Instagram Training for beginners

As well as providing social media training and advice for businesses and individuals, I do voluntary tech talks at the library and train seniors/beginners on using this amazing platform.
 
Instagram is a fantastic visual social sharing photo site for businesses and for pleasure.

Here is what we did last night:

It’s a step - by step process:

1. Took the picture

2. Cropped it - I used a paid app called Photogene (2) (You do not have to pay for any apps if you do not want to) - search the App store I think Photogene 4 is available for purchase. (It's a brilliant tool for cropping, blurring, rotating, and editing)

3. I decided to display the full size of the photo so used InstaSize to do so (it is a free app so please be mindful of advertising) - https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/instasize-post-entire-photos/id576649830?mt=8
4. We chose the Lo-Fi filter in the tools section to bring bring some saturated colours and shadows to the photo

5.We added a description - Loving these (but I could have said Training at the library, or reading these as well)

6. We added several hashtags #childrensboo usingks #instabook #booksofinstagram #catbook #librarybook (I advise using ONLY 1-5 hashtags per picture and to check hashtags first (on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google and by using tagboard.com)

7. Then we posted it!

Instagram for beginners example: https://instagram.com/p/3_Fil4xLWo/?taken-by=ebbye

It sounds like a long process, but this was part of my training last night :)

It is fantastic to learn a new skill so if you have any questions please ask away.

Or visit my Pinterest board for tips, tools, and resources: https://www.pinterest.com/ebbye/social-media-love-instagram/

I post up tips, tools, resources and advice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialNetworkingandMarketing

And feel free to flip through my magazine on Flipboard which has plenty of tools, tips, and resources as well!  - https://flipboard.com/@ebbye/sm-training-i5hv3jv5z

I offer customised one-on-one or group training for people or businesses so please feel free to contact me. I also offer social media advice and community management.

Oh and I love Instagram - it's an amazing platform for learning about the world and sharing photos.

It all starts with Content

Image from: http://seo-resource-guide.com/

Finding Content:
• Search similar brands, blog posts, and events – perhaps even affiliate marketing, guest posts, or advertising – you can also access anyone's social media content on their websites
• Set up RSS feeds –on Feedly or bloglovin to find plenty of content
• Pocket -  via Twitter Tweets, to save articles/content to read later
• Pulse via LinkedIn
• Flipboard  -  search for anything - feel free to read my magazine full of social media tips, tools, and resources: https://flipboard.com/@ebbye/sm-training-i5hv3jv5y
• Pinterest  -  to search for anything
• Instagram -  to search for images and hashtags
• Twitter and Twitter lists -  to keep up to date with anything happening in your industry
• Facebook interests list -  to share (or gather) content to/for your business page
• Connect with other business owners, brands, people etc. online and offline - you can attend business seminars or access their social media content
• Google trends, content, and alerts
• Get listed in directories online in your industry
• Check out some of your competitors and get ideas for your own content - read/research articles, case studies, latest findings, Tweets, surveys, queries, posts, magazines, blogs, even adverts, launches, and campaigns to get ideas for your content – a lot of research is needed!
• Find out about all the latest brands, products news online, in articles, newsletters, etc. to use or address later


Content for future use:
• Search! Everything (anywhere) - articles, links, studies, news, government websites, industry sites, blogs, images – please make use of search!
• Read emails – if someone is asking you about something pertinent, if someone needs something, or needs to find something, or is having difficulties with something, – that is a potential blog post topic
• Subscribe to emails in your industry or within your field of expertise – organisations, support bodies, government organisations, etc.
• Plan a month ahead according to calendar of expos and events – what is happening in your area/industry this year?
• What is important for your clients to know and why?
• What would benefit your clients and why? (Tips, tools, advice, resources, etc.?)
• SEARCH EVERYWHERE for content, subscribe to newsletters, and ASK for information.
• Make use of your website, Facebook searches are quite limited so make sure that your website is accessible, is mobile friendly, and has ALL the latest information people need (Do not limit your social media marketing to Facebook you will miss out on content from everywhere else)

Ideas for Content:
  -  Links to articles, websites, services, support, articles, reviews, recommendations, surveys, case studies and other resources
- Suggestions – tips, tools, and advice directly from your business
- Daily wisdom, proverbs, or quotes (use as fillers)
• Help people – provide your own content or OTHER resources, great studies, articles, posts, or links etc. To help people solve problems/find answers is the best thing you can do to promote your brand.
• Participate in the relevant hashtags of events/expos/conferences in your industry such as the beauty expos and USE those hashtags e.g.#beautyexpo2015. (Make sure you are using the correct hashtags by searching on Google or tagboard.com for them first!)
• Post the latest updates from your blog along with the link.
• Direct people to other social media channels you have by Tweeting about them.
• Give tips about your services on the basis of your industry expertise. Tips (image tips which can be shared or even pinned!) work well everywhere.


