At Idea Hall, we believe that good work starts with great purpose – and that every project, partnership, and moment of connection is an opportunity to make meaningful impact.
The Goodness Report shines light on the trends, stories, and events shaping our industry, our communities, and our agency. We’d love to hear your thoughts on our latest roundup of all things good!
Moments This Month
IRWD Connect Luncheon: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
We had the pleasure of attending the Irvine Ranch Water District Connect Luncheon this month – a gathering of community leaders, industry experts, and forward-thinking partners all working toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Irvine.
It was a day filled with inspiring dialogue around infrastructure, innovation, and the vital role of water in our communities’ growth and wellbeing.
“It’s always energizing to be in rooms where strategy meets purpose – and where long-term thinking is paired with research and local action.”
A big thank you to Irvine Ranch Water District for convening this important conversation and reminding us how powerful partnership is in creating lasting change.
Team Highlights
This month, we raised a glass to celebrate one full year with our amazing Office Executive and Administrative Assistant, Esme!
From the moment she joined, Esme has brought organization, warmth, and an unshakable can-do spirit to every corner of our office. Whether she’s coordinating team logistics, jumping in on projects, or greeting everyone with a smile and kind word, Esme is the kind of teammate who makes every day better.
💬 Fun fact from Esme: “I’m obsessed with PBR (Professional Bull Riding)! Most people wouldn’t expect that from me, but I absolutely love it.”
Here’s to a standout first year and many more to come. Esme, we’re lucky to have you on this ride!
Client Highlights
Honoring Place, Inspiring Pride: UCI Collectible Poster Series
This month, we’re proud to share a creative collaboration with the University of California, Irvine – one that blends design, storytelling, and campus culture.
In partnership with UCI, Idea Hall developed a series of collectible posters celebrating some of the university’s most iconic spaces – from the quiet stacks of Langson Library, to the green heart of campus, Aldrich Park. More than just a visual campaign, this series is designed to elevate school spirit and foster a deeper sense of pride and belonging within the UCI community.
Each poster is a tribute to the spaces that shape student journeys, spark memories, and embody what it means to be an Anteater.
And this is just the beginning – stay tuned for more releases in the series soon!
Staying Ahead of The Scroll
The algorithm waits for no one – but that doesn’t mean you can’t work with it.
Instagram’s Discoverability Update: Posts Are Now Searchable on Desktop
Big news for cross-platform visibility: Instagram has officially rolled out post discoverability on desktop search. That means your feed posts can now show up in desktop web search results (outside the app!) for relevant keywords, even if the user isn’t following you.
Why it matters:
Before, desktop Instagram search was limited to profiles, hashtags, and locations. Now, when users search on Instagram.com, they’ll see a mix of profiles and public posts that match their search terms. This change signals Instagram’s intention to move toward more searchable, interest-based discovery – think TikTok or Pinterest-style content surfacing. Instagram content will now be discoverable via search engines like Google, a move designed to boost the visibility of professional accounts and help audiences find content beyond the app itself.
What This Means for You:
- Captions = The New SEO
Your Instagram captions should now do double duty: storytelling and search optimization. Just like Google or YouTube, Instagram’s algorithm now looks at keywords in your captions to determine relevance.
- Alt Text Isn’t Just for Accessibility
Alt text, long used to support screen readers, is now playing a role in post discoverability. Use descriptive, keyword-rich alt text for images, especially in carousels. - Location Tags = Local Boost
Local businesses, nonprofits, and event-based accounts should make full use of location tagging. Instagram’s new search is also improving geo-based surfacing, so tag cities, neighborhoods, or specific venues when relevant.
ICYMI – Can AI Make Meaningful Connections on Social Media?
This month’s feature article took a thoughtful look at how AI is reshaping the way we approach social media, not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a powerful partner in unlocking it.
From drafting captions to sparking ideas and streamlining workflows, AI is already helping marketers work smarter. But one thing remains clear: real connection still depends on human insight, emotional intelligence, and storytelling that resonates.
“AI can help us say it faster – but it’s still up to us to make it matter.”
If you haven’t had a chance to read this one yet, we dive into the ways AI can support (but not replace) the heart-led strategies that define truly standout brands.
📖 Catch up on the full piece here.
Thanks for reading – stay good!
The Idea Hall Team
