Digital Content Strategy Recommendation

Client: Paint Yourself Silly South Lincoln

Overview of the Business

Paint Yourself Silly – South Lincoln is a locally owned, walk-in ceramics painting studio that offers customers a hands-on creative experience. Located in the SouthPointe area of Lincoln, Nebraska, it caters to individuals, families, and small groups who want to enjoy a relaxing, low-pressure art experience. Guests can select a ceramic item, paint it, and return to pick up the finished product after firing.

The business operates with the mission of fostering creativity and providing a fun, therapeutic outlet for people of all ages. With no experience required and a wide range of affordable options, Paint Yourself Silly is accessible to both casual hobbyists and more seasoned artists. Their services include walk-in painting, birthday parties, private events, take-home kits, and seasonal promotions.

Evaluation of Current Digital Marketing 

STRENGTHS

  • Strong local brand presence with a loyal customer base

  • Active social media channels (Instagram, Facebook) showcasing creative content

  • Affordable, beginner-friendly offerings that appeal to broad audiences

  • Existing partnerships and events that engage community interest

 

WEAKNESSES

  • ·Limited digital advertising targeting specific local demographics (e.g., UNL students)

  • Inconsistent posting schedule leading to fluctuating engagement

  • Low website traffic and conversion rates on booking pages

  • Minimal influencer marketing or collaborations to expand reach

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Leverage influencer marketing targeting college students to increase weekday visits

  • Use promo offers (free painting certificate) to attract first-time customers

  • Expand content formats to include short videos (Reels, TikTok) for better engagement

  • Collaborate with local businesses or student organizations for cross-promotion

 

THREATS

  • Competition from other local entertainment or creative outlets (e.g., escape rooms, art studios)

  • Seasonal fluctuations impacting foot traffic and studio bookings

  • Shifts in consumer behavior towards digital entertainment rather than hands-on activities

  • Economic factors are causing reduced spending among the target audience

  • Persona Emily Wright

    Emily Wright is a 20-year-old full-time student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, majoring in Elementary Education. She also works part-time at the UNL Library and lives in on-campus housing at The Courtyards. With a busy schedule balancing work, classes, and involvement in campus organizations, Emily often feels overwhelmed. She’s friendly, expressive, and deeply values her close relationship with her mom and siblings. With a limited income of under $10,000 per year, she’s always on the lookout for affordable ways to relax and recharge.

    Emily is drawn to creative outlets, especially those that don’t require a lot of skill or prior experience. Her primary motivation is finding a relaxing, low-pressure activity that helps her unwind during stressful semesters. She also enjoys making thoughtful, personalized gifts for her friends and family. However, she often feels intimidated by “artsy” spaces and worries about not being good enough creatively. Time and confidence are major challenges for her, so any activity that fits her schedule and encourages beginners is ideal.

    To reach Emily effectively, content must feel approachable, supportive, and student-budget-friendly. She is most active on Instagram Reels and TikTok, where she scrolls for short, engaging content. She also regularly checks student deal newsletters in her email. Messaging that highlights flexible walk-in hours, student discounts, and beginner-friendly guides will resonate with her. Content that reassures her that “no experience is needed” and encourages fun over perfection is key to helping Emily feel welcomed and inspired.

  • SEO is important for making sure Paint Yourself Silly is easily found by potential customers searching online for fun, creative activities in Lincoln.

     

    5 SEO-friendly keywords/phrases:

    1. affordable art activities for students Lincoln

    2. pottery painting near UNL campus

    3. DIY gifts Lincoln NE

    4. relaxing things to do in Lincoln for college students

    5. student discounts art studio Lincoln

  • AI can help streamline campaign planning by generating content ideas, visual mockups, or predictive analytics based on previous campaign data.

    To engage Emily Wright and students like her, I recommend using AI to generate a carousel-style Instagram post promoting a "Student Night" event at Paint Yourself Silly. AI can help create both the written caption and the visuals based on student-friendly themes like relaxation, affordability, and DIY gift-making. This streamlines campaign planning by quickly producing assets that match the tone, style, and values of the target persona, without needing a full design team.