So ...
• Use content from your site or blog posts
• Use a mix of your own images or share/use other people’s images – these all have to be on brand
• Use Call To Action buttons and posts - http://www.magentosite.com/blog/creative-solutions-call-to-action-buttons-magento-store-designs/
• Use hashtags only when relevant such as #crueltyfreebeauty  - CHECK every hashtag carefully before using
• Choose quality content which is relevant and valuable to the people who have liked your page – share other people’s/pages content – especially things you feel will help your audience connect with your brand
• Be consistent and on brand to build an audience – then you can ask people questions and build a community
• Post relevant videos – make sure they are short (and on brand)
• Thank people who like your page and offer rewards, specials, discounts, or incentives (later on)

Need content?
Try my Facebook list: https://www.facebook.com/lists/10153036927300304
or Flipboard magazine: https://flipboard.com/@ebbye/sm-training-i5hv3jv5y  
for social media training tips, tools, resources, and advice.
Try, Instagram, search Twitter, and Pinterest for valuable content for your own business and brand.

Feel free to connect with me if you have any questions: http://ebbyeryan.wix.com/socialstatus#!__contact and I will customise training for your business.

10 Perfect Social Media Gifts for this holiday season

If you are an addict, or you work in social media, or you just love digital technology - here are 10 perfect social media gifts for the holiday season.

1. Twitter and Facebook like cookie cutters

Have a bake -off at your office this holiday season. I adore these Twitter bird and Facebook like cookie cutters. They’re from CavidDesigns on Etsy.

2. Project your Instagrams

Get your own holiday slideshow done with this fantastic Magical Mini Projector: the slides are made from your Instagrams  so you can display your brand's pics at your end of the year function!

3. App coasters

These colourful app coasters from Etsy are a welcome addition. They're perfect for your end of the year workspace drinks.

4. Pillows for Geeks

These  pillows are a great addition for an office space. and they'd be even more perfect for the person who handles all of your social media and will need to rest! They're from Craftsquatch on etsy

5. Cameras 

People seem to love cameras and taking pics so it's the perfect gift for the person who looks after the Instagram profile in your office, or for the foodie, the designer, the photographer, or the blogger - here are 10 instant cameras for you to choose from  http://www.brit.co/instant-cameras/

I love the Fujifilm Instamax Mini it's tiny and compact and will be a great conversation starter when taking instant pictures at your next function, launch, or event. 

6. Facebook like stamp

Stamp your way through the end of the year party, or on all your completed paperwork. This like button will also make a great conversation starter. It's from Wacodis on etsy

I'm really partial to  this OMG stamp when you just don't have the words - perfect for that end of the year party and another great conversation starter -  OMG Stamp
 

7. Eat. Sleep. Tweet.

It feels that way sometimes. It's the perfect tee for your team - ladies size - from DesignDepot123 on etsy 

and I found a great star wars inspired Twitter tee for men - May the Tweets be with you by JazzyDesignz

8. Give Back

There are plenty of ways that you can give back to your community.

Why not host a #socialgood project at your workspace this holiday season?

You can pack birthing kits - http://www.bkfa.org.au/  - please contact the company to discuss how you can help or you can raise funds and donate as a team, or host an event by choosing an organisation or charity and pack kits, make toys, wrap presents, or hold a charity workshop lunch or afternoon tea for your end-of-the-year office party.

You can drop off dog treats, dogs and cats toys for  Give a Dog a Bone, Keep Kitty Happy

There are also plenty of retail outlets with gift-giving trees, where you can drop off gifts and cards for kids. Just Google what you can do/join/participate in to give back this holiday season.

