Snapchat is an enigma amongst the social networks. A mobile app known for its temporary content (called “snaps”), Snapchat lacks the functionality commonly found in other social media platforms, such as a discovery and sharing tool, and public forums. Yet it’s still considered social media. And despite being the subject of many articles over the last couple of years, few people over the age of 30 seem to know anything about the mobile app with the mischievous ghost mascot. To my surprise, I found Snapchat to be a highly restrictive experience. But despite all of its limitations, the app also offers plenty of possibilities to marketers and personal users alike. Where the young congregate Snapchat is a must if you’re interested in reaching a younger audience. According to statista.com, 60% of the app’s users are under 25, while only 2% of users are over the age of 55. Talk about […]
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How To Get More Social Media Followers When You Lack Name Recognition
What’s the secret to getting more social media followers? A large social media following is a surefire way to expand your brand – both personal and organizational – and encourage people to visit your website. But how do you get more followers if you are new to social media or lack name recognition (most of us)? Whether it’s video, photo or text, content is absolutely king! The most important ingredient for social media excellence is content. To attract new followers and be successful on social media, you need content that is either informative, helpful or entertaining. Check out my social media content examples from the advocacy sector for inspiration. But let’s say you already have great social content. Are there any tactics that will help you increase your social media followers? Yes! Through years of practice, observation and research, I have discovered – often by accident – multiple ways to increase followers across the social networks. […]
Read moreQ and A with Social Media Expert Hollie Hoadley
Over the past couple of years, I’ve dedicated this site to informing people of the latest in social media communications. Much of this content is based on my own knowledge and real-world experience. But for this post I’d like to try something different. Introduce a perspective other than my own. Meet Hollie Hoadley Hollie Hoadley is the founder of Creative Solutions, a company that provides social media and marketing expertise to a diverse group of clients. Hollie knows a lot about social media marketing strategy. A creative sparkplug, she has helped her clients achieve marketing success in a medium that, though rewarding, can be full of potential pitfalls and challenges. I recently interviewed Hollie to get her take on a variety of issues related to social media and marketing. Read the Q & A below: Q & A with Hollie Hoadley Q: How do you measure success in social media? […]
Read moreHow March of Dimes Canada Is Raising Awareness One Bubble at a Time
Nothing says fun like blowing bubbles in the summer! For March of Dimes Canada (MODC), this simple pleasure has taken on another meaning. It’s the foundation of their new social media campaign, #MyBiggestBubble. Who doesn’t love a bubblegum selfie? The #MyBiggestBubble campaign asks participants to take selfies while blowing bubblegum bubbles. Participants then submit their pics on Twitter or Instagram using the #MyBiggestBubble hashtag. The campaign has its own mini site, mybiggestbubble.com, as well as a how-to infographic for selfie newbies. Raising awareness for a good cause The primary purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of MODC and its cause of helping people with disabilities. “March of Dimes Canada is an established charity with a history that goes back to 1949,” said Dennis Ullman, Associate Director of Special Events and Community Relations for MODC. “The #MyBiggestBubble campaign helps spread awareness of our charity and our cause to a […]
Read more5 Toronto Politicians Who Totally Get Social Media
Toronto expects its politicians to be open, engaging and authentic. And what better way to demonstrate these traits than social media. Politicians use social media to deliver announcements and key messages. That’s a given. A select few, however, truly understand the power of social media. These politicians go outside their comfort zone, using social media to show a more personal side while engaging in a meaningful two-way conversation with the public. So which Toronto politicians have the most engaging, open and authentic social media profiles? Check out my top 5 list below! 1. Norm Kelly No one does social media like Toronto Councillor Norm Kelly, who has more than 300,000 followers on Twitter. In addition to city updates, Kelly posts humorous tweets (see image below) that are retweeted hundreds – if not thousands – of times. In an interview with the CBC, Kelly said his tweets are designed to stir the pot, tickle the […]
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