Social Media
Free Social Media Starter Kit
Starting out in the Social Media world can be very daunting, and either overwhelming or lonely as you search for information, network, and build your brand, Amber Naslund over at Altitude helps get you started.
Getting a Foothold in Social Media
A basic introduction to creatinging a social media plan. Click here to download the PDF.
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Get More Twitter Followers
Remember back in the early days of social networking when it was nothing but giddy fun? Myspace hit the local teen scene while I was a youth pastor at a local church, and it took the kids by storm! Why? Because that’s where connections happened. Some genuine, others superficial, but the opportunity was the remarkable nonetheless. Now time has passed, and the magic is gone. We are over its novelty, and have now grown to become concerned for our social media image. Better yet we want to have an army of followers. We must now attempt to stay relevant, authentic, and entertaining. A tall order to say the least. So how do you maintain Twitter authenticity? How can you best represent yourself in only 140 characters? Basically, how do I get more followers?
Know thy Digital Self!
Quick! Describe yourself in one snappy line! Sadly, we have become a people of brevity. My High School English teacher said it best, “say more using less words.” My vocabulary was forced to improve, and I became a more efficient communicator. What do you represent yourself to be in the simplest terms possible? Are you authentic or are you a good window dresser? Do you wax poetic or are succinct?
What do you offer?
Many people come to social networks or new media WANTING rather then PROVIDING a service. I am a huge proponent that both new and social media will not grow beyond its current infancy unless we nurture and feed it. How do we do this? We help each other out. At its core any market consists of its people therein. So…what do you offer to your audiences? Do you offer substance, and quality? Are you only here to attract attention to yourself, your brand, or your cause?
What do you want?
What are you hoping to achieve? Being the coolest kid on the block, and having the most friends just for the sake of being surrounded seemed to work in the early days, but now we are putting greater emphasis on the quality of the connection, not the amount. Personally, I desire to meaningfully connect with other new media professionals. Basically I want to make friends. I like people. I like to talk. I love what I do. So…there really are no wrong connections for me.
Conclusion
These are only a few questions that should be asked frequently to constantly be improving your twitter image. I find it very intersting that it is so much more difficult to accurately represent yourself online then it is in person. In person you have a first impression which is a lingering affect, but other then that your personal image is fluid and dynamic, yet our online personas tend to be distant and impersonal. Odd…Thoughts?
Twitter Pitfalls and Ladders
Twitter has rapidly become the center of our social media selves. The micro-blogging site has risen through the ranks of relevance from a select few kings of nerdom to being called home by celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, and Demi Moore. Despite questions regarding its business acumen, or even its long term benefits, Twitter’s pop culture placement is only now becoming evident. Many questions then must be explored such as how can someone avoid looking like a fool and rather attempt to cultivate a valuable community? Well, I do not have every angle planned out, but this is what I have learned recently through personal experience or taught by a fellow sojourner of the Twitterverse!
Pitfalls
Conversation : Relegate your lengthy conversation to direct messages. Why? You may turn off some of your followers due to the fact that you are constantly speaking to others regarding issues that they have no clue about. It is as if they are eavesdropping on an inside joke or a private conversation. You begin to alienate the masses quickly, while becoming close to a select few.
Pigeonholed : Take a minute and glance through your most recent tweets. Do you find yourself pigeonholed and only revealing a specific portion of your personal or business life? You could be coming off very monotone. Or are you engaging, approachable, and informative?
Pansy : Don’t be pansy, say something! So often I find myself following a genuinely interesting person who seldom says anything out of step with pop culture topics. Engage people! Even from other points of view. I received more RT and conversations due to my one tweet regarding my pastor literally baking a cake of cow manure to illustrate the hypocrisy of the Christian church covered by a thin sweet covering of “christianese.” Make a stand for something, anything. Don’t be a pansy.
Ladders
Schedule: I was most recently made aware of “Follow Fridays.” Essentially on Friday you offer up whomever you have most recently discovered and have enjoyed following throughout that week. I stumbled across this as one of my followers was proud to announce that they had been recommending me. I was flattered, and was then able to return the favor. We had successfully introduced the other into their respective community. Its very much similar to the “grandfather phone call.”
Routine : I have created a short routine for myself consisting of topics I love to cover. I prefer giving film quotes and having my followers guess. I find my audience enjoys seeing pictures of the studio lots that I visit on a daily basis. Find out what your audience likes, and give ‘em more of it. A routine does not mean you are predictable, rather reliable.