If you need ideas of who you can help why not take part in #GivingTuesday on the 2nd December - http://givingtuesday.org.au/

 9. Do a Bill Gates

In 2013 Bill Gates participated in the Reddit Secret Santa gift matching. He gifted his elf with
a donation on her behalf to Heifer International  (as well as some other gifts) - http://redditgifts.com/gallery/gift/spoiler-alert-bill-gates-did-not-get-you/#pres440073

A donation to any organisation is a great gift for a coworker who you don't know too well or for someone in the office who you know would appreciate this. 
You can give cows, honeybees, goats, or a wide range of animals to a community through Heifer and the entire community benefits. There are plenty of other organisations you can donate to on behalf of someone else.

http://instagram.com/p/tl4BaClw79/

And 10. Attend a Party

Get your co-workers together and join a party who are raising funds for charity over the holiday season.

There are plenty of events, and fundraisers you can join - I love the sound of this one - Ugly Christmas Jumper Party

or 11. Just Make Stuff - the perfect gift really could just be a card thanking a coworker, a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates, something homemade, or a batch of homemade cookies or biscuits. 

The holiday season is about giving - give your time - make a card with kids, host an event at your office,  wrap presents (so many organisations are wrapping presents and hosting gift events) or give your time by participating/volunteering in an event. 

Remember that social media never sleeps! - your social media will still be active and you will probably still be working but you can use these ideas to spread cheer, to be responsive, and to be interactive on all your social media profiles - http://www.verticalresponse.com/blog/5-terrific-tips-for-stellar-holiday-service-on-social-media/

Resources

I am a huge fan of resources. I love finding content, reading about the latest social media news, and finding out everything I can because it really helps me with my social media training.

I have spent the past few months writing courses - if you are interested in Pinterest for Beginners, Instagram for Beginners, or Twitter for Business - please let me know - there is a Twitter course available later this year and I am holding an Instagram talk in May (2014).
I have plenty of resources on offer and I am happy to train one-on-one, in groups/workshops/talks and even via Skype. Please feel free to contact me ebbyeryan@gmail.com

Although I am not very active on this blog - I post most of my updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. This really helps when I am training because I tend to save content and share during my talks and classes/courses - to help provide the best social media training services I can.

When I write courses, I spent hundreds of hours online (well it certainly feels like it!) searching for content, reading thousands of topics - here are some for you - http://www.marketingprofs.com/topic/all/ and then writing my own talks and courses.  

So I am in the middle of writing a tech talk on Instagram for Beginners which I am presenting in May - a step-by-step guide to using Instagram for beginners. It has been a lot of fun (and took a lot of research time!) to put this together. Once the talk is over, I will share an edited version on here - http://www.slideshare.net/elanabowman1

What resources do you like? What content are you always looking for to use?

I have plenty for you on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest to keep you up to date.

 

Content, content, content (again!)

As a social media trainer; one of the most challenging things is finding content, and images, and posts, and updates, and Tweets, and videos, and stories (you get the picture) which is or will be valuable for your audience (or fans or followers)

I have been teaching my clients how to find content by focusing on keywords and stories or images or videos which their fans - the people, the humans who come to their accounts ACTUALLY want to read, or like, or share to their friends. (use Google Analytics or various insight/analytics tools to assess this)

So I was very very happy to put together all the things I like to read and share on LinkedIn Pulse app  - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pulse-news-for-iphone/id377594176 - which is a really good way to share content that will be relevant for your brand and business.

So after saving about a million things to my http://getpocket.com - which is very handy if you use Twitter and want to save articles (to check and read later) - I have set up various Pinterest boards with articles or content which will hopefully help, motivate, or inspire me when I train or at least give me stuff to talk about (or share or post or Tweet).

Social Media is social!

 It is about sharing information which is relevant to you BUT it has to be valuable to actual people. When people like, or click, or ReTweet, or comment on, or share (across various accounts) it is then your role( as a social media person, or community manager) to actually engage with the people. (As you would if they were standing in front of you discussing a certain topic)

Back in 2005 I was blogging a lot! I had my own second hand bookshop and social media was not what it is now. It has now become a place where you can Tweet, post, save, like, share etc.I love it, I love how people are connecting, sharing stories and I also love seeing the impact social media is having on our lives (think social good - it is really helpful during natural disasters, world events, or for people who want to spread kindness and help other people)

While blogging was an interactive and very handy tool for me - I have now moved towards Twitter (where I stay updated on EVERYTHING) and save content to read, or post, or share later and Pinterest - which I have found highly beneficial.

I set up a Computer and Internet Basics for Seniors (older people) board and a Social Media Love board and I use these boards to not only train but to provide relevant and hopefully handy resources for my clients. I use articles from Pulse app. from the Flipboard app and from all over the Internet so I can share and save information - it is truly limitless.

