Strategy

15Sep By Chloe WestNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, Teamwork

How to build a social media team in 2026

Key takeawaysHigh-performing social media teams include strategy, content, community, analytics, and paid roles scaled to your organization’s needs.Social teams connect daily execution to broader business goals like brand awareness, customer experience, and revenue.Team structure matters as much as who you hire—hub-and-spoke, center of excellence, and functional models serve different organizational needs.Building the right team depends on your budget, goals, and skill gaps.AI is reshaping social media teams in 2026 by shifting what each role focuses on and how teams collaborate. What is a social media team? A social media team is responsible for planning, creating, publishing, and managing a brand’s social media presence. A typical social media team includes: Strategists: Set...

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16Aug By Monika AhujaNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, marketing strategies, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

Social Media Marketing for Auto Repair Shops (Complete Guide)

I’ve had the same conversation with enough shop owners now that I can usually see it coming before they finish the first sentence. Someone tells me they know they should be doing more with social media. They just haven’t gotten around to it, or they tried it for a few weeks last year and let it slide. I never push back on that part. What I tell them instead is that they’re already sitting on the one thing most businesses spend months trying to manufacture: proof. You fix real cars, in front of real customers, every single day. Social media marketing for auto repair shops isn’t about inventing content. It’s about pointing a phone at what’s already happening in your bay. Despite this the 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey found that 20 percent of shop owners have no social media accounts at...

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17Jul By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, youtube

What is Meta Verified? Everything to know in 2026

Key takeawaysMeta Verified is a paid subscription on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that gives you a verified badge, impersonation protection, direct customer support, and increased reach.Pricing for the Standard plan starts at $11.99/month on the web and $14.99/month on mobile, with separate tiers for individuals and businesses.Meta Verified for Business is now available alongside individual subscriptions, expanding verification across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.You can still get verified for free if your account qualifies as a notable public figure, celebrity, or brand under legacy verification. What is Meta Verified? Meta Verified is a subscription bundle for creators and businesses on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. It includes: Account verification (including th...

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18May By Ryan HolmesNo Comments

Product Updates, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy

Why Hootsuite is going headless, and why that’s just the start

The first month, I’m told, is for listening. I’ve done some of that. But fifteen days in, the picture is already sharper than that script implies. Here’s my honest view of where we are and where we’re going. The interface is not the product anymore For two decades, social media management has been defined by the screen: a dashboard, a calendar, a publishing queue, an inbox. Hootsuite arguably invented that screen. Millions of marketers, agencies, and care teams open it every morning. But the screen was never the value. The value was the capability sitting behind it: schedule a post across a dozen networks, listen to what 150 million sources are saying about your brand, route a customer complaint to the right team in 90 seconds, prove ROI to a CMO on Friday afternoon. SaaS is go...

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19Mar By Sam LauronNo Comments

content creation, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok

Instagram Reels for business in 2026: Best practices + examples

Every minute, people around the world watch nearly 139 million Instagram Reels. As Instagram’s fastest-growing feature, Reels offer enterprise brands the highest engagement rates. Whether you’re new to making short-form videos or you want to step up your strategy, this guide will help you get the most out of Instagram Reels. Key takeawaysInstagram Reels are the platform’s fastest-growing feature, offering higher reach and engagement than other post types.Reels are versatile. Mix formats like tutorials, behind-the-scenes, and shareable content to educate, entertain, and engage your audience.Timing and consistency matter. Post when your audience is most active to boost views and interaction.Use CTAs like “save this for later” or “tag a friend” to help drive engagement and signal to ...

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18Jan By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social media algorithm, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Everything you need to know

To be loved is to be seen – but when the Instagram algorithm decides how many people see you, sometimes it’s tough to get that love (or even that like). The good news? We’re pulling back the curtain on how the Instagram algorithm works. We’ll walk you through the ranking signals that matter, plus how to optimize your Instagram content for better reach. Bonus!!! Download a free social SEO checklist and follow pro tips for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn to get your posts seen by more people. What is the Insta...

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20Sep By Sam LauronNo Comments

content creators, facebook, facebook marketing, Influencer Marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, Template, tiktok, twitter

Free template and expert tips

Having an informative, engaging, and impressive influencer media kit is one of the best ways to land professional brand deals as a creator. Your media kit offers brands a snapshot of your work, your audience, and the value you can bring to brand campaigns as a creator. If you want to nail your media kit and secure more brand partnerships, here’s everything you need to know about creating an effective influencer media kit. What is an influencer media kit? An influencer media kit is a document that influencers and content creators share with brands when discussing potential partnerships. A good media kit should: Showcase your content creation strengths Prove that you have an engaged online following (e.g. by including follower and engagement stats) Highlight the kind...

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2Jun By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social media scheduling, Social Media Tools, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

13 social media scheduling tools to save tons of time in 2025

Key Takeaways Social media scheduling tools help you plan, schedule, and automate your social posts across multiple platforms with tailored post formats, saving you time and ensuring a consistent posting cadence. Creating and scheduling new posts in advance allows you to reduce errors, encourage team collaboration, and spend more time engaging with your audience. Social media management tools like Hootsuite offer much more than scheduling, including AI-powered content creation, social advertising, and advanced analytics capabilities. Social media scheduling tools are some of the most useful items in a social media manager’s toolbox, whether you work at a small startup or a multinational enterprise. They’re also an incredible resource for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and any...

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23Apr By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

education, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Original research, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Using social media in education: 10 can’t-miss tips

Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate with each other. And not just in our personal lives. Teachers and administrators have realized the potential of using social media in education. Today, the best educators are embracing social media’s role in the classroom. But if you feel overwhelmed by the possibilities, you’re in the right place. There are many advantages of using social media in education. Keep reading for our top tips, including lesson ideas you can steal and tools that can make your life easier. The benefits of social media in education How does social media influence education? The biggest advantage is engagement. And, as any teacher knows, engagement is key to student success. When students get involved in their learning, they learn be...

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4Mar By Irina NovoselskyNo Comments

instagram, linkedin, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

Hootsuite CEO Irina Novoselsky on marketing to Gen Z

Around this time every year, I like to reflect on my upbringing. I moved to the US from Ukraine at a young age, and my parents had less than $300 in their pocket to start an entirely new life. It shaped the way I see the world — and the way I approach business, even to this day. It also taught me the value of adaptability and being open to new perspectives. These are two skills that leaders need now more than ever as we experience a massive shake-up in the business world, thanks to a generation that’s turning the status quo on its head. Yes, I’m talking about Gen Z, the group responsible for breaking the marketing funnel and making the business playbooks we use every day obsolete. It’s why I dedicated four months speaking to over 500 Gen Zers working at B2B organizations. Keep scr...

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13Jan By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

Calculator, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Engagement, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

24 simple ways to increase Facebook engagement (free calculator)

For commitmentphobes, the word “engagement” might be a terrifying and loaded one — but for social media marketers, Facebook engagement is the holy grail. Of course, we’re not talking about popping the big Q: we’re talking about growing your interactions (reactions, shares, comments) and audience for your Facebook Page. Facebook engagement matters because it can help extend organic reach. Engagement helps boost your News Feed placement based on the Facebook algorithm. Plus, likes and shares expose your posts to your audience’s extended network. Strong engagement indicates that your audience cares about what you have to say. And an engaged audience that wants to interact with your brand is something every marketer should aim for. ...

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14Nov By Karolina MikolajczykNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, reddit, Report, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Social media trends, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

The 15 social media trends that will shape your 2025 strategy

Welcome to social media in 2024, where trends go from brat to demure in a matter of days. Brands push creative boundaries while social audiences’ attention spans tank. Add generative AI, TikTok Shops, and the ever-growing expectation for social to drive business impact to the mix, and it’s enough to make even the savviest marketer’s head spin. But no need to spiral, friends. We’ve got solutions. Here are the top 15 social media trends you need to know heading into 2025 — and actionable tips to help you bring them to your accounts. Bonus!!! Get our 2025 Social Media Trends report for the insights...

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15Sep By Sarah IsraelNo Comments

ai, content creation, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

The 10 best AI copywriting tools (free and paid!) in 2024

If it seems like AI copywriting is everywhere these days, that’s because it is: AI is generating content left and right, from blog idea generators and Instagram caption makers to e-commerce chatbots that can issue a refund for your latest order. Like it or not, using AI to create content can save you a ton of time and money. Two things we all love, right? If you’re worried that AI copywriting tools are coming for your gig, let us put your mind at ease: These tools are only as powerful as the person using them. Besides knowing how to leverage AI to write content, you need to know when to use AI copywriting to maximize its usefulness and when your smart and creative brain is the better tool for the job. Keep reading to learn the right time to use AI copywriting tools in your work and t...

