He’s been the mayor of the small town of Clayton, N.C., since 2003. But Jody McLeod, AIFD, NCCPF, is also a longtime florist who’s been in the retail floral industry as a shop owner and designer for the past 30 years.
It’s been only in the past two years that Jodi has embraced Instagram, and while he realizes that the platform can be a great tool, he also knows it takes time and effort to bear significant fruit. He, like others in his shoes, realizes that he could do better at Instagram. That, he says, is a plus.
“There are thousands of people like me who find value in Instagram but lack the skills to do it,” McLeod says. “But I’m happy to share my strategy and suggest what great value we get from Instagram and how it benefits our business, our artistry and our industry in a world of social distancing.”
“There are thousands of people like me who find value in Instagram but lack the skills to do it,” McLeod says. “But I’m happy to share my strategy and suggest what great value we get from Instagram and how it benefits our business, our artistry and our industry in a world of social distancing.”
NOTE: This summer, McLeod will co-present a design program, “20/20 Perspective,” with Tom Bowling, AIFD, PFCI; Jerome Raska, AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CA FA, CF; Helen Miller, AIFD,CA FA, CF; and Derek Woodruff, AIFD, PFCI, CF, on the Main Stage at the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) 2020 Symposium “Vision” in Chicago (July 2-7). Register to attend at aifd.org/2020-symposium-vision.
who Jody McLeod, AIFD, NCCPF, owner of Jody McLeod Florals and mayor of Clayton, N.C.
why we like it Jody doesn’t have tens of thousands of Instagram followers like some florists do, but his Instagram presence reflects sincerity and shows that, with a little focus, there’s a lot to be gained through the platform.
why he joined “Peer pressure! Everybody was on it, and the fast growth of Instagram is incredible, with more activity than any other social media platform. Clients don’t know what you can do until you show them, and what better platform is there to do that than Instagram?”
helping hand When Jody joined Instagram in 2018, he tried to manage the account by himself, taking photos, writing posts and interacting with followers. That’s going to change soon. “I learned to stick to what I’m good at, so I am investing in hiring a millennial who knows how to do Instagram well!”
what’s worked “My strongest attention-getters are the stylings from design shows featuring a beautiful color palette or an enhanced technique in addition to weddings and events and sympathy. These types of post have benefitted me greatly in my journey, and it’s truly the most impactful and most economical way to get yourself or your business out there. The interaction yields lots of likes and loves.”
encouraging words I encourage all florists to become more engaged with their social media practices. We all know the benefits are worth the time, so make use of your downtime to create your strategy for your Instagram. Follow me, and let’s see the results together! We may all be surprised!”
see for yourself @jodymcleodaifd
