TikTok Growth Tips, LinkedIn's New Feature & Instagram DM Hacks

We're diving into LinkedIn's latest developments - they're testing vertical short-form videos, plus we'll be sharing what's been happening across the platform. We've also got the latest on Instagram's DM updates and a brilliant guide that'll help you grow your TikTok following. And since you love keeping up with our team news, we've got some fantastic updates to share with you too! 

💎 LinkedIn Engagement Continues to Rise

Let's talk about what's going on with LinkedIn. 

The numbers are up, and the platform's seeing more activity than ever. But we need to look beyond the surface-level metrics to understand what's actually happening.

LinkedIn has evolved from a basic CV database into a genuine professional social network.

💎 More professionals engaging in genuine industry discussions 

💎 Specialist communities forming around specific sectors 

💎 Higher quality content being shared consistently 

💎 Growing engagement in focused professional groups

The platform has positioned itself as a vital professional networking tool.

What matters here is how you're using it. If you're not seeing this level of engagement, it might be time to reassess your approach. And if you’re struggling with LinkedIn, we can help. 😉 

But that’s not all from LinkedIn…

💎 LinkedIn’s Professional Short Videos

LinkedIn is testing vertical short-form videos. 

Here's what's actually happening:

💎 A vertical video feed is being tested, similar to TikTok and Instagram 

💎 The feature aims to capture younger professionals' attention 

💎 It's part of LinkedIn's push to stay relevant

Young professionals are already using TikTok to discuss workplace culture and career advice - LinkedIn clearly wants a piece of that action.

💎 Instagram's DM Update

Instagram's making it easier to handle those overflowing DMs with some new inbox upgrades.

💎 New message request filters to sort through different account types 

💎 Separate folder specifically for story replies 

💎 Options to filter messages from creators 

💎 Dedicated space for verified account messages

💎 Business account message sorting 

💎 Better organisation for messages from accounts you follow

The update seems particularly useful for anyone managing multiple conversations or dealing with high message volumes. Story replies won't get lost in the general inbox anymore, and finding messages from specific account types becomes much more straightforward.

These changes should make it easier to engage with followers without drowning in message requests.

💎 A Straightforward Guide to Growing Your TikTok Following

Looking to grow on TikTok but not sure where to start? Whether you're just beginning or looking to level up your content, here's a breakdown of what's actually working on the platform right now.

💎 Sort your profile out - pick your niche (like #BookTok), decide on your content style, and write a bio that shows who you are

💎 Get to grips with platform features - mix up content with Stitches, POV videos, CapCut templates, Duets, and "Get Ready With Me" videos

💎 Keep at it - aim for 1-3 posts daily 

💎 Think bigger - adapt your TikTok content for YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels

💎 Get stuck in with engagement - reply to comments, chat with other creators, and join discussions in your niche

💎 Keep an eye on trends - follow similar creators for ideas and spot new trends early

💎 Give new things a go - try making original sounds or starting your own challenges

💎 Team up - work with other creators on joint videos or live sessions

TikTok favours creators who understand how it works. Using scheduling tools can help manage the workload, so you can focus on what matters - making brilliant content.

💎 What We've Been Up To…

Starting with Jem!

Being a business owner never really comes with set hours, but Jem's been testing out a new approach to work-life balance. Rather than falling into the always-on trap, she's switched to longer weekdays so she can actually put the laptop down at weekends.

And it's paying off. Between exploring castles and old ruins with Charlie and Josh (plus those essential dog walks) and catching Venom at the cinema (those recliner chairs though...), she's been coming back to work seriously refreshed.

Speaking of work, let's talk about how she's been crushing it lately. 

Not only is the client content absolutely flying, but she's managed to land three new clients in just one week. Yes, you read that right - three new clients!

💎 What's Going On With the Morgenmuffel

Big changes for Sarah this month - she's turned 34 and officially stepped onto the property ladder. Nothing quite like getting those house keys, is there?

When she's not creating content for clients, Sarah's been embracing life offline. Between catching up with friends and heading to concerts, she's even ventured into her first hot pot experience (and loved it, naturally). 

Though we should mention she's still trying to convince everyone it's beach weather - despite her friends firmly disagreeing. Some things never change.

Behind the scenes, she's been working her magic on new social media strategies and blog content for our clients. While you might not see her posting as much personally, trust that she's channelling all that creative energy into crafting brilliant content for our clients.

Looks like 34 is already shaping up to be quite the year.

💎 Sarah has a new member of the family!

What a difference love makes! Sarah (aka Twinnie), has some exciting news to share that comes with four paws and the sweetest face imaginable!

Say hello to Luna, the newest addition to the family. Her story will melt your heart - she was found wandering the streets, with no family and no home to call her own. Just a beautiful soul looking for somewhere to belong.

When Sarah and Bryan spotted her, there was no question about what needed to be done. They brought her home, hoping she'd get along with their existing pack. And guess what? She fit in perfectly, as if she'd always been part of the family!

This photo shows Luna before and after, the transformation is absolutely incredible. From the first photo when they found her, to now... just look at that happy face! It shows what love, care, and a forever home can do.

For all the dog lovers out there, watching a rescue pup flourish like this is something special. Luna's journey from street life to beloved family member is exactly the kind of happy ending we love to see.

We’re all animal lovers here, so we wanted to share this happy news!

💎 Cath's Journey

Talk about hitting the ground running! Since joining the team, Cath has absolutely smashed it and brought something special to SocialJems. Anyone who knows Jem and Sarah understands their feelings about admin (let's just say it's not their favourite thing), but Cath? She's a pro at it!

With her amazing organisational skills, she's keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. But what we really love, is how perfectly she fits into the team dynamics. Her enthusiasm for the parts of the job that others might shy away from is genuinely refreshing!

At SocialJems, while paying bills is important (because let's be real, we all need to eat!), there's something more special happening here. It's about loving what you do and who you do it with. We spend so much of our lives working, so finding joy in it makes all the difference.

Cath gets this completely - she's not just doing a job; she's bringing her whole self to it and that's exactly what makes our team tick. Keep crushing it, Cath - you're absolutely smashing it!

💎 The final stretch of 2024!

Can you believe we're already talking about our next newsletter being the last one of 2024? And the final one before Christmas too! Seriously, where has this year gone? 

Speaking of planning... if 2025 is already on your mind (and let's face it, it should be), we're here to support you with all things marketing. Whether you need help with: 

💎 Engaging blogs and newsletters 

💎 Scroll-stopping social media content 

💎 Lead generation strategies that actually work

💎 Website design that converts 

💎 Social media training for your team 

💎 Building your brand's reputation

Whatever you need, just drop us a message. We're always excited to chat about how we can help take your business to the next level.

And before we go, we've got to ask the burning question...

Have you sneakily put up your Christmas decorations yet? No judgment here! 😉