Category: Social Media + Influencer Engagement

Everything you need to know about Threads (the newest social media app)

Olivia NolesSocial Media + Influencer Engagement, , ,

Getting on a new social media app can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. There are already so many platforms to keep up with, creating consistent content for yet another can feel overwhelming. In this post, we will be sharing everything you need to know about Threads, the newest social media app, so you feel prepared to launch your account.

For tips on how to stay consistent on multiple social media platforms at once, check out this post about optimizing content: The Ultimate Guide to Batching and Getting the Most Out of your Content | How to Stay Consistent on Social Media.

What is Threads?

Threads is the newest text-based social media app owned by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. It’s being referred to as “the new Twitter” and already has more than 30 million users.

Oh, and another key thing you need to know – it’s integrated with Instagram. This means that you have to use an existing Instagram account to create a Threads account. Users use their Instagram username and password to sign up, and verified Instagram users are automatically verified on Threads. Though the accounts are connected, you can decide if you want to follow the same people as you do on Instagram or not, and you have the ability to customize aspects of your profile, such as the bio, to be specific to the Threads app. Another important thing to note is that you cannot delete a Threads account without deleting the corresponding Instagram account.

Also, posts can be easily shared directly from Threads to your Instagram feed or stories, and vice versa, with the click of a button!

What kind of content should I share on Threads?

Threads is mainly text-based (with a 500-character limit), but users can also post links, images and videos up to five minutes long. Like on Twitter, users can also repost, reply to and quote other users’ posts.

Mark Zuckerberg envisions the app as “a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people.” So, it seems that Threads is a great place for casual conversation and connecting with your audience. Try posing a question to your audience, utilizing humor, sharing behind-the-scenes and relatable content, posting real-time updates and talking to your audience with more humanity and less marketing.

Finally, have fun with it! The atmosphere on Threads is more casual, so feel free to show you and your business’s personality on the app!

Check out “How Wendy’s and 12 other brands jumped on Threads” by PR Week for some inspiration.

How do I know if starting a Threads account is the right thing for me?

If you feel excited about the app and ready to start posting, sign up! You never know, this could be the next big thing. Plus, the algorithm will probably reward you for being among the first to join. Joining Threads is especially recommended for accounts with a strong following on Instagram since you can easily interact with that audience.

However, if you are feeling overwhelmed about starting another social media account, sit back and see how the app develops before investing too much time and energy.

Will Threads stick around?

Since Threads accounts are connected to Instagram accounts, we expect that this app will stick around for a while. Users also seem to be a fan of the app so far. Many have already reported that creating content feels easy and effortless. Plus, there are no ads on the app *yet*, making it more enjoyable than other platforms.  

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What is Lemon8?

Olivia NolesSocial Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

TikTok just launched its latest app – Lemon8! If TikTok’s success is any indication of how Lemon8 will perform, it may just be the next big thing. You may be asking yourself, “What is Lemon8?” In this post, we will be sharing everything you need to know about TikTok’s newest platform.

What is Lemon8?

Lemon8 is a video and photo-sharing platform that is similar to Pinterest and Instagram and caters to users interested in beauty, fashion, lifestyle and food. The new social media platform is owned by ByteDance, the owner of TikTok.

Since TikTok and Lemon8 are owned by the same company, the app has a very similar layout with both a “For You” tab and a “Following” tab. However, the feed layout resembles the layout of Pinterest. 

Two major differences between Pinterest and Lemon8 are that Lemon8 does not allow you to include a hyperlink in a post and other users cannot see your saves.

What kind of content should I share?

When we think of Lemon8, we think of a mix of Pinterest and the photo slide posts that are commonly found on TikTok. The app consists primarily of photo and video content with on-screen text and graphic edits. Each post may contain 10 images or videos, and captions have a 150-character limit.

How do I create content?

Like on other social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, we recommend utilizing in-app editing, text and graphic design tools when creating content. Lemon8 offers a variety of templates, fonts, personalized stickers and a cut-out tool, making it easy to customize your content right in the app.

How do I know if Lemon8 is right for me?

If you are an influencer or blogger trying to grow your personal brand, or someone who is simply looking for a new creative outlet, Lemon8 could be a great platform to utilize. However, if your main goal is to direct users back to your website, it may not be the best choice, since you cannot attach a link directly to your post.

Since the social platform caters to niches including beauty, fashion, lifestyle and cooking, it could be great for brands within these categories.

Will Lemon8 stick around?

