Social Media Archives

Tracking Business Metrics: How a Virtual Assistant Can Help You Stay on Top of Your Data

by Bethany Hogan | Apr 1, 2025 | Blog, Delegating, Entrepreneur, Marketing, SEO, Social Media, Virtual Assisting

Feel Like You’re Drowning in Data? Here’s How to Actually Use It to Grow Your Business.

If you’ve ever stared at a spreadsheet full of numbers and thought, “Cool… but what does this actually mean?” — you’re not alone.

As an online business owner, you already know that tracking business metrics is important. But knowing which numbers matter, how to analyze them, and what to do with that info? That’s where it can get overwhelming fast.

And let’s be real: You didn’t build your business so you could spend hours poring over reports, right?

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to. A skilled virtual assistant (VA) can help you keep your finger on the pulse of your business—without the headache of doing it all yourself.

Why Tracking Business Metrics Actually Matters

Think of your metrics as your business’s pulse. They tell you what’s working, what’s flopping, and where you’re leaving money on the table. But only if you’re paying attention.

By regularly tracking and reviewing your numbers, you can:

Make smarter decisions based on actual data (not gut feelings).
Spot trends early so you can capitalize on them.
Cut the fluff and double down on what’s working.
Catch potential problems before they become costly.

The problem? Many entrepreneurs get caught up in client work, team management, launches—you name it—and push data tracking to the bottom of the to-do list.

That’s where things can quietly go off track.

What Business Metrics Should You Be Tracking?

It depends on your goals, but here are some key areas where a virtual assistant can make a huge impact:

1. Email Marketing Performance

Open Rate – Are people actually reading your emails? (Yes this metric still matters – it helps you monitor for consistency)
Click-Through Rate (CTR) – Are they taking action?
Unsubscribe Rate – Are you keeping your list engaged?

2. Social Media Insights

Engagement Rate – Are followers commenting, liking, and sharing?
Follower Growth – Is your community growing steadily?
Reach & Impressions – How many eyeballs are on your content?

3. Website & Sales Metrics

Page Views & Bounce Rate – Are visitors sticking around?
Conversion Rate – Are visitors taking the next step (like buying or booking)?
Lead Generation & Revenue – Are your efforts actually boosting your bottom line?

Tracking these consistently lets you refine your strategy, spend smarter, and grow faster.

So, How Can a Virtual Assistant Help With All This?

A VA with experience in business analytics can be your behind-the-scenes data detective. They can:

Keep tabs on your KPIs so nothing slips through the cracks.
Spot patterns in the data and flag opportunities or red flags.
Help you pivot quickly when something’s not working.
Create simple dashboards and reports that tell you what you need to know at a glance.

Basically, they help you make decisions faster—and with way more confidence.

How Often Should You Be Looking at Your Metrics?

A good rule of thumb: check in at least monthly. But for fast-moving areas like paid ads, lead gen, or launch campaigns? You’ll want eyes on those weekly (or even daily).

A virtual assistant can automate reporting and tracking so you’re always in the loop—without having to manually pull numbers every time.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Data Do the Heavy Lifting

Here’s the truth: If you’re not tracking business metrics, you’re running your business blindfolded. But the solution doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.

With the right virtual assistant on your team, you can turn your data into powerful insights—and use it to scale smarter, not harder.

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Hire a virtual assistant who knows their way around your metrics, and finally make your data work for you—not against you.

7 Virtual Assistant Services Every Online Business Owner Should Know About

by Bethany Hogan | Apr 1, 2025 | Blog, Customer Service, Delegating, Entrepreneur, Infusionsoft, Marketing, Product Launch, SEO, Social Media, Virtual Assisting

If you’re running an online business, there comes a point where doing everything yourself just isn’t sustainable. That’s where virtual assistant services become a game-changer.

At Smart to Finish, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs like you streamline operations, simplify systems, and scale with confidence, without adding more to your plate.

Here are 7 of the most essential virtual assistant services for online businesses that can help you stay focused, profitable, and in your zone of genius.

1. Launch Support That Covers Every Detail

Planning a launch? It doesn’t have to take over your life.

From timelines to tech to follow-up sequences, our virtual assistant services help online businesses manage the moving pieces of a launch—so you can show up and sell without the chaos.

Launches are revenue drivers. But without the right support, they can derail your entire schedule and stress level. This service keeps your energy where it belongs—on selling, not scrambling.

