The Oklahoma 100

 

Improve Your Instagram Account

Searching emojis on Instagram's Explore page will show each post that features the specific emoji.

As Instagram continues to grow, improving efficiency for brands who utilize its tools, your business could be using these strategies to reach your target audiences:

1. Use Instagram like your audience: Utilize the Explore Page to find relevant hashtags and accounts to follow; also watch and respond to Stories.

2. Add emojis to captions: Emojis can be used as a searchable tool on Instagram and are perfect when your caption needs improvement.

3. Have a visual strategy: Plan an aesthetic for your Instagram page that will attract your audience by using one cohesive theme, one filter or photo editing strategy.

– Haley Haas, The Atlanta 100

 

Twitter Launching Live Video Feed Channel

Twitter and Bloomberg have collaborated to produce a source of streaming news.

Twitter and Bloomberg have recently partnered together to create a service that will stream news produced solely for Twitter.

The service is an attempt to appeal to users who watch a live TV event while simultaneously tweeting. The news channel will allow them to do both on one device, even while on the go. It will feature live news from outlets around the world and a curated, verified mix of video posted by various Twitter users. Footage from Bloomberg’s existing TV operations will also be included.

The channel is not yet named and is expected to begin operating this fall.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

 

Instagram: 4 Keys to Brand Success

If used correctly, Instagram provides a highly popular visual platform for your business needs.

Making your brand stand out from others on Instagram is a difficult problem to solve, but these four tips on captions are your key to success:

1. Give your captions a voice: Build trust with a consistent, lighthearted tone.

2. Lead with most important information: Put the most relevant information at the top to grab attention before users have to click the “more” button.

3. Use a call-to-action: Encourage responses and engagement by asking questions and inviting users to comment and tag friends.

4. Have goals: Decide what needs to be promoted and create a schedule for content.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

 

Facebook’s Find Wi-Fi Feature Goes Global

Users must first turn on the "Find Wi-Fi" tool before browsing the closest hotspots. (Photo courtesy of Business Insider)

Facebook recently announced its feature designed to help mobile users find free accessible Wi-Fi networks. “Find Wi-Fi” will be available for users worldwide on iOS and Android devices.

The feature, first tested last year, will display a map for users showing the closest businesses with accessible Wi-Fi as well as details about the business. The tool is meant for users who are traveling or are in areas with limited cellular data, and also serves as another way for users to discover local businesses.

“Find Wi-Fi” will be located under the “More” tab on Facebook’s mobile app.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

 

Social Media: Timing Is Everything

Marketers’ key to connecting with social media users is in the timing.

Here’s a guide to scheduling content to increase engagement among your followers.

  • Facebook is most effective at reaching consumers 1-4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 12-1 p.m. on weekends.
  • Instagram users are more consistently engaged than Facebook users, but differ from Facebook in that its busiest times are during off-work hours.
  • Professionals on LinkedIn are most active before and after work 7-8 a.m. or 5-6 p.m.
  • Business-to-consumer brands on Twitter experience more retweets 5-6 p.m. midweek.
  • Finally, if your business has Pinterest, stick to Saturday and Sunday.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

 

Is It Time for Snapchat to Bow out?

Instagram added new "face filters" to platform ... giving Snapchat even more competition.

If we have seen it once, we have seen it a hundred times. Instagram, owned by Facebook, has added new features that clone those of Snapchat. The newly added “face filters,” allow Instagram users to apply crowns, bunny ears or the popular wrinkle eraser to their selfies.

Snapchat is now at a time where all of the cards in its hand are not only showing, but have been duplicated by a powerhouse that, frankly, has always held all the cards.

It is just a matter of time before Snapchat will fall into the memory basket next to Myspace and Vine.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

The Social Generations

Research your brand's audience demographics before investing in social media.

As marketers continue to champion social media as viable brand boosters and engagement platforms, it’s important to know how generations interact with each channel and at what level.

According to The Q1 2017 Sprout Social Index, seven in 10 Gen Xers will likely purchase something from a brand they follow online. Thirty percent of millennials engage with a brand at least once a month, and 60 percent of boomers are looking for promotions on social.

Although Facebook is the most popular with every generation, your public relations and marketing strategy should be steeped in research for maximum engagement and conversions.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

 

Can You Spot Fake News on Facebook?

Facebook is creating tricks and tools to debunk inaccurate and misleading sources of news.

If you have logged into your personal Facebook account during the last few weeks, you have most likely encountered a timeline box that showcases tips on how to spot false news on Facebook.

Facebook is proactively fighting the war against misinformation online. The heavyweight champ has been taking blows over its central role in the spread of fake news, with many people saying it had a hand in the most recent presidential election.

To get educated on the tips you, your colleagues and employees should know, visit Facebook and click the “False News” box at the top of your feed.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

Welcome to Facebook HQ

A recent trip to Facebook HQ provided tips and tricks behind new features on Facebook. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Ketchum).

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the place that got me in to the industry I am in today. Visiting Facebook Headquarters brought me a new surge of passion.

