How Can Attorneys Use Social Media?

5Oct

Advertising, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Marketing, Reddit, Snapchat, Social Media, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized, Video, YouTube

For some professionals, social media marketing just doesn’t seem like a useful tool. Legal professionals took a bit of time to get on board. After all, it almost seemed unethical to be on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Their whole career is about privacy and confidentiality after all. Well, now a mass majority of lawyers represent themselves on social media profiles. What exactly do they share with their audience?

These are the best activities attorneys and lawyers can hope to accomplish:

– Educate. One of the most effective hats an attorney can wear on social media is that of an educator. Depending on your specialty, you can write long-form articles and explain an element of the law to your readers.

– Advise. With a healthy dose of fine print and disclaimers, you can provide suggestions and tips for those who seek advice online. Always make sure you’re suggesting to get the real help by seeing you in person!

– Network. Attorneys need to market. We advise you to connect with other professionals through LinkedIn, and invest a bit into Facebook advertising to spread the word about your firm.

– Redirect. You’ve already created a website with a hefty amount of information about you and your firm. Promote its various pages and blog on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

As you can see, even attorneys can find a home on social media. It provides many opportunities to present yourself as a professional, but also an excellent way to drum up prospective clients and connections.

Are you an attorney with a lack of social media representation! Contact us! We will make you and your brand shine!

Why Social Media Marketing Is A Two-Way Street

By Christopher Tompkins

4Oct

Advertising, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Marketing, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized

What is the goal of social media marketing? The same as any marketing – brand promotion and awareness- right? On the macro level of things, sure. But when you take a closer look, it’s more about communication. Sales, ROI, and all that jazz comes a bit later. Social media has become the front line between brand and customer. As such, there needs to be engagement. That’s the golden ticket. Don’t forget that communication is a two-way street.

Conversation. That’s the big differentiation between a website and a social media account. You can ask your brand a question, and a good company will answer quickly. This is why marketers can’t expect engagement to be drummed up solely from their followers. The social media should be point A in the conversation. Their comments are point B, and your reply to their comments is point C. Always strive for point C! Do not be a silent brand, or post robotically with no human connection. If someone asks your company a question, you need to respond.

Technology has made it so there’s no excuse anymore. We’re in a VERY convenient world. You need to answer your customers and converse with them. The whole point of having a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page is to become more approachable. Do not hide behind the screen, get into the nitty gritty of the people!

Does social media have you stumped? Consider The Go! Agency your online representative! We help many clients connect to their ideal customer base in unique and professional ways! Contact us today!

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What’s The Big Deal About Social Media Engagement?

By Christopher Tompkins

3Oct

Social Media

Ah, engagement. The big “E” word. The thing all social media marketers strive for. But, why? And what does it even mean? It’s time to set the record straight.

Engagement is the interactions users have with your social media posts and accounts. It’s conversations, reactions, shares, and ultimately, close connections. In its definition alone, you should understand why marketers strive for it. Is your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest post’s engagement high? That means your content is compelling and conjures real interaction. If it’s low, that means it’s falling into the neglected void. No likes, no shares, nothing. In the end, a failure.

This is where we see the big differentiation between quality over quantity. You could have tens of thousands of followers and very little engagement. While it’s nice to have that number high, it’s pointless if people aren’t digesting your content. And THAT is what matters in social media, and is also what makes it so unique. Television commercials, magazine ads, billboards, and radio ads don’t have the luxury of this level of engagement. Instead, marketers can study ROI and profit numbers long after the fact. With social media, real-time analytics are immediately available. We can examine just how many people clicked, liked, and shared a particular post.

The whole point of social media is to get people involved with your brand. Lately, algorithms had further solidified this concept. If you begin to interact with a person or page more than others, your news feed will start to present more of that content. That’s the ultimate goal, a prime spot on viewer’s feeds. This is why YouTubers beg us all to subscribe, comment, and share. It’s all about activity, not broadcasting.

So, the big “E” has some value to it after all. Without it, you might as well call up your local news station and ask for their rates. Social media is where the people are, and we need to keep in mind the standard of this age of marketing, which is a close interaction between brand and customer.

Stuck on how to increase your engagement? Fear not! Our team of marketers study analytics on a daily basis and tweak our approaches so we can deliver the best numbers possible to our clients!

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5 Ways To Be A Terrible Blogger

By Christopher Tompkins

2Oct

Copywriting

Look at your online marketing as a multi-layer, albeit unified machine. Your website, email blasts, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and even your Angie’s List page should all work together. But there’s something missing. A blog.

