Instagram has grown rapidly since its release in 2010. As of June 2016, the photo- and video-sharing mobile app and social network had 500 million active monthly users across the world – an annual increase of 100 million! An image is worth a thousand words Much, if not most, of Instagram’s success can be explained by the app’s dedication to visuals. Not surprisingly, many of Toronto’s top cultural institutions – from the Royal Ontario Museum to the National Ballet of Canada – are now using Instagram to showcase their offerings. Many of these institutions have adopted creative promotional tactics, from hosting contests to posting behind-the-scenes photos. Below are 10 of my favourite Instagram accounts from Toronto’s culture scene. 1. Toronto International Film Festival (@tiff_net) See promos and behind-the-scenes images on the TIFF’s Instagram account. TIFF is currently using the app to host its Shorts Festival contest. Smart! #TIFFxInstagram Shorts Festival is a new […]
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Why Are You So Boring? My First Date With Periscope
When I tried the Periscope live streaming app for the first time, I really didn’t know what to expect. Like other people who work with social media, I thought the best approach would be to dive in like I would a cold Ontario lake. I made myself the Guinea pig. Though I was nervous, I managed to get through much of my first Periscope broadcast largely unscathed, ranting about blogging and content marketing. I felt extremely proud. Then the unexpected happened Near the end of my broadcast, an anonymous troll commented, “Why are you so boring?” for everyone to see. The comment hurt my pride. Me, boring? How dare they! Forgetting my social media best practices, which tell me to ignore trolls, I got a bit defensive and went off message. What started out as a positive experience quickly ended up in the trash heap. My first date with this […]
Read moreHow Black Lives Matter’s Disruptive Tactics Are Forcing Us to Have a Conversation About Race
When the Toronto chapter of Black Lives Matter staged a 30-minute sit-in during Toronto’s Pride Parade, many people were upset to say the least. The group’s co-founder was subjected to racist emails immediately following the demonstration. To someone unfamiliar with civil disobedience, the aftermath of the sit-in would have resembled a public relations failure. You may wonder why Black Lives Matter (also known as BLM) resorts to using controversial tactics to get their message out. Don’t they want popular support? But unlike a corporate public relations campaign, BLM activists are not trying to win a popularity contest. They are trying to start a tough conversation that they believe can only be achieved through disruption. Classic civil disobedience. Whether you agree with them or not, BLM’s actions appear to be working. Just check out the few examples below. Toronto Pride Parade sit-in BLM activists staged a 30-minute sit-in during the Toronto Pride […]
Read moreWhy I Write So Many Damn Listicles
If you follow my blog, you know that I love writing articles with numbered lists – the so-called listicle. Listicles are fun and somewhat easy to write. People also love reading them! That being said, the listicle seems to have a bad rap. Many see them as low brow, geared more towards entertainment. But there is a reason why the listicle is still popular – and why I and so many other writers, bloggers and marketers will continue creating them. There’s method behind the madness! Listicles are great for producing content quickly Having a steady stream of online content is extremely important for content marketers and bloggers alike. Period. Luckily, listicles are relatively easy to produce. To create a listicle, do the following: Select a topic – this will be your headline. Create bullet points – this will become your numbered list. If needed, fill out bullet points with further […]
Read more5 Winning Qualities Top Bloggers Share With Workplace Conversationalists
You know who I’m talking about. It’s that awesome communicator at work, who is generally well liked and excels in social situations, whether it be over the water cooler, at the lunch table or during a coffee/smoke break. Every workplace has one. What you may not know is that workplace conversationalists share a lot in common with the world’s top bloggers. They both know how to engage, help and inform the people around them. Check out the 5 winning qualities shared by top bloggers and workplace conversationalists below! 1. They’re present Workplace conversationalists can always be counted on to liven up the conversation during coffee breaks and at the company lunch table. You can feel the void – and awkward silence – whenever they’re absent. Successful bloggers are similarly always present. When they’re not publishing articles, top bloggers are active on social media or networking in the real world. 2. They […]
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