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17Jul By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Analytics, social media marketing, Social media scheduling, Strategy

The Best Time to Post on LinkedIn in 2024 (And Why)

Wondering what the best time to post on LinkedIn is in 2024? Social media posting times vary from brand to brand, audience to audience, but there is one thing we know for sure: if you want your posts to be seen and engaged with, you need to post them when your audience is most active. If you don’t time your posts correctly, you’ll end up speaking to an empty room — and an empty room can’t talk back, or follow your brand, or buy your products. Keep reading to learn more about the overall best times to post on LinkedIn, and how you can discover the right time for your brand. Bonus: Download our free, customizable social media calendar template to easily plan and schedule all your content in advance. ...

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18May By Sarah IsraelNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, youtube

How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2024

If you’ve ever wondered how to get verified on Instagram, relax: you no longer need to be super famous (or super rich) to earn Instagram verification. So if you want to get that coveted blue badge, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll walk you through what Instagram verification means, who’s eligible for verification, and offer our top tips for getting verified on Instagram. #1 Social Media Tool Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win. Free 30-Day Trial What does Instagram verification mean? Instagram verification is the...

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13Apr By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, social commerce, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

Easy Guide + Tips for Results in 2024

The mall is out. Shopping on social media is in. And you may not be able to buy a soft pretzel or smell free samples of perfume on Instagram (yet), but IG is making its case for being the go-to sales channel in 2024. Selling on Instagram embraces social shopping, the practice of selling products directly on social media. A 2023 survey by Rakuten Insight in India found that 74% of women and 68% of men prefer shopping on Instagram to shopping on any other app (sorry Facebook, Youtube and TikTok). And another 2023 report by PYMNTS.com concluded that 21% of the consumers that use Instagram to browse goods and services end up purchasing the products they find. Selling on Instagram pays—especially when you’re using the best practices, expert marketing advice and kickass ads. Here’s how to ...

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4Apr By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, twitter

How to Safely Use AI for Marketing in 2024

Artificial intelligence is one of the hottest topics in marketing right now. And for good reason. The possibilities for this relatively new technology seem almost limitless. In particular, generative AI – which creates new content – has made massive strides in the last 18 months. Of course, with every new tool comes concern about the impact on consumers and the public. For marketers, AI compliance concerns may put a bit of a damper on the wild speculation about AI’s capabilities. In this post, we’ll look at the AI-specific regulatory frameworks that already exist, along with those currently in development. We’ll give you the information you need to take advantage of AI tools in your marketing work without running into regulatory AI compliance issues. ...

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26Mar By Sam LauronNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Tools, Strategy, twitter, youtube

11 Time-Saving Social Media Collaboration Tools

If there’s one thing social media marketers need more of, it’s time. More time to execute their social strategy, to create content, and to engage with customers. But since you can’t get more time in your day, the next best thing is to use social media collaboration tools to get everything done. Social collaboration tools make it easier for you to divvy up tasks among teammates, share feedback and ideas, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Below, we rounded up the top social media collaboration tools and the features to look for if you want to take back your time. Bonus: Download our bundle of free customizable social media workflow templates and set up a clear approval process for your team in minutes. ...

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18Mar By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Guide, instagram, Social listening, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Social Media Sentiment Analysis: Tools + 3-Step Method

Curious about what people really think of your brand, products, or campaigns? Forget follower counts and shares—social media sentiment analysis is the key. Sentiment analysis on social media lets you monitor online discussions about your brand and competitors in real time. By analyzing sentiment, you can uncover valuable insights into customer perceptions. Ready to dive in? We’ll show you how to conduct a step-by-step social media sentiment analysis with practical tips for improving your social media strategy. #1 Social Media Tool Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win. ...

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9Mar By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media advertising, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

2024 Facebook Ad Sizes Cheat Sheet [ALL FORMATS]

Social media platforms are always changing, right? So what’s the best Facebook ad size to use in 2024? The truth is… it depends. Facebook offers four main types of ads: Image Video Carousel Collection Each of these categories has many different placement options, from the main Facebook news feed to Reels video ads and everything in between. Plus, they each have their own Facebook ad size and other requirements to abide by.. Here’s your complete cheat sheet of all Facebook ad image sizes in one place, organized by placement. Bookmark it, Slack it to your team, print it out for your secret “social media imposter syndrome” desk drawer folder… I mean, what? Bonus: Get the Facebook advertising cheat sheet for 2022...

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1Mar By Christina NewberryNo Comments

Employee advocacy, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, twitter, youtube

How to Write Social Media Guidelines for Your Team: 8 Examples

Social media guidelines are a must for all businesses and brands. Whether or not you use social media at the corporate level, your employees are certainly using social in their private lives. Since work takes up such a large portion of our waking hours, it’s not surprising that people post about their jobs on social media. But if they do so without guidance, they may put both themselves and their employers at risk. Bonus: Get a free, customizable social media guidelines template to quickly and easily create recommendations for your company and employees. What are social media guidelines? Social media guidelines are instructions and recommendations for how people connected to a company...

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21Feb By Shannon TienNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Analytics, social media marketing, Social Media Tools, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

13 Social Media Analytics Tools That Do the Math For You

Wondering which of your social media tactics are working? Want to better focus your time, effort, and budget? You need a social media analytics tool. In this article, I’ll cover some of the best free social media analytics tools available, along with some paid options (for the true nerds who want to dive deep on the data and see real returns). Then you’ll be ready to learn which social media metrics are important to track. Not ready to start looking for analytics tools? Get a primer on what social media analytics even is. #1 Analytics Tool for Growth Beautiful reports. Clear data. Actiona...

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13Feb By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media advertising, Social Media Analytics, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Use Facebook Audience Insights for Cost-Effective Ads

Facebook remains the world’s largest social media platform. That means it has the largest potential advertising audience. But there’s no way you’re going to reach everyone on Facebook with your ads. And realistically, you wouldn’t want to. There’s no point in advertising your business to people who don’t care about the products and services you offer. Enter Facebook audience insights. Using these research tools, you can laser-target your audience to maximize the ROI of your Facebook ad campaigns. Bonus: Get the Facebook advertising cheat sheet for 2022. The free resource includes key audience insights, recommended ad types, and tips for success. What is Facebook Audience Insights? Fac...

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4Feb By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, Template, tiktok, youtube

How to Write a Winning Social Media Proposal [Free Template]

It doesn’t matter what an incredible Instagrammer you are or how TikTok-savvy you may be. If you want to win business as a social media marketer, you don’t just need the skills. You need a convincing social media proposal, too. For solo freelance social media managers and marketing agencies alike, social media proposals are essential for growing your business — so you’d better be prepared to knock it out of the park. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to creating a proposal and a free social media proposal template to help you craft your own in just a few minutes. Quickly create your own social media proposal with our free and easy-to-use template. What is a ...

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27Jan By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Tools, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

What Is Social Media Automation? Top Tools and Tips

If you’re like us, you prefer fun jobs over tedious tasks. (Actually, if you were into tedium, you probably wouldn’t be reading this blog in the first place.) That’s why you’re going to love social media automation tools. Social media automation tools allow you to automate boring, time-consuming tasks so you can get back to the fun stuff, like creating stunning content. In this blog, you’ll learn how to automate tasks on social media with tools that help you improve response time, reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, and give you the insights you need to create more engaging content. Bonus: Get a free social media strategy template to quickly and easily plan your own strategy. Also use it to track results and present the p...

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18Jan By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Analytics, Social media benchmarks, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

Q4 2023 [Data & Tips]

How do you know the “right” number of engagements to expect on your social posts? Is 100 likes a lot or a little? The answer is, it depends. That’s where social media benchmarks come in. This industry-specific data tracks the norms or averages for specific metrics like social media engagement and follower growth. It gives you an understanding of how businesses similar to yours are doing — and a better sense of what those 100 likes really mean. Keep reading to learn more about the process of social media benchmarking. This post includes up-to-date (Q4 2023) benchmarks for key industries to help you understand how your social results stack up right now. Bonus: Get a free, customizable competitive analysis template to easily size u...

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9Jan By Rob GloverNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, Template, tiktok

Social Media Rules for Real Estate: A 2024 Guide

There’s no doubt that social media is an amazing marketing tool for real estate professionals. But it’s important to remember that various real estate codes of ethics — and many local and national laws — apply to what you post. So before you publish your next Reel, Snap, TikTok, or Tweet (Xeet?), make sure you know the social media rules for real estate agents. Peruse this guide if you’re a bit fuzzy on what constitutes a good or bad social media post. We’ve laid out laws and guidelines to keep your content ethical. We’ve also included several best practices and examples so you leave with a plan to make every post perfect. Bonus: Get a free social media strategy template designed specifically for real estate agents, broker...