    Here is an example of some images created by AI you can use

  • Digital ads are an efficient way to reach college students where they spend their time, which is online.


    Here are 2 digital ad recommendations designed to help Paint Yourself Silly – South reach  the goal of increasing weekday visits from UNL students by 20% during Fall 2025:


    Instagram Story Ad – “Student Night at Paint Yourself Silly”

    • Goal of the Ad:
      Drive attendance to weekly Student Night events by promoting affordability, relaxation, and creativity.

    • Platform:
      Instagram Stories (targeted to students 18–24 in Lincoln, NE, especially around UNL campus).
      Creative Details:
      Short 15-second video showing students painting pottery, laughing, and holding up their finished pieces with text overlays like:
      “De-Stress with Friends” → “ Just $10 w/ Student ID” → “5 min from UNL.”

    • Measuring Success:

      • Swipe-ups or clicks to the Student Night event page

      • Increase in reservations or studio check-ins on Student Nights

      • Engagement rate (tap forwards, reactions, shares)

    Google Display Ad – “Creative Escape Between Classes”

    • Goal of the Ad:
      Encourage spur-of-the-moment weekday visits by promoting the studio as a nearby, low-cost creative outlet.

    • Platform:
      Google Display Network (ads shown on student-focused blogs, YouTube, study sites, and Gmail—geo-targeted to Lincoln).

    • Creative Look/Function:
      A calm, pastel-toned banner with an image of a painted mug-in-progress, paired with headline text:
      “Need a Break from Class?”
      Subtext: “Drop in for $10 Student Studio Days.”
      CTA Button: “Plan Your Visit.”

    • How We’ll Measure Success:

      • Click-through rate (CTR) to the location info or booking page

      • Redemptions of digital ad-exclusive offers (like a student discount code)

      • Increase in weekday walk-ins tracked by time stamps and student IDs

  • Email is a smart, cost-effective way to stay in touch with past guests and promote events to a captive audience.

     

    MARKETING EMAIL:

    Subject Line: Take a Creative Break—$10 Student Nights Are Back!

    Purpose/Goal:

    Promote Student Night as a regular weekday activity for UNL students seeking affordable, screen-free, relaxing experiences close to campus.

    How we’ll collect email addresses:

    • Sign-up form at events or in-studio

    • Pop-up sign-up form on website with incentive: “Get a FREE Paint Upgrade on Your First Visit!”

    • QR code sign-up at UNL student involvement fairs or classroom partnerships

    Email Mock-Up:

    Subject Line: Take a Creative Break—$10 Student Nights Are Back!
    Delivery Timing: Monday at 10:00 AM during the fall semester
    Segmentation: Students who have opted in and used a .edu email

    Header Content

    • Visual: Bright, colorful photo of three UNL students painting pottery

    • Copy: Stress less, paint more. Join us for Student Night this week!

    • CTA: Reserve Your Spot

    Body Content #1

    • Visual: Paint palette and brush on a student’s desk

    • Copy:
      Classes got you stressed? Escape the screen and unwind with $10 pottery painting every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5–8 PM at our South Lincoln location.

    • CTA: View Student Specials

    Body Content #2

    • Visual: Quick quote graphic from a UNL student testimonial

    • Copy:
      “This is my favorite way to relax during the semester!” – Anissa W., UNL Junior

    • CTA: See More Student Reviews

    Body Content #3

    • Visual: Simple icon set with paintbrush, calendar, and location pin

    • Copy:
        All supplies included
        Just 5 minutes from campus
      Drop in or reserve ahead

    • CTA: Find Us on Google Maps

    Footer:

    • Paint Yourself Silly – South address

    • Unsubscribe option

    • Store hours

    • Website

    • Social icons

    • Link to blog: “Creative Breaks Near Campus”

    • Loyalty program graphic

    Engagement Measurement:

    • Click-through rate on the reservation link

    • Conversions from students using the Student Night promo code

    • New email signups from QR or website incentive

    TRANSACTIONAL EMAIL:

    Subject Line: Reservation Confirmed! See You Soon at Paint Yourself Silly!

    How did they opt-in?