This handy tool will help you speak your mind in a unique and customizable way. Hundreds of millions of writers already found a home on the internet as bloggers, but not everyone has perfected this art form. In fact, there are some downright awful blogs out there.

Does your company have a blog? It should! But before you sign up and start fooling around with your layout, be wary of these 5 BIG mistakes even the most experienced bloggers may find themselves making:

1. Going in blind. One of the greatest sins in the world of blogging is leaving massive gaps of time between posts. It’s the best way to lose all your followers. The most common reason for this is a lack of strategy. You just don’t know what else to write! While that’s understandable, it’s not acceptable. Before you publish that first blog, get a calendar and plot out a few weeks to a month’s worth of content. Don’t run out!

2. Isolating your blog. Remember what I said about your brand’s online marketing being a multi-layer, albeit unified machine? Don’t forget to promote your blog on your other avenues. Post about your new blogs on Facebook and Twitter, have a link on your website and spread the word via email blasts.

3. Being a copycat. Yes, everyone needs a spark of inspiration at times and tends to find it by reading other people’s work. But do NOT plagiarize their info. It’s a good way to get into a whole mess of trouble. If you need to reference another’s article, do so in a courteous and professional fashion.

4. Sloppy writing. I’m not just talking about typos or grammatical errors. (although you should definitely check your work. Have you tried Grammarly yet?) Before you hit the keyboard, get your thoughts straight. Stick to a solid plan, get your point across, and keep your thoughts in order.

5. Readers won’t learn anything. After reading a blog or article, a person should have taken away something from the experience. Whether it’s a new tip or a grudge against the reader’s opinions, your blogs should have an impact. Share knowledge, tips, tricks, and facts. Data always dominates (but make sure it’s correct). Whether people realize it or not, a blog tends to have an educational element at its core.

Are you ready to start blogging? It’s an integral part to a company’s online presence. Not a big fan of writing? No worries! The Go! Agency’s experience copywriters create powerful and knowledgeable articles for our clients every single day!

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The Top Mistakes That Kill LinkedIn Accounts

By Christopher Tompkins

1Oct

LinkedIn, Social Media

Social media marketing isn’t simple. Wait, let me rephrase that. GOOD social media marketing isn’t simple. It’s easy to click “Sign Up” and send a tidal wave of garbage out to the cyber masses. But to be truly effective, you need to think and realize where exactly you’re posting. The phrase “When in Rome do as the Romans do” applies in a big way online. LinkedIn is perhaps the platform with the most etiquette to abide by. Are you acting appropriately on the social media site for professionals? If you’re doing one of the following, you definitely aren’t.

1. Thinking LinkedIn is Facebook. Sure, we all love memes, cat videos, and long-winded rants about personal opinions. But LinkedIn isn’t the place for that. Keep all the “personal-type content” on Facebook and Instagram.

2. Inappropriate or absent profile picture. Do yourself a favor and remember this mantra – “Selfies are not for LinkedIn!” I can’t tell you how many people use blurry, revealing, or simply unprofessional profile photos. You don’t need to hire a photographer to make a decent headshot. A little bit of effort will go a long way. And, with EVERY social media account, personal or professional, stay away from pics of you drinking, or in any situation, you wouldn’t want a superior to see.

3. More spamming than social. Sure, you can – and should – network on LinkedIn. But this isn’t a place for heavy promotions. Craft your writing to be organic and personable. Don’t use the default connection requests or congratulatory messages. Show you care!

4. Picking a fight. Speak the truth, but if you have a gripe with someone, perhaps not the whole truth. Negative comments are the bane of social media marketers’ existence, but in reality, it makes the writer look like a bit of a bully.

5. Hashtags. Now, hashtags are a BIG gray area for LinkedIn. At the time of this article’s posting, the long-banished hashtags have begun their return to the platform. However, they are only in the app. Soon enough, the Microsoft-owned social media platform will most definitely welcome hashtag functionality back to the desktop version. Then, go hashtag crazy. Until then, be wary of this tool.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest internet networking event. It’s not another Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, and it shouldn’t be treated like that. LinkedIn has become a huge opportunity for marketers and business owners to connect to right people. Be sure to do it right!

Ready to market yourself online? Contact us today, and we can work together to rock LinkedIn!

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5 Ways To Write A Stellar Social Media Update

By Christopher Tompkins

29Sep

Copywriting, Social Media

Ever since the early days of the newspaper, people have studied the power of the headline. Writers carefully selected each word so their paper would pull in readers. Social media marketing has evolved this concept. Thankfully, we don’t need people shouting “Extra!” on street corners. Instead, we have to make sure our updates are noticeable on the web.