So in order to find content for your own business or brand, please download some of these apps. Or join some of these accounts.

And don't forget to blog, to write your own original Tweets and Facebook updates (on your Facebook business page)! To start - then perhaps and if it is needed set up an Instagram account and perhaps join Pinterest - which has a great search feature and you will find information about everything and anything.

This is what was recorded in 2013:

http://www.mycleveragency.com/2013/07/qmee-find-out-what-happens-online-in-60-seconds/

So what does this mean as a brand or business?

Stop thinking that you are online and you HAVE to only sell or market your business and products. 

Please start listening to what your clients, and fans, and followers have to say. What is relevant to them? Why did they like or follow your brand or business? What do they want? What is important to them? 

What are they sharing, and commenting on? Are you actually answering them, talking to them or are you just not engaging? Engaging really means - someone has seen an article you put online, then responded to the article, "Wow I never knew that!" or "What an amazing idea." or whatever and you genuinely responding - we love that idea, or we (...), or I (...)

Imagine a person is face-to-face with you and have conversations. They don't have to be witty, or trying too hard, or insincere, or not like yourself at all - you can have genuine conversations with people offline (think of when a customer comes to buy your products, or how you talk to people on the phone, or how you meet people in a professional way) and START doing that same thing online.

Remember any content you create, write, post, and share is aimed at people JUST LIKE YOU.

Why do you follow a certain person or brand on Twitter? Why have you clicked like on something? What are you commenting on and responding to? What inspires YOU, motivates YOU, propels YOU to act - the people you are trying to reach are also doing the exact same thing.

Stop thinking of social media as only selling to or marketing towards current or potential clients and start being a person - and talk (both online and offline) to real people just like you! 

If you would like to know more or would like social media training or advice - feel free to contact me. ~ Elana ebbyeryan@gmail.com

Pinterest for resources and content

Have you tried out Pinterest  for your business or brand?

Do you struggle to find content?

First I would suggest setting up a blog for your business. A blog (try http://www.blogger.com/home) will help you drive content from your website to and from all your other social media sites. Blogging you will help drive traffic and it will help raise awareness of your business products or services.

My suggestion is to blog at least once a fortnight; but a lot of people choose to blog weekly or daily.

So now that you have set up a blog; you will need to find content which is aimed at raising knowledge and awareness of your business/brand's products and services.

So this is where Pinterest comes in handy. Search Pinterest for content ideas (by using keywords) If you don't know what keywords are applicable for your business; think of your products and services and then use keywords which will help individuals find your products and services. 

Here is some information about keywords if you have never used keywords before - http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2277087/How-to-Make-Your-Keywords-Fit-Your-Marketing-Messaging

Now most businesses should be creating their own unique content to drive their business. In other words; you want people to find YOUR business so here is a way to start creating your OWN content - http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/developing-a-strategy/

Social Media has become very visual so you can design your own content to share on your social media sites. 

Some great content tools or ideas are:

 - tips
 - infographics
 - images with quotes
 - information about your products or services
 - facts
 - tools
 - slideshares
 - images of your products or services

 and 88 other ideas for content - http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2195076/88-Content-Creation-Ideas-for-Better-Business-Blog-Posts-Images-or-Videos 

But the best social media practice is to SHARE tools, resources, tips, infographics from other trusted resources and that is why you need to make use of Pinterest for business purposes.

Set up your own board (so a board about your OWN business/brand) and then set up other boards and start pinning and sharing.

Pinterest is a great site to find content an to help you find ideas for your OWN content.

Here are some ideas of how to use Pinterest for small business - http://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2013/06/07/how-to-use-pinterest-for-small-business/

Make use of the search tool in Pinterest and look at the popular pins to see what content people like and why. 

Start using Pinterest for YOUR business and make sure that you pin your OWN content and SHARE content as well. The content ideas you use (or find or create) on Pinterest can be used on your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Google + as well - just make sure that ALL the content you use (and share) links back to the original source.