So far, it seems that Lemon8 is perfect for creatives and those who are passionate about designing aesthetically pleasing content.

However, it doesn’t seem that many brands have been quick to hop on the app. Since the app is based on aesthetics, creating content for it can be a little more tedious than content for other apps. This makes it harder to stay consistent on the app if you aren’t already creating similar content on other platforms.

Right now, there seems to be a lot of excitement around the app in the creative space, but because of the concerns listed above, we aren’t sure yet if Lemon8 will catch on. If you are uncertain about joining the app, for now, we recommend sitting back and seeing how it all pans out.

If you are ready to try out Lemon8, click here to download the app!

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The Ultimate Guide to Batching and Getting the Most Out of your Content | How to Stay Consistent on Social Media

Olivia NolesFree Advice, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

In a day and age with so many social media platforms, it can be extremely hard to keep up. We’ve gone from a social climate in which we strive to consistently post to our grid, to a social climate that requires us to show up on TikTok, Instagram stories, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest- the list goes on and on. In this post, you will learn how to batch-create and optimize content so you can stay consistent on social media.

Shoot content quicker

My first tip that will help you stay consistent on social media is to shoot content quicker. Tools like Lens Buddy, an app that allows you to take hundreds of self-timer photos in only a few minutes, can help you effectively and efficiently batch content. While shooting content in public with a tripod may be embarrassing, and will definitely prompt every passerby to comment, it is very effective if you are on a tight schedule or do not have a team readily available to help you shoot.

You don’t need new content for every platform

Don’t overthink sharing the same content on multiple platforms. Yes, certain content may perform better on certain platforms, but there is so much content that can also be repurposed. And nobody will notice (or care) if you share repeat content here and there. They probably don’t follow you on all platforms and wouldn’t get every single piece of content pushed to their feed in the first place.

Repost video content across platforms

When Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest saw the success of TikTok, they launched similar verticals called Reels, YouTube Shorts and Idea Pins, and Instagram Reels are also pushed to Facebook. The types of videos that should be posted on these platforms are essentially the same as the videos you post on TikTok: short-form, vertical videos that follow trends, use sound clips, give a glimpse into your life or showcase your product or service in an effective way that is true to your brand.

Film content on your phone or camera rather than in social apps

Instagram doesn’t want to see the TikTok watermark all over its platform, and the same goes for TikTok and YouTube Shorts. You can easily repurpose content across these platforms by filming and editing outside of the TikTok/Instagram app. My favorite editing platform is iMovie, a free application that comes will all Apple computers. Filming and editing outside of social apps allows you have to a clean, watermark-free copy of your video.

Pro tip: If you are wanting to use features within the TikTok app, such as the greenscreen tool, film in the TikTok app and screen-record your content to obtain a non-watermarked copy. When typing your description on TikTok, just click the top right corner to preview your video and screen record!

It’s no secret that algorithms are tough to crack. One thing we know to be true about algorithms is that they like new content that utilizes the app’s tools and features. After filming and editing your content outside the apps, use text, stickers and sound options within the app you are posting on to make your content more favorable to the algorithm.

Use the same footage multiple ways

My next tip that will help you stay consistent on social media is to use the same footage multiple ways. By filming on your phone or camera, you have the ability to repurpose clips or even bring old content back to life. For example, if you filmed a “get ready with me” with a clip of your outfit, you can then reuse that clip in an “outfit of the week” video, or a clip used in a “cook with me” video could also be used in a “day in the life” video.

Turn photo content into video content

Instagram photos can easily become reels or TikToks by setting the photos to a trending sound. Try creating photo dumps or trying out whatever the trending TikTok video style of the week is.

Did you know that live photos can also be converted into short video clips? You can easily transform a still photo into a video by opening the photo app on your iPhone, selecting live photos, clicking the “Share” button and selecting “Save as Video.”

how to stay consistent on social media

Film your podcast

Optimize your podcast by also filming it and uploading the video version to YouTube or Spotify. Filming your podcast will make it more personable and will give you the opportunity to include photos or video clips. You can also clip key moments of your video to be uploaded on TikTok, Reels or YouTube Shorts.

Pro tip: Mention clips or photos you have inserted in the video version in the audio version of your podcast. This will encourage listeners to also check out the video.

Share your TikToks and Reels as Instagram Stories… or turn your Stories into reels

Reposting TikTok and Reel content on Instagram stories is an easy way to make sure your followers see your content, and it’s also an easy way to stay consistent on stories.

Instagram recently launched a feature that allows you to turn stories into a Reel with the press of a button. Instagram loves when users utilize their new features, so the algorithm may reward you for using it. If you plan on using this feature, be strategic with your stories so they will flow as a reel.

Post photos on Pinterest

I know we have focused a lot on video content in this post, but Pinterest is also a booming social platform for photo content, especially if your goal is to direct people to your website. While traditional pins take a little longer to gain traction than idea pins, they can be scheduled in advance through the Pinterest Scheduler and can link back to your website. The process of creating and scheduling pins in the Pinterest Scheduler is rather time-consuming, but it may be worth it. Several bloggers and business owners have reported Pinterest as their number one traffic source.

Don’t get too bogged down by the details

I personally spend way too much time trying to perfect every detail in the content I post. Content doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. In fact, more authentic, less curated content often performs better than content that takes hours to edit. And besides, the tiny thing you are sweating probably isn’t even noticeable to the viewer.

Hire help

Our last tip for how to stay consistent on social media is to hire extra help. With so many platforms on your plate, it can be easy to burn out. Hiring people that can help tell your story and share your purpose will only benefit you in the long run. If you are in need of social media assistance or management, let us know! We offer content strategy, creation and social media management services that will help you stay on top of your social media game. Contact us today!

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User-Generated Content: Your 2022 Marketing Key

Dana PhelpsBlog, Marketing, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , , ,

User-generated content is the strongest marketing tool you’re not using.

Amidst a tumultuous social political and economic landscape, people are craving something they can trust. Research shows that transparency and authenticity are the leading social currencies for consumers. In fact, according to Stackla, 90 percent of consumers evaluate authenticity when deciding to purchase from a brand, and Label Insight points out that 94 percent of consumers are more likely to support a brand that offers transparency. Quippy taglines or eye-catching visuals alone will no longer forge a meaningful and lasting connection with your audience.

User-Generated Content: Transparent Talk

User-generated content (UGC) provides that unvarnished, unedited peek into the experiences and words of “people just like me”. UGC consists of pictures, videos and quotes directly from current customers. A well-curated library of UGC automatically showcases a variety of demographics offering brand advocacy that consumers know isn’t paid or polished. UGC can build your brand champion base as well as educate your audience about the daily uses of your product. And as a considerable benefit, User-generated content is easy to maintain and relatively inexpensive (or free) in comparison to paid advertising or influencer partnerships.

The proof is in the pudding on this one. Stackla shares that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view UGC as authentic compared to content created by brands, and 79 percent of people say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions. Now is the time to focus on your UGC strategy, strengthen customer loyalty and broaden your market share.

Curating the Content

The online realm is ripe with avenues to effectively gather UGC from customers, brand champions and even employees themselves. When crafting a UGC campaign, gather content for a social media platform that highlights not only your product but also the product’s adjacent lifestyle. For example, a women’s fashion shoe brand won’t just show photography or videos of its latest stilettos; it might also showcase the pumps in a snazzy wine bar at a girl’s night out, on date night or in a posh salon—hinting at the social cache that comes with wearing these shoes. To start using user-generated content:

  • Launch a branded hashtag on social media: ask followers to share experiences marked by a hashtag. Instagram is the front-runner platform for a hashtag campaign, followed by Twitter and TikTok. Create a consistent ethos for your campaign with a corner overlay or border for UGC reposts.
  • Roll out an email campaign: directly ask fans for their pictures, videos and quotes.
  • Leverage a landing page or personalized app: craft a contest, challenging fans to submit their best take on your product for a chance to win swag, experiences and discounts.
  • Tap product reviews: encourage photos in reviews for a one-stop shop. (Fun tip: More than 70 percent of consumers say they look at product reviews prior to purchase.)
  • Host a daily photo challenge: make each 24-hour period an opportunity to submit fresh takes (like this one from GoPro).
  • Create a TikTok challenge: for richer content complete with ready-made music, sound effects and built-in video editing.
  • Gamify the goods: require users to complete a series of tasks (including submitting content!) to earn rewards.

Utilizing Your User-Generated Content

The beauty of UGC is its versatility and applicability throughout the customer relationship, and options abound for how to leverage your UGC library. Once collected, certain content formats perform better on various platforms. Facebook, for example, works best for longer-form video, which can also be featured in paid ads for greater and more targeted reach. For shorter-form content, use the Regram app to repost to Instagram. Share Reels and challenge followers to “react to this person’s video” or ask them to repost as a duet.