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30Dec By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Analytics, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, Template, tiktok, twitter, youtube

4 TikTok Analytics Tools That Do the Math for You

Ah, TikTok. What started as the domain of teenagers doing their teenager thing has become an important marketing channel – and not just for those marketing to teens. The platform now has more than a billion monthly users, and nearly a third of them are over 35. That means TikTok has become serious business for brands and organizations of all shapes and sizes. TikTok analytics provide the information you need to take your TikTok strategy seriously, with insights into what works and what doesn’t for your business. Before we jump into the details, here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know: What is TikTok analytics? TikTok analytics are tools that allow you to track your performance on TikTok. They provide insights into which videos are seeing the most activity. On a...

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22Dec By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

content creators, facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

How to Get on the FYP (For You Page) on TikTok: 15 Hacks

In a way, this blog post is also a For You Page: it was carefully created just for you, and the more you scroll, the more you’ll find content that you’re likely to care about. Except it was written by a human with bones and blood, and not determined by a series of TikTok algorithms. Getting on the TikTok FYP, or For You Page, is extremely important when it comes to success on the platform: the FYP is where a billion global active users find new content, new accounts to follow and new brands to care about. Here’s everything you need to know about getting on the FYP, straight from the human’s mouth. What is the FYP (For You page) on TikTok? The Tiktok FYP (For You Page) is a feed of content created for a specific user based on an algorithm. The FYP shows a mix of videos from acco...

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13Dec By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

The 2024 Guide to Social Media Strategy for Executives

Whether you’re B2B or B2C, your customers want to engage with humans on social media. 56% of customers want more relatable, personable content from brands on social, but 48% of brands are still posting self-promotional content multiple times a week. How can you — a CEO, CFO, CMO, or other executive — tip the scale in your favor? Easy: be active on social media. You don’t necessarily need to film Instagram Reels or write long-form articles for LinkedIn. You also don’t need to be active on every social media platform, or have the most original thought leadership content. Just be yourself and devote about 5-10 minutes a day, and you’ll be growing your executive social media presence in no time. Here’s exactly how to do it. ...

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4Dec By Karolina MikolajczykNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Analytics, social media marketing, Social media stats, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

Average Engagement Rates for 13 Industries [November 2023]

So you’ve planned and launched a social media campaign, and waited patiently for the likes, comments, and conversions to roll in. Now you’re looking at your performance report, wondering what the numbers actually mean. Is a 2% engagement rate high or low? Did your target audience love your campaign, or was it a flop? Without social media benchmarks (a.k.a. average performance stats for a social platform or industry), it’s difficult to make sense of raw data. But we got you. In this post, we’ve rounded up average social media engagement rates from 13 top industries to give you a better understanding of where you stand. (And empower you to brag to your boss with data-informed confidence — you’re welcome.) We’ve even included a simple (and free!) engagement rate calculator you can use t...

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26Nov By Sam LauronNo Comments

content creation, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

5 Easy Ways to Remove the TikTok Watermark

When you download a video from TikTok, you’ll notice it includes a watermark. This logo can be especially annoying if it covers an important part of the video. It can also make it more challenging to cross-post the video on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove a TikTok watermark! If your videos are winning fans on TikTok, don’t let that pesky watermark stop you from resharing them onto other platforms. Get the most out of your video content creation by using a TikTok logo remover. We promise that no fancy TikTok video editing skills are required. And psstt: if you want our favourite methods for downloading a TikTok without the watermark, check out our video: Bonus: Get a free TikTok Grow...

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23Oct By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

content creation, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social media trends, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

49 Black Friday Social Media Posts: Ideas & Examples

Looking for inspiration for your Black Friday social media posts? As one of the biggest shopping days of the year, it’s no surprise brands are pulling out all the stops to capture customer attention. From creative graphics and catchy captions to engaging videos and influencer collaborations, use these ideas and examples to make your Black Friday social media posts stand out. Bonus: Check out the weirdest holidays to celebrate on social media. #1 Social Media Tool Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win. Free 30-Day Trial 50 Black Friday soci...

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16Oct By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social media scheduling, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

How to Manage Social Media in 18 Minutes a Day

Wondering how to manage social media for your business when you don’t have the bandwidth or budget? Many small business owners struggle to balance social media with other responsibilities. Payroll, product development, and customer service often take precedence over managing multiple social media accounts. Yet, research shows that more than 40% of digital shoppers research new brands and products using social media. Without an active presence, customers may choose to shop elsewhere. For those who are short on time, we’ve put together an 18-minute plan for managing social media for a business. This plan takes you minute-by-minute through the social necessities, highlighting time-saving tips along the way. ...

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7Oct By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social media content creation, social media marketing, Social Media Tools, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

What is It & Why You Need It

Social media mistakes happen. Typos. Awkward phrasing. Angry-tweeting at MasterChef Junior contestants before remembering they’re children. But if you work in a regulated industry, mis-wording something can have bigger consequences than just embarrassment. We’re talking fines, disciplinary suspensions, referrals to state authorities, or even total bars from your industry. If you want to stay out of hot water, an AI-backed compliance tool like Proofpoint is key. So how do you stay out of hot water and consistently stay engaged with your social media audience? One option is to create a compliance officer role at your company. But large companies may find that just leads to employee content stuck in an approval bottleneck for ages. And if you’re a smaller company, you might not have the resou...

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29Sep By Christina NewberryNo Comments

content creation, content creators, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social video, Strategy, twitter, youtube

YouTube Shorts Monetization Guide [How Much Can You Make?]

Just like all the other social platforms, YouTube has been leaning hard into short-form video content, with a Shorts tab on the main menu and a prominent Shorts feature on the watch page. So, it’s no surprise that YouTube Shorts reached two billion monthly logged-in users as of July 2023. In this post, we talk specifically about YouTube Shorts monetization, a.k.a. how to make money from your YouTube Shorts. If you’re looking for a more general primer on this format, check out our blog post on how to make YouTube Shorts. Get your free pack of 5 customizable YouTube banner templates now. Save time and look professional while promoting your brand in style. Can you monetize YouTube Shorts? Yes! It’s...

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20Sep By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social media scheduling, Social Media Tools, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Schedule Tweets [3 Methods + Bonus Tips]

Scheduling Tweets (Xeets?) can be a game-changer for your brand. It’s hard enough coming up with witty one-liners, hot takes on current events, or smart replies on a regular basis–but actually having to log in and post them at the right intervals? Talk about a headache. By auto-scheduling your content in advance, you can send out viral Tweets for days (or weeks) without lifting a finger. Here’s how to do it, and why you should. Bonus: Download the free 30-day plan to grow your Twitter following fast, a daily workbook that will help you establish a Twitter marketing routine and track your growth, so you can show your boss real results after one month. How to schedule Tweets: 3 methods There’s mor...

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12Sep By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, Template, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Social Media for Business: A Practical Guide

As much as you might love marketing your brand with billboards or radio ads, the fact is, social media for business has to be part of your marketing strategy in 2023. Sorry! Social media is an essential way to reach your customers, gain valuable insights, and grow your brand. If you’re avoiding this powerful communication tool, you’re missing out on an incredible opportunity to connect with an audience. (Is this the “inner saboteur” RuPaul is always talking about?!) Read on for everything you need to know to build a winning social media marketing strategy for your business. #1 Social Media Tool Crea...

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3Sep By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

customer service, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Tools, Strategy, twitter, youtube

What is Social CRM: Top Tips and Tools

It’s long been said that success in business is about location, location, location — but the truth is, that’s not actually enough to make it big. You’ve got to have relationships, relationships, relationships, too. Practicing good Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is important for anyone working in the world of sales. Every transaction, big or small (heck, even medium-sized!) starts with making a meaningful connection with a customer. And in 2023, that meaningful connection is probably happening over social media. After all, 4.7 billion people globally (!) are regularly active on social platforms. Four! Point! Seven! Billion! That’s why we’re digging into the concept of “social CRM” (a.k.a. how to use social media to manage customer relationships) here today. Let’s goooo! ...

