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Announcements Aren’t One-And-Done
Dos and don’ts for communicating your business’s reopening or current status.
If you’re announcing your reopening - or even just letting people know about your current limited offerings - you can’t do what I’m seeing so many people do:
Just one text-on-image post stating the facts.
Nope.
First of all, most people won’t see this announcement post. They have to go searching for it. That itself limits the reach of your message - but if you’ve continued posting other things in the interim (which, hopefully, you have), you may leave many people confused without the whole story, since very few will scroll back to see the initial post announcing what the heck you’re doing.
Here’s how to do it better:
Focus on still making your posts interesting (as in non-COVID time), but perhaps with a twist. A drink held by a gloved hand. A shopping bag held by someone with a mask. A picture of your take-out setup. That special you’re serving, shot in natural light in a way that makes it look absolutely delicious - in a takeout container. A stack of packages for online item orders, ready for the post office.
Reiterate at the end of every post what your ordering or buying situation is. Don’t make people search for your previous explanation. Do make sure it’s at the end, though - the beginning of your post should still speak to people, just like it always should. It should draw their attention to what’s appealing about what you’re showcasing, or call them out in a way they feel identified with, or ask a question to engage them - look at old posts that got a lot of traction, and do the same in Coronatime. But always end the message with very, very clear, concise information on how people can support you (and safely obtain this thing you’ve gotten them so excited for).
Post a lot! Seriously. People are ROOTING for small businesses right now. Many large companies are slashing budgets, which often means fewer ads, and even fewer organic posts. So, get in those feeds! Rather than making your followers sick of you (and again - they aren’t seeing every post, I promise you!), it’ll warm their hearts to see you surviving and thriving.
Don’t forget to let people know who you are and where to find you! I can’t even count how many random “specials” menus I’ve seen posted on Facebook that don’t in any way indicate what restaurant they’re for, posted by the owner’s personal account instead of by the business. Don’t make people dig for information. Make it really clear who you are, where you are, and how they can support you right now - as well as how you’re there to support them!
Content Can Be FUN!
A roundup of the most fun-to-create content of 2019 from a variety of top social media and digital marketing professionals.
Instead of a compilation of strategic tips or 2020 social media predictions, I decided to do an end-of-2019 roundup post on FUN.
A lot of people wouldn’t put “content creation” and “fun” in the same sentence. Content can feel like a chore, one more business task that takes you away from the things you really want to be doing.
But sometimes? It IS fun. And I’ve gathered nearly two dozen of my smart social media friends to talk about what they most enjoyed creating in 2019 and why. Hopefully, there’s a piece of inspiration in here for each of us!
Full roundup video below; individual responses (with links to the actual FUN content in question!) after the jump.
Deonnah Carolus
Summit Web Marketing
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
My 'How to get Approved for Instagram Shopping after you have been Denied' Checklist!! I created a mini course series that goes in depth with it too!
https://www.summitwebmarketing.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Copy-of-Add-a-subheading.pdf
What made it so much fun to create?
That I can help virtually EVERYONE this happens to with this method I uncovered!!
Angus Nelson
angusnelson.com
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Manhood Matrix graphic:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HPcYDYsVhMNBpRtMR1sjLiCBiwpo_WM-/view?usp=sharing
What made it so much fun to create?
It challenged me to truly think through my philosophy.
Gael Gilliland
The Legacy Recorder
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
What to do when death happens:
https://www.thelegacyrecorder.com/death-dying/grief/what-to-do-when-death-happens
What made it so much fun to create?
It was a tough and unexpectedly joyous conversation that many people have found value in.
Emily Crume
Social Media Examiner
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
A Doodly animated video entitled "5 Reasons to Sponsor an Event."
https://youtu.be/unq8VlQhV9Y
What made it so much fun to create?
I came up with the idea, scripted the story and then recorded the audio and set the animations, music and timing. It required taking the time to learn an explainer video program - but I was able to produce the content all myself!
I have used it on my Compass toolkit page - a page where we host resources that help guide my clients to event success. It was also posted to LinkedIn and had 10x more views in my feed than regular content I repost and share.
Yvonne Heimann
Ask Yvi
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
The Summit Hero:
https://academy.askyvi.com/courses/summithero
What made it so much fun to create?
Collaborating with Mary Fain Brandt is so fun. She is just as enthusiastic and energetic as I am <3
Jennifer Watson
Agora pulse
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Our weekly live show, Social Pulse Weekly, where we have an expert guest, talk about the latest social media news and have fun trivia. I linked to our finale show below that had 10+ guests and was a great way to wrap up the biggest trends of 2019 and what predictions will be for 2020.
http://facebook.com/Agorapulse/videos/517136252207741
What made it so much fun to create?
