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When it comes to growing a business or launching a new campaign, having the right marketing expert on your team can make all the difference. But how do you find someone who truly fits your needs? I’ve been through this process, and I want to share what I’ve learned about hiring marketing professionals. Whether you’re looking for a marketing account manager or a partner marketing manager, this guide will help you make wise choices. Why Hiring Marketing Professionals Matters Marketing is more than just advertising. It’s about understanding your audience, crafting the right message, and delivering it through the best channels. Hiring marketing professionals means bringing in someone who knows how to do all of this effectively. When you hire the right person, you get: Strategic thinking that aligns with your business goals. Creative ideas that capture attention. Data-driven decisions that improve results. Experience with tools and platforms that boost efficiency. For example, a partner marketing manager can help build strong relationships with other companies, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. On the other hand, a marketing account manager focuses on managing campaigns and client relationships, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Finding the right fit means understanding what your business needs most and matching that with the expert’s skills. Marketing strategy documents on a desk What to Look for When Hiring Marketing Professionals When you start your search, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by resumes and job titles. Here’s what I recommend focusing on: 1. Relevant Experience Look for someone who has worked in your industry or on similar campaigns. Experience with digital marketing, social media, content creation, or partner relations can be crucial depending on your goals. 2. Skills and Tools Marketing today relies heavily on technology. Check whether the candidate knows tools such as Google Analytics, CRM software, email marketing platforms, and SEO tools. These skills can save time and improve campaign performance. 3. Communication and Collaboration Marketing professionals often work with different teams. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate are essential. You want someone who can explain ideas clearly and work well with others. 4. Creativity and Problem-Solving Marketing is about standing out. Look for candidates who show creativity in their past work and can solve problems quickly. Ask for examples of campaigns they’ve managed and the results they achieved. 5. Cultural Fit Finally, consider how well the person fits with your company culture. A good cultural fit means better teamwork and a more enjoyable work environment. By focusing on these areas, you’ll narrow down your options and find someone who can genuinely contribute to your success. How much does a marketing expert cost? Understanding the cost of hiring marketing professionals is vital for budgeting and setting expectations. Costs can vary widely based on experience, location, and the specific role. Salary Ranges Entry-level marketing professionals typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. Mid-level experts with a few years of experience can expect $60,000 to $90,000. Senior marketing managers or specialists often earn $90,000 to $130,000 or more. Freelancers and Consultants If you’re not ready to hire full-time, freelancers or consultants can be a flexible option. Hourly rates usually range from $50 to $150, depending on expertise. Additional Costs Don’t forget to factor in benefits, training, and tools the marketing expert might need. These can add to the overall investment but often pay off in better results. Knowing these numbers helps you plan and decide what level of expertise fits your budget. Marketing budget spreadsheet on laptop screen How to Evaluate Marketing Experts During the Hiring Process Once you have a shortlist, it’s time to dig deeper. Here are some tips to evaluate candidates effectively: Ask for a Portfolio or Case Studies Request examples of past work. Look for campaigns that show creativity, strategy, and measurable results. This gives you insight into their style and effectiveness. Conduct Behavioral Interviews Ask questions like: How did you handle a campaign that didn’t go as planned? Can you describe a time you worked with a difficult partner or client? What marketing tools do you prefer and why? These questions reveal problem-solving skills and adaptability. Test Their Skills Consider giving a small project or task related to your business. This could be creating a sample social media post or analyzing a competitor’s marketing strategy. It’s a practical way to see their abilities in action. Check References Always speak with previous employers or clients. They can confirm the candidate’s strengths and work ethic. By combining these steps, you’ll get a clear picture of who will be the best fit. Tips for a Successful Partnership with Your Marketing Expert Hiring is just the beginning. To get the most out of your marketing expert, keep these tips in mind: Set clear goals from the start. Define what success looks like. Communicate regularly . Keep the lines open for feedback and updates. Provide resources . Make sure they have the tools and support needed. Encourage creativity . Give them space to try new ideas. Measure results . Use data to track progress and adjust strategies. A strong partnership leads to better campaigns and business growth. If you want to hire a marketing expert who can bring these qualities to your team, take your time to find the right match. It’s worth the effort. Moving Forward with Confidence Finding the right marketing expert is a journey, but it’s one that pays off. By focusing on experience, skills, communication, and fit, you can build a team that drives your business forward. Remember to be patient and thorough in your search. With the right person by your side, your marketing efforts will be more effective, creative, and aligned with your goals. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

