A Swindon-based social media expert is stepping away from screens and taking business networking outside to raise both funds and awareness for a local charity.
Tracy Marland, founder of Social Butterfly Digital, has spent the past five years helping businesses build their online presence through social media. Now, she is encouraging business people to put down their phones and embrace face-to-face connections with a new initiative – outdoor networking events that also support a worthy cause.
Launched in 2019, Social Butterfly Digital offers a range of social media services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping them enhance their online presence. Tracy, who has decades of marketing experience, has built the business by creating connections and collaborations through digital platforms. However, she recognises the importance of a digital detox and the value of connecting in person, which led to the creation of their bimonthly ‘net-walking’ events.
These events, held in partnership with Real Outdoor Xperience at Lake 12 in the Cotswold Water Park, offer participants the chance to network while walking in the fresh air. The walks also raise vital funds for Youth Adventure Trust, a charity that uses outdoor adventure activities and one-to-one support to help vulnerable young people build confidence and resilience.
“Social Butterfly Digital has always focused on building digital connections for our clients,” said Tracy. “But we also see the value in taking a break from technology, getting outdoors, and meeting face-to-face. That’s why I was keen to work with Real Outdoor Xperience and Youth Adventure Trust. The charity’s mission is something that resonates with me personally, and I’m excited to be able to raise funds for their incredible work.”
The first event was so successful that Social Butterfly Digital has already planned the next one, set to take place on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, at 9:30am from Lake 12. These outdoor events provide an excellent opportunity for local business owners to make meaningful connections while supporting the charity’s efforts to help vulnerable children.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Social Butterfly Digital has grown into a small team of three, including Sally Payne and Annmarie Degregorio-Boyd. The team works with more than 25 businesses each month, across various industries, offering services such as social media management, content creation, and strategy, as well as training for businesses looking to manage their own online presence.
Tracy added, “We’ve seen a shift towards video-driven content, and this has become a priority for many businesses as social media platforms evolve. While we continue to help businesses grow online, we also want to encourage the benefits of getting outdoors and connecting with others in a way that’s both personal and beneficial to the community.”
To join in and book tickets for the next ‘net-walking’ event, visit Social Butterfly Digital Events.