This was so much fun to create because we had brilliant guests sharing their knowledge with everyone. Along with that relationships were formed and strengthened from the great conversations between viewers and our guests. We had people join in from around the world, that made the experience priceless. This experience has made me appreciate the power of live video even more than I already did!
Our finale video had 118 live views and has reached, but the best part was the conversations and relationship building that was happening with our viewers and the show guests. So much love and support for everyone, it was truly amazing to see.
Phil Mershon
Social Media Examiner
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
My LinkedIn article about showing up powerfully:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/showing-up-powerfully-10-tips-event-organizers-speakers-phil-mershon/
What made it so much fun to create?
Involving so many friends and then seeing how the community is responding to the idea of showing up powerfully.
Risa Hoag
GMG Public Relations
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
The interview with the 3 businesses for the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, Coupe Theatre Studio, Gregory Chiropractic and Luxury Kitchen and Bath. The Nanuet Chamber News Show.
https://www.facebook.com/NanuetChamberOfCommerce/videos/445635276166710/
What made it so much fun to create?
Great fun to interview local business people and share their stories with the Rockland community. Also fun to visit their businesses and see them in action.
Kendra Ramirez
Reset Co
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
We did a video series on mindset. My favorite piece in the series is on money mindset.
https://thereset.co/karlee-schultz/
What made it so much fun to create?
It was filmed in a studio that we designed. We did the whole series with no teleprompter or show notes. We are addressing topics around limiting beliefs.
Katie Hornor
SuccessfulOnlineCourses.com
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Digital Courses: 25 Predictions for 2020
https://bloggingsuccessfully.com/digital-courses-25-predictions-for-2020/
What made it so much fun to create?
Collaborating with other experts to serve our people collectively is a wonderful experience.
Mike Gingerich
Digital Hill and Mike Gingerich Global
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Group collaboration with Now Marketing Group on the Harsh Truths of Online Marketing
https://blog.nowmarketinggroup.com/harsh-truths-of-online-marketing-marketers-tell-all
What made it so much fun to create?
Jessika had a group chat going and it was great to connect with the group and see all their inputs and thoughts!
Chris Strub
The Giving Day Guy
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
A Facebook Live broadcast that I created on #GiveSTLDay with the St. Louis Community Foundation at Healthworks! Kids Museum:
https://www.facebook.com/stlouisgives/videos/321670001842589/
What made it so much fun to create?
I had no idea what to expect, and neither did the audience. Plus Sean Frederick is a super charismatic and fun kid to work with.
Eddie Garrison
Digital Media Creator Academy
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
I did a Social Media Day Virtual Summit that had over 1,000 viewers. It featured nine fantastic speakers and went for nearly five hours.
What made it so much fun to create?
Doing a Social Media Day event ON Social Media. Hearing everyone speak on what their passion is was the best for me.
We ended up with nearly 10,000 overall views of the Virtual Summit.
Ross Brand
Livestream Universe
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Facebook Live interview with Eddie Garrison from Podcast Movement:
https://www.facebook.com/ross.brand.509/videos/1328004804040836/
What made it so much fun to create?
iPhone fell in the middle of the interview. It give us a lot to laugh about during and after the broadcast.
Dan Willis
Millennial Motivator
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
I really had a blast creating the first couple episodes of the Successful Failures podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9hYzU5Njk0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz&episode=OGMyMzc2NzctMDk4My0wODU1LWEyODgtOWI3OTQ1ZmM0NmYy&hl=en-CA&ved=2ahUKEwiXmb2u5q_mAhXRKM0KHYcqAlYQjrkEegQIOBAE&ep=6&at=1576143043022
What made it so much fun to create?
Getting to know the deeper stories behind entrepreneurs is a passion near and dear to my heart! Forgetting the glimmer and celebrity and getting back to real people facing real challenges.
If it helped even one listener to face entrepreneurship with an awareness of the hardships you must overcome in order to succeed it performed beyond expectations!
Jeff Sieh
Manly Pinterest Tips
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827
What made it so much fun to create?
I get to listen in on really cool people like Jane Goodall, Steven Wolfram and Martha Stewart.
Denise Alison
Denise Alison Social Media Strategist
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
My #10tips10days series on LinkedIn.
https://denisealison.com/blog/10-tips-10-days-part-1
What made it so much fun to create?