    Reservation Form on Website

    What information did we collect at the opt-in:

    • First Name

    • Last Name

    • Email Address

    • Preferred Class Time

    • Phone Number

    Purpose/Goal:

    To confirm the booking and set expectations for the upcoming session

    Timing:

    Immediately after the form is submitted

    Segmentation/Targeting:

    All customers who book online sessions, especially student reservations

    Email Mock-Up:

    Subject Line: Reservation Confirmed! See You Soon at Paint Yourself Silly!
    Delivery Timing: Instant (within 1–2 minutes of form submission)

    Header Content

    • Visual: Paint Yourself Silly logo on colorful ceramic background

    • Copy: Your Painting Session is Confirmed!

    • CTA: View Your Reservation

    Body Content #1

    • Visual: Close-up of a student painting a ceramic mug

    • Copy:
      Thanks for reserving your spot, Emily! Here’s what to know:

      • Date: Tuesday, October 8

      • Time: 6–8 PM

      • Location: 4101 Pioneer Woods Dr, Lincoln

    • CTA: Add to Calendar

    Body Content #2

    • Visual: Photos of painted mugs with personalized messages

    • Copy:
      Need gift inspo? We’ve got plenty of ideas for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

    • CTA: View Gift Ideas

    Body Content #3

    • Visual: Smiling students with upgraded pottery

    • Copy:
      Want to upgrade your pottery or bring a friend? Ask a staff member when you arrive!

    • CTA: See Add-On Options

    Footer:

    • Address

    • Contact info

    • Opt-out link

    • Website

    • Store hours

    • Social icons

    • Link to FAQ

    • Loyalty punch card info

    • Reservation change link

    Engagement Measurement:

    • Clicks on the reservation confirmation and “Add to Calendar”

    • Instagram follows or gift idea page visits from email

    • In-studio check-ins tied to online bookings

  • Social media is a key way to reach Emily, where she already scrolls: Instagram and TikTok.

     Instagram

    • Top 3 Goals:

      • Drive attendance to weekday events like Student Night
        Showcase the studio as a fun, relaxing space for students

      • Promote eCommerce offers like DIY kits or custom ceramics

    • 5 Content Themes:

      • Event promotions: Student Nights, themed workshops, or specials

      • Student spotlights: Reposting photos of UNL students painting their pieces

      • Behind-the-scenes: Footage of staff prepping kits or glazing pottery

      • DIY inspiration: Simple ceramic painting ideas for beginners

      • Stress-relief messaging: Posts about screen-free fun, mental wellness, and creative breaks

    • How We’ll Measure Success:

      • Engagement rate (likes, comments, saves, shares) on weekday-focused content

      • Clicks to booking or eCommerce links in bio

      • Promo code use or check-ins tied to Instagram-only promotions

    TikTok

    • Top 3 Goals:

      • Go viral or increase visibility among UNL students through relatable, trend-based content

      • Educate students on how affordable and easy painting can be

      • Drive traffic to the studio for drop-in visits and Student Night

    • 5 Content Themes:

      • “Come with me” vlogs: Students documenting their Paint Yourself Silly visits

      • Painting transformations: Before/after videos of painted pottery

      • Budget-friendly fun: “What I got for $10 at Paint Yourself Silly”

      • Gift-making content: DIY mug/ornament videos for birthdays or holidays

      • Trendy audio + art challenges: Participating in TikTok trends with an art twist

    • How We’ll Measure Success:

      • Views and shares on videos promoting weekday visits

      • Follower growth from Lincoln-area students

      • Mention of TikTok in student surveys or walk-in conversations

  • Video and motion graphics offer a highly engaging format to show the experience and the final product's potential.

    Recommended video:

    • Type of Video:
      “Come With Me” Day-in-the-Life Vlog (filmed vertically for TikTok/Reels)

    • Goal of the Video:
      Give potential student customers a firsthand look at the experience, from walking into the studio to walking out with a finished piece.

    • Video Content:
      Filmed from the POV of a UNL student.
      Scenes include:

      • Walking to the South location from campus

      • Choosing a ceramic piece

      • Painting with friends

      • Snacking, chatting, and relaxing

      • Showing off the finished mug or bowl

      • Final shot of them writing a gift tag or packaging the item

    • Text overlays and voiceover highlight affordability, accessibility, and relaxation.

