Kristin Meeks | College of Creative Arts and Media: Integrate Conference

Beyond the Like: How to Build Real Engagement Online

In a digital world driven by algorithms and vanity metrics, it’s easy to confuse likes and follower counts with real success. Beyond the Like: How to Build Real Engagement Online challenges that mindset and redefines engagement as connection, trust, and meaningful action—not just numbers.

This session introduces a new way to think about the audience, focusing on relationships instead of reach. Attendees will learn why genuine engagement matters more than impressions or follower growth, and how this shift leads to stronger brand loyalty, clearer messaging, and better results over time.

Participants won’t just leave with ideas—they’ll leave with a plan. Attendees will gain practical, time-saving tools and techniques, along with resources for planning, designing, scheduling, and repurposing content efficiently. By the end of the session, participants will feel confident turning everyday content into purposeful engagement that supports long-term goals.

Bio:

Kristin Meeks is the founder and owner of WV Social Media Consultants, LLC, located in the Parkersburg, WV area. In 2010, Meeks founded this unique niche marketing firm, where she has successfully helped businesses and nonprofit organizations reach their audiences through digital marketing. Meeks has a proven track record of assessing social media needs, creating effective plans, and executing strategic marketing practices with clients across the country.

A graduate of the West Virginia University Integrated Marketing Communications master’s program, she was named one of the Generation Next 40 under 40 in West Virginia in 2015.

She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Marietta College, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, and was Young Business Leader of the Year by her local Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Her business received Women-Owned Business of the Year in 2016. She was recently awarded Business Person of the Year in 2019 and Spirit of the Community in 2020.

Meeks has been active in her community as an Ambassador and Chamber Champion for her local Chambers of Commerce. She is also on the Board of Directors for the MOV Chamber and the current Board Chair of the Entrepreneurship Program at Marietta College. She has served on the Belpre Chamber of Commerce (past president), Downtown PKB, and Nonprofits LEAD boards in the past. She resides in Williamstown, WV, with her husband Tim and their daughter Caroline, where they enjoy biking the river trails, hiking, and traveling.