I loved the energy it gave me to challenge myself to create short and 10 valuable pieces of content, 10 days in a row!
The series got over 30k views.
Phil Gerbyshak
Vector Solutions
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Happy Birthday to Me: Here are 46 things I learned from 46 trips around the sun:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/happy-birthday-me-here-46-things-i-learned-from-trips-phil-gerbyshak/
What made it so much fun to create?
I created it in one sitting in an airplane, and everything I created brought a smile to my face as I thought about when I learned the lesson, how it's impacted me, and even how I continue to use the insight.
Marisa Cali
All The Social
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
The espnW women + sports summit recap. There was tons of social content on Twitter and IG but this summarizes it:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/espnwsummit-reminder-your-why-marisa-cali-1c/
What made it so much fun to create?
The ability to connect with so many of the ideas being said at the summit.
It opened the door for additional opportunities within the sports/womeninsports world; built relationships with key players and furthered the impact I can have in the industry.
Caitlin Jenkins & Amy Tischler
Simply Social Media
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Our most fun piece of content we created in 2019 was not one piece, but rather a place.
Our work is creating community and nothing bonds a group like throwing sharp objects at a target! We mean hatchet throwing, of course, and it inspired many variations of triumphant images, videos, and boomerangs created by our influencers.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/seasonalsunrise/
What made it so much fun to create?
We discovered the secret ingredient for creating fun content is endorphins! Have fun if you want to create fun content!
George Damanis
Up Tempo Social
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
My Perfect Burger blog:
https://www.georgedamanis.com/georgeeatseverywhere/articles/my-perfect-burger
What made it so much fun to create?
Making the burger, eating the burger, and seeing everyone's reaction to it. The biggest compliment I received was a friend telling me the blog made them want to eat a burger for dinner. One friend even went shopping to cook it the night it was published to my website.
Laura Pearman
Laura Pearman Photography
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
My episode on fish and pricing:
https://youtu.be/u9UqGYZ1eJU
What made it so much fun to create?
It marked me Really getting into a fun groove with my channel.
It’s been one of my best this year. All the equivalent ones on this topic are DULL so I’m hoping it will do well over time too.
Madalyn Sklar
#TwitterSmarter
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
Custom GIFs!
https://twitter.com/MadalynSklar/status/1205185759168348161
What made it so much fun to create?
Custom GIFs allow you to show a lot of personality. They're great on Twitter and Facebook.
It generated high engagement with lots of conversations. It's a great way to let your community see the real you.
Amanda Webb
Spiderworking
Most fun piece of 2019 content:
I created a video trailer for an article I had written for Social Media Examiner. It included having a bath in gravy and pretending to do a striptease in my front garden.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B19D_6KCGcS/?igshid=15bvqanpbn59z
What made it so much fun to create?
It was full on creative. I had fun with the ideas, not so much the gravy bath.
My goal was to drive traffic to the article which I did. I also good good engagement across social media platforms. However, previous trailer videos got more link clicks. I think that's because they teased the content more. This video was a complete content piece that didn't require a link click to complete it.
Since you’ve made it this far, I might as well let you know that you can meet almost ALL of these incredible human beings LIVE and IN-PERSON in San Diego this coming March at Social Media Marketing World 2020!
(Yes, that’s an affiliate link - if you buy through it, I’ll buy you a drink in San Diego - swearsies!)
Curious if #SMMW20 is for you? Let’s hop on a phone call or Zoom hangout (yes, really!) and I’ll tell you why it’s BEYOND worth it.
#MidweekMinute 12/4/19: now with extra jazz hands!
Facebook photo exports, reducing ad discrimination; Instagram vibration?; Twitter nested threads, Business Calendar, Brand Surveys & Privacy Center; YouTube culls duds.
Where were you for The Great Thanksgiving Facebook & Instagram Blackout of 2019?…
Facebook is going to start allowing users to transfer their photos more easily to third party partners, starting with Google Photos. The feature is being rolled out to Ireland first, with the rest of the world expected to follow in early 2020.
Facebook’s cracking down even further on preventing discrimination via ad targeting, expanding the rules to include every possible place one could purchase ads on the platform (not just within Ads Manager) and expanding the public ad library to make housing ad targeting more visible.
Instagram’s testing making your phone vibrate when you like a post. This was uncovered by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong, who also discovered that Twitter is working on nested replies (like Reddit).
