Award shows and social media engagement have not always gone together. But today as Twitter’s reactions to these classic award shows have become just as entertaining as the show itself, the public, pop culture icons, and companies are tuning in more. It’s currently award show season and tonight’s Academ
y Awards are the peak of Hollywood glitz and glamour. However, there is now far more to the show than just what is broadcasted on TV. Social media is as big of a star during award season as George Clooney and Brad Pitt are. Continue reading
Augmented Reality in Snapchat’s Future?
About Spectacles
After an extremely successful launch in November, Snapchat has taken the approach to making their branded Spectacles more readily available. The ordinary looking glasses have the capacity to record 10 to 30 seconds of video at a time, capturing one’s personal view,
Initially, the company took a slow approach, introducing the new technology through scattered vending machines. At first, individuals waited hours to get this coveted accessories and according to CNN resellers listed the glasses for more than $900 on eBay.
Should there be a robot tax?
In a recent interview Bill Gates discussed the concept of a robot tax and why this might become necessary for our government’s future.
Automation, robotics and technological advancements are exciting, but Bill Gates points out an important caveat. The billionaire Microsoft founder lays out how implementing a robot tax could play a pivotal roll in automation’s impact on our country’s future. Continue reading
Social Media Listening: Fast, Easy, Efficient
Recently the CEOs of large corporations including Airbnb, Tesla, Square and Twitter have begun asking for feedback from their customers on a new social media platform: Twitter. Although companies have been utilizing Twitter as a means of communicating with their clients, it hasn’t been until recently that CEOs themselves have utilized the site. Through Twitter, CEOs were able to directly ask their clients what their company, product or service was missing.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Facebook Video Advertising
On Wednesday morning Facebook announced plans to unleash new video technology. New features include automatic audio play for videos and a feature that pulls videos to the sidebar as users scroll through their timelines. These changes restructure the way Facebook video advertising is crafted in a number of ways. Continue reading
Maximizing Instagram for Business Purposes
Instagram is a thriving social media platform for individuals and businesses alike. The app enables photos to be shared privately or publicly. Private accounts allow individuals to choose who may see their photos, while public accounts can be viewed by anyone. Businesses typically use public accounts, allowing customers to easily view, like and follow their Instagram.
Businesses may focus on two primary audiences when using Instagram. The first is existing customers. Existing customers may follow the brand’s account to keep up with new product releases, store openings or other important information. The second audience is potential customers. A business Instagram account is a great snapshot into the life of a brand. Potential customers can get a feel for what the business offers without first encountering a storefront or website. They may also show viewers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the brand.
Additionally, products or services may be described and linked from the Instagram page to their business website. For example, a clothing store may post a photo of a new yoga pant and provide the direct link to the product on the Instagram page. This offers a unique opportunity to make Instagram a sales platform in addition to a social media platform.
Whether a business seeks to keep their current customers up to date, or spread awareness for their brand, Instagram is a great platform to strengthen relationships and drive sales.
Tips for Maximizing Facebook “Likes”
“Likes” are the most valuable form of currency on Facebook. A like is equivalent to an online “I agree”—a vote of popularity, a virtual affirmation from your audience. But, simply publishing a post or a picture doesn’t guarantee that the likes will come rolling in. There’s strategy behind maximizing Facebook likes, and all it takes is a little bit of time and effort.
Social Media is Losing Personal Connections Online
As advertisers and
celebrities have flooded social media, users have lost an important connection online: their family and friends. Keeping up with people users actually know on social media has withered away as users turn to following bigger than life stars and economic powerhouses with prominent brands. Celebrities and company’s strategic advertisements peak more interests now than your cousin’s wedding pictures or high school teacher’s family reunion. Continue reading
Update to Facebook’s “Trending Topics” Section Fights Fake News
Update Creates Broader “Trending Topics” Section
Facebook released multiple updates for their “Trending Topics” section, which will help the site prevent fake news stories. The site’s “Trending Topics” section is a quick way for users to see current headlines in a timely manner. The section has been under fire in the last year for trending fake news, as well as trending topics based on political bias. Continue reading
Facebook Trending Update Released to Prevent Fake News
This week, a Facebook trending update was released to improve the scope and quality of news on the site. Facebook introduced the update in response to the fake news stories that previously trended on the site.
Facebook Trending, a module on the News Feed, is one of the most controversial topics surrounding the social networking site. Gizmodo, a political site, was the first to accuse Facebook of sharing fake news. The site published an article in which former Facebook publishers stated that they downplayed conservative media sources when choosing which stories to trend.
