Hands On Exotics, based in the Greater Toronto Area, specializes in offering unique and engaging exotic animal encounters. This organization provides a broad range of services, including Animal Assisted Therapy and a variety of outreach programs aimed at diverse audiences such as schools, senior homes, and special needs groups. With a mission to bring the unexpected to both private and public events, Hands On Exotics delivers hands-on experiences through carefully customized packages that cater to any budget and event size. From educational school programs to immersive birthday and corporate events, they ensure unforgettable interactions with exotic animals. Additionally, Hands On Exotics supplies talented animal actors for film, television, and virtual shows, further showcasing their versatile and enriching services designed to foster a greater appreciation for wildlife.

As a Social Media Specialist at Hands On Exotics, my primary responsibility was to build the organization's digital footprint through strategic social media and search optimization. The challenge lay in creating trendy, educational, and promotional content while effectively saturating our audience with both paid and organic content distributions. This role also required working on-site to film and capture moments at general appearances such as TV shows, photoshoots, and fashion shows.

The strategy was conceptualized around leveraging visually engaging content and real-time event coverage to drive audience engagement and brand awareness. Recognizing the potential in both organic reach and paid initiatives, we planned to create a blend of trendy and educational content that resonated with our diverse audience. Our goal was to highlight the unique experiences Hands On Exotics offers while also emphasizing the educational value of our programs.

The implementation phase involved a comprehensive content creation process, focusing on the following key areas:

Regular on-site filming of events and animal encounters to create authentic and engaging content.

Production of short-form videos and high-quality images to be used across social media platforms.

Increased posting frequency with a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, educational posts, and promotional content.

Utilized Instagram Stories and Reels to capture real-time events and engage with our audience more interactively.

Implemented targeted paid social campaigns to boost specific events and educational programs.

Emphasized user-generated content and influencer partnerships to expand our reach organically.

To further boost engagement and drive traffic to our social media platforms, we introduced contest initiatives. Offering unique prizes, such as exclusive exotic animal encounters, these contests were designed to stimulate user activity and participation. This approach not only highlighted the unique offerings of Hands On Exotics but also enhanced our social media interaction and built a stronger community.

A pivotal component of our strategy was forming partnerships with influencers and celebrities who could authentically promote our brand. These collaborations were instrumental in introducing Hands On Exotics to new audiences and reinforcing our value proposition to existing followers. Influencers helped us create buzz around our events and educational programs, significantly amplifying our reach.

The concerted efforts in revamping our social media strategy yielded remarkable results:

Achieved a 1506% increase in Instagram engagements, totaling 1924 likes and comments.

Expanded Instagram follower count by 25%, reaching 4879 followers.

Boosted overall website sessions by 15.66%, demonstrating effective traffic-driving strategies.

The initiative to enhance Hands On Exotics' digital presence has not only increased engagement and follower growth but also positioned the brand as a leader in exotic animal encounters and education. Through innovative content strategies, influencer collaborations, and targeted paid initiatives, we have set a new benchmark for digital engagement within our sector. Moving forward, we aim to build on this momentum, continuously seeking new ways to engage our audience and expand our reach.