Wondering what to Tweet? The new 2020 @TwitterBusiness Calendar highlights upcoming events and how to Tweet about them.
Twitter has released Twitter Brand Surveys as a way to measure ad recall.
Twitter has also introduced the Twitter Privacy Center, a hub for all privacy-related information, features, and releases.
Don’t freak out if your YouTube subscriber count is down: YouTube is removing closed accounts.
#MidweekMinute 11/27/19: Keep your friends CLOSE
Cocoon; FB considers Close Friends & rewards your Viewpoints, but only Canada gets Whale memes; IG Explore AI; IGTV may go vertical-scroll; Twitter Hide Replies & native scheduling.
When Borat’s got more common sense and decency than your CEO, it may be time to look deeper…
Last week, the new social network on the block was the journalism-based WT.Social; this week, it’s Cocoon, a family-based networking app from former Facebook employees. (No networks OR ads, just you and your chosen family.)
On a related note, Facebook’s working on a Close Friends feature for Stories and Messenger, similar to the one Instagram has, continuing the overall trend towards “microsharing,” now that our networks have all gotten so swollen with acquaintances and strangers.
The new Facebook Viewpoints app will pay you for participating in surveys or performing tasks. They’re starting with a “well being” survey.
Facebook has quietly released a new meme-making app called Whale, which is exclusive to Canada at the moment. There was no fanfare or announcement, an uncharacteristic move for the social media giant.
In case you’ve ever been curious how Instagram’s “Explore” feed gets populated, they’ve given us a peek behind the curtain with a new blog post explaining the AI behind it.
Feature-uncoverer Jane Manchun Wong has discovered that Instagram is testing out a new IGTV feed with vertical scroll - ironic, as TikTok, which is laid out that way, was previously testing a grid feed, a la Instagram’s Explore tab.
Twitter’s Hide Replies feature is out of beta and available to all.
Twitter is also FINALLY bringing native scheduling to the platform! It’s in beta, and only some people have it. It’s web-only for now, though, which is frustrating, since we already have TweetDeck… but it’s a step in the right direction.
#MidweekMinute 10/9/19: Insta just keeps snappin'
Facebook Portal for Workplace; Instagram Threads, AR try-on, no more follower-stalking, and possible Group Stories; YouTube surpasses Netflix among U.S. teens.
Anyone out there being a “wirch” for Halloween?… No? OK, moving on.
Facebook’s Portal device will now integrate with its Workplace platform (think Slack meets a private Facebook for just co-workers), which should be especially useful for videoconferencing.
Instagram has launched the Threads messaging app, replicating one of Snapchat’s earliest functions. The camera app is built around direct, private photo and video messaging. Instagram’s also testing an AR feature that will allow you to virtually “try on” products like eyewear and cosmetics.
Instagram will also no longer allow you to see a feed of notifications regarding the actions of people you follow - so if you want to know what they’re up to, better slide into those DMs (or Threads!).
One big advantage for Facebook of owning Instagram: if a new feature isn’t a hit on one platform, it could still work on another. Facebook’s Group Stories, discontinued a few weeks ago, is now being tested as an Instagram feature. (It is worth noting that this, too, is a feature that originated many years ago on Snapchat.)
In a recent survey of U.S. teens, YouTube beat out Netflix for the first time ever as the most preferred streaming entertainment platform.
MORE INFO ON ALL STORIES:
#MidweekMinute 10/2/19: Trashing the trash talk
Facebook tests hiding Likes, swipe up to Messenger in Story ads, and works on AR glasses and a VR gaming space; Instagram product launch notifications, Branded Content in IGTV, and @creators; Twitter DM filters; YouTube comment filters, Google Fire; LinkedIn targets audiences.
Wow… that whisteblower sure does have a lot of Twitter accounts…
No, your Facebook isn’t broken; the previously-announced “Hiding Likes” test has begun on some accounts (all articles claim the test is Australia-only for now, but I have a few friends in the U.S. whose likes have already begun disappearing from public view).
Facebook will also soon allow some creators to add Messenger functionality to the “swipe up” feature in Story ads.
In the farther-off future, Facebook is developing augmented reality glasses that will work in combination with an AR map of real-world environments, as well as a virtual reality gaming space called Horizon.
Instagram is testing the ability to receive (or send!) product launch notifications . They’re also extending use of the Branded Content tag to IGTV videos (but you have to be approved first), and have launched the @creators account to encourage the IG creator community to, well, create.
Someone getting nasty in your DMs (in a way you don’t like)? Twitter’s rolling out new filters for that.