New features that businesses and nonprofits should be paying attention to:

• Nonprofits can receive funding directly through Facebook

• Rise in popularity for social CEOs

An interesting takeaway that I feel businesses could embrace is that Facebook does not “finish” the ceilings in any of its buildings. It serves as a reminder that they are not done yet; they are looking to a prosperous future and are always ready to grow.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

Twitter: the New Policy Battleground

As Twitter becomes the ultimate policy battleground in Washington, it's more important than ever to ensure you and your team are prepared.

First, it was Boeing’s Air Force One program. Then, Lockheed’s F-35 program, when the company’s valuation fell by nearly $4 billion – after a single tweet.

While Twitter has long been fertile ground for journalists and spin masters to float policy ideas, President Trump’s prominence on the platform – and his tweets that can impact companies’ share price and inflict reputational damage instantly – means it’s the first place a public attack can strike during this presidency.

With potential for spiraling casualties due to its virality and reach, this makes Twitter the new policy battleground, and it’s important to prepare your team.

– Gloria Story Dittus, Story Partners

 

How to Handle Negative Criticism on Social Media

Criticism on social media isn't uncommon, but there are ways to handle even the best of the internet bullies.

The first thing you must do when it comes to negative comments is to determine if it is quality feedback or an internet troll.

When it comes to a business’s social presence, do not take it personally. Check the source and determine if there is a learning experience in the comment or if this person is just a bully.

Most negative comments on business pages come from those who want to be heard. Therefore, understanding that this person really just wants someone to listen can help improve the relationship and can even turn a negative experience into a positive one.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

Social Media and the Fake News Phenomenon

Fake news has taken over social media, but what is it and where does it come from?

If you’re on Facebook you’ve probably seen articles that read “Why (celebrity) is moving to .” This is just one of many examples of digital “Fake News,” which are stories published by deceptive sources equipped with shocking or attention grabbing headlines. The purpose? To make money.

In the closing months of the 2016 presidential election, it was reported that fake news was shared more on Facebook than authentic news. In order to cut down on widespread misinformation, Facebook announced it will implement a third-party fact-checking system to alert users of fake or deceptive news articles and sources.

– Page Jones, Jones PR

 

Instagram Business Do’s and Don’ts

Instagram presents businesses with an opportunity to market products or services to a more targeted and interested audience.

Learning how to differentiate the strategy between your personal and business Instagram accounts can be challenging. Follow these tips for guidance:

Do use hashtags to categorize your image and increase your reach.

Don’t clutter captions with hashtags that will distract users from your image or message. Find more hashtag tips and how to hide them here.

Do tag people, brands or companies captured in the photo and give credit to photographers.

Don’t post poor-quality images or follow far more people than are following you – engaging photos and a good follower ratio imply you’re an influencer or brand worth watching.

– Victoria Brookings, Events Coordinator, The Inn on Peaks Island

 

Holiday Shopping: Using Instagram

Instagram provides a new way for consumers to purchase the perfect holiday gifts for their loved ones.

Brands are taking advantage of a new built-in feature on Instagram. When browsing, if you come across a product you like and screenshot it, you are given the ability to share the image via Facebook, email, text or tweet.

Instead of struggling to figure out what to get others on your Christmas list, simply use Instagram. When you come across something you think is a good fit, screenshot it and share with that special person to determine if that will be the “perfect gift.”

This is also a great way to shop local, supporting small businesses in your area.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR


More: Living

 

3 Social Media Tips for Business Leaders

Not sure how to use resources like Hootsuite or Sprout Social? Learn how social tools can get you ahead in your business.

1. Showcase: Add links to your profiles in your email signature. Show which channels you are active on, especially LinkedIn. Don’t forget to add your mobile device.

2. Shout Out: Be the leader that connects with his or her team. Find ways to praise team members who are going above and beyond and leading your business to greater success.

3. Schedule: Social media can be time-consuming, but on days when your calendar is full, don’t let your profiles go dark. Use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to schedule posts in advance on different channels, including LinkedIn and Instagram.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns

Social media is changing the ways voters are interacting with political candidates.

Social media has dramatically impacted campaigns and how Americans interact with elected officials. Here are three reasons social media is changing our political landscape:

· Rapid Response: 62% of Twitter and Facebook users say those platforms serve as their primary news source, according to Pew Research Center.

· Changing Narrative: Candidates can change the narrative at any point in their campaign with just 140 characters.

· Fundraising: Ted Cruz excelled in fundraising through an app for his bid for the Republican candidacy, garnering $26.6 million. Bernie Sanders – the favorite among young Democrats – also gained traction through his digital campaign using hashtag #FeelTheBern.

– Joshua Harlow, Jones PR


More: Living

 

Instagram Stories: Copycat or Genius?

Instragram recently introduced a new stories feature, which leads consumers to ask, "Genius or copycat?"

Instagram recently launched a new feature, Instagram Stories, allowing users to posts moments of their day in a slideshow format.

Sound familiar? Yes, it sounds like Snapchat, but it has an easier interface that social media users seem to prefer.

Many are saying Instagram stole the idea. I believe they just took their time to launch, knowing when they did they would be changing the game again – just like they did back in 2013, when they eliminated the need for Vine by allowing users to post videos.

So hats off to you Instagram, for continuing to dominate the playing field.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR