Overview
At ConnCORP, I worked as a Social Media Analyst supporting the organization’s mission to revitalize communities through economic development. I collaborated with several minority- and women-owned businesses in Greater New Haven and Hamden to enhance their digital presence, improve brand communication, and build sustainable growth strategies.
Objective
I met with each business owner one-on-one to understand their unique challenges and goals. From there, I developed tailored social media audits, content plans, and branding suggestions that aligned with their mission and audience. I focused on optimizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, depending on where their customers were most active.
Outcome
By the end of my time at ConnCORP, I had worked with over a dozen small businesses, each with a unique voice and challenge. My reports and consultations led to:
Improved posting consistency and brand cohesion across platforms
Several businesses launching their first digital campaigns with confidence
Long-term strategy guides that owners continue to reference today
The work helped demystify social media for these entrepreneurs, empowering them with tools to take ownership of their brand online.
Getting Started
When I joined ConnCORP as a Social Media Analyst, my role was centered around helping local, minority- and women-owned businesses strengthen their online presence. Many of these businesses either lacked a digital strategy or felt overwhelmed by where to begin. My first step was to meet with each owner individually to learn about their business goals, audience, challenges, and existing marketing efforts.
From there, I conducted platform audits to evaluate how they were using tools like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These conversations helped build trust and set the tone for a collaborative process where my job was not just to advise, but to empower.
Social Media Audits
Analyzed each business’s existing platforms to identify strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities.
Growth Tracking
Taught business owners how to read platform insights and track performance using metrics that matter.
1-on-1 Consultations
Met with business owners individually to walk them through their strategy and answer questions in real time.
Key Contributions
Conducted comprehensive brand and social media audits for each business
Created personalized strategy reports covering visual branding, engagement tactics, and content calendars
Provided hands-on support with posting, analytics tracking, and platform optimization
Helped business owners understand how to measure growth using insights and KPIs
Collaborated across departments to align branding with ConnCORP’s broader revitalization goals
Results & Impact
Many of the businesses I supported saw immediate boosts in engagement, clearer brand messaging, and greater confidence in managing their own online presence. Several adopted new branding practices and promotional tactics based on my reports. The relationships built during this time laid the foundation for continued growth and deeper community connection.
Reflection
This experience sharpened my ability to work cross-functionally, communicate with diverse audiences, and create tangible impact through strategic design and digital communication. It reinforced the value of culturally responsive marketing and meeting business owners where they are.