YouTube is now available on Google’s Fire TV streaming device, and has also introduced features for creators to more easily search, moderate, and filter comments.
LinkedIn continues developing its advertising tools, with new enhancements to audience targeting.
Join me on LinkedIn Live and Facebook Live at 4 pm ET for more on all stories.
MORE INFO
#MidweekMinute 9/25/19: The Future Is NOW
Facebook suspends apps, kills Group Stories, and wants you to control your phone with your brain (whaa?); Hide Tweets; Instagram restricts body-shaming; YouTube giveth verification, YouTube taketh away, YouTube giveth back; AI video ad placement.
Sorry in advance for all my political Tweets. Let’s not go into that here… on to other social media news!
Facebook has suspended API access for tens of thousands of third-party apps in the continued wake of the Cambridge Analytica data-mining scandal, which prompted Facebook to investigate hundreds of app developers on the platform.
Facebook is discontinuing the seldom-used Group Stories feature tomorrow.
Facebook is acquiring CTRL-labs, a neural learning firm dedicated to translating human brain impulses into digital signals, as part of their Facebook Reality Labs team. The company’s key product is a wristband that will enable you to control electronic devices without touch. (Yes, we officially live in the future.)
Instagram has announced viewing restrictions on weight loss & cosmetic procedure content for users under age 18, and advertising restrictions for how such products are promoted in general.
Twitter’s Hide Replies feature, previously testing in Canada, is now active in the U.S. and Japan. This feature is designed to hopefully help discussions on the platform from getting too ugly (as they are wont to do).
YouTube announced - and then rescinded - major changes to its creator verification system, which would have rescinded verification badges from many creators based on updated criteria. YouTube will re-launch its verification program in late October for accounts not already verified.
YouTube and Google have announced Video Reach ad campaigns, which will enable advertisers to upload numerous types of video ads under a single campaign and allow Google’s AI to optimally distribute them in accordance with viewer insights.
Join me on LinkedIn Live at 4 pm ET for discussion of all stories!
MORE INFO ON ALL STORIES:
#MidweekMinute 9/18/19: Creators gonna create
Major Facebook Creator Studio announcements (including Instagram scheduling!); Facebook Chat posts; Portal TV; YouTube profile cards out trolls; LinkedIn skill verification.
You all know you want #slofies of my dog, don’t even front…
LOTS of news about Facebook Creator Studio announced at the International Broadcasting Convention:
New tools and metrics for Live, Watch Parties, Creator Studio
Facebook Live “Rehearsal” mode
Live video trimming
Live video duration extended from four hours to eight
Multistream broadcasting (simulcast to different platforms)
Pre-scheduling to Instagram and IGTV via Creator Studio
Expanded language options for auto-captioning
New video metrics for Distribution, Watch Party viewership, and Loyalty
Enhanced Watch Party branding, metrics, and sharing
Facebook is testing a new Chat post type to launch private group chats, much like the recently-introduced Chat sticker in Instagram Stories.
Facebook’s new Portal TV set-top box device functions as a broadcast system - like Firestick or Roku - as well as a webcam.
YouTube trolls beware: they’re testing a Profile Card feature that will publicly display your comment history.
LinkedIn has introduced Skill Assessment tests in order to support users’ claimed talents with validation badges for those scoring in the top 70th percentile or above.
more info on all stories:
#MidweekMinute 9/11/19: "Likes" ain't nothing but a number...
Facebook Dating, location security options, possible like-count-hiding test; YouTube hides follower counts; Facebook and Instagram in-ad checkout; “Private” Instagram posts not so private; no more text-to-tweet (for now); Twitter Agency Playbook.
Politics and vulgarity aside, one important user lesson on social media is to know who you’re dealing with.
(#TeamChrissy)
Moving on to more universally applicable social media news…
Let’s be real; you’re going to Facebook-stalk your online date anyway (I MySpace-stalked mine, back in 2006!). Why not just find them on Facebook Dating to begin with?
Facebook is tightening up location security on mobile, allowing for greater nuance and defaulting to whatever the user’s most restrictive settings are (device settings and app settings are often at different levels) unless otherwise specified.
Facebook’s also considering a test to hide like counts on posts, following a similar test by Instagram still in progress. YouTube has also recently removed follower counts from accounts with over 1,000 followers.
Facebook and Instagram are stepping up their ecommerce game, working on in-ad checkout functionality on Facebook and the ability to turn an organic shopping post on Instagram into an ad.