But don’t be afraid to branch beyond social media. UGC can be featured on employee uniforms, fan swag or product packaging. Connect with brick-and-mortar foot traffic by spotlighting images in your store (checkout lines, store backdrops and even floor decals).

While UGC yields impact at every stage of the buying cycle, stats show that it is distinctly effective at the final stage of the journey—the tipping point where consumers are weighing options. For example, include UGC photos on the landing page for a specific product that garners ad traffic. Feature quotes on an abandoned cart landing page or email. Build review testimonials into a nurture campaign for warm audiences.

Important note before posting any user content:

Be sure to ask your consumers’ permission before sharing their content. If launching a formal campaign, build in a consent form in the entry process, or reach out to individuals via direct messages. Ensure that you also confirm how they would like to be credited, especially if sharing content across multiple mediums.

Ready to beef up your UGC strategy? Email us for a consult!

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2022 recent Instagram updates

Olivia NolesBlog, Marketing, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

Instagram is constantly changing and evolving to compete with other social media platforms and meet all the wants and needs of its users. As the app continues to change, your strategy needs to continue to change as well. Keep reading to learn the 2022 recent Instagram updates and how your strategy should change.

Instagram updates app to have multiple feeds

A recent Instagram update that will launch in 2022 is multiple feeds, similar to the layout that TikTok uses. The Instagram feed options include: “Following,” “Favorites” and “Home.” Following includes only accounts users actually follow and is chronological, a setting users have been begging Instagram to bring back. Favorites is a smaller, more curated feed that includes only accounts users have gone through and personally favorited. Home is “the Instagram you know today,” meaning all of the above along with Instagram’s recommended content for you, like curated ads and suggested users.

Shoppable posts take priority in the Instagram algorithm

Instagram wants the app to be a one-stop shop. Users find the product on the app, then they can immediately buy it on the app. Instagram is adding additional incentives to shoppers, such as discounts and money off to encourage users to shop in the app.

If you are a business that sells products, look into utilizing the shoppable posts feature on Instagram. There are pros and cons to this feature, but a major pro is that the algorithm currently pushes shoppable content more than non-shoppable content.

All accounts can use the link feature

Another recent Instagram update is allowing all accounts to have the ability to link on stories. When Instagram launched the links feature, it was only available to users with 10k followers. Now, all accounts can link to external sites on Instagram stories.

A business should use Instagram stories to link to any external content it wants its audience to see. For example, blogs, websites, products, menus, reviews, events- the list goes on and on.

You can now search for content on Instagram

Like Pinterest, Instagram has rolled out the ability to search content based on keywords rather than just hashtags, locations and users. That means that when writing captions, you need to consider which keywords you are factoring in along with your hashtag strategy.

Instagram is primarily focusing on video

As mentioned in a previous blog post, Instagram has announced that it is no longer just a photo-sharing app. Since this announcement, Instagram has prioritized Reels by pushing them to new audiences and adding a monetization option for creators.

Reels is currently the best way to grow on Instagram. Any time Instagram launches a new feature or content format, the algorithm pushes that content to follow the agenda Instagram has. Because of this, businesses and creators trying to grow should use new features, like Reels, whenever possible.

Tips for growing on Instagram via Reels:

  • Use trending sounds: Trending sounds are those with an arrow beside them in the Instagram app. Some business accounts may not have access to all trending sounds due to usage rights.
  • Content trends: If you cannot use trending sounds, try trending styles of content instead. Finding current trends requires spending some time consuming short-form video content. When you see a common theme, think of how you can spin it to your niche.
  • Play around with how you post Reels: There is a theory that Reels posted only to the Reels page are pushed to new audiences while Reels posted on your feed are pushed to your followers. Another theory is that Reels are discoverable for a longer period of time when sharing to the feed, and that Reels shared only to the Reels tab experience a spike in reach that ultimately levels off and gets no views after roughly an hour. We recommend testing out both options over a period of time and seeing what works best for your account.
  • Share Reels on Facebook too: When posting a Reel, there is an option to also post the Reel to Facebook. Just like the other posting options, we reccomend playing around with this feature and seeing what works best for your account.

Instagram is adding Reel features similar to TikTok

Instagram has added the ability to respond to a comment with a video on Reels. The comment will appear as a sticker on the new video, and the new video will be pinned in the comments of the original Reel. This is a very popular feature on TikTok and a great way to earn more views for both videos since viewers that have only seen the comment response will wonder what the original post was.

Need help launching your own Instagram account for your business or organization? Reach out to us; we’d love to help!

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