The 5 Essential Steps To Social Media Images

1Nov

Balance. Not a word that people often associate with social media marketing, but in reality, it’s one of the most important elements of a successful strategy. Just like a meditating monk or a juggler, balance is essential.

But what is there to balance? For one thing, the balance of visual tools and text. One cannot live without the other in the world of social media marketing. Now that Twitter no longer counts imagery against its 140 character count, there is no excuse for not using imagery. That being said, you need quality pics, videos, and GIFs. The following are the best approaches to social media visuals.

1. Platform logistics. I bet you thought we were going to get all creative didn’t you? Well, that comes later. First, you need to know the dimensions each platform requires. Pinterest images are better if laid out vertically, while Instagram prefers squared images. For full details about what size every image should be, check out our article on the subject here.

2. Eye-Catching Material. Sure, it’s easy to say “make your images eye-catching,” but how do you actually accomplish this?

First, choose an appropriate subject matter. Whether it’s a model, a plate of gourmet food, or a mechanic smiling next to a newly-repaired pickup, have an image that makes people interested and represents what the post is about.

Secondly, make sure the image is high-quality. No blurry photos! Low-resolution photographs or graphics will make your company look like amateurs.

Finally, whether you’re using image editing software or you’re going the “no filter” route, make sure your images have bold colors, snappy text where applicable, and simple, albeit iconic, message.

3. Collage, Slideshows, and More. If you’re going with the static image route, you have a few opportunities to spice things up. Add multiple images to a collage or slideshow to appeal to our media-hungry senses. You can also add music and special effects to images via certain third-party apps. When dealing with Snapchat and Instagram, utilize the array of tools that they’ve already given you!

4. Videos and GIFs. As any social media marketer will tell you, video content is on the rise. 2016 witnessed many software developers trying to take advantage of the video craze. Do you lack a certain Spielberg quality to filmmaking techniques? No worries! You can create a hybrid of sorts with pictures, text, and effects thanks to video editing software like Ripl or Viva Video.

5. Live Video. Are you ready to take the ultimate leap into truly engaging visuals? Nothing pulls followers in an interactive and live video session between you and your customers. Periscope, Facebook Live, and now YouTube allow businesses to connect with their fans in this phenomenal way. You can answer questions on the spot, showcase new products, and much more.

These five steps are proven methods to drum up more engagement by staying in touch with contemporary practices. So, you want a balance between text and imagery? Here’s your path to image excellence. For the best way to get the best written-word, check out this blog!

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Why Social Media Marketing Makes Your Company Contemporary

By Christopher Tompkins

31Oct

Social Media

Remember when we all thought that the future would have flying cars, robot butlers, and pneumatic tubes everywhere? It looks like the Jetsons were a tad off. Instead, we’re working with the thinnest, sleekest, and fastest phones, computers, and tablets. What does all of it have in common? The internet. Heck, even our refrigerators and cars have internet access now.

The world wide web is a defining factor of not only this decade, but our generation. The ways in which we work, communicate, play, and connect has been reshaped into a more convenient and intelligent form. However, one most significant aspect of our lives that has changed is marketing. Is your business with the times?

In today’s age, a mass majority of businesses are on social media in one aspect or another. Whether we’re talking about Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or LinkedIn, social media, in a nutshell, has become the central hub for internet users. This is why over 50 million businesses have signed up to Facebook alone. They’re going where the people roam.To have a business profile on social media means your business is not under a rock. Instead, you’re making an effort to connect with customers in a way they love. It’s not just about promotions. It’s about being a part of the community.

Social media has become the go-to place for communication. Whether it’s spreading awareness about events, promotions, news, personal updates, etc. This is the place where people go now. When you add the marketing aspect to it, businesses can reap the rewards of social media’s popularity. Even though there aren’t the retro-futuristic gadgets we all thought we would have by now, social media marketing is pretty fantastic.

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# Marks The Spot: How To Hunt For Social Media Content

By Christopher Tompkins

30Oct

Advertising, Business, Copywriting, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Marketing, Periscope, Pinterest, Snapchat, Social Media, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized, Video

At times, social media marketing may feel like a treasure hunt without the map. That golden piece of content to like, share, and expand upon tends to be difficult to find without the right tools. But this isn’t a reason to give up. On the contrary, this content will help shape your marketing strategy for the better, so you need to track it down! Check out the best places and avenues to find content that’s not only relevant to your industry but highly engaging.