Pictures & Hashtags : I can not recommend Tweetie enough! I love this application for its reasonable price, as well as for its simplicity. It has revolutionized how often I post pictures. Previously this was a cumbersome task for my iPhone and I to accomplish, which is why I avoided it. Tweetdeck also makes hashtags simple enough to use frequently. These simple tools enrich your audiences experience and connection with you.
Conclusion
Twitter is a very powerful tool which we are constantly attempting to better utilize for our businesses as well as our personal lives. I’m sure I missed a pitfall or two. Feel free to add to this with your own unique experiences. How do you use Twitter? How do you think you can improve your usage?
More Blog Traffic In Seven Steps
Congratulations, you have been able to successfully begin you own blog! All the time and effort to set up shop, and decorate is over. Not to mention writing your first batch of blogs. Now the question quickly becomes how do you not only maintain, but improve your reader’s experience. Often we are able to start a task, but to finish with merit is another thing altogether.Blogs have a tendency to be treated as luxury of our online identities. If we have time, if we have the need they are there. I must remind you.
Your a dope.
There is never enough time, and you can not successfully represent yourself online without a meaningful blog. So here are a few helpful hints to get your blog to the next level. Feel free to add to my list. Its up to you dear reader.
Step 1 : Don’t Be A Hollow Drum
I will never forget two lessons I learned in high school. Dr. Roland, my AP History teacher, was the perfect blend of genius and smugishness. He learned how to motivate me beyond my superficial intelligence. The first day after class I attempted to impress him with my previous academic accolades to which he promptly responded, “Michael, a hallow drum always sounds the loudest.” To be honest, I didn’t understand his comment until later that day. Then they skies parted, and I will never forget that moment. He called my ego into check, permanently. Don’t attempt to be the smartest one in the room on a given topic, put your head down and create value for your audiences and they will beat your drum for you.
Step 2 : Be A Cappuccino
Another life lesson learned was in my AP English class of the dearest, eccentric Mrs. Horning. Her South African accent and jean dress wearing ways were not able to hide her intense literary mind. She was fond of asking the class for a daily two page report based upon a 10 page critical contemporary essay we were given. However she always assigned me to a one page report. I thought this would make my job simpler, but only compounded my need for brevity. I failed my first week, until she gave me a visual which helped, “Michael be a cappuccino, not a bland tea cup, or a loggers mug of black coffee. Be a mighty, peppy cappuccino.” I hate coffee, but she made her point.
Step 3 : Remain Critical
Always maintain a forward thinking approach to your blog, and thereby constantly improve. May it be finding better subject matter, a more effective delivery, or a more original perspective, always remain positively critical of your work. You can only get better. You can accomplish this by inviting other professionals or mentors to comment on your content. Even give them a prepublished opportunity to give you feedback. They may be able to catch a few things you missed.
Step 4 : Schedule & Deadlines
Give yourself a predetermined amount of time away from your blog so that you may be able to come back with fresh eyes. Time away from your topic allows for the opportunity of clarity. I encourage at least a 24 hour window. This is not sheer laziness, you are merely allowing yourself a window of opportunity to perfect your masterpiece if nothing else. These habits are then consciously created into a regime of discipline to one day be able to deliver under a deadline. You have create a simple standard to grow with. Remember, the more serious you approach your blog the faster it will improve.
Step 5 : Visualize Exact Audience
Keep in mind an exact purpose or audience member you which to address or improve. This will affect how you approach the topic. If you are writing for the masses you may become detached or too vague. However if you write for an iconoclastic individual you will find yourself being more conversation and precise. Think about who you want to help, and that will assist in how you tell it.
Step 6 : Community Growth
Improve your blog by building your audience through community interaction. This begins by adding intrinsic value to others popular blogs. This will introduce you to other communities and create a simple stepping stone back to your blog. Never make your introduction into other communities a harsh or negative one for you may leave a trail of tears back to your home which people will then feel obligated to tearing you down. Set the tone of your community engagement as you visit and comment on other communities. They will in turn most likely follow in suit.
Step 7 : Clear Goals
Set for yourself regular goals that are attainable. This causes you to mentally create a pattern of success that you can be proud of. Even if these goals may be as simple as blogging twice a week or improving your blog standing by 10% by the end of the month, these goals are reasonable and will encourage you once you reach your desired destination.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these past few hints, and tips will be able to assist you as you continue to strive to create a excellent blog and online brand for yourself. It may take some time to gradually improve upon your blog if you are just now starting, but remember anything worth having, let alone some worth being proud of, is worth fighting to create. Or something inspirational like that. lol
Beginning Your Blog
Blogging has offered the opportunity for any and all to have their voices heard. How pleasantly inspiring, and yet depressingly daunting of a challenge! Many of us desperately want to join the blogosphere for whatever reason, but somehow it seems a unattainable goal. We want to build and maintain an excellent blog that is the envy of others in our field, but where do you start? Better yet, once I do get started how to I continue to grow and deliver great content? There are several major blogging stumbling blocks I am constantly asked by the beginner blogger that I would like to take the time and address. Here are a few thoughts on how to not only jump start your blog beyond these obstacles, but also upward to blogger stardom.