Internet communications changed the way we write and promote our brands. What strategies work the best for social media users? The following five types of updates are sure to pull in readers!

1. Lists. Whether your post is “Top 10 Restaurants in Nashville” or “The 5 Most Important Documents For Estate Planning”, people love lists. They are easy to read and get right to the point.

2. Definitions and industry terms. Does your industry have specific terminology? Teach them to the audience! For example, “The Legal Terms You Need To Know!” is an excellent way to spread a wealth of knowledge.

3. Casual tone. Today’s consumer likes a casual and conversational tone for marketing. “Check out these…”, “Come see our…” further strengthen your brand’s approachable feel.

4. Questions. “Could These Foods Help With Alzheimer’s?” Crafting a social media post in the form of a question is always a good way for readers to click and search for the answer.

5. Powerful vocabulary. Finally, no matter what way you craft your message, your words need to pack a punch. Don’t waste room on weak words. Instill a sense of urgency and importance.

Does your marketing team have writer’s block? Contact us! Our copywriting department will be able to craft your brand’s message into a professional and effective piece of marketing.

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Why Size Matters: Twitter’s Compact Marketing Advantage

By Christopher Tompkins

28Sep

Social Media, Twitter

Twitter has begun to slowly implement their new relaxed coding which no longer counts pictures and videos against the 140 character limit. Now, we can tell even more of our story with the help of engaging visuals. Still, such a small amount of characters can present a challenge for marketers. But what if our marketers’ Twitter limit isn’t a restriction, but an opportunity?

Whether we can thank TV, the internet, or the whole faced-paced world in general, the average human has an eight-second attention span. EIGHT seconds. For marketers, that means you have to get that punchy message out in a flash. Twitter is the answer to our easily distracted minds. Now, you can make a powerfully written message alongside a creative image, and hope to grab someone’s wondering mind quickly.

The casual Twitter user has an incredibly quick moving news feed. If tweets were any longer, the system just wouldn’t work. There would be a digital traffic jam, as new tweets would accumulate to the point where many posts would be missed. These short messages are actually a blessing in disguise. However, writing for Twitter is an entirely different experience than other social media sites.

In the world of SEO, “stop words” is a common term. These are overly broad and often unnecessary words such as “from, the, an, about, for” that water down results. There’s a lesson here for Twitter writers. While these words can be unavoidable, efficiency is king. Get your message out in as little words as possible. Leave room for links, Twitter handles, and of course, enough available characters so someone can Quote Tweet your content.

Some companies try to circumvent the 140 character by sending a series of tweets that, when read all at once, tell a long message. Bad move! If someone sees a piece of the long string of tweets without context, it will make no sense. Refine your message so it can fit into the site’s restraints. After all, if you can shorten your message to 140 characters, imagine how easy Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ will be!

Does Twitter have you stumped? Don’t let that ground you. Here at The Go! Agency, we work with Twitter every single day! Contact us today to fly high on this popular social media platform.

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How To Make Your Customers Social Media Stars

By Christopher Tompkins

27Sep

Business, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Local Marketing, Marketing, Periscope, Pinterest, Reddit, Snapchat, Social Media, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized

Let’s face it. You can’t have close and personal connections with every single person that reaches out to your brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, every now and again, some companies make selected customers genuinely happy by giving them some virtual fame. How exactly can you help customers feel special? Check out the following tips:

1. Retweet and Quote tweeting. For big brands, they can be tagged thousands of times a day, especially after a really successful post. Every now and again find a tweet that you’re mentioned in (try to choose a positive one!) and retweet it.

2. Fan of the month. Some companies will have nominations for fans of the month and showcase particularly faithful fans on their social media profiles. Strictly speaking business, it’s awesome publicity.

3. Testimonials. We all know the power of testimonials. Good reviews are social media gold! Share a customer’s positive experience with the rest of your online followers.4. Replying. One of the first rules of social media is responding to messages. ALWAYS stick to this rule, even if it’s a short reply. Be sure to stick to this rule! Otherwise, your fans will feel ignored.

These methods make those chosen customers to feel special, but your whole social media audience will see you care!

Did you know The Go! Agency is the representative of hundreds of companies online? Let us do the connecting for you! Your customers will be glad you did.

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Is Your Business Ready For Chatbots?