Here is a Pinterest tutorial - http://www.theyummylife.com/Pinterest_tips and now start searching, sharing and Pinning!

source: http://www.theyummylife.com/Pinterest_tips

Social Media, tips, tools and resources

Check out my Facebook page for tips, tools, guides, information and resources to help YOU with your social media marketing - https://www.facebook.com/SocialNetworkingandMarketing

If you have any queries or would like to set up a training session please feel free to contact me: ebbyeryan@gmail.com

Internet and Computer Basics for Beginners/Seniors: Resources (Computer and Internet safety and privacy)

An overview of computers:

Computer glossary toolkit - http://nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit/toolkitfiles/pdf/Glossary.pdf

1) Practice using the mouse – http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-basics/lessons/the-mouse

2) Practice using the keyboard - http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-basics/lessons/the-keyboard

3) Play a mouse game - http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-basics/lessons/clicky-mouse-game

4) Try a computer quiz (just for fun and might challenge you to ask even more questions   - http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/2000/curriculum/homeroommodules/compBasics/CBGenQuiz3.htm

5) The computer keyboard is commonly known as the Qwerty Keyboard – here is why http://www.howstuffworks.com/question458.htm

6) List of all your computer keys: http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut.htm

7) All the Keyboard keys you will need to use: http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut.htm

8) List of all the Function Keys: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000306.htm

9) Please note that Apple’s computer keyboards, operating system, programme functions etc.  have different functions, tools and features- http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1343

Internet safety and privacy: 

How the internet works - 

http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/download-how-the-internet-works

1) Internet and computer privacy tips - http://www.truste.com/products-and-services/consumer_privacy/privacy_tips#practices

 2) Cyber smart games - http://www.digitalliteracy.gov/resources-by-term/79

3) A Guide to Getting Started on the Internet   -  intended for internet novices, this site offers help with email, jargon and searching for information -   http://www.imaginarylandscape.com/helpweb/welcome.html

4) Internet Basics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/internet-basics/
5) Cybersafety - http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

6) Computer Security - http://www.netsafe.org.nz/keeping_safe.php?sectionID=computers&pageID=253&menuID=253

7) Internet Tips and list of Answers - http://www.computerhope.com/tips/internet.htm

8) Security for Senior computer users
http://www.afp.gov.au/policing/cybercrime/~/media/afp/pdf/s/security-on-the-internet.ashx

9) Social Media Rules for Seniors - http://seniorcarecorner.com/social-media-rules-for-senior-loved-ones

Photo from Clipart.com

Content, content, content!

Social Media is all about creating, writing, sharing or sourcing content which is relevant to your business or brand.

The key is to find or write content and share the content across your social media profiles.

But how do you find relevant content?

Here are 10 ways to find content online:

1) http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/ - The Content Marketing institute has posts about content, how to use content and specific information about different types of content. Read the posts to inspire you to write content of your own.

2) Try find progressive ideas and optimism to share -  http://gimundo.com/ has some fantastic videos and resources you can share with your audience (fans/followers ) and the http://www.good.is/ is a community with ideals and tools for progress. http://optimistworld.com/ has daily good news headlines, stories, charities and companies which promote/highlight optimism and you will find plenty of info here!

3) Make use of the Consumer Barometer – Google’s Consumer Barometer provides insights into how consumers search and research product purchases – which is useful  when it comes to creating content which targets those consumers.

4) Use a Google Keyword Tool – Keyword research can really help with content planning and creation so your content can be optimised for the right keywords (SMO or SEO).  Use Google’s AdWords Keyword Tool for determining which keywords to use, and also use for analysing your competitor's keywords.

5) Quora – Quora is a great place to find what people have questions about and people share information which might come in handy for your own business or brand.

6) Flipboard -  is a magazine type App for your smart phone. You can select information, feeds, magazines and info to follow and flip through and read on your phone. It's also great for sharing content across your social media profiles.

7) Facebook Interests list - you can set up private or public lists of people you follow on Facebook or pages you like. It is great to use lists on Facebook because you get access to all the news feeds from a particular page and it is great for sharing content across Facebook (preferably to your own business page).
Have a look at some wonderful public Facebook lists you can follow - http://www.postplanner.com/100-facebook-lists-to-follow-bypass-edgerank/

8) Set up an RSS Feed - This is a great alternative to subscribing to every single email; set up an RSS feed of websites, blogs or content you'd like to receive. This is a great way to find content and to receive daily information without having to get 100s of emails! I use Bloglovin but there are plenty of others to choose from. If you install the App - you can share content across your social media accounts.

9) Set up a read later account. If you find content on the Internet which you want to save, check, use, or share later - try http://getpocket.com/. You can download the App and link it to your Twitter account as well. I use Pocket to check content on a site; prior to sharing across profiles and I also use it to inspire my own content or to send things across to Pinterest. It comes in very handy!

