B08- Brands, Marketing, and Advertising with Social Media

  In today’s digital world, social media is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with audiences, building trust, and growing a brand. For a blog focused on cooking and utilizing nature as a form of self-care, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are especially useful because they are visually driven and heavily influence lifestyle trends. Social media not only allows creators to showcase their passions but also enables them to create community, share knowledge, and promote products and services in a way that feels personal and authentic.

One of the key takeaways from this week’s readings and videos is that authenticity, consistency, and storytelling are essential when building and maintaining a brand through social media. Audiences want to connect with real people who live the values they promote. For a blog centered on cooking and nature as self-care, this means posting genuine content—like imperfect but heartfelt cooking moments, foraging adventures, or reflective hikes—that reflect the lifestyle and philosophy behind the brand.

Engagement is more important than reach. It’s better to have a smaller, highly engaged audience that trusts your recommendations than a large, passive following. Strategies that work well include using short-form videos (such as cooking reels or “a day in the life” vlogs), responding to comments and messages, and leveraging user-generated content by encouraging followers to share their own nature-inspired meals or mindful moments outdoors.

To market products and services, such as eBooks, cooking classes, or natural wellness tools, it's crucial to offer value first. Educational posts like "5 healing herbs you can find in your backyard" or "How to make a mindful breakfast using only local ingredients" can build trust. Soft-selling in captions or offering exclusive discounts to followers also works well. Collaborations with like-minded influencers or brands can introduce your content to a wider but still relevant audience.

From the readings, I was particularly drawn to the importance of having a content calendar and posting consistently, while also maintaining a recognizable tone and visual style. This helps in creating a brand identity that is memorable and trustworthy. I’d advise anyone looking to build a social media brand to define their niche clearly, use hashtags strategically, and make use of analytics to see what kind of content performs best.

A great example of someone who’s successfully built a brand in this niche is @halfbakedharvest (Tieghan Gerard) on Instagram. Her focus on cozy, seasonal meals mixed with a rustic, nature-driven aesthetic aligns well with the cooking and self-care through nature concept. She posts consistently, tells personal stories, and engages with her audience through comments, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes content. Her brand feels authentic and aspirational without being inaccessible, and she has expanded into cookbooks and brand partnerships in a way that feels natural.

On the flip side, a less successful example would be some influencer-run wellness brands that have faced backlash for over-commercializing self-care or misrepresenting natural remedies. In some cases, posts promoting expensive or ineffective products have led to audience mistrust. This highlights the importance of research, transparency, and ethicsin content. If your brand is rooted in nature and self-care, then the products you promote should be environmentally friendly, affordable, and aligned with the values of sustainability and mindfulness

Ultimately, the most successful social media strategies are those that build relationships. People don’t just want to consume content—they want to feel like they’re part of a community. Whether it’s through Instagram stories showing real life moments, TikTok tutorials on mindful cooking, or Pinterest boards that inspire a lifestyle, social media is the bridge that turns casual browsers into loyal followers and, eventually, customers.

In conclusion, social media is an invaluable tool for engaging with audiences, marketing meaningful products, and building a brand around cooking and nature as self-care. With a clear voice, thoughtful strategy, and genuine passion, creators can use these platforms not only to grow a business but to inspire a lifestyle of healing and connection—one recipe, hike, or herbal tea at a time.