Social Media Tricks and Treats

Written By Alicia Vial

Today we’re talking about ways to make your social media sweet this fall with a few tricks and treats that can boost engagement and help your brand stand out. Seasonal content is a great way to show personality, connect with your audience and join the conversation happening right now

The “tricks” are smart strategies that make your content work harder—things like jumping on trends or using storytelling to make post more engaging. The “treats” are the fun, feel-good ways to connect with your followers—behind-the-scenes photos, polls or seasonal giveaways that make people smile.

Let’s start with the some of the tricks. Use seasonal visuals and colors—think warm tones, cozy, vibes and local fall events. Tell a story with your post. Instead of just sharing a photo from an event, share why it mattered. Tap into trending sounds or hashtags that naturally fit your message. And one of our favorite tricks—reuse high-performing posts from last year with a fresh twist.

Now for the treats. Host a fall-themed poll or quiz— “Pumpkin spice or apple cider?” –anything that invites comments. Show behind-the-scenes- moments from your office or team, like decorating for Halloween or volunteering in the community. Spotlight your people—employee stories or customer highlights are always crowd favorites. Don’t forget a seasonal giveaway—it could be a small girft card or fall basket that encourages followers to tag friends.

It’s important to rememeber why seasonal content is effective on social media. It makes your brand feel human and timely. When you post about what’s happening right now—like festivals, holidays or community events, people are more likely to engage because it feels relevant. Plus, it shows that your brand is active and connected to the community.

WATCH
Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

Next

The Power of a Social Media Strategy