10) Pinterest is rapidly becoming my go to tool to source content or inspiration for my own social media training. Pinterest is a visual tool full of infographics, images and colour with information about every industry you can think of. You can also download the App and share across social media profiles. (Just remember to find the original site, source and creator of the images prior to sharing - check the links because there is often a lot of spam or people just add pictures without finding the original source.)

Things which may help you even more:

Don't forget to search Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and even Instagram for valuable content or images which are relevant for your brand. (Check Instagram profiles and images carefully before sharing or affiliating images with your business/brand)

If you need to find a hashtag prior to creating your own have a look at Tagboard so you can check to see what conversation is happening and where.

If you cannot find the original image; try using Google's Inside Image Search or try using a Reverse Image Search - so you can credit the original creator (designer, photographer, artist, writer, etc.) prior to sharing any kind of image (or content).

I have set up a public Facebook list for social media content which I use on a regular basis - https://www.facebook.com/lists/10153036927300304

Here are 26 Marketing Tools which you can use for content - http://www.onlinemarketinginstitute.org/blog/2013/01/26-content-marketing-tools-to-use-in-2013/

If you are still struggling to find content and need to update your pages and accounts every day - please ask me. I have plenty of resources, tips and tools for you. Don't forget to check everything preferably on a laptop so you can view the entire site before sharing!

I'd also recommend setting up a social media editorial/content calendar so you can plan your content on a daily, weekly or monthly basis - http://jcsocialmarketing.com/2013/07/control-the-chaos-with-a-social-media-calendar-template/

source: http://alleecreative.com/blog/2013/07/09/how-to-manage-all-those-content-channels/

Be Creative this Year with Your Social Media

This is the year to be creative! 

Mari Smith believes that 2013 is the Year of the Video and uses her site to teach you how to produce high-value, quality video content. She also teaches how to distribute it effectively online and on mobile, and how to create measurable results http://www.marismith.com/yearofthevideo/

Use Video and Photography to highlight your business and brand online.

Make use of Instagram and Pinterest to interact with people and create a connection with people.

Here's info on how to use Instagram for Business  - http://instagram-business.tumblr.com/ and a free Ebook from Hubspot on how to use Pinterest for Business - http://offers.hubspot.com/how-to-use-pinterest-for-business

I've put together a board on Pinterest with examples of how businesses are using social media creatively by creating fantastic campaigns - https://pinterest.com/ebbye/great-use-of-social-media-for-marketing/

Don't forget to mix and match your content and to use different types of content to keep your audience engaged and interested. 

If you need ideas on which content you can use and why - download Hubspot's free eBook on how to Engage Fans on Facebook and use these ideas for Twitter and your blog as well.

Be creative with your marketing and sites this year! 

Don't forget to keep your fans and followers happy on Pinterest, a blog, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by creating and finding content which is fun, informative, entertaining, enlightening, educational, inspirational or motivational and which most importantly adds value.

Image from Hubspot on Facebook

Back Up Your 2012 Social Media

As the year comes to an end; it's time to back up all of your 2012 social media. Why should you backup all of your social media - Valerie Khoo answers this question.

It takes time to find content, images, links and data for daily social media on a variety of accounts and platforms. Social media as a whole is very labour intensive and time spent online, building a community, building engagement, creating content and uploading information often means that people who are managing social media are at the job 24/7.

If you ever need to find something from a few months ago such as reuse an image or rewrite a blog post based on changes in the industry - all you have to do is access your backups rather than searching for (and possibly not finding) the information you created or used online.

You are creating an easy paper trail.

And while you're at it, back up all your documents, folders, files, photos, passwords, emails, contacts and accounts - so you can keep and have records of all the work you have done over the past year.

1) Purchase an external hard drive - this will expand your computer's storage capacity and back up your data. it's great for making sure you don't lose anything important and is useful as a great storage system in case you buy a new laptop or need to restore your computer.

2) Use https://www.backupify.com to backup Your Personal Online Data. there are a range of options to choose from and provides backups of your personal Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Sites, Google Contacts, Flickr, Picasa and Blogger accounts.

3) Use SocialSafe to archive your Facebook timeline, Facebook Pages, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+ and Viadeo profiles. Everything is stored locally on the your PC or Mac.

3) An alternative for Twitter - go to http://www.allmytweets.net/ - copy and paste a year's worth of your Twitter Tweets into a Word document for easy access and a later search if necessary. AllMyTweets is also a fantastic resource if you are searching for a specific Tweet on Twitter.