In today’s fast-paced business world, having a solid marketing strategy is more important than ever. Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding your brand, or trying to reach a wider audience, the right marketing approach can make all the difference. That’s where a marketing consultant comes in. I want to share why hiring a marketing consultant now could be the smartest move you make for your business growth. The Value of Hiring Marketing Consultant Expertise When you decide to hire a marketing consultant, you’re bringing in someone with fresh eyes and specialized skills. These professionals have experience across industries and know what works and what doesn’t. They can quickly identify gaps in your current marketing efforts and suggest practical solutions. For example, if your social media campaigns aren’t generating leads, a marketing consultant can analyze your content, audience targeting, and engagement strategies. They might recommend shifting your focus to different platforms or adjusting your messaging to better connect with your target market. Hiring a marketing consultant also means you get access to the latest tools and trends without having to learn everything yourself. This saves you time and helps you stay competitive. Marketing consultant analyzing campaign data How Hiring a Marketing Consultant Can Boost Your Business Bringing in a marketing consultant can lead to measurable improvements in your business. Here’s how: Strategic Planning : Consultants help you create clear, actionable marketing plans aligned with your business goals. Brand Positioning : They refine your brand message to stand out in a crowded market. Customer Insights : Consultants use data to understand your customers better and tailor your marketing accordingly. Cost Efficiency : By focusing on what works, they help you avoid wasting money on ineffective campaigns. Training and Support : They can train your team on new marketing techniques and tools. For instance, a consultant might help you develop a content calendar that targets key buying seasons or optimize your email marketing to increase open rates and conversions. If you’re looking for a marketing consultant for hire , make sure to choose someone who understands your industry and business needs. How much does it cost to hire a marketing consultant? One of the first questions that comes up is the cost. Hiring a marketing consultant can vary widely depending on their experience, the scope of work, and your business size. Hourly Rates : Some consultants charge between $75 and $200 per hour. Project-Based Fees : For specific projects, fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Monthly Retainers : If you want ongoing support, monthly fees range from $2,000 to $5,000. Keep in mind that investing in a marketing consultant often pays off by increasing your revenue and improving your marketing ROI. It’s important to discuss your budget upfront and clarify what deliverables you expect. Calculating marketing consultant costs How to Choose the Right Marketing Consultant for Your Needs Choosing the right marketing consultant is crucial. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit: Check Experience : Look for consultants with experience in your industry or with similar business goals. Review Case Studies : Ask for examples of past work and results they’ve achieved. Assess Communication : You want someone who listens well and explains ideas clearly. Define Goals : Be clear about what you want to achieve, and assess whether the consultant’s approach aligns with your vision. Ask About Tools : Find out which marketing tools and platforms they use, and whether they align with your current setup. A good consultant will also be flexible and willing to adjust strategies based on your feedback and changing market conditions. What to Expect When Working with a Marketing Consultant Once you hire a marketing consultant, the collaboration usually follows a few key steps: Initial Assessment : They review your current marketing efforts and business goals. Strategy Development : The consultant creates a tailored marketing plan. Implementation Support : They may help execute campaigns or guide your team. Monitoring and Reporting : Regular updates on progress and adjustments as needed. Training : Sometimes, consultants provide training sessions to empower your team. This process ensures you get a clear roadmap and ongoing support to reach your marketing objectives. Taking the Next Step for Your Marketing Success If you want to elevate your marketing game, now is the time to consider hiring a marketing consultant. Their expertise can save you time, reduce costly mistakes, and help you connect with your audience more effectively. Remember, the right consultant will work as a partner, helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Whether you need help with digital marketing, branding, or lead generation, a marketing consultant can provide the guidance and skills you need. Don’t wait until your marketing struggles become bigger problems. Reach out to a trusted marketing consultant today and start building a stronger, more successful marketing strategy. By investing in expert marketing support, you’re setting your business up for growth and success. It’s a smart move that can pay off in many ways, from better brand recognition to increased sales. Take the leap and see the difference a marketing consultant can make.