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26Aug By Michelle MartinNo Comments

content creation, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media advertising, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, twitter, youtube

How to Boost Engagement With LinkedIn Carousel Posts and Ads

The algorithm giveth and the algorithm taketh away. Such is the cycle of social media. After launching their native carousel post format in July 2022, LinkedIn recently announced their removal of it less than a year later. Why? Apparently because of user feedback that LinkedIn carousels (and link stickers and profile videos) weren’t hittin’ the mark for content creators on the platform. That’s a bit strange, considering LinkedIn carousels get 5 times as many clicks as any other post format. Don’t worry: there’s still a way to make LinkedIn carousel posts. It’s called the “LinkedIn document post” or “PDF post hack,” and it’s been around a lot longer than the actual LinkedIn carousel format. Here’s how to create LinkedIn carousel document posts and ads that get you noticed. ...

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17Aug By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social media scheduling, Social Media Tools, Strategy, twitter, youtube

The Top 10 Stress-Free Social Media Planning Tools

In the vast foggy sea of digital marketing, your social media planning tools can light the way forward. As social media sailors ourselves, we’ve navigated uncharted waters, and know that it requires more than luck to get to where you want to go. Without the right tools, you’re bound to get lost at sea. That’s why we’ve journeyed far and wide to bring you this list. This blog is like your treasure map to the shores of a well-run social media plan. Seafaring metaphors aside, get ready for the top ten hands down best social media planning tools in 2023! Bonus: Download our free, customizable social media calendar template to easily plan and schedule all your content in advance. What is a social med...

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8Aug By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Use Social Proof to Fuel Engagement and Sales

Social proof starts when you’re envious of Little Johnny’s new kicks in first grade and ends… never. It’s the secret sauce in every successful marketing campaign. As marketers, we often measure KPIs like engagement rate, net follower gain, and reach without once thinking about the main driving force behind all of these: Social proof. As in, the reason why someone takes the time to engage, follow, or even sees your social media content in the first place. Before you have any followers to count, you’ll need to create an environment that makes people want to follow, engage with, and — eventually — buy from you. Social proof creates that environment. Here are 15 ways to build social proof into your marketing, and our top tips for the best results. ...

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5Aug By Stæven Frey, MFANo Comments

Blog, branding, branding strategy, Digital Marketing, digital mkt, email outreach, Internet marketing, Online Marketing, Strategy

Do You Know Your Branding Basics? Think Again

There is no topic in business and marketing bigger than the topic branding.  When you Google the term “why is branding important,” you’ll find an abundance of resources that stress the importance of understanding and investing in branding for your success. In the majority of these resources, there are also vague references to terms like brand value, brand equity, and consumers’ minds and hearts. You’ll find the topic seems to somehow encompass everything from mission, vision, and values, to colors, fonts, and messaging. The topic somehow does everything, doesn’t it? As you continue to investigate, you’ll discover that Investing in branding really matters. In today’s digital, post-covid marketplace, brand leaders all seem to know that harnessing the power of world-class bra...

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31Jul By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Non-profit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Engagement, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

How To Start a Fundraiser on Instagram: 10 Can’t-Miss Tips

Guess which platform puts the gram in donation programs? The fun in fundraising? The… cha-cha-cha? In cha-cha-charity? You already know, but what you may not know (and why you’re here) is how to start a fundraiser on Instagram. With Instagram fundraising (where you raise money for causes involving universities, government agencies, hospitals, or non-profits through the platform), you have many tools to spread the word far and wide on your Stories, Reels, and posts. And Instagram is a powerful tool to connect with potential donors. With over 2.35 billion monthly active users, the platform can amplify your message and reach a wider audience. In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly how to add a fundraiser to Instagram and explore ten ways you can promote it. ...

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22Jul By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

12 Ideas + Free Post Generator

Wondering what to post on LinkedIn? The platform is a gold mine for connecting with potential employers, customers, and colleagues in your field. A well-crafted LinkedIn post can help you differentiate yourself or your brand and build relationships that drive career success. Still, coming up with LinkedIn post ideas can be awkward, not to mention a total time suck. If you’re stuck, check out these post examples to spark your inspiration and build an engaging LinkedIn content strategy in no time. Bonus: Download a free step-by-step guide to combining organic and paid social tactics into a winning LinkedIn strategy. What to post on Linkedin: 12 ideas LinkedIn is a place where content matters. You ...

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14Jul By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, Social Media Engagement, social media marketing, Social Media Strategy, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Social Media Lead Generation: 13 Proven Tactics

It doesn’t really matter what you’re selling. Ultimately, any brand on social media is in the business of social media lead generation. Whether you’re an ice cream maker or a funeral director (representing the full spectrum of possible jobs), social media offers an opportunity to scope out a whole world of future clients. You already know how helpful social media can be for brand awareness and engagement: today, we’re digging into just how marketers can use platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, and LinkedIn to generate sales leads. Social media can help you find people interested in what your business has to offer — and, importantly, it can help you keep in touch with those potential customers to let them know about news and special offers. Ready to use social media marketing to gene...

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5Jul By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

Social Media Archiving for Government: How to Stay Compliant

Social media archiving for government is a critical component of compliance planning. Social channels are a forum for communicating with constituents and the general public. They are subject to open records and First Amendment laws, just like any other public communication. Content posted on government social media pages is, by default, publically accessible. But open records laws require a much more thorough archiving of data than the social platforms themselves can provide. Agencies must ensure their social content is archived for access by citizens and journalists. Keep reading to find out how to stay compliant with a smart archiving workflow. ...

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26Jun By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

Healthcare Social Media Policy: Examples + Free Template

Where are all the healthcare social media policy examples? While it’s easy to find social media policy examples for retail, finance, and marketing industries, there is far less information available for healthcare organizations. The fact is, healthcare organizations need to take extra precautions when it comes to managing their social media presence. With sensitive patient data and an ever-growing list of regulatory and compliance requirements, having a comprehensive healthcare social media policy is crucial. That’s why we put together this guide to healthcare social media policies, including examples and templates to help you create your own. While you’re here, jump into our free webinar on Social Media in Health Care: Stories from the Front Lines. ...

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18Jun By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Find the Best Candidates

People apply to companies, not jobs. Using social media for hiring — a.k.a. social recruiting — reaches more qualified candidates and builds your employer reputation. Experts say 2023 will continue to be a job seekers’ market with 90% of hiring managers currently struggling to fill open positions. So where are the best candidates? Scrollin’ social: 63% of active job hunters have applied to jobs they found on social media, including almost half (48%) of Gen Zers and Millennials. Here’s how to create an effective social recruiting strategy to grow an audience of top talent who can’t wait to work for you. #1 Social Media Tool ...

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9Jun By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

How to Write a Social Media Policy [Templates]

A social media policy is a crucial tool for any organization—a code of conduct that protects your business’ reputation and enables employees to stay out of trouble. Read on for everything you need to know about creating a corporate social media policy, including social media policy examples and a template to help you start your own social media policy today. #1 Social Media Tool Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win. Free 30-Day Trial What is a social media policy? A social media policy is an official company document that provides guidelines a...

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1Jun By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Use ChatGPT for Social Media + 46 Prompts to Get Started

Are you ready to tap into ChatGPT social media success? Social media managers have suffered too long with tedious, manual tasks. Caption writing, image sourcing, responding to followers…the list goes on. Luckily, ChatGPT, a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tool that generates human-like content, promises to make social media success more attainable. Streamline your workflows, automate tasks, and never worry about finding the perfect caption again. Here’s how you can get started with ChatGPT for social media marketing. Craft perfect posts in seconds OwlyWriter AI instantl...

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23May By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

How to Make Short-Form Videos That Stand Out

Looking to make a splash with short-form video content? You’re not alone. Short-form video is all the rage right now, with GWI reporting almost half of all internet usage is devoted to watching video content. But, with so many people jumping on the short-form video ship, standing out is more important than ever. Here are our top tips for including unique and compelling short-form video content in your marketing strategy — and captivating your audience. Bonus: Claim your pack of free animated Instagram Reels templates created by Hootsuite’s professional designers. Easily customize them in Canva, and take your Reels game to the next level today. What is short-form video? Short-form video refers to...

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6May By Sam LauronNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Generate Leads in Real Estate: 22 Foolproof Tips

There’s way more to real estate than showing houses and negotiating deals. In addition to understanding the latest market trends and knowing your way around numbers, you also need to be a savvy marketer. And if you want to keep your client pipeline full, you need to know how to generate leads in real estate. The best agents know that marketing and generating leads is an ongoing effort, one that helps you build your personal brand, expand your network, and grow your real estate business. But where should you start? Below, let’s dive into the different ways to get real estate leads, where to find them, and how to convert them into happy clients. Bonus: Get a free TikTok Growth Checklist from famous TikTok creator Tiffy Chen that s...

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27Apr By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

5 Tips to Stay Compliant

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is an overarching piece of legislation relating to health information in the United States. If you manage social media for a healthcare organization, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we explain what HIPAA says about social media, go over common HIPAA violations, and share tips for building a HIPAA-compliant social media strategy. Bonus: Get a free, customizable social media policy template to quickly and easily create guidelines for your company and employees. What does HIPAA say about social media? HIPAA does not explicitly say anything about social media. That’s because the standards were created befor...

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19Apr By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2023: The Complete Guide

If you believe in free will, we have terrible news — well, at least when it comes to YouTube. Because YouTube’s algorithm for recommendations drives 70% of what people watch on the platform. Seventy percent! That is some seriously staggering influence. Youtube’s 2.5 billion users watch 694,000 minutes of video each minute. And the platform’s recommendation system is responsible for the majority of those views. So it’s no surprise that marketers, influencers, and creators are obsessed with unlocking the secret of the Youtube algorithm. Getting recommended to the right viewers at the right time is the ticket to YouTube stardom, but how does it work? What makes it tick? And, most importantly, how can we take advantage of this mysterious formula? Well, ponder no more, my ‘Tube curious friends ...

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10Apr By Alexandra SamurNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, reddit, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

The History of Social Media in 33 Key Moments

The history of social media is a long and storied one. It’s bursting with pivotal moments like the launch of Instagram Stories, to that one time Zuck was on trial for Facebook privacy issues, to…honestly, let’s just look at the entire social media history timeline. So sit back, relax, and join us while we look back at what once was the future. The 33 most important moments in the history of social media The first social media site was born (1997) On one of the first true social media sites, SixDegrees.com, you could set up a profile page, create lists of connections, and send messages within networks. The site amassed around one million users before being bought out for $125 million, only to shutter in 2000. The actual answer to “when was the first social media site launched” is debatable...

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2Apr By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

8 Facebook Trends That Will Shape Your 2023 Strategy

Facebook hit a new milestone in early 2023, reaching 2 billion daily users for the first time. In a constantly changing social media landscape, the world’s largest social network continues to hold its ground. So, what’s trending on Facebook right now – and how is Facebook changing in 2023? We’ve rounded up the most important Facebook trends marketers need to watch this year. Hint: AI Facebook trends are leading the way. If you’re not already thinking about how AI will affect your Facebook strategy, it’s time to start! Download our Social Trends report to get data from over 10,000 marketers that you can use to plan a viral-worthy social strategy in 2023. The 8 top Facebook trends for 2023 Trend 1...

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24Mar By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

11 of the Most Important TikTok Trends to Watch in 2023

Sure, we could tell you what the hottest TikTok hashtag trends and challenges are right now — but this article would be out of date by the time you finish reading it. So if you were looking for a hot new drag-queen-choreographed dance to do, we’re sorry. But we’ve got something even better for you instead: a 2023 TikTok trend report that’s all about the bigger picture. If you’re looking for what’s making TikTok tick right now, you’ve come to the right place. Because, really, if you want to create a winning TikTok social media marketing strategy, you can’t get lost in the details. Things change at whiplash speed over on TikTok. Even if Corn Kid is absolutely popping off on a Monday, by Friday, the TikTokaverse has already moved on to watching clips of old dudes selling watches. To succeed h...

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16Mar By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

9 Facebook Analytics Tools for 2023 [Paid & Free]

Facebook analytics are like a magic truth serum: an instant shortcut to insight on the world’s most popular social media platform. Even while some things about Facebook remain a mystery — for instance, why does your seventh-grade boyfriend leave a ‘Happy Arbor Day’ message on your wall every year? — social media managers all over the world can count on the soothing clarity of Facebook analytics. Numbers don’t lie, after all. Your Facebook metrics reveal fascinating facts about your audience’s preferences and behaviors. By analyzing data about your content performance, you’re getting valuable quantitative feedback to help build a winning Facebook marketing strategy. The only trick to making the most of your Facebook analytics is finding a tool to help you track performance and identify patt...

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7Mar By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

How to Automate DMs on Social Media

Are you looking to automate DMs on social media and live the good life, never having to manually reply to an FAQ again? Well, thank goodness you found this article. After reading this blog post, you’ll know what automated DMs are, all the ways they can help you, and how to do it on your favorite social platforms. At the end, we give several tips and tricks you can implement when automating DMs. Bonus: Save time and download 20 free, customizable Instagram DM templates for your brand, including greetings, partnership requests, FAQ responses, replies to complaints, and more. What are automated DMs? Automated DMs are pre-set responses sent to people who direct message you on social media. You can a...

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27Feb By Britny KutuchiefNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Everything You Need to Know

Salesforce recently announced the retirement of its social media management tool Social Studio. Customers will lose access on Nov. 18, 2024, or at the end of their contract, whichever comes sooner. Luckily, you won’t have to look far to find the best Social Studio alternative. Hootsuite does everything Social Studio does and more for a fraction of the cost. Plus, Hootsuite has a free Salesforce integration and many customer relationship management (CRM) tools to make your migration painless. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Salesforce Social Studio retirement — and what to do next. #1 Social Med...

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18Feb By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

How to Use Data to Grow Your Channel in 2023

Are you trying to make sense of your YouTube analytics but feel like you’ve been tossed an advanced calculus textbook with no teacher? If you’ve resorted to throwing spaghetti at the wall just to see what sticks (or purely out of frustration), we can help. To all marketers, content creators, and YouTube stars, bookmark this post. We’re going to demystify metrics, explain which reports do what, and show you how to use YouTube analytics to your advantage. We’ve even got can’t-miss expert insights from Paige Cooper, Hootsuite’s own Inbound YouTube Lead and all-around digital savant. Buckle up! Bonus: Download the free 30-day plan to grow your YouTube following fast, a daily workbook of challenges that will help you kickstart your Y...

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9Feb By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

10 Social Media Design Tips to Stand Out on the Feed

As more and more platforms move towards visual content, social media design has become increasingly important. Sure, your content is what really matters, but if your posts are visually unappealing or lack any sort of design consistency, they’re going to be lost in the mix. But what if you don’t have an in-house designer? What if you don’t have any formal design background at all? Fear not–here are 10 social media design tips to help your posts stand out on the feed. Bonus: Get the always-up-to-date social media image size cheat sheet. The free resource includes recommended photo dimensions for every type of image on every major network. What is social media design? Social media design is the pra...

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1Feb By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

The How + Why of Choosing Text for Your Video

Is there anything more important than choosing the right TikTok fonts? And no, we will not accept “the birth of your firstborn” or “that time you graduated university” as answers. It sounds like we’re exaggerating (and ok fine, we are), but like any other design decision, your font choice says a lot about your brand identity and the audience you’re trying to appeal to on TikTok. And while the decision may be important, choosing the right font for TikTok doesn’t have to be intimidating. We’ll teach you what TikTok’s fonts are, what they say about your video, and answer your frequently asked questions about them. Bonus: Use our free TikTok engagement rate calculator to find out your engagement rate 4 ways fast. Calculate it on a p...

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25Jan By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Top 10 TikTok Influencers in 2023 [+ How to Become One]

Have you ever wanted to become a TikTok influencer? You’re not alone. Some of TikTok’s top influencers make thousands of dollars daily with sponsored posts and featured content. Not to mention, they’re inspiring the entire social media platform’s community with their creativity. What is the fastest way to become an influencer? Learn from the pros! We’ve compiled a list of the top TikTok influencers in 2023, so you can get an idea of who’s making waves on TikTok and how to start your influencer marketing program. Bonus: Get a free TikTok Growth Checklist from famous TikTok creator Tiffy Chen that shows you how to gain 1.6 million followers with only 3 studio lights and iMovie. What is a TikTok in...

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17Jan By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

Everything You Need to Know About Booktok + 5 Best Books

The TikTok community of BookTok has quickly become one of the leading book recommendation platforms in the world. Its unique combination of social media and book reviews has revolutionized how people find new books to read. But what is BookTok? How do you get started on BookTok? And who are some of its top influencers? We’re here to answer all your questions about BookTok and give you a list of the top 10 books recommended by BookTok this year. Bonus: Get a free TikTok Growth Checklist from famous TikTok creator Tiffy Chen that shows you how to gain 1.6 million followers with only 3 studio lights and iMovie. What is BookTok? BookTok, short for “Book TikTok,” is a community of users on TikTok who...

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8Jan By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

How To Become a Pro at Instagram’s Auto-Generated Captions

When it comes to accessibility online, auto-generated captions are a big win. Now, you can easily include auto-generated captions on Instagram videos and Reels. It can increase your reach, shooting you to Instagram stardom (maybe). Look out, Whindersson Nunes! This article walks you through the automatic subtitles Instagram offers. By the end, you’ll know how to get auto-generated captions on Instagram and why you should use them. Save time editing photos and download your free pack of 10 customizable Instagram presets now. What are auto-generated captions on Instagram? Auto-generated captions on Instagram are text transcriptions of the speech from a video or Reel. Captions appear on-screen at t...

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30Dec By Sara NguyenNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Use Facebook Lookalike Audiences [2023 Guide]

Facebook Lookalike Audiences is a sophisticated matchmaker between your brand and new fans — and a powerful advertising tool. You tell Facebook the characteristics of your favorite customers, and Facebook recommends a new target audience filled with prospects that meet your criteria. Ready to find the audience of your dreams? Read on to learn how to create a Lookalike Audience for your Facebook ads, plus tips that will help you find the best match. Bonus: Get the Facebook advertising cheat sheet for 2022. The free resource includes key audience insights, recommended ad types, and tips for success. What is a lookalike audience on Facebook? A Facebook Lookalike Audience is a custom advertising aud...

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22Dec By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Social Media in Higher Education: 13 Essential Tips

Social media usage is now the standard for higher education institutions. From student relations to recruitment to fundraising to crisis management, it’s a powerful communications tool for post-secondary institutions of all stripes. That’s why we’ll be digging into the expanding role of social media in higher education in this post. Read on to learn how to use social tools to build your institutional reputation and foster a sense of collegiate community. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. Advantages of social media in higher education Social media is relevant at just about every level of education, but it can seriousl...

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13Dec By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

15 Tips for a Better Instagram Engagement Rate [CALCULATOR]

Every brand on Instagram needs to understand how to create authentic, organic Instagram engagement. Posting content is great, but if no one likes, comments, or shares it, your account will flounder. You need engagement to tie your Instagram efforts to real business goals. This post will dive deep into how you can increase engagement through legitimate strategies that reach real people (not bots). We’re not going to talk about buying likes or followers, except to say right here that you should not do that. There’s real engagement out there waiting for you on Instagram. Here’s how to get it. Bonus: Use our free engagement rate calculator to find out your engagement rate 4 ways fast. Calculate it on a post-by-post basis or for an e...

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5Dec By Liz StantonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

How to Write a Great Social Media Call to Action

When you work in marketing, you’re always trying to convince your audience of something. Maybe you want your followers to sign up for a free trial, download a PDF, visit your landing page, or pick up the phone and call. But getting people to take action, especially on social media, is tricky… unless you use a clear call to action. If there’s something you want your audience to do, you can’t just hope and hint (this same advice holds true for most things in life, actually). You need a compelling call to action, or CTA, to draw people in and point them in the right direction. In this post, we’ll teach you what a good social CTA is and share tips and examples from brands that are nailing it. By the end, you should have everything you need to write a social media call to action that gets resul...

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26Nov By Nathan CaddellNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Tips for a Successful Application

Even if you’re not trying to become the next Charli D’Amelio, it’s worth figuring out how to get verified on TikTok. After all, the social media network has about 1 billion active users a month. That’s a huge potential audience to take advantage of. Verified TikTok accounts benefit from increased exposure and a certain amount of cred. A verification badge is basically a stamp of approval from the TikTok overlords. If you’ve been wondering how to get a blue check mark on TikTok, read on. Here’s what TikTok verification is, why it matters and how to make sure your verification application is approved. Bonus: Get a free TikTok Growth Checklist from famous TikTok creator Tiffy Chen that shows you how to gain 1.6 million followers w...

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18Nov By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

12 Exciting Things to Try on Instagram in 2023

So you’re in a bit of an Instagram rut. Your content isn’t sparking joy in the way it used to. It’s not about accumulating more followers or getting more likes: you’re just kind of bored. The honeymoon stage is over. Hey, don’t quit. This is normal. You and Instagram can still have a long-term, loving, fulfilling relationship. You’ve just gotta put some effort in. It’s time to spice things up. From simple photo editing hacks to easy Reels inspo, this is the place to go if you’re looking for new things to try on Instagram. Read on for the freshest trends, new features and examples from the pros. Download the full Social Trends report to get an in-depth analysis of the data you need to prioritize and plan your social strategy in 2...

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9Nov By Michelle CycaNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

What Is Cameo? Using Celebrity Videos to Promote Your Brand

If you’ve ever wanted George Costanza to roast your dad on Festivus or Chaka Khan to sing you happy birthday, Cameo can make your dreams come true. You probably know Cameo as a platform that allows fans to request celebrity videos, but did you know that you can also use Cameo to grow your business? Read on to find out more about how Cameo can work for you and your company. Bonus: Get the influencer marketing strategy template to easily plan your next campaign and choose the best social media influencer to work with. What is Cameo? Cameo is a website and mobile app that lets you request personalized video messages from celebrities. Founded in 2016, Cameo connects fans with their favorite actors, ...

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31Oct By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

14 Fun Instagram Question Sticker Ideas for Marketers

There’s nothing we marketers love more than first party data, right? Instagram is one of the best places to get feedback directly from your customers. But then you have to deal with the 400 DMs crowding your inbox after you ask for it… Enter: Instagram question stickers. The questions sticker for Stories collects and organizes responses, and allows you to turn real feedback into valuable public content. Here’s how to use the Instagram questions sticker, plus 14 creative ideas to inspire you. Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear. What is the Instagram question ...

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23Oct By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

15 Tricks and Hidden Features

Since their introduction in 2020, Instagram Reels have become the app’s fastest-growing feature (and a great way to give your content a boost with the Instagram algorithm). Hopefully, you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics of Instagram Reels by now — because it’s time to kick things into Expert Mode. In this post, we’re sharing the Instagram Reels hacks, tips, tricks and features that the pros know and love, so that (fingers crossed!) your next video will wow all 1.22 billion Instagram users/potential new followers. Bonus: Download the free 10-Day Reels Challenge, a daily workbook of creative prompts that will help you get started with Instagram Reels, track your growth, and see results across your entire Instagram profile...

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16Oct By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

The Top Instagram Photo Editing Trends in 2022

On Instagram, photo editing trends move pretty dang fast. Just cast your mind back to those days when your feed was flooded with heavily filtered, square-cropped photos. Though it was only a couple of years ago, in 2022, that style looks so dated that you might as well be posting a daguerreotype. Your average Instagram user spends almost half an hour each day on the app, and they’re smart enough to spot content that hasn’t managed to keep up with the times. That means last year’s interesting and original photo composition is this year’s tired cliche. To hold your audience’s attention, you’ve gotta keep it fresh and stay up to date with the latest Instagram photo editing trends. So consider this required reading: We’ve got the top 7 Instagram photo styles for 2022. ...

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17Sep By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

Experiments, facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

I Tried Instagram Automation (So You Don’t Have To): An Experiment

Has the elusive unicorn of Instagram automation ever tempted you? We can’t blame you. Instagram automation software sites paint a pretty picture of your phone blowing up organically with likes and comments. Your social media scales effortlessly while you sit back and relax. Brands like Nike, NASA, and whoever runs Obama’s social networks are begging you to consult. And, oh, who’s that in your DMs? Taika Waititi and Doja Cat both asking for a follow back? Wow, this is everything you dreamed of, right? Wrong. I tried it out, and not only did Doja Cat not return any of my messages, but I also lost time, money, and a bit of dignity. All is not lost; there are legitimately helpful Instagram automation tools. We’ll get to them at the end of this article. But first, here’s what happened when I tr...

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8Sep By Britny KutuchiefNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

Amazon Associates: How to Make Money as an Amazon Affiliate

Wouldn’t it be nice to earn money every time you post about your emotional support water bottle or that must-read book you devoured in an afternoon? Here’s the key: Amazon Associates. Even if you’re just starting out as an influencer, becoming an Amazon affiliate could be a great way to earn as you grow. Sound complicated? Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the well-oiled affiliate marketing program that is Amazon Associates. Discover how to get started, how to post your recommendations, and how to reap the sweet, sweet rewards of your great taste. Bonus: Download a free, fully customizable influencer media kit template to help you introduce your accounts to brands, land sponsorship deal...

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1Sep By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

14 Best Apps For Instagram Collages in 2022

You’ve enjoyed the sweet, sweet thrill of posting a single photo on Instagram. Now, get ready to double, triple, or quadruple the good times with the power of multi-image photo Instagram collages! Because sometimes, one hot pic just isn’t enough to capture the magic of your new haircut, or spring menu, or collection of designer parrot caplets. With a digital collage, you can combine multiple images into one bold visual statement. You can build basic collages for your Instagram Stories directly in Stories Create mode. But to take your collages to the next level (or to craft something for your main feed), you’re going to need to look outside the app. Read on for our favorite fool-proof graphic design tools to help create professional-looking photo collages for Instagram — no scrapbook scisso...

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26Aug By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Schedule Instagram Stories in 2022 [4 Simple Steps]

If you’re using Stories as part of your Instagram marketing mix, you’ve probably wondered: Can you schedule Instagram Stories? Well, great news — the answer is yes! You can now create, edit, and schedule your Stories in advance using the Instagram Story scheduler in Hootsuite or Facebook Business Suite. In this post, we cover the benefits to scheduling Instagram Stories rather than publishing them on the fly, like: saving a ton of time making it easier to customize Stories with editing tools and templates avoiding typos and autocorrect mistakes We also walk you through the exact process of how to schedule Instagram Stories. Download your free pack of 72 customizable Instagram Stories templates now. Save time and look profession...

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17Aug By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

32 Instagram Story Ideas for More Views and Engagement

Once you post an Instagram story, it’s only up for 24 hours… but in internet time, that’s plenty. Ask any social media manager who’s posted something by accident: every minute matters. 500 million users access Instagram stories every day. That means that Instagram stories are an excellent opportunity for businesses (58% of users say they’re more interested in a brand after seeing them post a story, and stories generate a quarter of the platform’s total ad revenues) to make some serious cash. Whether you’re using Instagram for your company or just for fun, stories are a key part of growing your audience. Posting a story is easy enough. But you don’t want viewers to just tap through your stories—you want them to hit that link button, answer your poll, maybe go to your Instagram shop and trea...

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10Aug By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Facebook Marketing in 2022: A VERY Complete Guide

Facebook marketing isn’t optional. Facebook is the most used social platform in the world, pulling in 2.29 billion daily active users. It’s not all vacation pics and humblebrags either. For 53.2% of internet users ages 16-24, social media is their primary source of brand research. And, 66% of all Facebook users check out a local business Page at least once a week. Truth time: You need to be on Facebook. But what should you do first? Do you need to run ads? What should you post about? Does creating a business Page mean you’re in the metaverse? The answers to all your questions are ahead, plus a step-by-step process to start your Facebook marketing journey off right. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches you how to turn Faceb...

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1Aug By Sarah IsraelNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

What Is Patreon? A Creator’s Guide To Making Money in 2022

So your podcast audience has exploded, but the revenue from those fancy sock ads isn’t exactly covering rent yet. Or maybe you’re tired of social media algorithms hiding your content from even your most dedicated followers. Enter Patreon, a platform that makes it easy for content creators to monetize their online following! With Patreon, users can launch a personalized subscription-based site in just a few easy steps, allowing creators to offer exclusive content to subscribers and generate a consistent monthly income. Our Patreon deep-dive will help you learn the ins and outs of this platform and determine whether becoming a Patreon creator is the right move for you. Bonus: Download a free, fully customizable influencer media k...

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21Jul By Liz StantonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

What is BeReal? Your Guide to the Newest Social Media App

You’ve mastered Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You’re finally ready to tackle TikTok. But don’t get too comfortable — a hot new social media app has entered the villa. Gen Z is raving about it, but what is BeReal? Unlike its alternatives, BeReal offers an unfiltered, unplanned social experience. In some ways, the app combines the freedom of Instagram’s early days (minus the Valencia filter) and TikTok’s candid, anything-goes vibe. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about BeReal, including what it is, how it works and why it’s different. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is BeReal? BeReal is a ...

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11Jul By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

12 Best Instagram Tools for PC to Save Time and Grow Fast

Look, we love our smartphones, but they aren’t always the most efficient devices to work from. Screens can be small and image quality is unreliable. And if you’re trying to juggle several social media accounts or do any real photo editing, your phone just ain’t gonna cut it. Luckily, there are several Instagram tools for PC that make a social media manager’s job a whole lot easier. These days, more and more great Instagram mobile apps are desktop-friendly. Managing social media from a PC makes it easier to see what you’re doing and manage many tasks at once. If you’re ready to upgrade your social media game, we can help. Here are a few great Instagram tools for PC that can save you time and help you grow your account faster. Bo...

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1Jul By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How it Works in 2022

How does the LinkedIn algorithm work in 2022? LinkedIn may fancy itself as being, ahem, all business. But the truth is that it’s a social network. Like all other social networks, LinkedIn relies on an algorithm for sending content to its users. And like any other algorithm, it’s relying on a variety of factors for making those decisions. You need to know those factors if you want your LinkedIn posts to be seen by the right people. If you wanna make the platform’s magic formula work for you, read on. The ultimate guide to the 2022 LinkedIn algorithm is below! Bonus: Download a free guide that shows the 11 tactics Hootsuite’s social media team used to grow their LinkedIn audience from 0 to 278,000 followers. ...

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21Jun By Paige CooperNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

The Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2022 [Complete Guide]

When’s the best time to post on Instagram to make sure a post gets seen? And what about the best day of the week to get the most likes? The most comments? We crunched the numbers to find out the universal best time to post on Instagram. Of course, all businesses and audiences are different, so we’ll also help you calculate your brand’s unique best times to post. …Or! If you don’t feel like reading, you can watch our video for the answer and the tips. Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear. Is there a best time to post on Instagram? Each brand has a slightly di...

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10Jun By Paige CooperNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, reddit, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

8 Top Social Media Monitoring Tools and Why You Need Them

Social media monitoring tools are the best way to find out what people are saying about your brand. And also what they’re saying about your product, your competitors, your industry, your Super Bowl ad, your pandemic response, your customer service wait times, your new mascot — basically, anything your audience could possibly have an opinion on. In other words: social media monitoring software gathers and presents audience and competitive insights for brands who want to pay attention. In this post, we’re going to look at some of the best tools on the market, and go through set-up and best practices so you can start tapping into the conversation today. Bonus: Download a free guide to learn how to use social media monitoring to bo...

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31May By Holly StanleyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, reddit, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

29 Pinterest Demographics for Social Media Marketers [2022]

Ready for a deep-dive into Pinterest demographics? If you want your next Pinterest marketing campaign to be a success, you’re in the right place. Sure, Pinterest may not boast the same user hours as Facebook or share TikTok’s hype. Still, the platform remains a hidden gem for marketers targeting certain audience demographics. If you’re looking for higher-spending millennials, for example, try Pinterest. Before you create your next campaign, take a look at our breakdown of Pinterest demographics to help you reach your target audience. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches you how to make money on Pinterest in six easy steps using the tools you already have. General Pinterest audience demogra...

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21May By Colleen ChristisonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Use Instagram Live (No Sweating or Crying)

Listen up: You’re going to get on Instagram Live, and you’re going to like it. In fact, we’re going to make it so easy to go live on Instagram that you might enjoy yourself. We’ll walk you through how to go live, three tips and tricks for planning a successful livestream, and seven examples to inspire your next Instagram Live. We’ve also included how to watch others’ Live content and an FAQ as a little treat. There will be no sweating or crying. We promise. Instagram has over one billion monthly active users, all looking for easily consumable content. A 2021 survey showed video viewership reached 92% of internet users worldwide, with Live Streams taking the 4th highest place in popularity. Video content is king of the internet; we know that now. So, do yourself a favor and start planning y...

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11May By Alyssa HiroseNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

21 Social Media Management Tools for Great Results in 2022

Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, TikTok, Snapchat and more, keeping track of all of your brand’s social media accounts can feel like herding cats (and it’s not nearly as cute). But you don’t have to go at it alone. There are lots of apps, platforms and websites out there for properly managing multiple social accounts. This includes schedulers, reporting tools, and software that ensures you’re engaging with your followers regularly (and that no post, comment or direct message is missed) — and more. With these tools, you can gather up those kitties in no time. Let’s start right meow. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is social media management? Social media management involves properly handl...

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30Apr By Hannah MacreadyNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

Everything You Need to Know in 2022

Instagram video content is currently available in four formats: Reels, Live, Stories, and Instagram Video. Video content has exploded on the platform in recent years, with 91% of Instagram users reporting they watch videos on a weekly basis. The varying formats of video across the platform may feel like a lot to juggle. But it’s also created new ways for marketers to tell stories and reach their audience. Which Instagram video format is right for your brand? There may be a place in your social media strategy for all of them. Or maybe you’ll decide just to focus on a couple. In this guide, we’ll teach you all about the features, specifications, and best practices for every type. Plus, we’ve rounded up tools that make using Instagram video that much easier. Bonus: Download the free 10-Day R...

