Social Media

Although social media easily connects people across the world, it can also be limiting for certain groups, such as the visually impaired or deaf. Incorporating these tips in your digital presence can make your platforms more inclusive:

• Include captioning on videos for people who are hard of hearing. Adding subtitles will make your social media more accessible and can actually increase your views.

• Write hashtags in CamelCase such as #SocialMedia instead of #socialmedia. This is a simple solution that will make your hashtag easier to read.

Utilizing these simple steps can help you improve the digital experience for all users.

– Meaghan Hatch, Jones PR

People have always come to Facebook to connect with friends around day-to-day life, and celebrate important moments, like birthdays. As such, on May 9, Facebook launched Birthday Stories globally.

It is a new type of story where friends, family and everyone in the community can add digital birthday cards, photos and/or videos to a special Facebook story to celebrate one’s big day. The result is a happy birthday message that’s visual, memorable, interactive and fun.

It is like getting a personalized birthday card from everyone you care about, no matter where they might be in the world.

– Jehan Damji, Facebook

It’s already easy to shop for items discovered on Instagram. But recently, Instagram announced a feature it is testing that allows customers to pay for and manage orders directly within the social platform.

This new feature is both good and bad for retailers. The good: ease of purchase. The bad: Retailers won’t gather as much data about shoppers.

The lack of data is the larger problem and will continue to make brands more dependent on the social platform. Brands should continue to be cautious and make sure the company can survive if Instagram or Facebook were to shut down tomorrow.

– Emily Reeves Dean, Cranford Co.

Now more than ever, digital marketing is changing the way we communicate. Social media helps brands connect with target audiences with the click of a button.

The social media world changes on a dime, and we need to keep up. Here are a few ways to keep your brand’s feed fresh in the ever-changing environment on social media:

• Create a daily, weekly or monthly series.

• Run a contest or giveaway – people can’t resist the power of a gift.

• Conduct a social media takeover.

• Share, pin, retweet and regram.

• Create short clips of video content.

• Take advantage of trending topics.

– Shelby Westbrook, Jones PR

Known as the “cooler” social media platform, Instagram gives people what they desire at their core when it comes to social media – a place to engage and connect through images and videos, without having to be buried in all the “Facebook craziness.”

Good rules to follow:

1. Use influencers strategically: Allow them to create their own content to showcase your brand in an authentic way.
2. Instagram allows you to communicate directly with each comment – do so.
3. Use hashtags wisely and make sure they connect with your business.
4. Take the time to put out quality images and videos.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

Though it has had recent downfalls, it is still the birthplace of the hashtag and is still a top-used platform.

A major difference between Facebook and Twitter: If someone follows you on Twitter, you do not automatically “friend” them, as with Facebook. So it is important that you engage so you can start a two-way conversation.

Other rules to follow:

1. Use hashtags wisely.

2. Brands should use their logos and their avatars.

3. Avoid posts about individuals at a brand – focus on the overall company. Twitter is not where you want the #FBF post of the CEO.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

In the next four issues of The Oklahoma 100, a new series will take place that covers the big four social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) and how to manage with appropriate social media etiquette.

The first platform to review: Facebook.

1. Facebook is a place to engage, consistently respond to comments.

2. Create content that makes fans feel welcomed and connected.

3. A good rule of thumb: Only have someone “like” a post if you’re conducting a poll with your fans.

4. Use first person when talking about a brand.

5. Limit yourself to using one hashtag.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

Discussions have started about changes Facebook announced regarding its algorithm.

The big questions everyone is asking:

Q: Will it impact my business?

A: Yes, but not destroy it. With proper social listening and willingness to adjust strategy, you can succeed.

Q: What can I do to not get lost in the shuffle?

A: New strategy MUST include working with social influencers to engage with target users and potential new customers.

Q: When is the change going to happen?

A: That is yet to be determined. But it can be said that the advertising algorithm should not be impacted … for now.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

Recent technological advancements have given rise to several social media trends for 2018.

Here are a few to look out for:

Virtual reality: The rise of VR headset sales in 2017 has forced brands to develop ways to engage with consumers in a more interactive way.

Live streaming: Brands will use live streaming to push out immediate messages and for control of crisis situations.

Mobile games: Gaming platforms will be used by brands to reach Generation Z consumers.

2018 will be a year for technology to show its impact. Overall, it should help business owners improve their customer relations services.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

Small businesses that must manage their marketing efforts in-house often face challenges when it comes to their social media channels.

Here are three quick ways to clean up your company’s Facebook page today:

1. Update your layout. Facebook has tools that allow you to choose what tabs and buttons are most appropriate for your business.

2. Rearrange your feed. Don’t have any events planned? Move “Events” to the bottom of your feed.

3. Make your business easy to find. Check that your phone number, website, hours and address are correct. Don’t forget to make sure the map pulls up the correct location!

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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