AI & GEO Search domination, Generative engines, AI‑driven search   Digital Marketing in 2026 is getting a rebrand or reboot. Are you ready? 👉 Companies must optimize for conversational queries, structured data, and AI‑friendly content.       - Authentic, human‑centered storytelling, polished and creative, is losing ground to authentic, behind‑the‑scenes narratives. Audiences reward emotional cues, transparency, and relatable stories. 👉 Brands should invest in micro‑influencers, employee advocacy, and authentic video formats.      - Multi‑modal content engines' success now requires blending text, video, audio, and interactive formats. Short‑form video and AI‑shaped reputation management are critical. 👉 Companies should pilot new formats and build playbooks for repeatable success.     - Retail media & pipeline influence retail media networks and content tied directly to pipeline growth are accelerating buying decisions. 👉 Marketing leaders must connect storytelling to measurable revenue outcomes.    - Inclusivity & creativity as growth drivers Kantar highlights creativity and inclusivity as key differentiators in 2026. 👉 Companies that embed diverse voices and perspectives into campaigns will outperform competitors. What’s Becoming Obsolete for Digital Marketing in 2026 🛑 Keyword stuffing & thin AI pages, old SEO tricks like buying backlinks, or mass‑producing low‑value AI content, are failing. 👉 Authority, trust, and depth are the new ranking signals. 🛑 Vanity metrics, likes, and impressions without pipeline impact are losing relevance. Companies chasing surface metrics will fall behind. 👉 Focus on engagement quality, conversions, and retention. 🛑 Over‑Reliance on celebrity influencers - micro‑influencers with niche credibility are outperforming celebrity endorsements. 👉 Shift budgets toward authentic voices with absolute community trust. 🛑 Digital Marketing in 2026 sees up to 70% of traditional marketing roles without AI integration risk obsolescence. (Source: The Academy of Continuing Education) 👉 Teams must reskill and embrace AI‑enhanced workflows. (Seeing a pattern?) How Companies Can Stay Ahead 🌟 Invest in AI visibility — optimize for GEO/LLM search and monitor what generative engines say about your brand. 🌟 Double down on authenticity — empower employees and micro‑influencers to tell real stories. 🌟 Experiment with formats — short‑form video, interactive content, and multi‑modal storytelling. 🌟 Tie content to pipeline — measure impact in terms of revenue, not vanity metrics. 🌟 Reskill teams for AI — integrate AI into workflows while keeping the human element for creativity and trust. 📌 Bottom line for leaders: Marketing in 2026 is about authenticity + AI. Companies that embrace these shifts will not just survive — they’ll thrive. Are you starting to implement these trends? Need someone who has the expertise to take your business to the next level with AI? Contact Me.

