Google+ https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/ en Choosing social media networks: Marketing the #PhillyMakerFaire https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/blog/marketing-faire-social-media <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Choosing social media networks: Marketing the #PhillyMakerFaire</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog-entry.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2>Marketing the Faire </h2> <p>In late March I took on a volunteer position as Head of Marketing for the first ever Philadelphia Mini Maker Faire "a volunteer-organized, family-friendly celebration featuring local do-it-yourself science, art, robots, crafts, tech, music, hands-on-activities, and more. It’s an event where people show what they are making and share what they are learning" says the <a href="https://philly.makerfaire.com/">official site</a>. My first goal was to extend our reach through social networking.</p> <p>When I first took on this role, we had a Twitter account and a Facebook page. </p> <p>Seems good enough, why do more? My answer always is that your online presence should be where your customers are, and we want to reach everyone! Well not really, but since the event is brand new, building a community and a brand is a huge part of the task. </p> <p>Of course, not all platforms are appropriate for everyone, but I do encourage you to use any that are appropriate for your business. For #PhillyMakerFaire I have set up a comprehensive, cohesive social network presence.</p> <ul><li>Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/PhillyMakerFaire/">https://www.pinterest.com/PhillyMakerFaire/</a></li> <li>Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phillymakerfaire/">https://www.facebook.com/phillymakerfaire/</a></li> <li>Twitter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phillymakerfaire/">https://twitter.com/phlmake</a></li> <li>Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/phillymakerfaire/">https://www.instagram.com/phillymakerfaire/</a></li> <li>G+ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116631378467518106973/116631378467518106973">https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116631378467518106973/116631378467518106973</a></li> <li>YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DDs59K8d3vVXLZGK1UiLg/">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DDs59K8d3vVXLZGK1UiLg/</a></li> <li>Tumblr <a href="https://tumblr.com/blog/phillymakerfaire">https://tumblr.com/blog/phillymakerfaire</a></li> </ul><p>Inserting a shameless plug for the Faire on June 24th at Pennovation Works! <a href="https://philly.makerfaire.com/tickets/">Buy tickets</a>. Follow us. Share it. Like it. Pin it. Re-tweet. Love it.</p> <p>Just. Do. It!</p> <img alt="8 social network icons arranged around 3 centered questions marks." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db9120ec-1e45-4350-a7f6-971f0d57516b" height="149" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MonkeysAtKeyboards_ChooseSocialNetowrk-01.png" width="595" class="align-center" loading="lazy" /><h2>How do you pick which social networks are best for you?</h2> <p><strong>Facebook:</strong> Facebook is still the king of the social networks, in spite of recent controversies. If you only make one social network, Facebook would be a good option.<br /><i>If there can be only one. Choose Facebook.</i></p> <p><strong>Instagram: </strong>If you make anything physical, you should definitely get on Instagram and share beautiful photos of your work. Every photo tells a story, and Instagram is perfect to tell yours. <br /><em>Best for visual creators: artists, photographers, builders, crafters, makers, architects, designers</em></p> <p><strong>Pinterest:</strong> Another visual social network, but with an emphasis on collections. If you craft or DIY, consider a Pinterest account.<br /><em>Best for gathering and sharing visual information: DIY, crafters, makers, builders</em></p> <p><strong>Twitter:</strong> It's a great all around network for visual and written content, but if writing's your thing, you should be on Twitter.<br /><em>Best for wordsmiths: writers, bloggers, comedians, poets</em></p> <p><strong>G+: </strong>Google plus hasn't lived up to it's potential, but if you have a physical location, you should claim your Business and set up the corresponding brand page on Google. Help your customers find you and make sure your contact information and hours are always up-to-date.<br /><em>Best for business: brick-and-mortar, eCommerce, B2B, service providers</em></p> <p><strong>YouTube:</strong> Video is an engaging way to reach your audience and YouTube is the more social video hosting platform. Choose YouTube for video unless you're a filmmaker or animator, Vimeo would be the better choice.<br /><em>Best for: DIY, vloggers, social video</em></p> <p><strong>Yelp: </strong>Yelp is the modern day BBB, you should definitely take the steps to claim your Yelp page and interact with the reviews -- both positive and negative. Another place to keep your hours and contact information up-to-date.<br /><em>Best for business: brick-and-mortar, service providers, B2B, hospitality</em></p> <p><strong>NextDoor:</strong> After G+ and Yelp, I would claim your NextDoor business page so that neighbors can recommend you,  and tag you in network. <br /><em>Best for business: brick-and-mortar, service providers - especially home improvement, B2B </em></p> <p><strong>LinkedIn:</strong> B2B and other service providers should be on LinkedIn. It's an excellent network for connecting with other business as well as for finding great candidates for your team.<br /><em>Best for business: B2B, freelance, professional services</em></p> <p>All the social networks could fill a small book, so I'll stop here. Vimeo is great for filmmakers, Flickr for photographers, Houzz for architects, GitHub for programmers, and there are a huge range of industry specific social networks.</p> <h2>Next Steps</h2> <p>Building a cohesive brand; look your best online.</p> <p>Follow this blog over the next few weeks and I'll share what I'm learning about reaching out to the press, social media automation, managing a project with dozens of volunteers, and working with an amazing design team, two passionate founders, and marketing partners who have provided excellent guidance and structure. </p> <hr /><p><a href="https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/contact/social_media">Expand your social presence today!