Holly Berry Social: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Is Anonymous Social Media the Answer to Cyberbullying?

On the Internet, it's easy to create a new pseudonym or personality. But what happens if you remove the concept of a user profile all together?

That's what Whisper, an anonymous mobile social network for Android and iOS does. By removing the user's identity, Whisper helps people share secrets they wouldn't be comfortable sharing with anyone else in the world under normal circumstances. Users anonymously share "whispers," which are stylized cards that share deep secrets formatted on images. While you can like and comment on whispers, there are no profiles. This means, in theory, no one but you can track your activity. Read more...

More about Cyber Bullying, Social Media, Bullying, and Social Good

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/31/whisper/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Will the Government Monitor Social Media for Snowden-Like Risks?

The U.S. government is studying whether it can scour social-media websites for clues about potential risks from workers such as Edward Snowden and the Washington Navy Yard shooter.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor who leaked government secrets, and Aaron Alexis, who shot and killed 12 people, had security clearances. The cases have exposed a flawed system of vetting such employees, some of whom are slipping through the cracks.

The pilot studies, which looked at the feasibility of using automated records checks as well as social-media websites, turned up “actionable information,” Brian Prioletti, an assistant director in the Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive, said in testimony prepared for a Senate hearing Thursday. Read more...

More about Social Media, Monitoring, Us Government, Facebook, and Twitter

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/31/government-monitoring-social-media/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

This Scoop Shop's Secret Sauce? Social Marketing

Doug Quint and his partner Bryan Petroff started Big Gay Ice Cream Truck back in the summer of 2009, when food trucks entered the zeitgeist. It was a standard soft serve truck, but it had flair — a rainbow logo, imaginative toppings, irreverent owners and a handy tool called Twitter. Quint tweeted the truck's location, as well as random musings about Golden Girls, and his sassy tweeting style quickly earned a legion of fans, from New York foodies and hot summer tourists to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon. These fans come to the shop for sundaes, cones, floats and shakes, with names like Bea Arthur and Salty Pimp. Read more...

More about Social Media, Social Marketing, Business, Marketing, and Small Business

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/31/big-gay-ice-cream-video/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

You Can Now Talk Back to Twitter's @MagicRecs Account

Twitter has, for years, recommended accounts for users to follow, and the company's recent push has been to bring those recommendations to the direct message inbox

Now users can manage the recommendations the company sends their way. Those who follow @MagicRecs, a Twitter-operated account that sends its followers suggestions on who to follow and what tweets to check out, can now respond to the bot through direct messages or replies

Users can send simple messages like "good" or "bad" to let the account know if the recommendations are relevant. If users want alerts on who to follow but don't want alerts on popular tweets, messages like "users on/off" or "tweets on/off" will alert the bot to change the recommendations it sends Read more...

More about Twitter, Recommendations, Social Media, Magicrecs, and Magic Recs

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/31/twitters-magicrecs-feedback/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Happy Halloween from Down in the (Silicon) Valley… [HUMOR]

As I lay in bed on the eve of All Hallows Eve, my mind drifted off, my senses took their leave; far away from the chill of the great northern plains, to sunny Silicon Valley, where the warmth never wanes. When in my reverie, much to my delight, I envisioned a festive gathering of tech luminaries on Halloween night...

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/chris-horton/1877126/happy-halloween-down-silicon-valley

Dracula's LinkedIn Profile

I started to work with an interesting new client named Count Dracula. He wanted to start a new company focused on anti-aging solutions. (He thought Los Angeles would be the perfect place to start.) He needed some social selling help, so together we put together a great LinkedIn profile and I’d like to share a few highlights with you.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/socialtosales/1876051/dracula-s-linkedin-profile

7 Reasons Not to Trust Google+ Usage Numbers Today

Google’s head of social, Vic Gundotra, announced some very big growth in user metrics that could make many believe that Google+ might be knocking on Facebook’s door soon. Well, technically the growth in user metrics is probably accurate; however, a great big fat asterisk belongs at the end of that new statistic.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/cpollittiu/1876606/7-reasons-not-trust-google-usage-numbers-today

How the Economy Affects PR - And Your Job

By a show of hands, how many of you think about the economy, how it affects your job, and a plan B should things go south again? Earlier this week, I had lunch with our banker and I asked him his opinion on all of this. He said something really interesting is happening – something that has never happened in his career: People aren’t borrowing money.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/ginidietrich/1876631/how-bad-economy-affects-pr-and-your-job

Don't Spook Your Prospects: 5 Sure-Fire Ways to Keep Your Prospects From Fleeing in Fear

We live in a scary time. Decision-makers are under pressure and short on patience. In a word, they’re easily spooked. They look for reasons to run away—or to avoid salespeople in the first place. Put these five tips into practice and assure your prospects they’ve got nothing to fear.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/smart-selling-tools/1873976/sales-tips-5-ways-keep-your-prospects

How to Dominate Your Local Market

Ranking well in local search results is one of the most important things a small business can do to succeed in today’s fast-paced mobile market. In this article, we’re going to explore all the steps we take when optimizing our clients’ sites for local search.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/jdelbalzo13/1875306/optimize-how-dominate-your-local-market

Big Brother Is Watching (As Long As He Pays for Ads)

Google recently limited the search data available to you and the archiving capability for the data you can have. It appears that this is simply a function of increased security and privacy measures in this time of hyper-awareness of the threat of intrusion into our online behavior. However, it may not be that straightforward.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/bonniebuolruszczyk/1875616/encrypted-search-big-brother-watching-long-he-pays-ads

Making Better Business Decisions (Part 1)

In the information age, operational efficiency is not a key competitive advantage; in fact, it is directly tied to rigidity and inability to adapt to change, which are a huge disadvantage in the new global, connected economy. Flexibility, agility and adaptability are the new competitive advantage.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/mfauscette/1875896/making-better-business-decisions-part-1

Three 'Light Bulb Moments' to Illuminate Social Marketing Success

Though social media may feel as if it has been around for a while, it's important to remember that it's just picking up steam and there will be continued growth and disruption in how consumers use social platforms. Read the full article at MarketingProfs

via MarketingProfs Daily http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2013/11931/three-light-bulb-moments-to-illuminate-social-marketing-success

Facebook Top Social Login Choice on Websites, Google Gaining

Among social login options for websites requiring registration/login, Facebook is the top choice with US consumers, according to a recent report by Janrain. Read the full article at MarketingProfs

via MarketingProfs Daily http://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2013/11937/facebook-top-choice-for-social-logins-on-websites-google-gaining

9 Breaking News Tweets That Changed Twitter Forever

Twitter has revolutionized global news delivery and consumption. On top of the Twitter milestones that went down in history and dozens of memorable Twitter images, Twitter often breaks news before mainstream media can report it

These nine stories represent the power of citizen journalism, plus the business strategy behind using Twitter to share major news. Our list is by no means exhaustive, so please share in the comments below any other notable news stories you recall that broke on Twitter

Image: Flickr, dulnan Read more...

More about Media, Twitter, Us, World, and Social Media

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/31/twitter-news/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Consumers Want Treats Without Tricks: Designing Loyalty Programs

The perceived value of the halloween candy, gathered through much trouble for a quite little reward, is way higher than its price on the shelves of Wal-Mart. Why is that? Part of the value of the Halloween candy lies in the fun of gathering it, spending time going from door to door with friends, soon to be rewarded by a small but very valued piece of chocolate.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/ifeelgoods/1874301/what-trick-or-treating-can-teach-brands