Creating content that truly connects with your audience is both an art and a science. When I think about professional content writing, I focus on clarity, engagement, and purpose. Whether you’re aiming to attract new clients, build brand trust, or simply share your message, the way you write can make all the difference. Today, I want to share some practical tips and insights on how to craft impactful content that works for you. Why Professional Content Writing Matters Professional content writing is more than just putting words on a page. It’s about crafting messages that resonate and inspire action. When I write, I always keep in mind the goal: to communicate clearly and motivate readers to take the next step. This is especially important in marketing, where every word counts. For example, if you’re a recruiter or hiring manager looking for marketing professionals, the content you create should highlight skills, achievements, and value in a way that feels natural and compelling. It’s not just about listing qualifications but telling a story that shows why someone is the right fit. Here are a few reasons why professional content writing is essential: Builds trust : Clear and honest writing helps establish credibility. Engages readers : Well-structured content keeps people interested. Drives action : Good writing encourages readers to respond or connect. Improves SEO : Thoughtful content helps your site rank better on search engines. Professional content writing on a laptop screen How to Write Content That Connects When I sit down to write, I start by thinking about the reader’s needs. What questions do they have? What problems are they trying to solve? Answering these questions helps me create content that feels relevant and useful. Here’s a simple approach I use to make sure my writing connects: Know your audience : Understand their goals, challenges, and language. Be clear and concise : Use simple words and short sentences. Use a friendly tone : Write as if you’re talking to a colleague. Include examples : Real-life stories or scenarios make ideas concrete. Add a call to action : Tell readers what to do next. For instance, if you want to showcase your marketing expertise, you might write about a successful campaign you managed. Describe the challenge, your strategy, and the results. This not only shows your skills but also makes your content more engaging. Tips for Writing with Impact Writing with impact means your content leaves a lasting impression. Here are some tips I’ve found helpful: Start strong : Your first sentence should grab attention. Use active voice : It makes your writing more direct and lively. Break up text : Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Focus on benefits : Explain how your skills or services help others. Edit ruthlessly : Cut unnecessary words and clarify your message. For example, instead of saying, “I was responsible for managing marketing campaigns,” try “I led marketing campaigns that increased sales by 20%.” The second sentence is clearer and shows a tangible result. If you want to take your content to the next level, consider professional help. There are excellent marketing writing services that can polish your message and make sure it hits the mark. Notebook with marketing ideas and pen Using Content to Showcase Your Marketing Expertise When you’re aiming for a marketing account manager or partner marketing manager role, your content should highlight your expertise and versatility. I always recommend focusing on these key areas: Strategy : Show how you plan and execute marketing initiatives. Creativity : Share examples of innovative campaigns or ideas. Results : Use data and metrics to prove your impact. Collaboration : Highlight teamwork and leadership skills. Adaptability : Demonstrate your ability to handle different markets or challenges. For example, you might write a case study about a campaign where you partnered with sales teams to boost lead generation. Include specific numbers and describe your role clearly. This kind of content not only informs but also builds confidence in your abilities. Remember, your writing should reflect your personality and professionalism. Keep it friendly but focused, and always aim to provide value. Bringing It All Together: Your Content Strategy Creating impactful content is a process. It starts with understanding your goals and audience, then moves through planning, writing, and refining. Here’s a simple content strategy I follow: Set clear objectives : What do you want your content to achieve? Research your audience : What do they care about? Plan your topics : Choose subjects that align with your goals. Write with purpose : Keep your message clear and engaging. Review and improve : Edit carefully and seek feedback. By following these steps, you can build a strong content presence that supports your career goals. Whether you’re writing a LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or marketing materials, the same principles apply. If you ever feel stuck or want to ensure your content is top-notch, don’t hesitate to explore professional options. Quality writing can open doors and create opportunities. I hope these insights help you craft content that truly makes an impact. Remember, great writing is within your reach - just take it one step at a time and keep your message clear and authentic. If you want to explore expert support, check out marketing writing services that can help you shine.