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Saturday, August 31, 2013

GIFs on Facebook: It Has Finally Happened (Kind Of)

Don’t get too excited just yet, Facebook hasn’t totally integrated GIFs, but thanks to Giphy, you can now post them on your Facebook page and all your friends have to do is press play. Just paste a link to a Giphy GIF like you would a regular web link, and voila!
This was a brilliant move on Giphy’s part; I expect their web traffic is about to skyrocket along with their name becoming a little more familiar to the general social media audience. The real question here is, why hasn’t Facebook jumped on the GIF train and created a application themselves to post GIFs to your newsfeed?
In reaction to this magical development by Giphy, a Facebook rep noted that they had nothing to do with it and they do not support animated GIFs (via BetaBeat). But why? Not sure if we will ever get an confirmed answer, but I suspect, 2014 will see a true integration of Facebook and GIFs, just you watch.
In the meantime, a few brands and reporters have already jumped on the Facebook GIF train and I would like to give all their community managers a virtual high-five for the quick turnaround. But it was Gap who got there first, so let’s give them a big round of applause!
Gap:

How Social Media Marketing Is Like "Dungeon and Dragons"

One might look at the title above, laugh, and totally disregard what this article might have to offer. Well, I’m here to tell you that “Dungeon & Dragons” (or “D&D”) is a great blueprint for how to run your social media marketing.
Consider yourself the Dungeon Master (DM), the one who starts gathering all the materials to have a great time spending it with friends, playing a game you all love. You start setting up and aren’t worried about how the night will go. Why? Because you have prepared a great storyline and many different variations of it, depending on the decisions your companions make. While setting up, you have also created the perfect mood and atmosphere for the players to enter.
As a DM, you are the master of several traits, traits which are also very important for a Social Media Manager and Community Manager. Here is what you need to become the Master of:
social media marketing
Master Story Teller
How is this not like being a Social Media Manager or Community Manager? A DM puts forth hours of prep time before the game play actually begins. He or she comes up with and creates a great story for the other characters to become entranced. The DM also plans variations of the story depending on what’s decided by the other characters.
As a Manager of Social Media you have to do these same things. You need to create content (story) that is so compelling your followers will want to be involved in your story and then have contingency plans for the comments and directions your followers and customers decide to take.
Master Improviser
You need to be able to improvise. DMs can and are able to throw new aspects of the story at you that even they didn’t have planned. They know the game and players so well that they are master improvisers. They know how to keep up interest and how to keep the party engaged. They will throw a monster at a player, or have someone stumble across a secret door, or create a hidden stash of treasure to find. They understand what the group needs, and when and how to give it to them.
Do you understand your followers’ and customers’ needs and how to give it to them? Do you know if your followers need to see a picture, or a video? Are you able to improvise your story to be able to keep your audience engaged?
Master of Social
You may not believe or realize it, but “D&D” is a very social game. In almost every circumstance, you have to make the effort to meet up at a certain place and time to play. You gather the necessary materials and meet, knowing you are going to have a great time with friends, and they know what to expect.
Do people know what to expect from you? Step into the seat of a DM and give the people want they want. Guide and direct them through your story, help them help you as you discuss what the next steps are in the telling the story. Interacting with your audience will help you understand the needed steps to take to make your story unforgettable.
Master of Fun
After all has been said and done, the DM is the key to a gaming group’s enjoyment which is exactly what we want out of our social media. We should be having fun! The DM understands that if the group is not having fun, everyone suffers. No matter how great everything else is, if your followers aren’t having a good time with you, they will find another group and DM to run their campaign.
So are you ready to become the Dungeon Master of your company, mastering all the needed traits to be a little more successful in your Social Media Marketing?

Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Community Management

Want to Expand Your Reach? Let's Get Evangelizing!

