Social Media | MILO

March 8, 2013

How Facebook News Feeds changes affect Business Pages

With Facebook’s announcement of changes to the New Feed, the first question we heard in meetings was “how will this affect our page?”

Our response? Great question.

As of right now, thanks to the infograph from ShortStack, here are a few changes you can expect for your business page.

1. Sharing will be important. A feature called spotlight will showcase your Page’s most shared posts.
2. Profile and Cover photos. Whenever someone new likes your Page, your profile image and cover photo will show in the new feed. Good opportunities here. But don’t over do it with the text in your cover “photo”. Please.
3. You’re kind of hidden.There will be a “following” feed for fans to access news from Pages they like. FYI average Facebook users will rarely use this feature which already exists now. Expect engagement to drop a bit.
4. App integration will show larger complete images of what your fans like.

While this is a pretty short list, we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we get our hands on the updated News Feed.

You can download the PDF here at Short Stack.

March 8, 2013

Supersonic. Foursquare adds tap and hold check-in

With it’s latest update Foursquare has added tap and hold check-ins to allow users to quickly check-in. With each update Foursquare looks to be working towards simplifying the check in process so you can get back to your date or night out with friends.

How it works

When you tap the check in button and see a list of places, just press and hold the place you’re at. You’ll see a green bar glide across the top of the screen and that’s it, you’re checked in. How cool is that? The instant check in.

TIP: You can also long press the blue button at the top of the screen when the app opens.

What about Photos?

For those who are a bit old-fashioned you still have the ability to check in the old way. Nothing changes here, add a photo, some text, tag your friends.

I like how Foursquare is making it easier to check in. The new feature is a great example of increasing the quality of user experience by reducing the number of steps the user is required to complete a goal.

Source: Foursquare

January 23, 2013

Why forums aren’t dead and how your business can make the most of them

I’m pretty sure the fact that I use forums may date me. But they are a useful tool when it comes to business.

I like to think as forums as on of the original social networks. You could come together with like-minded individuals for some pretty in-depth conversations.

forums plural of fo∙rum (none) 1. A meeting or medium where ideas and view on a particular issue can be exchanged. 2. An internet message board

1. Forums are Niche

Sure there are forums that are wide reaching, but the majority of forums are specific to an industry, topic (photography, motherhood, business), group. Which leads us to:

2. Get backlinks from relevant websites

Getting back links is good for Search Engine Optimization. One advantage to being a forum member is the ability to create a signature that links back to your website. There may also be a minimum requirement of posts before you can add a signature. Each forum is different. Some have a no-follow rule (tells Google not to follow the link), you’ll need to check the forums terms of service to see how they handle back-links.

3. Pick a Good Username

Try to avoid names like PinkyStar8047. Especially if it’s a business forum. Consider using your business or your real name. And be sure to add an avatar. Other users are more likely to interact with you vs. a logo. That being said, a logo is still fine just make sure you take the time to re-size it and that it identifies with your brand.

4. Introduce Yourself

Most forums have a thread that allows you to introduce yourself to the other members. Take advantage of this as the more active members will generally take the time to welcome you. Let them know what that your goal is to contribute to the community. Don’t try to sell anything here. It will get you banned.

5. Observe the Natives

Don’t be “that guy”, the one who jumps in to a conversation simply to get several posts so you can add your signature. See how the other members interact with one another to better understand the community you joined. It will help you figure out who the influential members are and allow you to fit in faster.

6. Give to get

Don’t just be a lurker. The more involved you are the better the community is as a whole. You get to build relationships all while promoting your business. Win/Win.

When you’re ready to make the leap look for forums that are active or overrun with spam. Of note: Try to avoid one hosted by a competitor. Even if you decide not to do the whole forum marketing thing, forums are worth considering for market research. You can find a wealth of information ranging from customer satisfaction to areas in the marketplace that need to be filled.

January 16, 2013

5 things your local business needs to know about Facebook Graph Search

Facebook search has left a lot to be desired. To be honest, it was just plain awful and at times frustrating to use. All of that changed when Facebook announced the addition of Graph Search. What is Graph Search? According to Facebook it’s a new search feature that allows users to discover people, places, and things on Facebook.

This is great for local business because if you’re a Page or place, you and the content you share can appear in search results based on the information you have shared.

So if you’re a local business who has been active on Facebook with an abundance of content and fans you’re sitting in a good spot right now. If not, you have some work to do.

Here are five things you need to know about Facebook Graph Search:

1. Make sure your Place or Page is up to date.

This includes your name, categories, vanity url, and any information you’ve placed in the About section (address, phone number, etc). Facebook uses this information to help users find your business.

2. Be Engaging

This is a rule that never changes. Facebook has rewarded those pages who have the most engaged fans by showing them more often in the news feed. Nothing has changed here when it comes to search. Results will be ordered based on the strength of a users relationship. Places and pages that are most popular with a persons friends and connections will show first.