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming marketing at lightning speed. From personalized campaigns to predictive analytics, AI offers unprecedented opportunities — but it also brings challenges that marketers must navigate carefully. Here’s a comprehensive look at the rewards, risks, and best practices  for leveraging AI in marketing. 🚀 The Rewards of AI in Marketing Personalization at Scale:  AI enables hyper‑targeted campaigns that adapt to customer behavior in real time, boosting engagement and conversions. Efficiency Gains:  Automating repetitive tasks like email scheduling, ad optimization, and reporting saves marketers hours each week. Data‑Driven Insights:  AI can analyze massive datasets to uncover trends, predict customer needs, and optimize campaigns for ROI. 24/7 Customer Engagement:  Chatbots and AI assistants provide instant support, improving customer satisfaction and freeing up human teams. ⚠️ The Challenges of AI in Marketing Content Quality Concerns:  AI can generate large volumes of content, but much of it requires human editing to avoid sounding generic. Data Privacy & Compliance:  Using AI responsibly means safeguarding customer data and complying with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Bias & Brand Voice Risks:  Algorithms may unintentionally reinforce bias or dilute a brand’s unique tone. Organizational Alignment:  Teams often struggle to integrate AI tools into existing workflows, leading to inefficiencies. ✅ Best Practices for AI Marketing Start Small, Scale Smart:  Pilot AI tools in one area (e.g., email personalization) before rolling them out across campaigns. Keep Humans in the Loop:  Use AI for efficiency, but rely on human oversight for creativity, empathy, and brand authenticity. Prioritize Data Quality:  AI is only as good as the data it learns from. Invest in clean, accurate, and diverse datasets. Monitor Ethics & Compliance:  Establish clear guidelines for AI use to avoid privacy violations and maintain customer trust. Measure ROI Continuously:  Track performance metrics to ensure AI tools are delivering value, not just novelty. 🌟Takeaway AI is not a magic bullet — it’s a powerful tool that, when combined with human creativity and ethical oversight, can revolutionize marketing. By embracing its rewards while managing its challenges, businesses can future‑proof their strategies and build stronger customer relationships. Contact Me Today Ready to harness AI for smarter, more effective marketing? Jewels Writes Marketing Services  specializes in blending AI‑powered insights with human creativity to deliver campaigns that convert. Let’s turn your marketing challenges into measurable results. 👉 Contact Jewels Writes Marketing Services today to elevate your brand with AI‑driven strategies.

As the summer heat fades, it's the perfect time to start fall planting prep. This is essential for a beautiful spring awakening! 🌷 Planning for Spring Blooms Now is the time to plan for those spring-flowering bulbs. In northern climates, you can start planting them from the end of September into November. For southern climates, wait until at least mid-November when it’s cooler. Think of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Imagine those vibrant colors popping up as the snow melts! ❄️➡️🌸 Bulb Zones in North America Most spring-flowering bulbs thrive in zones 3-8. Be sure to check specific bulb requirements for your zone. Bulb Zones in Europe In Europe, zones 4-9 are generally suitable for most spring-flowering bulbs. Always confirm with the specific bulb you choose. Potted Beauties for Fall Don't forget about your pots and containers! Fall is a great time to plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, ornamental peppers, cabbage, and kale. You can also plant a large Mum and let it overflow! These additions will add a touch of color throughout the fall and even into winter in milder climates. You can enhance your display with little and big pumpkins, faux corn stalks, and gourds to create a colorful garden. Tips for Fall Planting Prep Success Here are some tips to ensure your fall planting is a success: ✅ Ensure well-draining soil 💧 ✅ Plant bulbs at the correct depth (usually 2-3 times the bulb's height - 6-9 inches deep). For a full display, plant 5-8 bulbs per space a few inches apart. ✅ Water thoroughly after planting. ✅ Consider fertilizing with a bulb-specific fertilizer at planting time to give them a boost. ✅ Water bulbs occasionally during dry fall periods to help them establish roots. Preparing for a Stunning Spring Show Let’s get those gardens ready for a stunning spring show! Happy planting! 🧑‍🌾🌻 Upcoming Content P.S. Stay tuned for next week when I post some fall garden decor ideas! Like, comment, share, and hit that 🛎 for notifications when I post. Join my Gardening Tips & Tricks, Job Seeker, Support and Successes, and Social Media Scams & Support groups. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter, Musings & Mysteries, where I share chapters of my murder series, Bombs & Begonias: A Patrice Summers Mystery . The first one, Asters & Arsenic , is available on Amazon. I also write and post true crime. Check out my blog jewelswrites.com to learn more about me and my content. If you or someone you know is looking for a marketing account manager or onboarding/communications manager, or even a partner marketing manager, please let me know.