4) For a Facebook Business/Fan Page - you can either use Backupify or SocialSafe or you can simply copy and paste ALL of your Facebook posts into a Word document - to save for a later search or analysis.
It is best to backup all your Facebook links, updates and images to have a record of your work done over the year.

5) I'd also use copying and pasting as an option for all your Blog posts and use an Excel spreadsheet to insert all your links for a later stage - especially if you have a social media team (or person) who should be making use of a weekly/monthly social media editorial/content calendar.
This Excel document or calendar will help you track your social media on all accounts - month by month.

6) Save all your images into a social media folder for 2012 and backup those images into an external drive. If you have purchased images or created your own images; these can always be reused at a later stage.

7) I haven't found any backup options for Pinterest as of yet. Go through your Pinterest boards and copy and paste the data you want to keep into a simple Word document; so you can access content at a later stage - *UPDATE - I have found a few options to backup your Pinterest pins using one of the following tools - http://socialwebnerd.com/blog/20-tools-to-backup-your-social-media-content/

There are two good reasons why you should back up all of your social media content and data for the past year:

1) It is good to have and keep the data for your own records and to assist you if you need to search for anything at a later stage. I'd advise that you look at this data in 3 months time and it will help inspire you to write blog posts about changes in social media, business growth and it will help you keep track of your social media as a whole.

2) This will help with social media training. By having accessible data from the past year; this could help a new employee view all of your content on each account and review your brand image online. By having access to a wide variety of information; your new staff member will be able to see exactly how your brand comes across online and what is expected of him/her.

Keep records of your social media each year and this way you can easily analyse your data and track changes from year to year.

Mine are all in simple Word documents saved in an external hard drive for easy access!

*UPDATE

Here are 20 Tools to help you BackUp all your social media accounts including several options to back up your Pinterest pins and links - http://socialwebnerd.com/blog/20-tools-to-backup-your-social-media-content/ 

My advice is to backup all your data on a monthly basis; especially if you work in social media or/and digital marketing as this will help you generate reports.

Image: http://www.handybackup.net

Social Media Gifts for the Holiday Season

Image created on http://www.pizap.com/ from TweetBookz and Firebox

Stuck on gift ideas for the workplace and office? 

Impress your clients with social media these fun gifts make great reminders and they are fun for clients and customers.

These are also perfect gifts for anyone who is addicted to social media!

Instagram Prints - can look wonderful on your work wall or at home - purchase and select your best Instagram pictures for Canvas Prints for your office or opt for the retro Polaroids - these Polaroids are great for end of the year parties!

I'm loving the idea of putting together an Instagram Poster which is a fantastic way to showcase all your brand images.

TweetBookz will make an adorable gift. This is a great gift for clients. Choose their Tweets throughout the year and present them with a keepsake of their best Tweets!

For more social media gift ideas for your clients have a look at Social Stand Media's Top 12 Client Social Media Gifts for 2012 - http://socialstrand.com/2012/12/05/top-12-client-social-media-gifts-for-2012/

Here are 276 gift ideas for anyone who loves digital, technology and gadgets - http://www.techinvestornews.com/Gadgets/Latest-Gadget-News/276-gifts-for-the-geek-in-your-life

I love the Crust Be Dreaming USB Hub! http://www.modcloth.com/shop/computer-accessories/crust-be-dreaming-usb-hub

Need ideas for Secret Santa or office gifts for your work colleagues? How about quirky stocking filler type gifts at affordable prices - http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/gift-guides/secret-santa-gift-ideas

13 Social Media Tips for Business

Here are 13 tips from Social Status on Facebook to help you grow your social media activities online and to raise your profiles!

1. Go Green! 15 Ways to Use Social Media for Green Good - http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/social-media-green-good.htm

2. 19 Twitter Tips for Newbies (or Helpful Reminders for Not-So-Newbies) - http://www.momeomagazine.com/19-twitter-tips-for-newbies-or-helpful-reminders-for-not-so-newbies/

3. Social Media Quick Tips Straight from the SMILE (Social Media, the Internet and Law Enforcement) Conference - http://www.lawofficer.com/article/news/social-media-quick-tips-straig 

4. Learn from The NSW Police - who have made excellent use of social media and formed a vast online connection with their community all over NSW.
With over 100 Facebook pages for each local area, a Twitter account, a YouTube account , 195 Eyewatch Facebook groups - NSWPOL has just won “ConnectedCOPS Award of Excellence at a Large Agency” for overall excellence in the use of social media.