</a></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <a title="View user profile." href="/users/laura" lang="" about="/users/laura" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" class="username">Laura</a> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Fri, 06/01/2018 - 11:46</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--blog-entry.html.twig * field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/linkedin" hreflang="en">LinkedIn</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/marketing" hreflang="en">Marketing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/facebook" hreflang="en">Facebook</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/twitter" hreflang="en">Twitter</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/tumblr" hreflang="en">Tumblr</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/google-0" hreflang="en">Google+</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/86" hreflang="en">Pintrest</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/88" hreflang="en">Yelp</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/89" hreflang="en">Marketing the Faire</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/87" hreflang="en">Instagram</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: x links--node.html.twig x links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/content/links--node.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/content/links--node.html.twig' --> Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:46:07 +0000 Laura 389 at https://monkeysatkeyboards.com What, When & How to Engage on Social Media https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/blog/what-when-how-engage-social-media <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">What, When &amp; How to Engage on Social Media</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog-entry.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Scheduling Tweets" src="https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/sites/default/files/MonkeyTwitterGlasses2014_0.png" style="width: 150px; height: 150px; float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" title="Scheduling Tweets" />Our blog posts are automatically shared on our networks. That means we're sharing original content at a maximum of one per weekday which fits within The Social Media Guide's frequency. This looks to be ideal for LinkedIn, Facebook and Google Plus, but completely ineffective on Twitter. Below are my summaries of what I've been researching, as well as links to the original articles. <a href="https://bufferapp.com/">Buffer</a> is a free tool that I deliberately left out of <a href="http://monkeysatkeyboards.com/pushing-blog-content-social-networks">last week's guide</a> to pushing content to social networks. So after using Buffer for a few months, I found the free plans limit of 10 scheduled tweets to be limiting. That's only half a week . I discovered that <a href="https://hootsuite.com/">Hoot Suite</a> allows for tweet scheduling and has no limit!  Although I'm not using it for scheduling tweets, I recommend subscribing to Buffer's blog for informative, well written, and inspiring articles. </p> <h1> What</h1> <p>Small Business Marketing Tools has <a href="http://www.sbmarketingtools.com/comparison-chart-for-choosing-between-top-social-media-sites-for-marketing/">this excellent chart</a> examining what type of content works best on different social networks. </p> <p>The takeaway is Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are best for sharing news, content, and stories while LinkedIn is best for sharing industry news and discussions. It seems pretty straightforward, but knowing your audience is half the battle.</p> <h1> How Long</h1> <p>The ideal length for content depends on a wide variety of factors. <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-ideal-length-of-everything-online-according-to-science">The Ideal Length of Everything According to Science</a> gets into the statistics of engagement. Their results:</p> <ul><li> <p>Tweet: 100 characters</p> </li> <li> <p>Facebook post: less than 40 characters</p> </li> <li> <p>Google+ headline: less than 60 characters</p> </li> <li> <p>Headlines: 6 words</p> </li> <li> <p>Blog posts: 1,600 words</p> </li> <li> <p>Width of a paragraph: 40-55 characters</p> </li> <li> <p>Email subject line: 28-39 characters</p> </li> <li> <p>Title tag: 55 characters</p> </li> </ul><div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <h1> When</h1> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/social-media-frequency-guide">The Social Media Frequency Guide</a> really gets into the details of posting across social network platforms. The main takeaway is:</p> <div> <blockquote> <p>Post to Twitter at least 5 times a day. If you can swing up to 20 posts, you might be better off.</p> <p>Post to Facebook/Google+ 5 to 10 times per week.</p> <p>Post to LinkedIn once per weekday.</p> </blockquote> <p>I highly recommend clicking through and reading the entire article as it's insightful and well researched. In addition to frequency, time of day can make a huge difference. For example, <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-4-most-accurate-ways-to-find-your-best-time-to-tweet">this article</a> discusses 4 ways to find the best time to tweet.</p> </div> <div> <p>Another excellent read on this topic is <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-case-for-reposting-content">The Case for Reposting Content</a> with three great results.</p> <div> <ul><li> <p>More traffic</p> </li> <li> <p>Hit multiple time zones</p> </li> <li> <p>Reach your new followers</p> </li> </ul><p>It also goes over tips on how to implement and test the success with your own content.</p> <div> <div> <p>It looks like I'll be spending significant time with Buffer and scheduling posts over the next few weeks. I'll report back if I discover any more great insights!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p>Next week we'll look at optimizing your content for SEO by using Google Trends.</p> <p>This post was updated to include information about Hoot Suite January 22, 2015.</p> <p>This post edited by the <a href="http://reviseit.net/">Revise It!</a> Team.</p> <hr /><p>If you need help creating your social media strategy, <a href="https://monkeysatkeyboards.com/contact">contact us</a> today.</p> </div> <p> </p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <a title="View user profile." href="/users/laura" lang="" about="/users/laura" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" class="username">Laura</a> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog-entry.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Wed, 05/14/2014 - 14:56</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--blog-entry.html.twig * field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog-entry.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/blogging" hreflang="en">Blogging</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/facebook" hreflang="en">Facebook</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/twitter" hreflang="en">Twitter</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/linkedin" hreflang="en">LinkedIn</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tags/google-0" hreflang="en">Google+</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: x links--node.html.twig x links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/content/links--node.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/themes/classy/templates/content/links--node.html.twig' --> Wed, 14 May 2014 21:56:41 +0000 Laura 90 at https://monkeysatkeyboards.com