When you think of a digital marketing strategy, I'm sure gardening doesn't pop into your head. But, maybe it should. I have been an avid marketer for 30 years, about the same as being a gardener. I've wondered why I love these two things so much and I think I've hit on something. It came to me when I was interviewing for a job. If you're a marketer, learn why cultivating these two gardens breeds success in both your professional and personal life. Your Digital Marketing Strategy Garden When starting your marketing garden, there are key details you need to be aware of to ensure a successful and thriving growth environment. What story do you want to tell? Who, what, where, when, and why (the 5 elements of journalism) also make a big difference in marketing. Who are you marketing to, what are you marketing, where (geography), when (holidays, special events, daily, etc.), and why are you marketing this service, product, etc. Granted, you want your company to succeed and make money, but think about WHY.  Layout & Design - Just like a garden, you have to know the layout of the space and how you want to design it; the same goes for digital marketing. Are you laying out a website, social media account, email campaign, book, blog, etc? And next, how will you design it? What images and content will you put in it? Will there be weekly blogs and service pages with full descriptions and links? How about your front page, landing pages, contact us, or bios pages? This is a vital key to getting your company out there and being marked as an authoritative source. What keywords are you using? You might ask what this has to do with gardening but think about it. With gardening, the "keyword" is the actual plants you put into the garden, just like keywords are used for marketing. You can put in a ton of keywords to see how well they rank on search engines, or, you can pick specific ones that match your gardening space, layout, and design (products, services, company theme, etc.) Using keywords in the proper place allows visitors to see your marketing garden first and foremost. When it's colorful, spaced just right, and looks inviting, people will want to regularly visit your garden. Fourth and the most important of all is your ROI and that comes down to cultivating all three above, so your garden breeds success and increases your bottom line. In gardening, cultivating the plants means fertilizing, weeding, watering, and trimming when needed. You need to do the same with your company to potential clients or customers.  Appealing to an audience's interests is key in effective communication across marketing, education, or personal interactions. Understanding what captures their attention is essential for meaningful engagement. This requires researching their preferences, passions, and motivations through demographic analysis, surveys, or direct conversations. Once you understand their interests, tailor your message to align with these elements using relevant anecdotes, statistics, or examples. Employ language and imagery that evoke emotions tied to their interests to strengthen the connection and enhance receptivity. Maintaining dialogue and showing genuine enthusiasm for their interests fosters a deeper connection. By valuing their preferences and engaging on topics important to them, you build trust and encourage meaningful interactions. In summary, appealing to interests involves a strategic approach to understanding and connecting with your audience, inspiring engagement and fostering positive relationships. In order to effectively nurture them , it is essential to create an environment that fosters growth, understanding, and support. This involves actively listening to their needs, providing guidance, and encouraging their aspirations. By offering emotional and practical assistance, we can help them develop the skills and confidence necessary to navigate through life's challenges. Solve their dilemma. Addressing their dilemmas requires a careful and thoughtful approach. It is important to identify the core issues they are facing and explore potential solutions together. Engaging in open dialogue, brainstorming options, and weighing the pros and cons can empower them to make informed decisions. Ultimately, our goal should be to equip them with the tools to resolve their conflicts and emerge stronger and more resilient. Keep them coming back. To ensure that customers remain engaged and consistently return for more, it is essential to implement strategies that foster loyalty and satisfaction. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including offering exceptional customer service, creating a welcoming environment, and providing high-quality products or services that meet their needs and expectations. Additionally, personalized communication, such as tailored recommendations and follow-up messages, can make customers feel valued and understood. Engaging them through loyalty programs, exclusive offers, or special events can also incentivize repeat visits. By continuously enhancing the customer experience and building strong relationships, businesses can create a sense of community and belonging that encourages customers to keep coming back time and time again. Seeds of Marketing Gardening Sucess Once the garden has been planned, created, implemented, cultivated, and nurtured, the reward is a beautiful space that can grow and include many diverse plants of different colors, shapes, textures, and interests - the same as digital marketing. When a plan has been brainstormed, created, carried out, and tracked, you can see the rewards of success. You can see what went wrong and what went right, and learn and grow from the experience. Better, you can change out when needed and create more space to add more exotic and beautiful plants (or products/services) and weed out the competition for long-term marketing success. Contact a Marketing Specialist To get the best from your marketing dollars, contact someone who has been in the business since digital content took center stage in the early 2000s.' Learn how to boost your blog with relevant SEO and engaging information, use AI to triple your content in short form, and to increase your impressions, leads, conversions, and sales. Check out my LinkedIn profile to see my posts, which have generated over a million views, expertise, and pricing information today!