Watch those “private” Instagram posts - they’re apparently easy to access and share via web browser. (Whoopsies!)
If you’ve been posting your Tweets via text, you’re out of luck for a bit - Twitter is temporarily suspending that function after CEO Jack Dorsey was hacked via a SIM card swap.
Twitter doesn’t want to be a mystery to you; they want you to succeed (and thus keep using them). Hence their latest Agency Playbook, full of basic - yet key - tips on what’s proven to provide the most engagement on the platform. Helpful, right?
MORE INFO ON ALL STORIES:
#MidweekMinute 7/10/19: Monetization and anti-bully-ization
Facebook pays creators (and skims a little off the top); Instagram anti-bullying action; IG engagement down.
I hope Tom from MySpace has a blast at the White House Social Media Summit… 🙄
Facebook has made several video-monetization-related announcements this week: new video ad placement options, better tools for creators to manage monetization, tweaks to the beta subscription program (including Facebook now taking a cut of that revenue from creators), and enhanced tools for matching up brands and collaborators.
Instagram ups its anti-bullying functions by warning you if a comment could be considered inflammatory (like a digital conscience!) and allowing you to restrict certain users from seeing your content.
Business users report a significant decline in Instagram engagement rates (perhaps a lot of that engagement was coming from bullies?…).
Join me on LinkedIn Live every Wednesday at 4 pm ET for a fuller explanation of each of these stories and what they mean for you.
LinkedIn Live Replay:
(opens in new window)
More on all stories:
#MidweekMinute 7/3/19: Ms. Gritmon if ya nasty
Facebook Ads stop discriminating; Instagram “Chat” sticker, Explore ads, and layout tweaks (bye-bye, scroll); Twitter t tests layout changes, visual themes, and auto-mute; LinkedIn shifts towards relevant content, adds Company Page features, and adds ad retargeting; find me on Girlboss.
I simply cannot imagine what public figure’s Tweets might inspire such a content warning…
Taking its recent advertising anti-discrimination regulations a step further, Facebook will now make advertisements for housing, jobs, and credit searchable by all users, regardless of income, geography, or other targeting features that might be deemed discriminatory.
New Story sticker alert: Instagram has officially added the rumored “Chat” sticker, which adds those who click it into a DM group.
Instagram is also adding ads to the Explore tab, and has rolled out a new profile layout (in case you’re wondering where scroll view went).
Twitter’s got a new layout in beta - and it’s making your Lists easier to access on mobile, just a quick swipe away from your home screen.
Twitter may soon allow you to customize the appearance of the site to your own liking. You’ll be able to better customize content, too; they’re testing an auto-mute feature that will preemptively prevent certain content from appearing on your feed based on accounts you’ve blocked in the past.
If you thought LinkedIn had been showing you more posts in your niches of interest, congrats, you’re correct; the algorithm has shifted to prioritize “people you know, talking about things you care about.”
LinkedIn is also beefing up Company Pages, including your choice of Calls to Action, mobile editing, and the ability to engage with hashtagged conversations as your page entity, and they continue to roll out upgraded advertising functions; the latest news is that audience retargeting is coming soon.
Girlboss is the new online professional network for women supporting women (started, of course, by Nasty Gal founder Sophie Amaruso).
more info on all stories:
#MidweekMinute 6/26/19: Testing, testing...
YouTube hides comments & lets you try on makeup; Instagram DMing suggestions; Twitter removes a feature AND a bug; LinkedIn interview prep & ad objectives; Google carousel ads.
Also, Beyoncé.
How would you do as Beyoncé’s assistant? (I got fired pretty much immediately.)
YouTube joins the “let’s hide things that are meaningless and/or potentially harmful” bandwagon (following Twitter’s follower count test & Instagram’s like count test) and is testing hiding comments by default. The test seems to be starting with Android users in India.
YouTube has also released a new augmented reality feature, which is rolling out to beauty influencers first, allowing viewers to virtually “try on” makeup when watching product reviews.
Instagram is testing suggesting accounts to follow via DM, using conversation content to provide a grid of other recommended accounts you may wish to follow.
Twitter removes super geo-precise location tags due to lack of use (you’ll still be able to tell people where you are in terms of more general location).
A bug in Twitter sent unfollow notifications to people (which, while bad enough, were also sometimes inaccurate) - oops! It has since been fixed.
LinkedIn not only wants to help you prepare for interviews by providing practice questions - they will even let you video your responses to them, so you can review your performance in a more concrete way.
