Online Marketing for Local Business
Posts tagged MySpace
The Fab 5 Social Media Makeovers
014 years
by admin
in Uncategorized
We all know that social media outlets are about redesigning yourself. After all, who hasn’t met someone for the first time, after only knowing them through a social network? The first thought is usually, “you’re not what I was expecting!”
But what about when the social media sites themselves decide to embark upon a little image do-over? Their job is to keep giving users new and innovative ways to present themselves to others, and site redesigns are one way to do that. Here are five makeovers that have glammed up the social media sites we know and love.
1. Facebook
Facebook’s latest redesign is all about letting people know more about you, more quickly, and in a more creative way. Your “vital facts” are still at the top—but they’re playing second fiddle to five pictures of you, that help sum up your “you-ness.” Smart move, Facebook—you’ve realized how important pictures are to your users, and you responded accordingly.
2. Myspace
I’ll be honest, I’m still not a huge fan of this social network. Waiting five minutes to load someone’s profile, only to be accosted by a terrible song and several twinkling glitter GIFs was not my idea of a good time. The new interface has sleeker graphics and has helped bring the site into 2010, although it still seems noisy compared to other social networks.
3. Twitter
Twitter got a nice little update in September of this year. Embedded photos and videos from select sites are more easily viewed, and the tweet timelines look cleaner and easier to read. I love being able to scroll over a username to see a little “mini-profile,” rather than having to navigate to their page.
4. Etsy
It’s been four years since this site got a major update, but I’m still including it here. Why? The site’s redesign seemed to make it truly reflect the aesthetics of the makers who sell their goods there—it’s visually appealing, balanced without being overly-sleek, and photo-based to make the products the star of the show.
5. LinkedIn
This Facebook-for-business got a major redesign in 2008. The design moved content up the page, to make it more easily navigable, got rid of the left-hand navigation bar, and created a more comprehensive top navigation bar. While the redesign didn’t exactly make the site more fun, it did make getting around more efficient—and what else would you expect from a business social network?
More Social Statistics – 101
14 years
by admin
in Uncategorized
As social networks grow and mature, new data has begun to surface that show the behaviors and preferences of its users that could prove invaluable to businesses in the future.
Business owners and marketing professionals are of course quite interested to learn more about how consumers on Facebook and other social media become motivated to connect with companies and brands, and their preferences in interacting with organizations.
Some of the latest statistics:
Many users of social media initially displayed a resistance to connecting directly with businesses from their personal pages, in effect showing a desire to keep “business separate from pleasure”, or their personal lives. A fear of being inundated with advertising pitches surely helped shape this mentality. However, new research shows that 43% of Facebook users now “Like” at least one brand or official company page, and this number is rapidly growing.
Of these, 38% of consumers “Like” a company on Facebook so they can publicly display their brand affiliation to friends. This new trend is being called “Social Badging”, and can be a very powerful motivation for affiliation. These users want to display their connection to brands and organizations that they believe represent them, their personal beliefs, are “cutting edge”, say something unique or valuable about them.
42% become fans so that they can receive special discounts and promotions. Many companies have begun to offer Social-specific sales and announcements, which can give their followers the sense that they are part of an intimate online community…even if they are one of tens of thousands of followers; and that they have the privilege of being included in exclusive, “members-only” specials.
35% say they follow companies and brands to stay current about the organization’s activities, public initiatives, or new products. Once again, the ability to connect with your brand’s following directly when announcing new initiatives, events, products and services can be a quite effective method to roll out your new marketing programs, sales and specials.
Only 23% of respondents said they follow brands on Twitter. Twitter has become more of a “news aggregator” for many users; a large number of new Twitter users have sent fewer than 20 personal tweets, but instead are using the service to gather news and opinions on brands, products and stay up-to-date on cultural trends in general.
Freelancer Writers Are The Wave Of The Future
14 years
by admin
in Uncategorized
The concept of freelancing has been around for a long time, but has really caught on over the last few years. As unemployment has risen, more people are now working for themselves. Freelancers are professionals in their own fields (writing & editing, graphic design, social media communicators, web & IT, etc.) and offer their specialized services to other companies and organizations.
Why do companies need freelance writing services?
The tough economy has caused many companies to downsize their staff, including cuts in the marketing department. This may prove especially problematic in the future, as few analysts are predicting a booming recovery anytime soon, yet business must still carry on as usual. Other companies don’t need a full-time in-house writer, regardless of the economy.
Hiring someone who isn’t on the regular payroll or who requires regular benefits, but works on a project or “contract” basis, can add very beneficial flexibility to your organization. And hiring a freelance writer frees up your employees to do their jobs – without worrying about researching, writing, editing and proofreading.
You shouldn’t forget that your online content is critical to your success. Don’t underestimate its importance! As mentioned on our homepage, not only does it persuade those who visit your website today, but actually generates your future traffic through its SEO value.
If you already have content on your site, analyze it to make sure it is serving its true purpose. If you are thinking of building a new website, decide what it is you want the content to do for you. We can create content that effectively communicates with your visitors, educates them, guides them through the website and pushes them to make a purchase.
By developing a good working relationship with a freelance writer, you can rely on them to get to know you, and your needs…and become a vital resource for your business.