Customer Service Scam: Facebook
Hearing “Facebook fraud” will likely elicit thoughts of identity theft or catfishing. Facebook fraud goes beyond identity theft. A recent NPR story covered a Facebook customer service scam; the helpline at the top of a Google search directed callers to a scam. The scamming customer service agent at the other end of the line only wants your money. This Facebook customer service scam is another example warning you not to trust everything you find on the Internet. Continue reading
Using Pinterest for Business Purposes
Plenty of businesses successfully utilize social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook but for some reason there aren’t many using Pinterest for business. Maybe businesses avoid Pinterest due to the stigma that only crafty women who love DIY use it or the idea that Pinterest is not an effective marketing tool. Regardless of the reason, businesses are losing access to customers and potential sales. Not only is it important for businesses to be on Pinterest in the first place, but also it is important that they use the platform effectively. Continue reading
Snapchat VS “Going Live”: Why Snapchat Wins
With the new ability for users to stream live video, Instagram and Facebook have both began to encroach on Snapchat’s long held territory.
The ability to share a personal video, a snapshot of a person’s experience or a window into their lives was how Snapchat revolutionized the social media world. Users were able to communicate with each other through shared sights and experiences. Instead of sending text messaged to explain what was going on, users had the ability to show their surroundings in live time. It didn’t take long for Instagram to see that a picture is worth a thousand words, but a video is worth ten million. So they decided to allow users to post photos as well as minute long videos.
What Snap’s IPO Filing Can Teach You About Social Media ‘Copycats’
It’s been less than a week since Snap, the parent company of popular application Snapchat, finally filed for an IPO, and the hype is undeniable. As investors scramble to decide whether or not the company is worth its reported $25 billion valuation, Snap’s IPO filing has confirmed rumors that Instagram’s “Stories” feature is giving the app a run for its money. Continue reading
Twitter & Business
Twitter has become an important component of business today. Retailers, small business owners and corporations should all be utilizing Twitter to connect with their publics. However, simply having a Twitter account is not enough. The account must be both active and interactive.
To maintain an active Twitter account, businesses need to be posting their own content a few times a day. This may be information about new products, promotions or other announcements. The type of content specifically will vary based on business size and type. Mom-and-pop shops may post about employees’ birthdays, while mega-corporations may announce a merger or acquisition. Content should be original and meaningful, consumers will not follow a business account that is simply spewing off nonsense to fill the void.
Beyond keeping an active Twitter account is maintaining an interactive Twitter account. Consumers today want to interact with brands instantaneously. Interactions for businesses may come in the form of re-tweets, mentions or replies to tweets directed towards the business account. Responding to consumers when they reach out to a company helps the consumer to feel heard and gains trust. Trust is vital in maintaining strong relationships between a brand and its publics.
Hashtags on Twitter are a great way for businesses to be both active and interactive as well. Within their own content, brands may create new hashtags unique to their products or services. With repetition, these hashtags can grow to be recognizable slogans or associations. When interacting with other companies and audiences, business Twitter accounts can reuse already trending hashtags or jump in on a conversation already happening within the Twitter-sphere.
As consumers increasingly seek to humanize businesses, social media – especially Twitter – have become a platform brands can maximize to engage their audience and build rapport.
Staying Professional on Social Media: Do’s and Dont’s
92% of businesses check potential employees’ social media pages when making hiring decisions. This includes sites like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and even Pinterest. In fact, most hiring managers 
check candidates’ social media accounts regardless of whether or not it’s required. In today’s world, with so many personal details available online, it’s increasingly important to craft an appropriate and professional image. Continue reading
How To Target Custom Audiences On Facebook
Facebook’s latest custom audience features make it much easier to target specific audiences according to their connection and engagement with your Facebook page.
Previously, it was difficult to reach specific people via Facebook because posts would either be shared with the entire Facebook audience or a small segmented group.With six new ways to segment target audiences, Facebook has re invented its ability to reach people who will most likely interact and engage with specific pages and ads. Continue reading
Instagram Users Will Share Multiple Photos in a Single Post
New Feature Similar to Facebook Photo Sharing
Instagram Users Can Post Multiple Photos in a Single Upload. Credit: Instagram
Instagram is looking to give users the option of sharing an album of photos in a single post. The newest feature is not available to all users but is currently being tested on the beta version of Instagram’s android app. According to a report from Mashable, the update will allow users to select up to 10 pictures or videos to create a single post on users’ feeds. The update will take away from the one photo post and make the app more similar to Facebook photo sharing options. Followers and other Instagram users will be able to like individual photos within the post.
The NBA Issues Social Media Guidelines
The NBA has followed the NFL’s lead yet again this week. The trolling that has entertained basketball fans and social media followers for the past few years is coming to an end as the NBA issues social media guidelines restricting what teams can say (whether in jest or in seriousness) on their social media platforms. But the real problem is, why do these professional leagues want to ruin the fun for the fans? Continue reading
Social Media Platforms
Ever wish that you could handle all of your social media from one place? Something that cuts down the time it takes to post on your social media platforms? Your dreams can become reality with Hootsuite. Continue reading