5. Social Media Tips for Accountants - http://www.brw.com.au/p/sections/professions/social_media_tips_for_accountants_WcCPulm2kHz9L9vPJ2ALqN  

6. 5 Tips for Smart Email Marketing - http://www.grassrootsinternetstrategy.com.au/5-tips-for-smart-email-marketing/

7. Facebook Tip: Make sure all your privacy settings are correct. You can also choose what information you share on Facebook and with whom - http://thatsnonsense.com/blog/facebook-privacy-settings-get-your-privacy-settings-right/

8. Monitor all your social media accounts - respond to queries, respond to mentions, check your insights and analytics tools - http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/7-tips-for-effective-social-media-monitoring/

9.  Clean out any spam accounts on Twitter, check your Facebook likes, check your sources on Pinterest, use a spam filter on your emails and check all the comments and responses on each account.

10. If you have a bricks and mortar business where people can walk in to access your products or services - Use Foursquare - http://fastblink.com/blog/2012/05/30/how-foursquare-literally-changed-the-game/

11. Use social media management tools to listen to and monitor/manage your social media platforms online. Here is a breakdown of some of the best social media management tools for small businesses http://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-tools/favorite-social-media-management-tools-for-small-business/

12. Seek Inspiration. Search quotes, tips, tools, resources, images or ideas for a potential blog post. Like and comment on other people's blogs, pages, accounts and profiles. Spend 5 minutes everyday on getting inspiration - here is a place to start - http://www.good.is/

13. Read as much as you can! Set up Google Alerts, Google Reader and a Flipboard account  - so you can keep track of news, blogs, Tweets, Facebook updates, comments, eBooks, guides, resources - the more you know the more in tune your social media will be!

For more tips, tools, resources and guides on how to use social media for business - find Social Status on:
Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest

Or contact Social Status

 

source: http://www.mirnabard.com/2010/03/7-simple-social-networking-tips-for-business/

 

Spotlight ... Bay Medical Australia

I’d like to draw attention to Bay Medical Australia and their use of social media to build their awareness and profile online.

Their Facebook page focuses on fun content as well as marketing their products.
They have made great use of unusual images and medical facts which they have found on the net, making their Facebook page an enjoyable page to visit.

They have made great use of National Days and used Lemonade Day to feature a lemon scrub driving attention towards the scrubs they sell and the people who will purchase their products.

They engage with their fans by encouraging making up captions for  images and make great use of humour.

They also spend a lot of time featuring links to trending news items and use information well for their content and focus on light hearted and informative content to drive their brand.

On Twitter @BayMedAustralia connects with people in their industry, makes great use of links to images and unusual quirky content such as medical facts and images and they actively respond to ReTweets or mentions and use  hashtags to drive their products.

My favourite is their Pinterest account where they actively link (or pin) a broad mix of content highlighting medical and fun facts, information, humour and share fun things that they have found. 

They have made amazing use of boards like Hot in Scrubs http://pinterest.com/baymedaustralia/hot-in-scrubs/ which appeals to TV and movie lovers -  I mean anyone loves a hot doctor in scrubs – right?

So why am I highlighting this brand? It is clear that Bay Medical Australia has a target market of nurses, vets, doctors and other medical personnel who purchase their products yet also need some light-hearted humour relating to their industry.

Instead of focusing on their products alone on each platform, Bay Medical Australia has broadened their content to include, facts, tips, images and humour to build a relationship with their fans, followers and other pinners.

By making their platforms interesting and focusing on the medical industry; they have proven that social media can be very beneficial when used as part of their advertising and marketing. The important thing is that they enjoy using social media and connecting with people and this shows!

Bay Medical Australia supplies scrubs to Offspring and Bondi Vet and throughout the month of September for every Teal scrub sold a donation will be given to Ovarian Cancer Australia. have a look at their range of scrubs and Workwear - http://www.baymedical.com.au/scrubs-and-workwear

Social Media can be part of your marketing package. It can be used to highlight your business, promote your products and reach a wider range of people. I happily follow Bay Medical Australia on each platform and they have inspired some of my own social media content.

Don’t worry about whether you can do social media *well; just start interacting and have fun. It really shows and it makes for a very pleasant and interactive relationship with a business.

*However, be aware of social media etiquette and practices as well as using each platform wisely. Make use of linking to others, cite original sources and adhere to each platform (or network’s) terms and conditions.

source: http://www.business2community.com