    • CTA:
      “Tag your painting buddy and stop by this week!”

    • Platform:
      TikTok, Instagram Reels, embedded on the website

    • How You’ll Measure Success:

      • Engagement: likes, shares, and comments (especially tags)

      • Weekday traffic increases from students

      • Promo code redemptions or studio visits tied to the video release week

  • Content marketing helps reinforce the brand’s identity and educates/entertains the audience beyond promotions.

     

    Blog Series – “Creative Breaks Near Campus”

    • Why it’s important:
      A blog helps boost SEO, making it easier for students to find Paint Yourself Silly when searching for stress-relieving or creative things to do near UNL. It also positions the brand as a helpful and understanding voice in student life.

    • What is it?
      A weekly blog post series on the Paint Yourself Silly website, featuring short, student-focused articles (300–500 words).

    • Goal it accomplishes:

      • Increases website traffic from search engines

      • Builds trust by providing valuable, non-promotional content

      • Encourages midweek visits by linking studio offerings to student needs

    • Why it makes sense for your audience:
      Students like Emily often Google ideas for affordable self-care or low-cost outings—this blog meets them where they are.

    • Frequency:
      Once a week from late August to November (12–14 posts total)

    • Delivery/Sharing:
      Housed on the Paint Yourself Silly website and shared via email newsletters and in the Instagram bio

    • How to measure success:

      • Pageviews and time on page

      • Click-throughs from blog to booking/visit pages

      • Growth in weekday studio visits that coincide with blog promotions

    Video Series – “Mug Makeovers in 20 Minutes”

    • Why it’s important:
      Short, helpful videos entertain while demonstrating how quick and fun a studio visit can be. This helps eliminate hesitation from first-timers and makes midweek painting feel approachable.

    • What is it?
      A digital video series (hosted on the website and YouTube) showing 3–5 minute time-lapse videos of students painting simple ceramic items—like mugs, ornaments, or bowls—under a tight budget and timeframe.

    • Goal it accomplishes:

      • Builds excitement and reduces fear of “not being artistic”

      • Encourages drop-in visits with realistic expectations

      • Reinforces the idea of weekday painting as quick, screen-free stress relief

    • Why it makes sense for your audience:
      Emily doesn’t have much time or money—showing her what’s possible in 20 minutes for $10 speaks directly to her needs.

    • Frequency:
      Biweekly (6–7 videos total during the fall semester)

    • Delivery/Sharing:
      Embedded on the website, emailed to subscribers, and optionally linked in Instagram Stories or email newsletters

    • How to measure success:

      • Video views and completion rate

      • Clicks from video to booking/reservation or location info pages

      • Promo code or student night attendance tied to video series mentions

  • Influencer marketing helps build trust and reach within a niche community like college students.

     

    Influencer Identification Worksheet Outline

    1. Persona Recap

    • Name: Emily Wright

    • Age: 20

    • Location: Lincoln, NE (near UNL campus)

    • Interests: Affordable, beginner-friendly creative outlets, stress relief, personalized gifts

    • Preferred platforms: Instagram (Reels, Stories), TikTok, student newsletters

    2. Influencer Audience Match

    • Audience age: Primarily 18–24 years old, college students or young adults in the Lincoln area

    • Audience interests: DIY crafts, creative hobbies, student life, wellness, budget-friendly activities

    • Geographic focus: Lincoln, Nebraska, and the surrounding UNL community

    3. Influencer Content Style & Tone

    • Authentic, relatable, friendly, and approachable

    • Emphasis on creativity, relaxation, and beginner-friendly activities

    • Casual “day in the life” or tutorial style content preferred

    4. Influencer Platform Presence

    • Active on Instagram and TikTok with regular posting frequency

    • Engagement rates above 4% to ensure an active community

    • Able to create video content (Reels, TikTok) and static posts

    5. Influencer Reach & Engagement Metrics

    • Follower count: 5,000 to 50,000 (micro-influencers)