“What Do I Write About?” (Reading Rainbow)
You know you need to be involved online, and want to start a blog, but you really don’t know what to write about. A very simply place to start writing is by watching reading rainbow. Better yet just read. Always read other respected blogs by thought leaders in your field. A successful writer and therefor blogger begins with an avid reader. Find these thought leaders blog’s and discover their blogrolls or who they personally recommend. Following this simple tip can add an exponential amount of excellent reading. I just bulked up on my new media marketing by adding 20 more excellent blogs. Earmark time to read these blogs. Religiously.
“How Do I Start My First Blog?” (The Curse of the Blank Page)
Many would agree that the most difficult part of created a blog is its beginning. Staring at a blank screen waiting for inspiration to strike simply isn’t enough. However there are several steps you can ease yourself into getting your blog up and running. Or rather walking. You must walk before you can run. Begin to counter this curse by simply writing. Write short sentences, and do not get hung up on punctuation or grammar just yet. Write often throughout the day to see what schedule works best not only for you, but find out when your brilliance may strike. Authors have different times of days to prefer writing, even different environments. Most important write. Write? Write. Write! Also, do not begin with a title and write regarding the title. You are limiting your horizons. Simply right within your flow of consciousness, and if other issues arise address those as well. You can always create this other topics into other blogs. Simply write. You need to begin to exercise and train your mind and body into writing.
“Where Do I Start?” (All Dressed Up With No Place To Go)
You have gone through all the trouble of setting up your blog and its associated services, you’ve even had a few false starts, but nothing your writing “is coming out the way you want it to.” Many people know what they want to say, but don’t know the best way to say it. Its as if you are all dressed up with no place to go. Perhaps your are not connecting with an authentic yet personal authors voice? Or you are more of an idea person that struggles with the follow through? Maybe you are a perfectionist finding it hard to let go. There are a few ways around this. First, give yourself rules to blog by. Are you going to finish this blog in one sitting, are you going to let the idea fester for a week before you commit “pen to paper.” Perhaps your beginnign place is backwards. Try to find a picture to help convey your thought which will create forward motion. Maybe your opening or topic sentence is too narrow not allowing you to really think far into the topic. Tinker with your workflow and rules. Whatever your rules are stick to them. This will force you to move beyond your problems if by nothing else then by sheer brute force.
“Seriously, I’m Not A Good Writer!”
Luckily, for you bloggers are not necessary good writers more of a good, clear conversationalist. Have an open mind, and be flexible regarding what you are not. The concept of your blog or given topic is a fluid one. You are attempting to establish yourself as an author so don’t put preconceived notions upon yourself regarding your deadlines, authors voice or any other hindrance. Simply remember to constantly write, rewrite, and write some more. Your new to it. Realize your position as a beginner and cut yourself some slack, but do not become lazy. You can always recommit, and begin again. There is no sense in burdening yourself. Never get discouraged. Simply remain open minded.
“I’m Stuck In A Rut!” (Writers Block)
Writer’s block has spelled the end of even more prominent writers then yourself, so how do you avoid this? It is easiest to keep several topics in the preproduction phase. This will keep you moving on multiple fronts, and assist against writers block. Also this will help you fine tune your topical blogs. Often I begin to blog about a given topic, and it quickly takes rabbit trails which in its own time become their own full fledged blogs. Keep more then one topic going on in your blog. During this time feel free to try several different authors voice through each individaul blog. Don’t become pigeonholed in what you want to do, but rather what you are. Feel free to attempt different methods of witting a blog. Simply save it as a draft, and continue building upon it when either new ideas come to you, or to revise it at a later date.
“No One Reads My Work!” (Open House Launch)
Often we are fearful of investing time, effort, and money into creating a blog which no one reads or appreciates. This can be avoided through a bit of extra leg work and publicity. Now that you have successfully create a few introductory blogs, through your multiple blogs, you are able to throw a “digital house warming party.” Announce to all of your social networks, groups, or associations about your new blog. They may have a vested interest either in you or your given blog topic. Your introductory blogs will acquaint them to with your work, and encourage them to come back. It is important for you, of all people, to feel as if you have successfully introduced yourself into the online arena. Even if it is only a small splash with a few friends. This validation and encouragement is a great beginning.
“How Do I Get Better Then My Competition?” (Blog Envy)
Never be jealous of another persons online success. Often it take more time and effort then most realize. Rather attempt to lead and cultivate your readers. Quality over quantity. You can only lead, by beginning to follow. Do not simply envy other persons blogs, read their blogs, and learn from them. Always attempt to connect with its author and/or community. This begins a crucial networking cycle which may become useful later on in your blogs life. Perhaps you will be able to interview its author regarding a spotlighted topic on your blog, ask him/her for critical feedback, or even be able to cross pollinate with their existing community. There is no downside to reading and interacting with your role models. Most are kind enough to take the time. You may even be able to make a mentor or two.
Conclusion
Hopefully these few ideas will be able to spur you onto creating your own blog. Remember to continually be reading and writing. Many do not begin with a talent for writing blogs, but luckily for most of us talent is never enough to succeed. It takes a healthy measure of dedication and passion.
Feel free to add to this list, or expound upon it!
Top 5 Blogging Excuses
Do you feel the real necessity a small, inexpensive website to help establish or grow your business? Maybe a online webseries portfolio would get more gigs, maybe even get picked up by a network? Is Britney Spears really sane, or is she just pretending? Some of these things we will never really know. However blogs are a great low cost entry point for you to take the first step online. However if your like me, a lot of ideas or excuses rush through your head., and you start giving yourself excuses. I submit to a two part course of Blogging Excuses & Abuses intend to debunk, or demystify blogs.
1. I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START!
Many individuals/corporations struggle to take their first step into cyberspace usually because they are overwhelmed. There’s too much information and resources, but very little personal assistance or kindness, and no place to “start” to help with my particular situation. Here is the broad breakdown of services with a brief overview of websites that you should become familiar with. I highly recommend them all.
- Domain Registers : godaddy
- Blog Service : WordPress, Blog Catalog
- Blog Hosting Server ; MediaTemple
- Video Hosting : Youtube,
2. ITS TOO TECHNICAL AND I’M NOT GOOD AT IT!
I completely understand, but disagree. Blogging is not very technical only comprehensive. It is time consuming to establish your online home, but it does get easier, and even fun-er. Never fear, its not that hard. I went from never setting up my own blog and website to it spending one 8 hour day understanding everything, and having a very slick setup that I am quite proud of. Also keep in mind that there are some companies that offer stellar services that will guide you step by step 24/7. This placed my mind at ease from the very beginning. Great people, great support, oh happy day.
3. ITS TOO EXPENSIVE!
You can have a blog for free or pay a small amount to have a custom one created. Blogs may range in price from $25.00 to several hundred. I recommend beginning with a fairly inexpensive template just to get started. You can always improve as time goes on. Depending on what your personal interest, market, or services are you can find some excellent templates which cater to your needs. If you need these blog template changed or tweaked to fit your logo or color scheme you will need a basic understanding of designing software or simply pay them to do it. Most offer this as an additional service.
4. I CAN’T/WON’T FIND THE TIME!
Quite possibly the most illegitimate of all previous excuses. The point is we will never have enough time. You can not “save” time, you can be more effective with your time. You can never “find” time, it was never lost. Time will move along well without every single one of us. Our task is to regulate our schedules and therefor our time to accomplish our goals. Perhaps the best answer to this excuse is a sincere personal dialogue as to the priority of this blog in your life, and does it assist or deter from your goals? Perhaps a blog would not be the best thing for you at this point in your career? Or stop making excuses and do it. I must choose the later.
5. WHATS THE POINT?
Often this question is asked of those who had once started excitedly, but since have lost their passion. This is to be expected with all creative projects, and writting especially a blog is no exception. Remember your earliest goals. Why did you start? Does that reason still hold true? Perhaps you or your topic has changed fundamentally since you began? I would recommend beginning your blog with a clear attainable objective. Becoming the leading blog on dog food may not be realistic, but bolstering your dog chow sales by 10% through leads from your blog is reasonable. Whatever your original “point” make sure to stay true.
Honorary Mention:
Can you help/do this for me?
Of course I can! Email or Call me. However the true magic in the blog that it is a personal self-expression that only YOU can create. There are an abundance of sites that can take all the “painful” process, and leave you simply the fun-er stuff of filling in content, but why? The fulfillment comes from the understanding gained.
Top 5 Blogging Abuses
Everyone has a blog. A relative few have good blogs. Even less have relevant blogs. It is often difficult to find a few good blogs that you look forward to reading in the morning. Even more difficult is to be the author of a blog which others flock towards. However all good blog writers follow a few tried and true rules, while avoiding the pitfalls of the blogsphere. Here are a few obvious abuses that we the blogger impose upon our unwitting readers. Feel free to add to this list.
1. No Mission (Echo Camber, “Me too blog” )
Be Anything. What is the purpose of your blog? Informative? Opinionated? If you desire your blog to be appealing you must provide an original conversation, plot point, or insight. In other words have a mission or an objective for your blog. Don’t simply regurgitate information you found elsewhere, add your own personal touch, opinion, or insight. Give your reading audiences the opportunity to hear what YOU have to say about a given topic. Even if it is a dissenting voice heard above the din of the prevailing mob. Don’t be brash or wax loquacious. Be simple, straightforward, and never forget to provide a real world application to your insight.
2. No Vision (Headless Chicken)
Be Consistent. What do you hope your blog accomplishes? Are you offering a professional opinion regarding industry trends and thereby hoping to establish yourself as the markets lead thinker? Or are you simply enjoying your own thoughts and venting regarding a given topic? Either of these paths are fine, but should be made clear from the beginning. A lack of clear direction set by you will leave your audiences bewildered as to why they are even reading. Where are you going with all your typing. Where do you want your reader to end up at?
3. No Voice (Schizophrenia)
Be schizophrenic. Majority of people view a blog as only a small portion of their online prescience rather then a declarative statement of their integrity. Do you decide to create a personal or professional blog? The difference is between meeting and making friends in passing at a coffee shop or a establishing clients in your high rise penthouse/office. If your intention is to create short, interesting conversations and micro-niches to further prevailing market thought then a broad based topic with a conversational tone for your blog may be best for you. However if you are attempting to create business opportunities, and stimulate career growth then a very specific professional blog demeanor and introspective, intelligent voice may be more becoming. I would advocate a delicate blend of the two. You are your work. Especially for new media or web series creators. You are part rock star, part entrepreneur. Your funky fresh, and yet reliable. Reflect that.
4. No Community (It Takes A Village, But It Starts With The Idiot)
Be Genuine. Blogs are created by you, but they are primarily fueled by your community. Introduce your true self, not a concocted faux-celebrity self to your online audiences. People can sense a disingenuous egomaniac a mile away. Don’t be that dude. Foster friendships into long term personal or business relationships. The only way this will happen is if you actively engage (“flirt”) with your audience. Often we cut from a brief honeymoon introduction of pleasantries and straight to the bottom line right away. Take your time. Woo your audience. Flirting never hurt anybody.
5. Poor Format (Remember Tetris?)
Be Engaging. Blogs tend to be one pigeon holed into a structured format. Long essays, top ten, interviews, and other methods. However always remember and appreciate your audiences experience of your subject and your treatment of the topic. No one wants to always read novels, or articles, or even quotes at all times. Mix it up. Some methods are best used for some topics. I personally prefer small edible articles which are informative or insightful with a dash of wit or sarcasm. Don’t give me sole opinion give me some information, and let me make my decision to interact with you. Make it easy on the eyes, not overwhelming with a full block of text.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of typical blogging abuses you may be able to avoid them in the future. I am sure that there are many more that I have missed, and if I have please feel free to fill me in! Remember we are all attempting to grow personally and professionally, don’t be discouraged with your inital results. Rather continue to persevere, and your blog will prosper!
BK “Flame” Perfume
Burger King has created The Flame, utilzing the seductive scent of flame-broiled meat.
The Whopper sandwich is America’s favorite burger. Flame by BK captures the essence of that love and gives it to you. Behold the scent of seduction, with a hint of flame-broiled meat.”
(Notice the web address? Fire meets Desire? Amazing! Background music is also reminiscent of Barry White)
Make sure to interact with the spray bottle, you will be pleasurably surprised with an intimate encounter with the Burger King himself. (Robert Redford whaaaaat?) As he tells you to, “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” If you are persistent and “mist yourself enough” you will eventually be lathered with whipped cream by royalty.
Will the wonders ever cease? You can actually buy this for $3.99. I must say the concept is catching, I’m dying to taste er…. smell this and see if I am taken back to my first whopper encounter. Maybe this will make vegans smell more friendly? At the very least I will be dabbing this on my girlfriend to see if fireworks happen.
President-Elect Obama and New Media
Regardless of your political views, independents, our President-Elect has done an amazing job as of late communicating with the citizens utilizing New Media means.
Youtube has always been a tool often used by his political campaign, and it is a pleasure to see him hitting the ground runnung.