LInkedIn continues to refine its advertising tools, now putting Objectives front and center (much like Facebook).
Google is testing a carousel format for text-based ads.
Was your wedding proposal SponCon? (Sheesh - back in my day, just getting asked was enough!)
Captions by QuiCC
Graphics by Wave.video
More info on all content:
FAQ: Livestreaming programs
Should you be using a third-party program for livestreams?
Some frequent livestreamers (myself included) prefer to use external programs - such as BeLive.tv, ecamm, or Switcher Studio - for their live broadcasts. But should you be using one?
That depends, as always, on your needs, your wants, and your comfort level.
Most programs allow you to “schedule” your live (so you’ve got a link to provide in advance for promotional purposes), and allow you to brand your livestreams with logos, colors, special frames, and even virtual backdrops. Programs can make adding guests to your livestream easier. Some programs allow you to livestream with a DSLR camera, switch between multiple feeds, and even utilize a remote producer.
But is there any advantage to using a program, in terms of reach? No. Simply hitting the “Live Video” button will do everything you really need for your live video to work. I myself use a combination of programmed lives (for my weekly Friday show, Social) and native live video (for more on-the-fly content).
Do what works best for you.
FAQ: Well-equipped
Ring lights, boom mics, DSLR… what kind of setup do you really need to produce great video?
What kind of equipment should you have in order to create great video?
Well… something that can create videos, for one. But that something can be your phone. My entire FAQ video series was filmed on my iPhone, as are most of my videos.
Good lighting can be provided by a window, a lamp… or, yes, a specialized ring light. Quality sound can come from a dedicated USB microphone (I like the Blue Yeti), a lavalier microphone that plugs into your phone (here’s a cheap one that I like)… or just the regular microphone on your phone, computer, or camera. You don’t need a fancy backdrop. You don’t need expensive equipment. In fact, apps like Wave.video, Ripl, and Camtasia don’t require you to film any video footage at all; you can utilize their libraries to create your own video from pre-made content.
So… what’s the one true must-have for your video setup?
A great idea, clearly executed, preferably entertaining and educational.
That’s truly it.
#MidweekMinute 6/5/19: Pinning more IKEA...
Bad news for Pixel advertisers; Facebook rolls out Avatars, enhanced Video Ad creator tools, Instant Article subscription features, a Portal app, and Audience Network game ads; Instagram “branded content” ads, Order sticker, and audience activity insights; Twitter live “call-in” feature; Twitter & LinkedIn both acquire some tech; IKEA embraces Pinterest.
BRB, applying to become Tweeter-in-Chief…
Mozilla’s Firefox browser’s latest update includes a tracking blocker (a move already preceded by Apple’s Safari browser), sending Facebook Pixel devotees into a tizzy.
Facebook has been teasing their Bitmoji-esque Avatars since at least 2017, but they’re finally here (well, in the Australian test market, at least) for use in Messenger and comments.
Facebook has stepped up its Video Ad tools, enabling a whole bunch of creator features (including text and stickers), optimized sizes for different uses, the ability to split a video into multiple shorter ads, and - a blessing amidst all these fun features - the ability to save progress while putting this all together.
Facebook’s been testing integrating subscription options into Instant Articles, and is now officially rolling out the feature to all Instant Article publishers.
Facebook Portal has released a smartphone app to integrate with the device’s functions.
Game developers who advertise on Facebook will now have the ability to run rewarded video and playable ads via Audience Network.
Furthering Instagram’s close relationship with the “influencer” industry, brands can now turn influencer posts into “Branded Content” advertisements.
Instagram may be testing an Order sticker, likely a way to further commerce functionality in Stories, as well as further insights as to new vs. old “likes” on posts and account follower/unfollower info.
Twitter will now let you add guests to live video streams - but, just like this recent addition to sibling Periscope, guests are audio-only for now (think of it like a call-in show). Twitter has also acquired artificial intelligence firm Fabula AI to help combat false accounts, spam, “fake news,” and other pitfalls of the platform.
LinkedIn has acquired digital identity firm Drawbridge in a bid to enhance ad targeting functions.
And, just in case there wasn’t enough IKEA presence on Pinterest, the Swedish furnishings giant is now officially moving a shoppable version of its catalog onto the platform.
More info on all stories:
FAQ: Live and Let Live
Is live video always the best way to go?
You know I hate one-size-fits-all answers…
What are the advantages of live vs. prerecorded video content?
Some advantages of live video:
Better reach on most social media algorithms
Increased ability to engage with viewers
Greater sense of immediacy, intimacy, and realness
No need to edit; you do it and it’s done!