So you can have a smooth, strategic launch, without the last-minute chaos.

2. CRM + Automation Support That Just Works

Using tools like Infusionsoft, Ontraport, ActiveCampaign, or another CRM?

Our virtual assistant services include CRM setup, automation, segmentation, and tagging—so your systems actually save you time instead of causing tech stress.

Without optimized systems, you’re leaking time, leads, and revenue. We make sure your automations are doing their job—so you don’t have to manually do everything yourself.

Your business should run like a well-oiled machine—behind the scenes.

3. Executive Assistant Support That Feels Seamless

You don’t need to be glued to your inbox or calendar.

Our executive virtual assistants help online business owners manage schedules, emails, and admin tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly—and nothing slips through the cracks.

Admin overload kills creativity. This service clears the mental clutter so you can lead with clarity and confidence.

Stay organized, responsive, and in control—without doing it all yourself.

4. Graphic Design That Elevates Your Brand

Strong visuals = stronger engagement.

Our graphic design services help online businesses create polished, on-brand graphics for lead magnets, sales pages, promos, and social media—without needing to hire a full-time designer.

First impressions count. Good design instantly builds trust—and poor design costs you credibility and clicks.

Look professional, stay consistent, and capture attention.

5. Marketing Support That Moves the Needle

Need help keeping up with your content calendar, campaigns, or promos?

Smart to Finish offers marketing-focused virtual assistant services that help you plan and execute your strategy—so your brand stays visible and profitable.

Consistency drives conversions. If your marketing is stop-and-go, so is your revenue. We keep things moving even when you’re in CEO mode.

Your marketing momentum doesn’t have to depend on you doing it all.

6. Content Creation That’s SEO-Smart and On-Brand

Blogs and social content are powerful—but only if they’re consistent and strategic.

We create blog posts and social media copy that’s not only engaging but also optimized for SEO, helping your online business get found by the right people at the right time.

Visibility equals growth. SEO-optimized content brings in organic traffic, boosts authority, and keeps your brand top-of-mind—without buying more ads.

Let your content work for you—on autopilot.

7. Email Marketing Compliance You Can Count On

Laws like GDPR and CAN-SPAM aren’t optional—and missing a step can be costly.

We help online business owners ensure their email systems, opt-ins, and unsubscribes stay compliant and aligned with best practices.

One misstep can land you on a blacklist—or worse, face legal consequences. We protect your reputation while helping you nurture your list the right way.

Build trust, stay legal, and keep your list healthy.

Bonus: White Label VA Services to Expand Your Capacity

Want to grow your client base without building a team from scratch?

Our white label virtual assistant services for online businesses help agencies and coaches expand their offerings behind the scenes—under your brand, with our support.

Scaling doesn’t have to mean hiring headaches. We give you the freedom to grow while keeping operations simple and sustainable.

Serve more clients without the stress of managing it all in-house.

Final Thoughts: The Right Virtual Assistant Services Change Everything

The right support team doesn’t just take things off your to-do list—it helps you scale smarter and more sustainably. At Smart to Finish, our virtual assistant services for online businesses are designed to meet you where you are and grow with you.

Let’s build the backend of your business so you can step fully into the front.

Ready to delegate with confidence? Let’s talk about which services will have the biggest impact on your business right now.

Social Media Trends for Businesses 2025: What You Need to Know

by Amber Miller | Feb 10, 2025 | Blog, Social Media

Social media is evolving rapidly, and businesses that stay ahead of the latest trends have a major advantage. If your business relies on social media for brand awareness, lead generation, or customer engagement, keeping up with these changes is essential.

So, what are the top social media trends for businesses in 2025? In this blog, we’ll explore the must-know trends and how they can help your business grow.

1. Short-Form Video Remains the Best Engagement Tool

If your business isn’t using short-form video, now is the time to start. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are leading engagement in 2025, making video content a must-have in any marketing strategy.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Create quick product demos, behind-the-scenes content, or client testimonials.
Keep videos short—15 to 30 seconds perform best.
Use trending audio and captions to boost discoverability.

Businesses that embrace video as part of their 2025 social media strategy will see higher engagement and brand awareness.

2. Social Media is the New Customer Service Hub

More customers are turning to social media to ask questions, leave feedback, and interact with brands. Businesses that respond quickly and engage authentically will build stronger relationships with their audience.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Monitor comments, messages, and reviews daily.
Respond to inquiries within a few hours whenever possible.
Use social media tools to track and manage customer conversations.

By prioritizing customer engagement on social media, businesses can enhance their reputation and improve client trust.

3. Authentic, Relatable Content Outperforms Polished Branding

Overly polished, sales-heavy posts no longer perform well. In 2025, social media users crave authenticity and human connection. Businesses that share real stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and interactive content will thrive.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Showcase your brand’s personality with informal, engaging posts.
Share real customer stories, testimonials, or case studies.
Use Instagram Stories, LinkedIn updates, and TikTok Q&As for interactive content.

Building a strong community through authentic engagement on social media will boost brand loyalty and conversions.

4. Social Commerce is Driving More Sales

Social media is no longer just for engagement—it’s a direct sales channel. Platforms like Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and Pinterest Shopping are making it easier than ever for customers to purchase directly from social media.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Set up Instagram and Facebook Shops if you sell products.
Optimize posts with product tags and direct links.
Use influencer marketing and user-generated content to drive trust.

If you’re not leveraging social commerce in 2025, your business could be missing out on valuable sales opportunities.

5. Platform Diversification is Key for Business Growth

Relying on a single social media platform is risky. While Instagram and Facebook remain essential, businesses should explore platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Threads to reach new audiences.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Identify where your target audience spends time and experiment with new platforms.
Repurpose content across multiple channels to maximize reach.
Stay updated on emerging platforms to stay ahead of competitors.

Businesses that diversify their social media presence will be better positioned for long-term success.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Social Media Trends in 2025

Social media is constantly evolving, but businesses that stay adaptable and embrace change will thrive. By leveraging these key social media trends for businesses in 2025, you can strengthen your brand, engage your audience, and drive growth.

Need help keeping up with the latest trends? Our team specializes in social media strategy and content creation—let’s chat about how we can help your business succeed!

Contact us today to start optimizing your social media strategy for 2025!

Why You Need a Virtual Social Media Assistant for Your Online Business

by Amber Miller | Apr 26, 2018 | Social Media

Perhaps you have considered hiring a social media assistant before. But, you keep plugging away at writing content, scheduling content, finding content to post, growing and building your audience, and engaging with your audience.

I don’t know about you, but that sounds very time consuming. I’m sure that you’d rather spend your time growing your business and doing what you love. That’s why you should delegate your social media tasks to a virtual assistant. Here are just a few ways a social media assistant (not a social media strategist) can help you reclaim your time.

Content Management

If you struggle to write new and engaging posts, we suggest finding a virtual assistant who is a good writer. When you get stuck and can’t think of anything to write, ask them to come up with ideas for articles. Or, have them write a few.

You can also task your virtual assistant with content curation, or locating external content to mix in with your original content. While it might seem counter-intuitive, sharing external content is necessary. Why? No one likes too much self-promotion.

Once you have some content to post, your social media assistant can then schedule your content in tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, Tailwind, or even other more robust programs like Sprout Social or Sendible. These allow you to repurpose content and always have something ready and waiting to be published.

Audience Management

Have a large following of engaged fans on Twitter? Always answering questions or having to moderate discussions on your Facebook page? Then delegate this task to your social media assistant. Find someone who’s comfortable with speaking for you and handling the daily administrative tasks.

If you need to grow your audience, you can also delegate tasks such as finding people to follow, unfollowing people, doing competitor research, etc.

Advertising Management

If you aren’t doing any advertising on social media, you are missing out on a very effective and and affordable means to boost your business. A social media assistant versed in social media advertising can help you navigate the ever-changing social media ad landscape.

If you wonder which platform is right for you, we suggest starting out with Facebook Ads as they are still the most widely used (even with all of the recent controversy). We don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.

So now that you can see how a social media assistant can help your business grow, why not contact us at Smart to Finish? We have a team of experts who can help you take social media tasks off of your plate and give you more freedom to do what you love.

Best Times to Post on Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn

by Amber Miller | Mar 16, 2018 | Social Media

So when are the best times to post on social media? It depends on the social network you’re asking about because people use them differently. You also need to consider how your audience interacts with a platform. And last but not least, there are regions and time zones to consider.

Here are some good rules of thumb to get started:

Best Times to Post on Facebook

Facebook is both a mobile and desktop app, and people use it both at home and at work. Its use depends on the audience.

For every day of the week, the average best time to post is between 1 and 4 PM, when click-through rates are at their highest.
On Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 1 PM is the best time slot.
Monday through Friday, prime time is Wednesday at 3 PM as well as Thursday and Friday between 1 to 4 PM.
Don’t post before 8 AM and after 8 PM on weekends.

Best Times to Post on Twitter

People use Twitter on mobile devices and desktops, at work and at home. However, people like to read it during down times like breaks, commutes, etc.

Peak time is at 5 PM (to go along with the evening commute), but anytime between 12 and 3 PM is also a great time to post.
People seem to use it more during the week than the weekend, but it might depend on the audience. Do some testing to see.
If you want to capitalize on retweets and click-throughs, shoot for noon, 3 PM, and/or 5 to 6 PM.

Best Times to Post on Instagram

Instagram is mainly used on mobile devices, and it appears that many people interact with the app more after work than during the workday. And most use it every day.

Most data shows that the best times to post pictures on Instagram are Monday and Thursday at any time other than 3-4 PM.
If you want to post a video, do it between 9 PM and 8 AM on any day of the week.

Best Times to Post on Pinterest

The majority of Pinterest users are female, and roughly 25% are on it daily.

One of the best times to post is on Saturday evenings, especially between 8 to 11 PM.
Another time to try is on Fridays around 3 PM.
Try to avoid commute times, because most users are not using downtime on commutes and at work to view the content.

Best Times to Post on LinkedIn

Because LinkedIn is mainly for professional purposes, most people who use it are on during the weekdays. And more than half of its users are on it less than once a week.

Post during the middle of the week, between Tuesday and Thursday.
For maximum click-through, post on those days during commute times, somewhere around 7:30 to 8:30 AM and 5 to 6 PM.
Lunch hour is also a good idea, between 12 and 1 PM.
Another slot to try is on Tuesdays between 10 and 11 AM.

So now that you have a better idea of what the best times to post on social media are, why not contact us at Smart to Finish to manage your social media needs? We have team members ready to help you manage your social media campaigns.

How to Handle the New Facebook Newsfeed Changes

by Amber Miller | Jan 18, 2018 | Social Media

As soon as Mark Zuckerberg announced new Facebook Newsfeed changes to focus more on “meaningful interactions” between its users, you could almost hear the cries of business owners everywhere. Why? Well, posts that business publish are being downgraded in favor of posts from friends and families.

In short, organic reach for posts made by publishers, store owners, etc. will go down, even if you already had amazing reach before.
But before you lose all hope and abandon Facebook for your business, there are four things you can do to respond to these changes.

Ask your audience to prioritize your posts.

Probably the easiest change you can make is to ask your audience to prioritize your posts by activating the See First feature:

Post less instead of more, and make it engaging.

In fact, stop all automated posting of content from your blog. Post original content that will encourage your followers to interact with the post. But, be careful not to make it engagement bait; that is, don’t ask people to like or comment on your post. That is probably even more detrimental to your reach than posting content that doesn’t result in any engagement. Here are some examples, courtesy of Facebook:

Credit: Facebook

Here’s an example from Mari Smith’s Facebook page for a post that asks a question without asking for likes or comments::

And when you start to get engagement, keep the conversation going by getting involved. It gives your followers more of a sense of community, which is the ultimate aim of the Facebook Newsfeed changes.

Go Live more often.

Most people hate the idea of being on camera, but given that Facebook’s announcement says Live videos average 6 times the engagement, it’s going to be a necessity for reaching your audience. While it may seem scary at first, it will get easier as you do it more often. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Report on major industry updates. .
Show your followers how you make your products.
Hold an “Ask Me Anything” session.
Do a meet and greet with some of your staff members to give your followers a peek behind the scenes.

If you’re really nervous, try writing an outline of what you want to talk about rather than ad libbing the entire video.

Use Facebook Ads.

If you haven’t been using Facebook Ads up until now, it’s probably a good idea to start boosting your most important posts. While ad costs will probably go up, you can combat that by having really good copy, a high quality video, targeted audience, and the correct ad objectives. If you need help with this, the Smart to Finish team can set up and manage your Facebook Ad campaign.

We hope these tips have helped you feel a little better about the new Facebook Newsfeed changes. Please contact us with any questions you may have. We’re here to help!

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