Want to Expand Your Reach? Let's Get Evangelizing!  Let’s face it, finding a business that you can trust is a hard thing to do. I’m not saying that your business is untrustworthy—I’m just saying that I wouldn’t trust you...yet. How do you get me to trust you and give you that initial chance that will show me what an honest business you are? What makes me pick your business over another? You need some brand evangelists: People outside of your business, ideally with some type of following, that love your product and want to tell me how truly awesome it and you are (think Jared from Subway). You need a middle man to convince me to give you a chance. You need an influencer.
brand evangelistAn influencer is a person who holds authority over a certain group or topic due to their specific expertise, their following, past experience, etc. Influencer marketing involves targeting specific people who are influential to your target market and working through them to promote your brand via word of mouth and social sharing. By showing your value to trusted experts who like you and will share your products or story, you are generating buzz and engagement from people who will be way more compelling in the eyes of those they influence than your company may be by itself. Think I’m crazy? A 2012 study by Bazaarvoice found that over half of Millennials, aka consumers ages 18-34, trust a stranger’s opinion online over those of their own friends and family.
So you need influencers and you need ‘em fast. How do you get them, though? Here are 4 steps to net you some influencers.
Step 1: Do your homework.
In order to find influencers, you first have to know your audience. Who do they listen to? Who do they consider to be an expert? If you perform an internet search on your topic or service, who comes up first? Are there any names that stand out?
Also consider what social media site(s) you will use to promote your business. Who has a large following on this network for this topic? Are these people actively sharing on social media sites?
Look for someone who is highly engaged with those they influence. Look for someone who carries on conversations and responds to comments from their followers. A good influencer will create engagement and excitement among their community about your business. Look for someone who doesn’t just say something and walk away.
Step 2: Make a list.
After doing your research, compile a list of the people you would like to target. If you are working with a team, have the other member(s) do the same and compare your lists. Names that are included on a majority of these lists are probably good targets. Discuss the others on the list to narrow it down to a manageable number. For an example, start with 20-30 names on a list and then narrow that down to the top 10 (the platinum level). Then create a second list using the people who did not make your top 10 (the gold level) in case some of your platinum level influencers don't pan out.
Of course, you don’t have to name your levels platinum and gold, etc., but you’d be a whole lot cooler if you did.
Step 3: Determine what you need and what you can give.
The next step in this process will involve planning your pitch to these potential influencers. What are you or your company prepared to give in order to have these people help you spread your word? Exclusive space on your website or social media channels? Will you pay these people to help you promote your product or service? Do you have partners who could help? You are asking this person to use their influence to promote your product or service. What will you give them in return? Quid pro quo, my friends, quid pro quo.
On the other hand, think about exactly what you want from these influencers. Will you require a certain number of exclusive articles or blog posts from them? Do you expect them to interact with your company or your followers on a specific network or a certain number of times per day, per week, etc.?
Sit down with your team and determine what this person will need to offer as well as what you are willing to give. Role-play your pitch with a friend or team member to help prepare for any possible response and be as ready as you can.
Step 4: Reach out to potential influencers
After preparing, it is time to put your plan into action. Decide who will contact your list and begin reaching out and talking turkey. If possible, face-to-face meetings or calls will work best. If you are unable to do this, try contacting them with as much of a personal touch as you can.
Does your business use influencer marketing techniques? How do you find influencers?

Pop Quiz: Who's Your Celebrity Social Media Soulmate?

celebrities and social media
The interesting thing about social celebrities is that, in a way, they are just like us. They are community managers (when they actually manage their own accounts) with highly engaged audiences and are always looking for ways to do exactly what we do: build relationships and spark engagement.
So, with that perspective, which one of these celebrities would you want to be your social media soulmate? Let’s find out!
Question 1: What is most important to you as a community manager?
a. Witty content
b. Sparking engagement
c. Building relationships
d. Surprising and delighting fans
Question 2: How many followers would you want your soulmate to have?
a. 2.3 million
b. 2.2 million
c. 53,000
d. 500,000
Question 3: What kind of personality do you think fits your community manager style?
a. LA trendy
b. Big city whirlwind
c. Ready to pick up and go
d. Hometown southern charm
If you answered mostly “A”: You would really hit it off with Steve Carell. Despite his short time on Twitter, his tweets are engaging and funny and definitely a nice sight to see in your newsfeed.
social media celebrities
If you answered mostly “B”: If engagement is what you’re looking for, Donald Trump sure knows how to do it. He isn’t afraid to hit those controversial topics and get the crowds talking. You may be in for a rocky relationship, but he sure will keep your engagement metrics high!
   Screen shot 2013-08-26 at 7.56.09 PM
If you answered mostly “C”: I’ve gotta give this former Phillies pitcher some love. He does an awesome job at engaging with his fans and answering a ton of questions sent his way. Love seeing the time he spends with his fans. Definitely a great communicator. A keeper for sure!
Screen shot 2013-08-26 at 7.49.50 PM
If you answered mostly “D”: Grab the final rose and give it to Sean. He would ask followers to tweet him pics during his show, and he’d choose one and call that person on the pholne. Talk about taking an online experience offline! I’m sure he’s made the day of more than one lucky bachelorette. Too bad my pic never won…no joke on that one. Still bummed.
Screen shot 2013-08-26 at 7.35.32 PM
Clearly this scientifically accurate test was all in good fun, but there is something you can take away from this. No matter who your celebrity soulmate is, all of these celebrities have interesting social media tactics that can spark creativity for your brand’s content and social engagement. Get inspiration from all sorts of places!
If you're looking to spark even more creativity, learn from some of the best minds in social media, and connect with other community managers, sign up to attend Community Manager Recharge!


