We were lucky to catch up with Shantel Patt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shantel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I decided to write a book because I had a story to tell. A story about all the secrets they don’t tell you when you choose a career path as a teacher. A story about the stuff I wish I would have learned and was taught when I attended undergraduate school for 4 years. I wrote this book for anyone who has ever wanted to know what being a teacher is really about, in my book I share the truth! “Class is in session – The Expectant Teacher Survival Handbook” Provides an in – depth look into my journey as a teacher. It’s funny, it’s witty, and it’s all True with a little twist.

I knew the book was worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears because I want to motivate and inspire others by passing on my knowledge that I have gained over the years to help them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and navigate the complicated world of education. I knew that if I finished the book, it was going to help someone gain knowledge and understanding of what to do and not to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in Texas, Author and Educator Shantel N. Patt has found much joy in not only being a dedicated mother of two and wife to a loving partner, but also in serving as a role model to hundreds of students throughout her 14 years as a teacher.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My best advice for a successful social media presence is a continuous process. It requires dedication, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience.

Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Define your target audience: Before diving into social media, identify your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests and demographics? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your content and engagement strategies effectively.

2. Choose the right platforms: Different social media platforms cater to different audiences and content types. Research and select the platforms that align with your target audience and the type of content you plan to create. It’s better to start with one or two platforms and then expand gradually.

3. Consistent branding: Develop a consistent brand image across all your social media profiles. This includes your username/handle, profile picture, bio, and overall visual style. Consistency helps people recognize and remember your brand.

4. Create valuable content: Provide content that is interesting, relevant, and valuable to your target audience. Whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspiring, focus on delivering high-quality content that stands out from the competition. Experiment with different formats like text, images, videos, and interactive content to keep your audience engaged.

5. Engagement and interaction: Social media is all about building relationships. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions from your followers. Engage with their content, ask questions, and encourage discussions. By actively participating and showing genuine interest, you can foster a loyal and engaged community.

6. Use hashtags effectively: Research and use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your content. Hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience who are searching for or following specific topics. However, avoid overusing hashtags or using irrelevant ones, as it can come across as spammy.

7. Cross-promotion and collaborations: Collaborate with other content creators or influencers in your niche. This can involve guest posting, shoutouts, or collaborations on joint projects. Cross-promotion exposes your content to a new audience and can lead to increased visibility and follower growth.

8. Analyze and adapt: Pay attention to your social media analytics. Most platforms offer insights and metrics that help you understand what content is resonating with your audience and what’s not. Analyze this data regularly to refine your content strategy and optimize your efforts.

9. Patience and perseverance: Building a social media audience takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Consistency, persistence, and adaptability are key. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your approach.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

To fund my business, I had to do some major budgeting. I made sure to set aside a set amount of money every money to cover expenses for marketing, promoting, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fiverr.com/s2/fae6fc806d
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growreadlearn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094481894106
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-patt-023551189/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/growreadlearn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@growreadlearn

Image Credits
Millie Photography