Tartan Social

22/07/2025

A few weeks back, I headed into the K&K Studio & Events Branding Studio with my Strategy and Branding client SMD Mortgages for a Business/Personal Branding Session 📸

Took the chance to grab a few updated shots of myself too ✨

I loved helping to bring Simone's brand vision to life for her brand new, exciting chapter and making the process feel fun, relaxed, and totally on point.

Dream team vibes all round and can't wait to see the vision fully IRL🤝

15/07/2025

We've always loved watching how Zara has built a multi-billion-dollar brand without throwing millions at flashy ads or influencer deals… It’s one of the best real-world marketing lessons out there.

While most big players focus on noise, Zara focuses on movement.

As someone who's worked in marketing for years, I’m fascinated by how they’ve quietly dominated the high street by doing the opposite of what’s expected:

◾️ They watch what customers actually do in real time
◾️ New designs hit stores within 2–3 weeks (that’s wild)
◾️ Inventory refreshes twice a week to create urgency
◾️Scarcity is designed in, no endless stock, no constant promos
◾️ And they reinvest in logistics, not just loud branding

It’s a reminder that marketing isn’t always about shouting the loudest; it’s about listening better, moving smarter, and making your brand worth coming back for.

Sometimes, the best marketing? It isn’t marketing at all. It’s a long-term natural strategy.

Subscribe to our weekly email edit on all things social media, business growth and branding now at https://mailchi.mp/tartansocial/weekly-newsletter

13/07/2025

✨ Ready to stop guessing and start growing on socials?

Join my free weekly edit for business owners who want social media updates that actually make a difference.

🔗 https://mailchi.mp/tartansocial/weekly-newsletter

Every Monday, I send you a round-up of what’s working right now, so you can stay ahead of trends, algorithms, and changes (without spending hours on Instagram).

You’ll get:
✅ Quick, actionable insights
✅ Tips on reach, engagement, and visibility
✅ Updates on Instagram features & SEO changes
✅ Real examples, strategies, and cheat sheets
✅ Advice that makes sense for real businesses

Whether you’re DIY-ing your marketing or leading a small team, this is the kind of info that helps you show up smarter, not just more often.

12/07/2025

Let’s talk brand loyalty…

Not the points cards or the fancy marketing buzzwords kind, I mean real, human loyalty.

Are people loyal to you… Or to your business name?
Here’s something I remind clients of all the time,

You are the brand.

Not your logo. Not your colour palette. Not even the business name you spent weeks choosing.

People connect with people. They’re drawn to your energy, your way of showing up, and the trust you’ve built over time. That’s what keeps them coming back, even if you change direction, rebrand, or launch something completely new.
Your audience will stick around if they feel connected to you, not just what you sell.

So if you’re hiding behind your brand, this is your gentle nudge…
◾️ Let people in.
◾️ Share your story.
◾️ Be consistent and real.

Because your magic isn’t in your logo, it’s in you.

Are your people loyal to you or your company?
Would love to hear your thoughts 👇

30/06/2025

🚫 AI can write your content. But should it?

With tools like ChatGPT and Claude, it’s tempting to let AI take over your content strategy. But:
AI is brilliant for speed and idea generation
❌ But it can’t capture your voice, strategy, or nuance
❌ And it’s not always accurate, hallucinations happen

We’ve been using AI to enhance client workflows, not replace them. The magic still lies in human creativity and connection.

Our tip: Develop a strong tone of voice before you use AI. It’s the only way to make your content sound like you.

👀 PS: The imagery in this post? AI-generated. Would you have guessed?

25/06/2025

Butter Yellow is trending 🧈

Butter yellow seems to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. Forget the neon brights of yesteryear; brands are swapping 'em out for this softer, more nostalgic vibe. Think subtle luxury, approachable aesthetics, and just a general "ahhh, that feels nice" kind of feeling.

It's the moment, and if your brand wants to feel fresh, relatable, and totally on-trend, this is a colour (and a mood!) you need to keep an eye on.

What do you think, are you ready to embrace the butter yellow revolution?🧈

18/06/2025

Just a reminder: You are worth it. 💛

It’s easy to scroll Instagram and feel like everyone else is further ahead — more polished, more followers, more “success.”

But their highlight reel isn’t your full story.

You’re building something real, something meaningful, and that’s enough.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep going.
You’re doing better than you think. 💫

17/06/2025

According to Proxima data, 60% of marketing spend is being wasted, and for small businesses, the impact hits even harder.

That’s not just a number. That’s your time, your effort, your hard-earned budget poured into content that doesn’t convert, ads with no strategy, and “quick wins” that never actually win.

At Tartan Social, we work with businesses across Glasgow and beyond to make every penny count. For SMEs, smart marketing isn’t an option; it’s essential.

You need content that works and campaigns that convert, not vanity metrics or empty reach.

What actually works for small businesses in 2025?

✦ A clear social media strategy rooted in business goals

✦ Organic content that builds a connection before conversion

✦ Paid ads run with intention, not guesswork

✦ Data-led decisions, not just design trends

✦ Consistency that builds trust, not just once-a-quarter posting

If you're tired of spending more and seeing less, it's time to take back control of your strategy.

Contact us at www.tartansocial.com for more information.

At Tartan Social, we are your partners in building a powerful online presence and driving real results. While our expertise lies in content and social media marketing, we offer a comprehensive suite of digital services to maximise your business's value and return on investment online.

16/06/2025

I'M HEADED TO ! 🎉

After 6 years in business and a LOT of FOMO watching from the sidelines, I’ve finally booked my ticket to the UK’s biggest (and boldest) marketing event, and I couldn’t be more excited!

✨ Learning from industry legends
✨ Meeting inspiring business owners IRL
✨ Soaking up ALL the energy, ideas & good vibes

If you’re going too, let’s connect!

11/06/2025

Hey, are you on LinkedIn?
I’d love to connect with more business owners, creatives, and like-minded people over there, too!

Drop your LinkedIn link below or send me a request at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleneespie/ 💬👋

10/06/2025

🚨 ChatGPT went down today, and things got a little dicey for a lot of people!

Whether you rely on it for content ideas, marketing copy, or just keeping on top of a million daily tasks, this is your reminder that you are still the brains behind your business.

AI is an incredible tool, but it’s just a tool.

So take the pause, get creative, or tackle the task the old-school way (pen, paper, panic 😱).