –

Queen of Drama Black Organza Puff Sleeve Bodysuit

REVOLVE – 

Safari Sheer Wrap Top

H&M –

Puff-sleeved Mesh Dress

Sheer, skin-fabrics have been huge this past spring and summer, and the trend isn’t going anywhere for fall. You’ll find lots of sheer blouses and dresses;  The key to making this trend work for the autumn is layering: use sheer as an overlay to add dimensional layers to your outfits.

2. Faux Fur

H&M –

Teddy Bear Coat

FREE PEOPLE –

Tessa Teddy Coat

Ditch your basic fall coat, because faux fur is in! The trick to making faux fur on-trend for 2020 is juxtaposing its luxuriousness with your casual basics. Thinking about just wearing jeans and a basic, solid-colored top? Throw on a funky coat to dress it up!

3. Cropped Blazers

ASOS –

Weekday Dominique cropped blazer in khaki

ZARA – 

Short-Sleeve Blazer

Step up your office (or Zoom) meeting apparel with cropped blazers! It is an easy way to look polished in an instant.

4. Metallic / Sequins

NORDSTROM –

 Ramy Brook Rumi Metallic Wrap Front Top

ALO YOGA-

High-Waisted Glitter Biker Short

Looking to stand out from the crowd? Metallic and sequins will have you shining. Instead of waiting for the holidays to bring out your shimmery clothes, find metallic as your everyday wear. Check out Alo Yoga’s shimmery biker shorts!

5. Animal Print

FREE PEOPLE –

Nala Jacquard Hoodie

FRANCESCA’S –

Qupid Animal Print Accent Bootie

Animal prints have been a top trend for a few seasons now, and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon! Expect anything from cheetah to snake prints, and even crocodile print for this fall. Make a statement in cute and comfy fall sweaters with your favorite animal print.

6. Fringe

URBAN OUTFITTERS –

Schott Leather Fringe Moto Jacket

As seen on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna seems to be all on board with the fringe trend this season.  (Expect to see deep yellow fashions this fall too!)

7. Prep

URBAN OUTFITTERS –

Cooperative Side-Pocket Mini Skirt

URBAN OUTFITTERS –

Daisy Street Plaid Pleated Mini Skirt

Channel your inner Blair Waldorf and embrace all-things preppy this fall season! Look for lots of plaid skirts and polished outfits.

8. Neutral Tones

MADEWELL –

Polo Sweater

TOPSHOP –

Ecru PU Shirt Dress

Expect to see fifty shades of neutral colors coming your way. Tans, beiges, browns – all of the basic autumn colors to accompany any skin tone.

9. Chunky Headbands

LULUS –

Crazy for You Pink and Pearl Braided Headband

J.CREW – 

Turban knot headband in plaid wool

Chunky and padded headbands have seen a +14,100% increase in 2020 alone! Watch for unique headbands with sequins, patterns, braids and especially pearls. Wear your favorite bold headband this fall to accessorize any outfit with ease!

10. Patterned Face Masks

AMERICAN EAGLE –

 AEO Bandana Mask + Scrunchie

NATALIE MILLS –

Destiny Crystal Face Mask

Let’s ‘face’ it, there’s still a pandemic circling in the air. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t turn health and safety standards into a fashion statement! Shop American Eagle Outfitters matching face mask and scrunchie set, or Natalie Mill’s crystal mask collection.