By Christopher Tompkins

26Sep

Facebook, Instagram, Live Video, Local Marketing, Marketing, Reddit, Snapchat, Social Media, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized, Video, YouTube

Well, we’re in 2016, and there are no flying cars or robot butlers yet. But, we’re getting there. The concept of chatbots is a big step forward for both technological advancements and social media marketing. There has been a lot of buzz around these talkative programs lately, and the hype is only rising. So, here’s everything you need to know about chatbots and their impact on social media marketing.

First of all, you might be unsure of what exactly we’re talking about. A chatbot is an automated program that people converse with on a variety of messaging applications. Most likely, you’ve already had dealings with bots without even realizing it. Apple’s Siri is one of the most popular and accessible- although a vast majority of bots use text to speak instead of a robotic voice. Now, more and more businesses are creating their own AI systems to create a brand new experience.Here are the incredibly simple steps someone takes to chat with a company’s bot.

1. Choose your platform. Many people will utilize Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to speak with bots since they already use these messaging tools. Still, many platforms such as Kik, Skype, and We Chat are adopting chatbot features as well.

As you can see, you don’t have to download the Nike app to chat with their chatbot, or the Wall Street Journal’s app to chat with theirs. Instead, they are using the most popular platforms to be in their audiences’ line of sight, just like they do with traditional social media.

2. Choose your bot. First, we tested CNN’s chatbot. On Facebook Messenger, we simply searched for CNN and picked the bot from the results. (It had the lightning bolt-emblazoned Messenger logo next to the profile image.)

3. Start chatting! After choosing CNN’s bot, we chose “top stories” from the chat menu, and it started giving us all the headlines we could ask for! Then, we searched for “social media marketing” news, and it gave us a customized result.

Each bot has unique commands, prompts, and buttons. For example, Uber’s bot has a car button that you can press to start scheduling a ride. It’s a new way to customize communication with your customers that works along side your pre-existing social media marketing.

Business owners from many industries have begun creating chatbots. There’s a bit of irony, however. There’s a less human side to this area of social media, but people feel closer to their brands because of the “one on one” feel of the chat. Conversation truly is an artform, even with a robot.

The big question is quality. Chatbots are created to be able to respond a wide variety of user-generated prompts. Yet as we have seen with Siri, an AI can only do so much. Still, updates are released every day, and the future seems bright for robot-kind.

These bots may not be the robots we all thought we would have in the future, but they appear to be doing a good job. While the bots are slowly dominating messenger apps, it remains to be seen just how receptive audiences will be. So far, people like them for their instant response and convenience. And if fans start to congregate towards a new communication device, marketers must adapt.

Are you struggling to adapt to all these social media updates? Contact us today to see how we can handle it for you!

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Is Your Social Media Marketing Speaking A Different Language?

By Christopher Tompkins

25Sep

Advertising, Business, Email Marketing, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Local Marketing, Marketing, Social Media, Social networking, Uncategorized

Does it seem like you’re speaking a different language than your customers? You actually might be! I’m not saying you accidentally wrote your Facebook updates in Japanese, but perhaps you’re not speaking the way your customers like or understand.

Social media, in a nutshell, is about two things – communication and community. As such, you’re going to need to know your customers and how they talk, or rather, how they expect you to talk. Here is why your writing may be your social media downfall:

1. Tone. Social media is the same as any other form of marketing in the respect that your company needs consistency. The language you use should be of the same tone as everything you do. Are you a business that gives off fun vibes, like a beverage or fashion line? Then keep it fun! Are you a divorce lawyer? Then maybe you should stick to a more professional feel. Either way, the right tone is essential to powerful and unique messages.

2. Technicalities. Some industries require customers to understand the nitty-gritty mechanics of the product. Others are better off simply explaining the benefits of the product. After all, a cleaning supply company probably won’t disclose all the science behind their products. On the other hand, a computer company may explain the type of processor or monitor screen resolution.

3. Content. Social media marketers need to study what kind of content their audience responds to the most. Whether it’s promotional posts, news articles, or even memes, it’s up to YOU to make sure there is engagement!

4. Timing. Each platform has a different “prime time” for posting. Some scheduling times are more effective than others. However, your audience is also an important factor. Your demographic should shape when your content is sent out. Some people check the internet on Tuesdays at 10:00am, others at Friday at 9:00pm. Study your followers!

Who is your ideal customer? The answer to that defining question should determine how you talk, what you talk about, and when you say it. It’s imperative that you pinpoint your ideal demographic and the people you want to sell to. Otherwise, you might as well be speaking a different language!

Are you ready to reach out to your customers like never before? Contact us today to create an effective marketing strategy!

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