Reputable sources. Whether the news source is industry-specific or a dedicated news station like CNBC or Huffington Post, a prominent, respectable name is always a great place to search for content. It will validate the article’s reputability and bring a sense of professionalism to your brand.

Content delivery systems. Sure, technically Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are awesome sources for news, but there are times when you need to hone in on a particular subject matter or filter out unnecessary posts. That’s why there are tools like Feedly, Nuzzel, and Daily by Buffer to help you weed through the internet mess to the most trending topics and articles.

Social media managing tools. Hootsuite and Buffer are places to schedule, analyze, and publish content, but you can also use handy tools to filter tweets, updates, and posts by keyword, hashtags, or accounts.

Blogs. There are many blogs out there that are powered by industry influencers and experienced experts. A quick Google search could open a brand new world to relevant and reliable sites that you can regularly check for content.

Google Alerts. Finally, the internet can be wrangled into one nice blast to your email thanks to Google Alerts. Set up a few alerts for your most important subjects and just wait for the content to come flowing every day. I would suggest to only set up a few because that will be enough to keep your inbox from erupting but you will still get a plethora of content and ultimately, inspiration.

There’s no reason to be lost on your content treasure hunt. In reality, there is so much material for every possible subject matter that you will have to weed through good articles to choose which one works best for you!

What about original content? Contact us today to learn how our experts can create content for you that other businesses will want to share!

How To Fight Social Media Marketing Doppelgangers

By Christopher Tompkins

How-To-Fight-Social-Media-Dopplegangers-200x300

29Oct

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

We were asked what to do if someone tries to impersonate your business on social media. While it’s a frightening thought, it’s easily resolved.

Your social media manager poured tons of effort into your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account. They carefully optimized the page with all the ins and outs of your business, posted engaging content, and uploaded professional quality imagery. Then one day, you go online to see another version of your company’s account lurking about.

The profile picture is the same, even the name and profile information match. But it’s not yours. Instead, there are spams and scams and inappropriate content congesting this profile’s news feed. It seems there’s an evil twin of yours online. What is there to do?

The mere existence of this fake account is a threat to your social media marketing efforts. As soon as you discover the account, report it to the authorities immediately. Whether you are on Facebook, Twitter, etc. The powers that be will be able to pursue the perpetrator. While it’s more common to see this in personal profiles, it’s certainly possible for scam artists to copy a business as well. Make sure you have proof that you represent the real business, which will make things go a lot smoother.

In addition to fake accounts, there is always the possibility of someone publishing your content as their own. While this is entirely unnecessary thanks to sharing, retweeting, quote-tweeting, etc., it still happens from time to time. If this happens, prepare to defend your well thought out content.

If you see that this is a real person and not just a spammy account, email them directly before taking more serious action. Politely ask them to remove your content. If they comply, the issue is over. If not, you need to inform the authorities.

Take plenty of screenshots and be sure to include the dates and times of when your original post was published. Contact Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or whatever platform you use. Each site has a comprehensive and responsive team that does not take these situations lightly.

Don’t think that not participating in social media marketing at all is the answer. In fact, you are more susceptible. Having no social media activity means you won’t know if there is a copycat online. Secondly, you will have no real profile to call the real one. Don’t be vulnerable to scams.

Social media marketing provides a new level of online recognition. Every now and again, there will be someone who tries to abuse the system. Luckily, the resolution to this situation is easy and fixable so you can keep on marketing.

Our clients have nothing to worry about. Our attentive social media marketing team scans the internet for any sign of trouble. If it ever occurs, we strike it down immediately. Are you looking for effective and secure social media marketing? Contact us today to see how we can help!

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How Small Business Owners Excel At Social Media

By Christopher Tompkins

12Oct

Social Media

The life of a small business owner is tough. Whether you’re trying to create a business empire from scratch or just trying to maintain the day-to-day, being in charge of a company is no joke. Who has time to bother with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? As tough as it can be to fit social media into a packed schedule, it’s essential for any business to grow. Social media marketing has the strength to bring even a small local shop increased online visibility. How do you start? Check out these steps:

1. Invest in update management software. A busy business owner can’t be bothered with spending several hours crafting content, posting, sharing, and liking. You will need help! A variety of programs will be able to help you master social media marketing. Whether it’s Hootsuite, Buffer, or Onlypult, the right software will help.