Some advantages of pre-recorded video:
Easier to plan and control
Can batch-create for efficiency
Often allows for higher production quality
Can add more bells and whistles
Advantages of making your own decision:
You’ll be doing what your audience responds to, what works best for your content, and what you prefer creating!
#MidweekMinute 5/29/19: Feel the rainbow
IGTV landscape videos; Story post creation button; rainbow Story rings for #Pride; YouTube hiding subscriber counts; Facebook’s “GlobalCoin”; group admin feedback; LinkedIn ad visibility; Sales Navigator updates.
Sorry, CrossFit fans.
Instagram’s IGTV is now accepting landscape videos as well as the original portrait-orientation videos. Instagram is also working on adding Story functionality to the post creation interface, and will turn your story ring rainbow if you use Pride hashtags during Pride Month (June).
YouTube will begin hiding subscriber counts in August for accounts that have over 1,000 followers, echoing recent announcements from Instagram and Twitter that seek to downplay focus on empty metrics.
More progress on Facebook’s CryptoCurrency: “GlobalCoin” is slated to roll out in 1Q20. Facebook has also added the ability for group admins to give feedback to members who break group rules.
LinkedIn Company Pages now feature a tab providing visibility into all ads that page has run in the past six months, which follows Facebook’s fairly recent addition of same. LinkedIn has also revamped its Sales Navigator platform to place updates front and center, and enhance integrations with other Microsoft software.
MORE INFO ON ALL STORIES:
FAQ: Video length
Is “more” always more when it comes to video?
There’s a ton of advice out there on best practices for video length on various platforms. Here are some quick stats by platform:
Facebook (pre-recorded): 2 minutes
Facebook Live: at least 10 minutes; 15 minutes is a sweet spot
Instagram: 30 seconds
Twitter: 30-45 seconds
YouTube: 2 minutes
But stats are just that: stats. My advice is ALWAYS to explore what your own audience responds to, what works best to tell your content’s story, and, above all, what you actually want to do.
#MidweekMinute 5/22/19: Zuck's Swiss bank account?
Facebook updates the algorithm (again), Ad Relevancy Score reporting, external tracking , and brings back “View As Public”; their rumored cryptocurrency gets its own Swiss bank account; Instagram Explore gets new tabs and loses the Direct app; Twitter Developer Labs launching; TweetDeck gets GIFs and Polls.
RIP #GrumpyCat (aka Tardar Sauce).
We already knew that Facebook’s algorithm was prioritizing content from close friends and content types you interact with regularly… but they’ve just upped that prioritization yet again, and are even incorporating a direct survey asking you about your preferences (and of course studying how your responses correspond to your actual activity).
Facebook has also instituted a simplified Relevancy Score for ads - moving from an overall number to specific indications of ad quality, engagement, and conversion.
Facebook is introducing stronger features to allow users to protect their privacy for activities outside of Facebook - which would, in turn, impact the ability of advertisers to target them using any information beyond what they have provided to Facebook.
Speaking of privacy, Facebook is also bringing back the “View As Public” feature that enables users to view their profile from the point of view of someone they’re not friends with - a feature that was removed following a privacy breach that had taken advantage of a bug in the previous system. (Oddly enough, they announced this via Twitter!)
Facebook’s cryptocurrency development is heating up with the registration of “Libra Networks” in Switzerland.
Instagram Stories have long been hampered by the lack of searchability… well, now they’re turning up in Instagram’s Explore screen, a huge step towards increasing story visibility by people who don’t already follow you. IGTV and Shop will also be featured in Explore under their own tabs, with the IGTV tab cribbing its new algorithmically-suggested, vertical-scroll layout from competitors Tik Tok and Snapchat (it’s copied the one large video at the top from Tik Tok, and the side-by-side pairings beneath from Snapchat). Additional tabs under Explore will focus on specific interests, customized to reflect user activity.
I was not aware that Instagram still had a standalone “Direct” messaging app… but, anyway, it’s being discontinued now.
After a fraught relationship, Twitter is once again tweaking its API - and is seeking outside developers’ feedback and partnership via a new program called Twitter Developer Labs. They’re also adding new features to TweetDeck, including support for GIFs and Polls.
More info on all stories:
FAQ: Camera-shy
“Talking head” videos are not your only option!
One big hesitation some people have with using video on social media is that they’re camera-shy. But the classic “talking head” video format is FAR from your only option on social media!