    • Engagement: Likes, comments, shares on posts/videos

    • Authenticity: Real comments and interaction from followers

    6. Past Collaborations

    • Experience with local brands, student-focused campaigns, or creative/DIY niches

    • Transparent sponsored posts with positive reception

    7. Brand Alignment

    • Values align with Paint Yourself Silly’s mission: accessible creativity, stress relief, community

    • Personality fits fun, inviting, and non-intimidating creative space

    8. Budget & Compensation

    • Compensation per post is between $400–$600, depending on content type and reach

    • Possibility of free studio sessions or exclusive offers

    Creative Brief for Potential Influencer

    Client: Paint Yourself Silly – South Lincoln
    Campaign: “Unplug & Create: Stress Relief for UNL Students”
    Goal: Increase weekday visits from UNL students by 20% during Fall 2025 by promoting free 1-hour painting certificates

    Target Audience:
    UNL students (ages 18–24) seeking affordable, beginner-friendly, screen-free stress relief and creative outlets near campus

    Key Messages:

    • Painting at Paint Yourself Silly is beginner-friendly and requires no artistic experience

    • The studio offers a fun, relaxing environment perfect for unwinding during busy weekdays

    • Personalized pottery makes thoughtful gifts or self-care projects

    • Claim a free 1-hour painting certificate to try it out at no cost!

    Deliverables:

    • 2 Instagram Reels or TikTok videos per month highlighting:

      • A “day in the life” or visit to Paint Yourself Silly

      • Beginner-friendly painting tutorials or tips

    • 3 Instagram Stories featuring:

      • The painting experience and studio atmosphere

      • Swipe up or link the sticker to claim the free certificate

    • 1 static Instagram post showcasing a finished pottery piece and fun vibes

    Tone & Style:

    • Friendly, authentic, and relatable — as if recommending to a friend

    • Visuals are bright, casual, and inviting, showcasing real moments and creativity

    • Emphasize stress relief and social connection

    Call to Action:
    Encourage followers to claim their free 1-hour painting certificate by visiting the landing page and submitting their email

    Hashtags & Tags:

    • Use #PaintYourselfSilly and #CreativeStressRelief

    • Tag @PaintYourselfSilly on all posts and stories

    Content Review:
    Submit content drafts or outlines for approval before posting to ensure brand message consistency

    Campaign Timing:
    Content spread across 3 months, starting late August through November, timed to peak during mid-semester stress periods

    Measurement:
    Track redemptions of free certificates, website traffic, social engagement, and an increase in weekday studio visits

  • Clear website goals help track how digital content drives results.

    Gift Card Campaign

    Owned Website Funnel:

    1. User selects the desired gift certificate amount.

    2. User fills out recipient info and email address.

    3. User enters payment information.

    4. User sees order confirmation pop-up and success message.

    Tactic 1: Google Display Ad

    Tactic 2: Instagram Story with Swipe-Up Link

     Tactic 3: Email Newsletter

  • Having a mobile-optimized site is essential because most student users access content on phones. A responsive layout, easy-to-tap buttons, and quick-loading pages improve engagement and reduce bounce rates.

  • eCommerce refers to selling goods or services online through a website or app.


    eCommerce makes sense for Paint Yourself Silly – South Location. Here’s why and how:

    • Expands reach beyond studio visitors: Offering products or services online helps reach busy students like Emily, who may want to engage with the studio even when they can't visit in person.

    • Supports passive revenue streams: Online sales can bring in income during slower in-person hours or semesters.

    eCommerce Opportunities:

    • DIY To-Go Pottery Kits: Customers can order kits online (with ceramic pieces, paints, and brushes) to pick up or have delivered—perfect for students who want a relaxing night in.

    • Custom Hand-Painted Gifts: Offer pre-made or personalized ceramic items (like mugs or ornaments) for online purchase, ideal around holidays, birthdays, or for gift-giving occasions.

Overarching Goals of Your Digital Marketing Recommendations

My client, Paint Yourself Silly – South, wants to achieve the goal of increasing weekday visits from UNL students by 20% during the fall semester (September through November 2025), as this audience is looking for accessible, low-cost, screen-free stress relief and personalized gift-making opportunities close to campus

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