Keywords: Community Management, Community, Social Media

How to Woo Outlets Looking for Bloggers


ImageI've written a few articles for Social Media Today on guest blogging, the most recent beingwhat to ask from potential guest bloggers. And, since writing a little bit on guest posting, I've been asked what writers looking to contribute to other blogs can do make themselves stand out, even if they've just started looking to guest post. Some sites have a bad case of 'experience needed' syndrome, where they only want writers with a portfolio stacked with contributions to big-name sites, effectively scaring away entry-level bloggers. Writers with a stack of guest posts under their belts don't need advice on wooing potential blogging partners, but if you are a writer just starting to make a name for yourself, or a business owner trying to increase the exposure for your brand, how do you make enough of an impression to get blogs and other outlets to actually want your contributions?
Gussy Up Your Personal/Business Blog
Your personal blog will never reject your posts. Because of this, there may be some less-than-professionally written articles floating around it. When looking at potential blogging partners, I always read through either their personal blog, or the blog run by their business. Doing so gives me a good idea of how well they write, and what their areas of expertise are. If a blog I'm looking at is full of scattered, irrelevant content, or if it looks like a giant, multi-page résumé, I usually send a 'thank you but no thank you' email back. If your blog is one of the only outlets you write for, take some time to clean it up. Delete any posts that sound like advertisements, or are no longer good examples of how well you write. You can then pitch your best posts and not have to worry about anyone stumbling on crummy content you never got around to fixing.
Look for Content Holes
You are, most likely, trying to pitch yourself as an expert in a particular field, and are looking at outlets that cover that field. So if you are, let's say, a 'marketing expert,' you'll probably be pitching yourself to blogs like HubSpot, Unbounce, or SocialMediaToday. Before you reach out, go through some of their posts and, if they’re missing areas you find critical to discuss more about, pitch a few topics related to that area. Chances are they know what categories are a little light, and if you present yourself as willing to contribute specifically to that area, your pitch is much more likely to get picked up than if you just sent a standard, blanket inquiry.
Remember This Process is a Numbers Game
Your first pitch, no matter how well crafted it is, will probably not get picked up. Nor will your second, or third, or fourth, or even fifth. Blogs, especially the more well-known ones, get a lot of guest post inquiries. Don't worry – there are plenty blogs out there that you can pitch to and get a couple of yes’s from. The more you contribute to other blogs, the stronger your portfolio, and the more likely other outlets will want you to write for them. Just keep at it and, whatever you do, don't stop writing, even if those posts are only going into your personal blog.
Putting yourself out there as a guest writer can be nerve-wracking, and it will be filled with more rejection than you’d initially expect it to. If you are just starting out, don't be surprised when your first choice at Forbes passes over your pitch. There are plenty of smaller blogs and outlets that will be happy to feature you. Don't brush them off just because they don't have tons of traffic – every guest post you write, no matter who publishes it, will expose you to new readers and, ultimately, new outlets. Just be courteous, appreciate where you do end up, and keep on writing.

Keywords: Content, Blogging, Opinion

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Keywords: Blogging, wordpress, wordpress themes