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Zombies

They may not be pretty, but there's a lot we can learn from our undead friends. Learn how you can put 7 of the best habits of zombies to work for you today. Nobody puts the undead in a corner. Zombies fight for what they want – and usually always get it – because nothing, and I mean nothing, can shake their confidence.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/shannonw/1874196/7-habits-highly-effective-zombies

Social Media McCarthyism: Twitter's Witch Hunt

In what can only best be described as Social Media McCarthyism, Twitter is quietly engaging in a modern-day witch hunt, whereby user accounts are being indiscriminately purged, sometimes within days of creation, and seemingly in violation of the social media giant’s accepted practices.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/ktt/1874441/social-media-mccarthyism-twitter-s-witch-hunt-latest-best-practice

How To Learn Important Information Via Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

While we all seem to rush to complete school so we can settle into our jobs, thinking we’ve ‘made it’, learning just doesn’t end there. Or it shouldn’t. In fact, if you want to be successful in your career you need to be learning constantly, particularly given your involvement in the ever-changing industry of social media.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/kimbemac/1875261/best-sources-social-media-content-and-how-use-them-advance-your-career

How to Claim Your Google Plus Custom URL for People and Business

Last night when I logged in to post some stuff I noticed at the top of my Google Plus page that for both the brand pages that I manage and my personal profile, all qualified as “preapproved for the Google plus custom URL” Oooh, how exciting! I’ve been spending more and more time on Google Plus lately after listening to Guy Kawasaki.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/tracy-sestili/1874976/how-claim-your-google-plus-custom-url-people-and-business

How to Hack Facebook Interests Lists for Content Marketing

One of the biggest challenges nonprofits have is finding content that will resonate with their community. A little known, but powerful way to curate content is with Facebook Interests lists. Interest Lists, if you don’t know, are lists of pages (or people) that Facebook users can create and access from their sidebar.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/johnhaydon/1873956/how-hack-facebook-interests-lists-content-marketing

What Justin Timberlake Can Teach B2B Marketers

B2B marketers can learn a lot from a pop star, in this case Justin Timberlake. "Justin and his team have executed a new marketing playbook that has changed the way brands are developed and products are released in the connected and digital age. We’ll call it the 20/20 model… at least until the 'cease and desist' letters arrive."

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/steve-olenski/1872821/what-justin-timberlake-can-teach-b2b-marketers

Financial Advisors: These Social Media Stats Are For You

When I meet with Financial Advisors to discuss their online strategy and use of social media the conversation nearly always turns to the advisor’s skepticism about generating business from social media. Everyone is also concerned about compliance issues, and rightly so. But, with a solid strategy in place, you can handle compliance issues.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/bradfriedman/1870956/financial-advisors-these-social-media-stats-are-you

SEO Update: Google Hummingbird and "Keyword Not Provided"

Has Google rocked the boat again? In the last two months they rolled out a new algorithm update called Hummingbird and they stopped providing valuable keyword data in Google Analytics. In this post. I’ll tell you about how your SEO strategy needs to adapt to the new algorithm and some clever ways you can still get relevant keyword information.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/zekecamusio/1870186/seo-update-google-hummingbird-and-keyword-not-provided

The New Formula for Social Media Trust

Chris Brogan and Julien Smith in their best selling book "Trust Agents" focused on the importance of trust in social media. They defined a trust agent as someone who people look to for advice. Someone who has significant influence and reputation that people trust.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/steve-rayson/1870091/new-formula-social-media-trust

Facebook Ads CTR Up 275% [RESEARCH]

The study reports that Facebook’s ad clicks, ad impressions and advertisers’ return on investment were all higher in 2013 than 2012. Facebook ads were clicked 29% more often in 2013, and the ROI was 58% higher than 2012. The drop in CPC’s means that Facebook is becoming a cheaper and potentially effective channel for marketers.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/anitaloomba/1874886/facebook-ads-ctr-275-more-research

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

How to Make Bitstrips Comics on Facebook — Or Hide Them Forever

There's a storm coming. It's a storm of goofy personalized comics, and it's going to spread like a slightly annoying wildfire through your Facebook News Feed — if it hasn't already. We're talking, of course, about Bitstrips.

