Photos: Real Seattle Media Mixer Packs Out Sugar Hill
All photos were taken by Marvin Petterson
Another media mixer is in the books. This month I was more than excited to take The Real Seattle Media Mixer over to Sugar Hill. Why? Because it's honestly a vibey Thai restaurant that I've always wanted to do an event at, and I finally got my wish. Now, I didn't expect we would pack the place out, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
This month I hosted a panel with Jaz, Asia, and King Onlii on Reels and TikTok which focused on how Instagram and TikTok push more videos these days that are more authentic than videos that are simply carbon copies of what is already out there.
The panel also touched on the fact that being authentic rather than what you think people want you to be, allows for your audience to truly get to know you for you. One thing Jaz said was when she first started doing videos and going live she never wore makeup. So now if she wants to she can, but she's able to show up as herself 24/7 without her audience ever being shocked about her appearance. Because let's be honest. There are plenty of people that won't post on IG without makeup let alone a filter. (Me.... I'm one of them LOL)
One of the questions I asked was "how many times a day should you post?" Asia said two, King Onlii said three, and Jaz said at least once. What's interesting is that they all have strong followings, and are still able to grow even though they all have their own methods for posting amounts. I honestly think that has to do with training your audience and being consistent with your posting. In radio, we call that "setting appointments." Meaning, if you know Monday-Friday at 7:20 pm I'm telling you about events happening in the city that you should know about and you actually enjoy my recommendations, after some time of you checking in with me each day at 7:20 pm, automatically when you want to know what's happening in the city you'll make sure to tune in to find out, or you'll do like some and just DM me on Instagram LOL. Which is fine too.
My point in all this? Being consistent with your online content matters. Not only for your followers but the algorithm. You have to keep posting to give it a chance to push you out to your audience. Now of course buying ads helps, but that's only if you pay someone that know's how to set them up correctly or if you know how to do them yourself so you're not wasting your money.
We also talked about the amazing organic growth you can get by using your own voice rather than someone else's. Have you ever been on TikTok and heard the sound "once thing about them stylist, they gone lay them edges, and one thing about me, I ain't going to ever be able to do that again." If so, that was Asia! That video has 1.3 million views and all she did was say something all women who love a good baby hair moment can relate to. These days content that is super real and natural are key. Why? Because most of the internet is the total opposite and people love to see themselves in people they look up to, or simply follow on social media.
Have you ever heard of Window Chronicles where a guy in Seattle shows all the crazy stuff that happens in Seattle from his living room window that the general public (people that don't live in the PNW) typically never see? If so, that's King Onlii. He also did the "boyfriend tryouts" sound that pops up every year at the end of December, I've even seen that audio used on pages like The Shade Room. My point? Be you! Because you can only reuse other people's content for so long. People love feeling connected to the people they follow. The connection is what creates more of a tribe-like vibe. And that's what you want. Not fans.
Thank you to everyone that pulled up and enjoyed the panel, making new connections and the music spun by DJ Lady Coco. Thank you to our partner's Friends of Waterfront Seattle, and thank you to Sugar Hill for allowing us to have the Real Seattle Media Mixer at their venue this month.
Stay tuned for the next Real Seattle Media Mixer date to be announced. In the meantime, see below for more photos from this month's mixer taken by Marvin.
Were you at this month’s Real Seattle Media Mixer? If so sound off in the comments! What was your favorite part? Who did you meet? What topics do you want to hear about next? Let us know below!
