Hi, We're the Next Page Brand Strategies Team.
You see our work all the time, splashed across the various social media channels - but we’re always floating somewhere behind the scenes. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to reintroduce ourselves, and share an inside look into how we leverage social media on a personal level. And, if you’ve heard anything about the Next Page Brand Strategies team, you probably know how we feel about our animals - those fun-loving little coworkers that sometimes make their appearances on our virtual calls. So, without further ado, meet the whole team!
Cassandra D’Alessio. Owner. Managing Director. Max’s Mom.
Meet the leader of the pack.
Cassandra started it all. She’s been here since day one. Next Page Brand Strategies was her vision, and she brought it to life in more ways than one. We asked her a couple of questions about how she uses social media in her free time - here’s what she shared.
What’s your favorite social media platform to use personally?
Instagram. Mainly because I’ve been very protective about who I follow and who I allow to follow me here, so it’s truly only those people who are in some way a positive influence in my life. It’s also so much easier to see the types of accounts that bring you joy! (Hello, @campingwithdogs).
What was the very first social channel you remember making a profile on?
Facebook. I was a sophomore at Miami University and we were one of only a handful of colleges who had access to what was then called TheFacebook.com. Before that, I wouldn’t use “social media” like MySpace because it felt too public. Facebook was only for college students, so I was a willing participant!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone about the social media landscape, marketing, or branding in general?
Please, please, please don’t be on all the channels just because you can. Not every channel is worth it for your audience and your goals! Stick to one or two (maybe three if you’re very organized) channels and be consistent and thoughtful on those specific platforms.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Cooking. Hiking. Walking with my dog, Max. Practicing yoga. Reading good ol’ fashioned books from the library.
Ok, now tell us about Max.
Maximus is a 12(ish) year old pit bull/beagle mix. He’s a very chill old man, doesn’t bark, is mostly uninterested in other dogs, but loves the ladies. If you aren’t petting him, he will stare you down until you do.
Sam Christian. Content Manager. Bibliophile. Heathcliff & Rylee’s Mom.
Has a way with words.
Cassandra and Sam joke about being virtually the same person - but want to hear something weird? Both were born on January 29 and share the same favorite book: Jane Eyre. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Here’s how Sam spends her time online when she’s not working - or reading.
What’s your favorite social media platform to use personally?
TikTok. Don't judge me...but I spend far too much time on TikTok for someone of my age. I feel like I learn something new every day thanks to this rapid-fire video platform, and I love how much positivity I've found there. It's incredible how many videos I've come across that make me go, 'Wait, I thought I was the only one who thought or experienced that!' It's awesome to find a place online that makes you feel that much more connected to other humans around the world.
What was the very first social channel you remember making a profile on?
If no one remembers Xanga (the original Tumblr), then probably MySpace. I had my page fully customized - obnoxious backgrounds, music pre-loaded to greet new visitors, and an ever-changing Top 8 Friends on display. (Spoiler alert, I didn’t even have enough friends to really rank anyone at that point in my life - I was like ten when MySpace started).
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone about the social media landscape, marketing, or branding in general?
Consistency is everything. The social space and internet in general is a wealth of information, so building trust slowly over time with your audience is a labor of love. Don’t give in to the fast trends, build a community over time and listen to what your audience actually wants to see/hear from your brand in the online space.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m looking to reach at least 65 books by the end of 2022. Hiking and biking near my home on Lake Superior. Exploring the woods with my dogs, Heathcliff and Rylee.
Ok, now tell us about Heathcliff & Rylee.
Both rescues, Heathcliff (Lab, German Shepherd, Rottweiler mix) and Rylee (mutt galore) were born and raised in the south. When we moved to the Upper Peninsula last year, we had no idea how they’d adjust to the weather. So far, so good: lots of love for the snow! Not so much for the ice…
Chandler Shea Vogler. Creative Manager. Craftivist. Todd, George, and RaeLynn’s Mom.
Everything she touches turns to gold.
Chandler has been with the Next Page team the longest (besides Cassandra, obviously) and she’s been making us look good since Day One. Beyond her incredible graphic and website design skills, she’s a wiz with power tools and DIY creations. Shockingly, Pinterest isn’t her favorite social channel - find out which one is:
What’s your favorite social media platform to use personally?
Instagram. There’s such a wide variety of content out there. I can find motivation, inspiration, and updates from friends and family all in one place!
What was the very first social channel you remember making a profile on?
MySpace. I thought my profile was so cool because I custom coded it myself! Little did I know that I’d grow up to use that skillset in my daily work.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone about the social media landscape, marketing, or branding in general?
You can’t just expect social media to work for you. Posting to social media will get your brand out there, but engaging within social media is where you really build relationships and brand loyalty.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love all things craft - repurposing furniture, painting, decorating, building. If it involves power tools or paint, you can bet that’s where I’m spending my time!
Ok, now tell us about George, Todd, and Raelynn.
I live in a zoo. Between my boyfriend's dog and mine, we have three pups: Todd, George, and RaeLynn. You know the tagline about Sour Patch Kids? First they're sour, then they're sweet. That's them! Wild, crazy, but oh so loving and cuddly.
Katie Small. Project Administrator. Organizational Extraordinaire. Smokes & Pippi’s Mom.
Keeping us in line and on time.
She’s responsible, resourceful, and an overall God-send. Katie keeps the madness of social media marketing at bay for the entire team. Katie’s also one of the trendiest social media people on our team - have you seen her Reels yet? Her transitions are on point, as the kids these days say.
What’s your favorite social media platform to use personally?
Instagram. The content is easy to consume and I can curate to my tastes!
What was the very first social channel you remember making a profile on?
Facebook. Way back in November 2004!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone about the social media landscape, marketing, or branding in general?
Social media isn’t serious - feel free to let your personality shine! Your brand is a reflection of you and your social media should honor that.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my husband and daughter, travel, attend yoga classes, volunteer in various ways (Ronald McDonald House, industry organizations, Board of Elections).
Ok, now tell us about Smokes & Pippi.
I have two former stray cats, rescued from my parents’ house: Smokes and Pippi.
Tiffany Bell. Associate Writer. Technical Expert. Chance’s Mom.
Making words matter.
Every team needs a technical expert, right? Tiffany can take a simple thought and put it into words that teach a lesson, explain a concept, or give directions. Here’s what she thinks about the importance of words on all the different types of social media channels.
What’s your favorite social media platform to use personally?
Facebook is my favorite because it's the one I've used the most and the one that I'm capable of navigating with ease. It makes it easy to find out about things I'm interested in, such as local events, hilarious videos and some of my favorite TV show clips. Plus, most people that I know use Facebook and it's convenient to connect with everyone on that platform.
What was the very first social channel you remember making a profile on?
Twitter. I used it for one of my graduate courses. It involved space-making, so I had to take photos of places (or spaces) that were interesting to me and blog about them. I used the platform to tell stories about what those spaces meant to me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone about the social media landscape, marketing, or branding in general?
Remember that your writing is an extension of you, your company, your brand. Keep this in mind when creating/posting content on social media platforms!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy relaxing days at home curling up with a good book or watching a good movie on Netflix. I also enjoy laughing, traveling and creating memories with family and friends.
Ok, now tell us about Chance.
Chance is a red mini poochon (Bichon Frise/Poodle mix) who will be a year-old in about three weeks. He is a super-cute, smart and fun little guy who brings my family and I a lot of joy! He's also a super-social dog who loves to play, run and bask in the sun. He enjoys tussling with guys and flirting with the girls!
And that’s it - for now! Don’t miss out on the things to come: be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 💙