2. Engaging content. You need social media marketing, but you need GOOD social media marketing. The right content will attract customers to your page. The wrong content will repel them.

3. Moderate promotions. Small businesses can use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms for many different reasons, but you want to make sure to promote specials, happy hours, sales, and events, etc. That being said, you should add other content into the mix. Don’t make your social media marketing presence solely about sales!

4. Promote in real life. Make sure people know about your online presence when they visit your store. Whether your run a restaurant, retail shop, or another small business, have those “Follow Us!” signs up and offer exclusives found nowhere else than Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Today’s small businesses have an advantage. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help strengthen your online presence, professional status, and customer relations.

Are you stumped on social media marketing? Let us take care of it for you!

The Best Brands Use This Content. Does Yours?

By Christopher Tompkins

11Oct

Advertising, Email Marketing, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Live Video, Local Marketing, Marketing, Snapchat, Social Media, Social networking, Tailwind, Twitter, Uncategorized, YouTube

Think of the various categories of your social media content as gadgets in your “social media utility belt”. Each one is unique but serves the ultimate purpose – brand engagement and increased brand awareness. But to get to those goals, you need to learn which tools work and which don’t.

Diversity is absolutely essential for a successful social media marketing campaign. To achieve the right mix, try the following types of updates:

– Interviews. Whether The New Yorker just interviewed the owner of your company or you want to spotlight a new employee, interviews will bring a face to your brand. This humanizes your business and strengthens your approachability.

– Professional Material. Has your company created ebooks, blogs, online courses, etc.? Promote it! Sharing your material through your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter is a surefire way to put your brand in a professional light. Are you looking to make some professional material? The Go! Agency has your back!

– FAQ samples. Do you notice some questions many customers ask quite often? Address the issue in the form of a social media post.

– Q&As- Hosting an open question and answer session can open the floodgates of questions to your brand. Get your answers ready and be quick about it! Despite them being fast paced, Q&A sessions are marketing gold.

– Preparation Steps – Helping your customers prepare for an important process can be very helpful and will show the caring side of your brand. Senior living facilities can post about moving in processes or Medicare applications. Mechanics can give tips on how to winterize your vehicle. You get the picture. It’s free advice that shows you want your customers to succeed, be safe, and stay informed.

Get ready! These five types of content will bring humanity and better communication to your brand. Consider adding these ideas to your strategy!

Contact The Go! Agency to learn how we can take advantage of social media marketing together!

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Why You Need To Be A Social Media First Responder

By Christopher Tompkins

2Aug

Advertising, Facebook, Instagram, Marketing, Social Media, Social networking, Twitter, Uncategorized

It may not be a surprise to anyone that the world is getting faster. Too bad we still only have 24 hours to complete everything. Social media is no exception to this acceleration as we see articles drop down to the bottom of news feeds faster than a falling brick.

If you want to present your company as an influential member of your industry, you need to prove you are knowledgeable and in tune with what is happening. Be sure watch relevant subject matters carefully and become a news source by spreading the word. You can retweet, share stories, or write an original article or blog post about what is happening in the world.

Content isn’t the only element of social media that demands quick attention. Account maintenance goes beyond sharing posts and staying relevant. You need a sharp eye on all aspects of your company’s profiles. During this series about how to craft an effective social media marketing campaign, we placed a lot of emphasis on planning. One of the most important pieces of a strategy is to stay attentive and responsive.

Social media is all about communication. Because of this, customers have the ability to reach out to your business through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other platforms. They can inquire, comment, or complain, all for the rest of your audience to see. Pretty scary right? Well, it doesn’t have to be if you have an attentive social media manager watching your page.

Even if a customer goes on a rant against your company, you have the ability to diffuse it in a professional manner by responding. However, you will want to do this quickly. Ignoring a tense situation like this will only make your business look like it is either avoiding conflict or neglecting your social media page.