3. Photo Resolution is Larger

Be sure to upload at least a 620×620 pixel resolution profile photo. Don’t be lazy here by simply uploading your logo. Take the 10 minutes to customize it size. This will be one of the first impressions those searching will have of your business.

4. Share Photos and Videos

Photos tend to have a good shelf life on Facebook. What you share on your page will be available for photo and video-related searches.

5. There is no time like the present

Facebook started rolling out the Graph Search on January 15th to a small set of users so you have time to get things together. As with most things, those that do the work will be rewarded.

Are you ready?

November 13, 2012

Social media in manufacturing

The first step in utilizing social media for manufacturing is determining if social media makes sense for your business. I’m not entirely convinced that social media marketing makes sense for every business.

At it’s most basic form, social media is simply having a conversation online and can take shape in many different ways. Interestingly, most companies jump on Facebook and Twitter completely missing out on other opportunities. Having a presence on these to social networks doesn’t guarantee success.

Here are some basic steps for developing a social media strategy for manufacturing:

1. Start with the end in mind

What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to reach new customers? Existing? Will you be promoting a new product or service? Choose one. It can be difficult to be all thing to all people.

2. Where are you customers?

Where do your customers spend their time online? If it isn’t Facebook or Twitter, figure out where the conversations are taking place.

3. Listen

If all you do is promote and share links, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to “network”. After all there is a reason why it’s called “social networking”. Tools like search.twitter.com, Social Mention, and even Google search can give you real-time insights to what those in your industry are talking about.

4. Participate

Especially in forums. Forums are a great way for you to do market research, understand frustrations within your industry, and connect with those USING your product. There are some excellent forums for the manufacturing industry. Look for ways to engage. Think about joining a Twitter chat. #MFGchat is a bi-weekly chat for the manufacturing industry. A great opportunity to have one on one interaction.

5. Connect

A great way to connect with customers is by just jumping in. It’s like a big networking event, those who already know each other will be having a conversation and you have to find a pleasant way to jump in, but be careful, online communities don’t take kindly to spam.

6. Evaluate

Are you seeing results from your involvement in social media? Know what metrics you should be evaluating. You’ll be able to figure this out based on Number 1. Start with the end in mind. If it’s about making new connections, were you able to convert those online connections into real world meetings? If you’re trying to grow you newsletter, how many new subscribers came as a result?

If you’re a manufacturing company, how are you implementing social media into your business?

October 30, 2012

Social media and the insurance agent

Social media for Insurance Agents. A regulated industry with do and don’ts to make your head spin. How does an insurance agent/agency even begin to take advantage of the social media options available? Should insurance agents take part in social media?

Absolutely.

Social media/networking gives you the ability to connect with existing clients and prospective clients in a way that traditional media does not. It creates dialogue.

Social networking goes beyond Facebook and Twitter. While these are great networks for engagement and we’ll discuss, there are some other areas that offer a great return on your efforts.

1. Blogging – builds your website content and keeps your website fresh and up to date.

Adding a blog to your existing website gives you the opportunity to write relevant content based on your audience.
Create a section dedicated entirely to FAQ (frequently asked questions).
Once a week address a FAQ on your blog. If you’ve been in the industry for a while this shouldn’t be hard to do.

2. Twitter – A great way to connect with other agent and build back links to your website

Use Twitter to connect with other insurance agents/agencies.
Use Twitter to share content created on your website.
Participate in industry specific Twitter chats (held once a week/bi-weekly/monthly). Twitter Chat Schedule
Connect with local Twitter users
Answer industry specific questions

3. Forums – Find a non-insurance related forum and become the part of the community. Actively participate in discussions. This takes time as regular forum users are highly protective and treat spam harshly and quickly.

Learn what people are talking about related to insurance issues
Answer industry specific questions
Market research the frustrations related to insurance
Creates dialogue with potential clients
Builds back-links to your website
Sets you apart

4. Facebook – Facebook is the starting point on the web first thing in the morning for plenty of users.

Connect with existing clients.
Share content relevant to them.
Avoid industry lingo and focus on relevant content that encourages dialogue.
Create a simple welcome tab. Make it the default landing page.
Interact with your fans.

5. YouTube – Video is a great way to connect visually

Create short engaging video
Think “less commercial” and more “value”. What usable information can they take away?
Be creative – don’t be afraid to bring in an outsider to help
Client testimonials, introduction to staff integrated on your website
Keyword optimize.

5. Google Places – The percentage of smart phones continues to rise. This means local search is becoming increasingly important.

Create/Claim your Google Places profile.
Integrate your profiles, pictures, and video.
Tag your profile based on industry.

These are just a few suggestions to get your started on Social Media with a touch of digital marketing. Both should be integrated into a traditional marketing strategy, not as a replacement.

How have you integrated social media and digital marketing into your insurance agency?

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