Welcome to my blog. If you are a recruiter or hiring manager directed here from one of my job applications, please stay and read further. I've been posting for about 12 years—chapters of novels, true crime stories, and gardening tips. Please check out my resume, about me, and samples of my writing. I'm looking for a marketing account manager or partner marketing manager, in-office, hybrid, (Lehi, UT and surrounding cities) or remote. I'm available anytime for an interview and can start a new position immediately. My skills include strategic marketing for SaaS, franchise, home services, and healthcare industries, which includes email, SMS, social media, and Google Ads. My hard skills include Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Apple products, SEMrush, WordPress, Zoho, Asana, and GoHighLevel. I am also certified in Hubspot, Salesforce, Google Analytics, and Google Adwords. My soft skills include organization, leadership, excellent communication, quick study, mentoring, and emotional intelligence. If you need a marketing expert, I'd love to chat! Please email me @ julia@jewelswrites.com Best, Julia Nielsen

In the 43rd installment and part three of flipping your grass into a beautiful water-wise garden, I discuss the perfect plants to grow. for either a personal garden lawn or community garden. Prepping Your Area But first, before planting your garden, design it. Do you want tall plants intermingled with smaller plants, all tall plants, all small ones, or a cascading effect of tall, smaller, and small? Install the water system. Even though you will grow drought-tolerant plants, you still need to establish them first, which takes regular watering. Drip systems work well for this because they allow you to meter the watering, thus ensuring the correct amount of water at the right time. Next, are you putting in rock, gravel, or dirt? Any substrate has advantages and disadvantages. Now, onto the good stuff. Here are tried and true plants to grow in your garden. The Right Plants for Flipping Your Grass 🌵 Cactus plants (of which there are many) take very little water and repel many pests due to their sharp stickers. 🏵 Yarrow is a great addition to any drought-resistance garden. Multiple bushy flowers are on each sturdy stem in beautiful colors, including red, purple, peach, yellow, and white, with different shades of those colors. 🌻 Sunflowers can make a rock garden shine and make a bold statement. Small and mammoth sunflowers can be used as a backdrop or centerpieces. 🌿 Aloe doesn't need much water, and it's medicinal. Have a sunburn or mosquito bite? Aloe vera helps to calm the itch and pain. 🌼 Rockrose has a perfume aroma and displays large, papery flowers. It is fast-growing, loves the sun, and doesn't need much water to thrive. 🏵 Brittlebrush is a bush teeming with yellow daises that need minimal watering and offer a bright addition to a water-wise garden. 🌸 Crape Myrtle puts on quite a show in summer with gorgeous, showy blossoms that linger into fall. The beautiful, dark bark contrasts with bright pinks, purples, reds, and snow-white flowers. 🌼 Bougainvillea provides an instant tropical feel to your garden. It features vibrant, often vining blooms that peak in summer and bloom from early spring to late fall in milder climates. 🏵 Marigolds, with their strong, aromatic scent and mustard blooms, do quite well in a water-wise garden. The bonus is that they keep away nasty pests, so your plants stay healthy without being food to unwanted insects. This is a small sample of plants that do well in deserts or without much water. Do you have a water-wise garden? Post your pics below! Happy Gardening!! Hi, I'm Julia Nielsen, your guru gardener of 30 years. I have grown over 500 species of plants and add to my collection yearly. I'm on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/in/julianielsen  so please check out my posts - like, comment, share, and hit the 🔔  for notifications. Enjoy gardening & murder mysteries; consider joining my newsletter, Musings & Mysteries. Visit my website, Jewels Writes and IG @hotmamagard