Whether your customers are mentioning you on Twitter or sending a long message on Facebook, you should respond within 24 hours to everything they throw at you. The sooner the better! After all, social media has become the front lines of customer service. By being quick to reply to any and all engagement, you will show your friends and followers that you care about their satisfaction.

Finally, you must be responsive to website updates. Sure, sometimes the big six (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+) will simply change the color of a graphic or move a menu. However, social media marketers need to watch out for algorithm changes. These will affect how your whole social media strategy works. News feeds can change, websites can take preference to certain posts, etc. It is important for marketers to keep an ear out for when algorithms will take effect and must be prepared to adjust.

It’s clear to see that it’s survival of the swiftest on the internet. You need to be quick and responsive to everything social media presents to your team.

How do you stay on top of things in social media? Comment below! Be sure to look out for Part 4 of our series on achieving effective social media marketing.

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5 Ways to Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile

By Christopher Tompkins

10May

LinkedIn, Social Media, Uncategorized

Depending on which way the wind blows, I’m always changing my mind as to what my favorite social media marketing vehicle is. Some days Facebook. Others Twitter. But if we take the good days with the bad, I am always a fan of LinkedIn.

Marketing and branding using LinkedIn is such a powerhouse for both B2B and B2C businesses. The powers at LinkedIn are not only constantly enhancing the platform, but the conversations and engagement amongst users seem to flow much more smoothly than anywhere else.

With that said, is your profile really saying what you want (and need) it to say?

Whether you are just starting out or a LinkedIn veteran, the list below contains 5 elements that will help you not only create/enhance your professional profile, but gain more visibility and credibility with your target audience.

1. Professional Photo. Make sure that the photograph that you are using as your profile picture reflects your professional acumen. My rule of thumb is to be dressed in your profile picture as a potential client would see you in person. Ensure the photo is up-to-date and is the correct representation of what you look like. Networking offline with someone who looks nothing like their online photographs can be tricky.

2. Create a Link List. Link lists are extremely useful. On a simple Word Doc, paste the links to your website(s), blog(s), social media profile(s) and anywhere else that you want to be found online. When you go through and edit your LinkedIn profile, there are numerous places where you can cut and paste this info. My top tip is to customize. Click “Edit Contact Info” and in the “websites” section add your own websites. Choose “Other” and you will be able to customize the link people see. So instead of just “Facebook” your audience can see “Like My Facebook Page”. Create a call to action. Also don’t forget to add your Twitter links!

3. Incorporate Your Resume/CV. I’m a huge proponent of making sure your LinkedIn profile is filled out completely. In order to do this, you must add your past professional experience. While it can be a bit of a task to complete, make sure to add all of your previous work experience with keyword loaded copy. Also, if the company has a page on LinkedIn, you will be able to choose it from a drop-down list enabling you to show their logo on your profile. This is a great credibility builder as well as a visibility builder. Don’t skimp on the details! A one sentence job summary is a thing of the past!

4. Dust Off Your Keyword List. Another slightly boring but very powerful tool, adding keywords to your profile can get overlooked. Get the list of keywords you are using to promote your business and go through your LinkedIn profile with a fine-toothed comb. Is there anywhere you can add some of these? A great section is your professional summary (generally found towards the top of your profile). Why keywords? Well….how are people going to find you on LinkedIn? Of course your name and company, but isn’t the whole purpose of marketing on LinkedIn to pop up in the searches of potential customers? Keywords enable you to do this.

5. Ad Files. There is a great feature which allows you to easily and quickly add files, photos, videos and more directly to your LinkedIn profile. You will see a box that plainly says “Add a Link” and “Upload a File”. Find files that you use to promote your business, videos your have done on YouTube, pdf giveaways and more. This is a great and easy way to enhance your profile while selling and building credibility. Want to add an even more impressive element? Send prospects the link to your LinkedIn Profile to get more information…just make sure to tell them where to find your downloads!

When it comes to LinkedIn this is just scratching the surface, but all of these elements will enable you to create a profile that is easier to find, impressive and credible. So get started and reap the benefits today!

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Tag : linkedin for business

Need Online Marketing Help? Fill Out the Form Below and We Will Get Right Back to You!

Need Online Marketing Help?

Fill Out the Form Below and We Will Get Right Back to You!