Author: Cherith Andes

How Insta’s New API Affects You

Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

Instagram has risen as a cornerstone of social media marketing since its inception in 2010. So the sudden and unexpected retirement of its current API in early April shook the marketing and app development industry.

Back up. What now?

“API” stands for “application program interface,” basically a language for third-party apps to interact with Instagram. Third-party apps leverage the API to complete functionalities like commenting, scheduling and gleaning analytics. Notably, Instagram had already slated its current API to retire in July. However, in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica breach, Facebook — Instagram’s parent company — deprecated the API unexpectedly in early April in order to block “malicious third parties” from using the API to scrape user data.

Image from Instagram.com.

Two Major Instagram Changes

1. Limits rate of data collection.

Instagram limited the amount of times a third-party app can “ping” Instagram for data about users. It was reduced from 5,000 calls (or pings) per hour to 200.

2. Limits public content.

Third-party apps can no longer access public media or read a user’s own profile on the user’s behalf. Previously, apps could “listen” and respond to posts notated by hashtags or location. Effective immediately, apps can no longer respond and soon will also be unable to collect media based on hashtags or location. In addition, identifying information, like a user’s full name, followers and those they follow will be blocked from third-party apps.

What Does This Mean?

Plain (or “plainer”) language, please.

Agorapulse co-founder Emeric Ernoult predicts that the individual user won’t experience much of a change. However, businesses that use third-party social apps, such as Later, Simply Measured or Agorapulse, should connect with their app developers to confirm if any capabilities or data functionalities have changed.

For example, the new API blocks audience-growth services, like follow/unfollow bots, and tools that analyze your followers and the followers of other accounts. As Matt Smith from Later points out, marketers and businesses won’t be able to see the rate at which they gain/lose followers or the timing of follower changes.

In addition, only business accounts on Instagram will be able to post or delete comments via a community management tool. And Instagram will limit search functions on apps, allowing accounts to search only via hashtag rather than by users or posts you have liked.

Arm yourself with updated knowledge on the functionalities of your third-party apps under the new API. You can then adjust your marketing strategy, reassign roles or collect data differently to continue to grow a vibrant, successful Instagram presence.

Beef up your social strategy with a few of our Instagram tips!

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Copy Matters: YETI’s “Rare Air”

Cherith AndesBlog, Copy Cat, Marketing, , , ,

I’ll have to rope a nameless good friend into this post. Friend X has a small penchant for YETI products. And by “small” I mean “monopolizing the kitchen cabinet at an impressive pace.” Truth be told, I’m begrudgingly jealous of his pristine collection of excursion-ready coolers, cups, bags and buckets — in three rugged colors.

His most recent order included the stainless-steel Rambler Colster koozie (in Brick Red). But for once, it wasn’t the YETI product that captured my attention.

It was the little something extra in the YETI.

Instead of simply shipping the koozie, YETI maximized every square inch of its package to showcase its brand personality. The Colster contained what appeared at first behest to be an empty aluminum can. But upon perusing the label, the pop top can offered a treasure.

Behold, friends. A can of Rare Air.

The label touts the contents so convincingly that I almost popped the top. Quippy copy grabs the eye by underscoring the content’s premium nature (“Rare”) and purity (“100 % Wild”, because I prefer my air captured fresh from the forest, thank-you-very-much). And considering it’s undiluted, the can reminds us to “Please Breathe Responsibly”.

And trust you’re about to enjoy some of the finest vapors on the market.

Wanna confirm the serving size and nutrition facts? Just check the side.

And don’t worry. The Powers That Be have your back with the requisite Government Warning. PS: It’s about bees.

Government Warning: This can may contain traces of moose breath, porcupine dander, poison ivy, or a swarm of angry bees. There’s an off chance the bees are friendly. Either way, this can probably contains bees.”

Lessons?

Empty space isn’t dead.

Approach your business promotions with a keen eye, seeking unused spaces to tout your brand.

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Rebrand it.