In Part One, I went into steps to kill grass in preparation for removing it for a garden.  In Part Two of the 42nd installment of Gardening Tips & Tricks, I will offer steps to cutting or digging out lawns to make way for a rock garden. Flipping Your Lawn: Step One There are several ways to remove grass: tilling, cutting, or digging.  Tilling - Sharp blades break up the soil, including roots, using a high-powered rotating motion. Depending on the time needed, you can rent a tiller to cut up the grass, making it faster and easier on your back. Cutting - A sod cutter is the next best thing if you don't have a tiller. Once you have cut the grass, you can shovel it out. Digging - If you have a small area to be removed, simply get a sharp shovel and dig out the grass. Note that it will take longer but save money. Early fall is the best time to remove a lawn, as it needs to be dry, or late Spring.  Use a sod cutter and a sliding device, such as a sled, thick plastic sheet, garbage can lid, or a contractor's bag, to save money and ensure a smooth, faster, and easier process. If you have a folding garden cart, this is the best, as it lays flat on the ground, allowing you to tip the layers of grass onto it - the cart then transforms into a wheelbarrow for easy disposal.  When you cut up a lawn, you will be removing the soil underneath as well, which makes it easier to dispose of the grass. To use for the garden, shake out the grass on the tarp to catch the dirt, and you can reuse it. This will be about 3-6 inches. TIP: If you have a Home Owner's Association, you may need permission to remove your lawn and flip it into a garden. Also, contact your city so they can mark utility lines with spray paint. Here is the step-by-step guide to removing the grass. 🏡 Slice the grass into vertical sections. When using a sod cutter, slice small sections of grass to make removing it easier. If you plan to transplant the grass to another area, cut slices of about 18 X 18 sections, as they transplant best. 🏡 Tilt the grass on its side. After you have cut the sections, place the blade in the cut. Tilt the tool away from you to give you more leverage to force the sod up.  TIP: Use a trowel as a knife to scrape off excess soil at the bottom of the sod. 🏡 Tip the grass onto the carrying device . When using a sled, tilt the device to the side to match the angle of the grass layer. TIP: To avoid breaking up the grass and reduce mess, slowly tilt down the device flat again. Slide the grass onto the platform.  That's it. Part three will discuss the best rock or dirt garden plants. Happy Gardening!! Hi, I'm Julia Nielsen, your guru gardener of 30 years. I have grown over 500 species of plants and add to my collection yearly. I'm on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/in/julianielsen so please check out my posts - like, comment, share, and hit the 🔔 for notifications. Enjoy gardening & murder mysteries, consider joining my newsletter, Musings & Mysteries. Visit my website, Jewels Writes and IG @hotmamagardener

Got a small garden but big dreams of floral abundance? Don't despair! Plenty of stunning annuals thrive in narrow spaces, adding pops of color and interest without overwhelming the area. Here are some of my favorite picks, all chosen for their compact growth habits and adaptability: Suncredible Saturn Sunflower: 🌻 This dwarf sunflower variety won't steal the show with towering height, but it will charm you with its abundant, 4-inch blooms. Expect it to reach about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It prefers full sun 🌞 and moderate watering 💧. Paint the Town Magenta Pinks Dianthus: 🌸 These vibrant dianthus boast eye-catching magenta blooms with blue foliage, making them a colorful addition to any narrow garden bed. They reach a height of 6-8 inches and spread about 1 foot wide. They prefer full sun 🌞 and well-draining soil but are drought-tolerant once established 💧. Profusion Zinnias: 🌼 These low-maintenance zinnias offer a profusion of colorful blooms in various shades. They typically reach 1-2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. They love full sun 🌞 and regular watering 💧. Sweet Alyssum: 🌸 This charming groundcover produces delicate, fragrant flowers in white, pink, and purple shades. It reaches only 4-6 inches tall and spreads about 1 foot wide. It prefers full sun 🌞 to partial shade and moderate watering. 💧 Remember, choosing the right plants is only half the battle. Consider vertical gardening with trellises or hanging baskets to maximize your space and create a truly lush and inviting garden oasis. 🪴 What are your favorite annuals for small spaces? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! 👇 *******************************************************************