If you don't recognize the name, you likely recognize the pictures. Bitstrips are the shareable, customizable comics all over your Timeline, allowing even the worst artists in your friends list to create one-panel digital cartoons.

If you're looking to start making your own Bitstrips — or find a way to keep them off your News Feed forever, look no further than this guide. Read more...

More about Facebook, Comics, How To, Features, and Social Media

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/30/bitstrips-walkthrough/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Report: Facebook Is Collecting Data on Your Cursor Movements

Facebook may be adding to the list of things it knows about you

The social network is reportedly experimenting with new technology that tracks and collects data about a user's activity on the site, including cursor movements, according to the Wall Street Journal . The technology is being tested now with a small group of users.

The data could be used in a number of different ways, from product development to advertising, Facebook analytics chief Ken Rudin told the Journal

The technology can supposedly determine where a user is hovering his or her cursor on the screen, meaning it could be used to determine the most appropriate places for advertisements. The technology also tracks whether Facebook's mobile users can see their News Feed at any particular time from their smartphone Read more...

More about Facebook, Targeted Advertising, Cursor, User Data, and Advertising

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/30/facebook-data-cursor-movements/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Despite Flack, Weather Channel Will Still Name Winter Storms

This winter, Hercules, Titan, Vulcan or Ulysses may clobber your town with snow, winds and disruption. If everything goes according to plan, they'll take Twitter by storm as well. At least, that's what the Weather Channel is banking on

For the second year in a row, the news outlet will dole out names for winter storms, giving broadcasters, meteorologists, citizens and Twitter users an easy way to reference the event. However, the channel's initiative hasn't convinced its critics, and the national weather authorities and competing outlets refuse to endorse it

More about Social Media, Weather, Weather Channel, Media, and Us World

via Social Media http://mashable.com/2013/10/30/weather-channel-winter-storm-names/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-SocialMedia-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

Twitter Enables Always-Visible Images: The Effect on Social Customer Service

Yesterday, Twitter again announced further changes to its platform that will change the way in which customers and brands interact. Their most recent announcement states that any Tweet that contains an attached image will automatically display a preview of the image directly in the user’s timeline.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/joshuamarch/1872786/twitter-enables-always-visible-images-effect-social-customer-service

Google Plus Adds New Photo and Video Editing Features

Google+ announced a new set of photo features at an event this morning in San Francisco that contain new functionality and compete directly with many Apple products such as iPhoto and iMovie. These new features are in addition to the photo center redesign from the I/O event in May of this year.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/tatiana-aders/1872716/google-adds-new-photo-video-editing-features

How NowThis News Makes Us Question the Future of Traditional Media

At NowThis News, 15-second news segments are the norm. Primarily using Instagram video, NowThis News targets the younger generation by relaying the news through social media as well as an app. Has traditional media given up on young people? And even more importantly, have young people given up on traditional media?

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/elizabethkent/1871661/how-nowthis-news-makes-us-question-future-traditional-media

What's Popular on Pinterest This Halloween

As we all know, Pinterest is an amazing place to find new ideas for seemingly every holiday - and Halloween is no exception. This year, we used our soon-to-be-revealed keyword listening tool to pull a sample of 20,000 pins and found 100 of the most popular words on Pinterest for this Halloween.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/melissamegginson/1869046/popular-pinterest-halloween-keyword-listening

How to Build a Credible Blog [INFOGRAPHIC]

A great way to build credibility online is by blogging, which helps people and businesses reach their audience and display their expertise and skills. But credibility isn’t something that can be attained instantly. As with everything, certain factors play a key role in making a blog trustworthy.

via Social Media Today - The world's best thinkers on social media http://socialmediatoday.com/mitt-ray/1872396/how-build-credible-blog-infographic