YETI didn’t develop an entirely new widget to shove into the Colster. Instead, it followed logic, leveraging the Colster’s natural use. From here, they maximized clever copy, witty words and catchy concepts to pack a punch.

Words matter.

The idea might have been cute at best with heavy-handed language. (Insert cliches, cue eye rolls.) What finished this package was not what was said but how. The similarities between Rare Air and other beverages’ claims were so striking that who knows; it might very well jumpstart an air-drinking fad!

You have “empty space”? We have ideas. Shoot us a line to see how we can help!

 

 

 

 

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Newland Scores Real Estate Awards

Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, Real Estate PR, , , , ,

Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill and Wendell Falls in Wendell are two of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, establishments marked by innovation and industry leadership. But what we love most about these Clairemont clients is not just their state-of-the-art amenities, creative outdoor spaces and efficient, green-built homes. More importantly, Briar Chapel and Wendell Falls offer a vibrant lifestyle and supportive, active atmosphere that their residents treasure.

So it was no surprise when these two communities received top accolades from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County at the 2018 Major Achievements in Marketing and Excellence (MAME) Awards last week.

Congratulations to Briar Chapel for winning “Best Land Plan” and “Best Landscape Design for a Community” and to Wendell Falls which received the award for “Best Brochure!” We’re excited and honored to work with these dynamic clients to help secure industry recognition.

What About You?

Looking to pursue your own industry recognition? At Clairemont, we specialize in researching and writing industry awards for companies, events and professional individuals.

Our clients often feel like it can be a challenge to write about themselves. We’re adept at pinpointing and articulating your successes – the wow factors in your career that deserve the spotlight. We’re ready to create a strategy for you!

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Our “Egg-stravagant” Taste Test

Cherith AndesBlog, The Clairemont Team, Wonderfully Random, , , ,

What’s in your Easter basket?

At Clairemont it’s no secret that we love chocolate in all shapes and sizes. With Easter hoppin’ around the corner, we conducted a taste-testing poll to evaluate the grocery’s finest chocolate egg selections.

Hot off the presses, here are our team’s “egg-stra” special picks for Easter’s best chocolate eggs!

Kennedy goes for the Reese’s.

Elizabeth is a self-proclaimed sucker for Dove chocolate.

Tracy opts for the mini.

Jessica goes classic with the original Cadbury.

Double chocolate all the way for Cherith.

Dana chooses Dove for the win!

Grab your bunny basket and fill it with these delectable delicacies this weekend!

Looking for other food-related tips? How about fashionable food from Clairemont?

 

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Secure Your Business Award

Cherith AndesAwards, Blog, Professional Development, , ,

Are you ready to increase your professional visibility? Gain the recognition you deserve!

Clairemont Communications, a full-service public relations agency, specializes in researching and writing industry awards for companies, events and professional individuals.

Our clients often feel like it can be a challenge to write about themselves. At Clairemont, we’re adept at pinpointing and articulating your successes – the wow factors in your career that deserve the spotlight.

In 2017, we entered three clients for the Triangle Business Journals 40 Under 40, and all three received the award. We helped Newland Communities, the nation’s largest private developer, secure the prestigious Developer of the Year award as well as multiple industry awards. These are just a few of the many accolades we’ve secured over the years.

Now, it’s your turn. Claim your well-deserved recognition! To get started, check out these upcoming awards opportunities with the Triangle Business Journal.

The Clairemont Award Portfolio
How We Can Help You

Clairemont will conduct an initial consult with you to determine your goals, recommend award nominations and confirm your eligibility for desired awards. After the consult, Clairemont will:

  • Research and create your portfolio through client interviews and third-party interviews, if applicable.
  • Determine and curate accomplishments, achievements and community impact.
  • Draft and furnish two rounds of revisions.
  • Finalize and submit full award portfolio.
  • Draft social media strategy to build client’s network and notoriety if candidate wins.
  • Create post-event networking recommendations to maximize visibility if candidate wins.

Email Dana Phelps Hughens or call at 615-294-1886 to get started on your portfolio.

 

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