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20Apr By Kristen TheodoreNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

How to Download Instagram Reels: 4 Simple Ways

Since their introduction in 2020, Reels have become one of Instagram’s most popular and engaging types of content. The platform makes posting Reels worth brands and creators’ while — Instagram’s algorithm favors video content, which means Reels are more likely to reach large audiences than static Instagram posts. If you find yourself wanting to download Instagram Reels for inspiration, future reference, or use on a different platform, you’ll notice that there’s no built-in feature that would allow you to do so. But don’t worry, there are plenty of workarounds. Keep reading to find out how to download other users’ Reels to your device. Bonus: Download the free 10-Day Reels Challenge, a daily workbook of creative prompts that will help you get started with Instagram Reels, track your growth...

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10Apr By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Manage Social Media for Business in Only 18 Minutes a Day

Many small business owners don’t have the bandwidth to manage social media accounts—let alone the budget to hire dedicated team members or a social media manager. But that doesn’t make social media management any less important. People expect to be able to connect with businesses on social platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even TikTok. Without an active presence, your company may be forgotten, lose customers to competition—or worse yet, look neglectful. Plus, you may be missing out on new customers. More than 40% of digital shoppers use social media to research new brands and products. For those who are short on time, we’ve put together an 18-minute plan. This plan takes you minute-by-minute through the social necessities, highlighting time-saving tips along the way. If you’ve g...

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31Mar By Josiah HughesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name (and 44 Name Ideas)

Choosing a name for your YouTube channel is a lot like picking a band name. It can be difficult to land on a decision, and when you’re just starting out you might not think it matters too much. But the last thing you want is to get famous and be stuck with the name you picked. Just ask Hoobastank. Fortunately, as of last year, it’s now possible to change your YouTube channel name and profile picture. The company rolled out a new feature that will allow you to update your account’s aesthetics without needing to change the name and photo on your associated Google account. Read on to learn how to change your YouTube channel name. While you’re here, we’ve also compiled some creative channel name ideas to get you started on your YouTube marketing plan. Bonus: Download a free pack of 3 fully cu...

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20Mar By Josiah HughesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

What Is Substack and How Does it Work?

The social media sphere is chock full of jargon and buzzwords, so much so that it can be hard to keep track of them all. It’s enough to keep track of Wordle, NFTs and the metaverse, but what is a Substack? Resisting the urge to make a joke about a pile of sandwiches, we’ll tell you that Substack is a major game-changer in the world of online publishing. In fact, it’s the biggest disruption to journalism, personal writing and thought leadership since the blog boom of the 2000s. And it might just be the missing piece in your social media marketing plan. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Substack, and whether or not it’s the right choice for your brand. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What Is ...

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10Mar By Josiah HughesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

How to Sell Products on TikTok in 7 Easy Steps

TikTok feels like it’s a self-contained internet of its own. Think about it — you can find literally everything on there, from super popular internet celebs blowing up trends to niche weirdos who rant about their hyper-specific obsessions. There’s joy, drama, passion, a shared language and a whole lot of community. And, just like any other corner of the internet, there are also plenty of opportunities to sell products. Yes, TikTok’s growth and cultural ubiquity means it’s the perfect place for your brand. We’ve already learned how TikTok marketing can help you reach new audiences and grow your client base, but the app is far more powerful than that. If you learn the ins and outs, you can learn how to sell on TikTok in 7 easy steps. Bonus: Get a free TikTok Growth Checklist from famous Tik...

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28Feb By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Plan a Winning Cross-Platform Campaign: Tips and Examples

If your brand has accounts on multiple social media accounts, your job involves juggling metrics, audiences, and goals specific to each platform. Making sense of it all and maintaining an active, on-brand presence across networks can be a challenge. Wondering how to turn a bunch of scattered social media post ideas into a cohesive, powerful cross-platform campaign that leverages the best opportunities of each platform? You’ve come to the right place! Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is a cross-platform campaign? Cross-platform campaigns are social media campaigns run across multiple platforms. They meet your audience where they’re at with messaging tailored to each platform that generates awareness, int...

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9Feb By Leah GolobNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok

20 Instagram Post Ideas to Boost Engagement

Instagram is still one of the hottest spots online to connect with customers — if you’ve got good Instagram post ideas. Even Gen Z still thinks Instagram is cool. Research shows that most prefer it to other platforms — and that includes TikTok. 90% of Instagram users say they follow at least one business, which means brands have a chance to connect to strengthen relationships with current customers and pique the interest of potential ones. Since adult Instagram users are on the platform for nearly 30 minutes per day, you’ll want to drum up some creative Instagram posts to capture the attention of your followers. To help, we’ve created a list of 20 Instagram post ideas for business. You’ll want to bookmark this page for when you’re trying to ignite the creative spark. Bonus: Download a fre...

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20Jan By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

How to Manage Multiple Social Media Accounts (and Stay Calm)

If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce work stress when you manage multiple social media accounts for clients — or for your own business — you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through the easiest ways to manage, monitor, and collaborate on all the (many) social accounts you use every day. Bonus: Download our free, customizable social media calendar template to easily plan and schedule all your content in advance. The benefits of having multiple social media accounts As you’ll see later in this post, most people have more than one social media account. Why? For the average user, each network serves a different purpose. For example, reading news stories is the third-most common reason for using social media. Hootsuite and We Are Social, The Global State of Digital 202...

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11Jan By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

A Simple Guide to Set You Up For Success

Did you know Pinterest users spend twice as much shopping every month compared to non-Pinners? Ka-ching! Pinterest is unique among social platforms because its users are — largely — going there to discover new products, and they respond well to ads. Pinterest offers a mix of free and paid advertising tools, and combining both can earn you 3x more conversions and twice the ROI on your ad spend, versus paid ads alone. Plus, Pinterest has one of the lowest CPCs in social media advertising. Sounds amazing, right? Buckle up as we dive into everything you need to know about Pinterest ads, from ad formats and specs to creative ad examples to inspire you. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches you how to make money on Pinterest in six easy steps using the tools you already have. What are the ...

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1Jan By Tres DeanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

What It Is, Why You Should Care and How to Do It Right

Conversational AI can be a major asset to your social media presence. These days, 64% of people say they’d rather message a business than call it. If you’re active on social media and talk to customers on your social channels, that statistic applies to you too. Every month over 1 billion messages are exchanged between people and businesses on Facebook Messenger alone. With all those inquiries and only so many people to tend to them, a chatbot or virtual assistant can be a lifesaver. Conversational AI technology can increase your team’s efficiency and allow more customers to receive the help they need faster. Keep reading to find out how your business can benefit from using a conversational AI tool for social customer service and social commerce. Bonus: Get a free, easy-to-use Customer Ser...

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23Dec By Claire BeveridgeNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

A Guide to Cross-Posting on Social Media (Without Looking Spammy)

Newsflash! Posting on social media doesn’t have to take you all the time in the world. Cross-posting is fast becoming a go-to tactic by savvy social media marketers to save time and resources when scheduling social posts. Whether you’re looking to cross-post from Facebook to Instagram or Twitter to Pinterest, understanding the value of crossposting is the first step in introducing the method to your social media management plans. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is cross-posting? Cross-posting is the process of posting similar content across multiple social media channels. Social media managers use the tactic to help save time and resources. No more crafting a unique social media update for each channel ...

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13Dec By Greg SidesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

9 Social Media Goals to Help Keep Your Strategy on Track

Most businesses have come around to the idea that social media marketing can have immense value for their brand. Unfortunately, businesses aren’t always sure what that value is. That’s where social media goals come in. If making compelling social media content is your specialty, it can be intimidating when you have to translate business speak into social marketing. But all is not lost. With this guide to setting social media goals, you’ll be able to figure out what your company needs — even when your company isn’t sure what it needs. Bonus: Get a free social media analytics report template that shows you the most important metrics to track for each network. What are social media goals? A social media goal is a statement about what you want to achieve with your marketing activity. The goa...

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3Dec By Michelle MartinNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

The Complete Guide for Marketers

Before you finish reading the words Twitter analytics and doze off, stay with me, this is important for your business. The secret to unlocking your social media growth potential is in your Twitter analytics. Seriously. Keep reading to find out what your audience wants, identify your best-performing Tweets and unlock the key insights that will help you refine your social media marketing strategy. In this complete guide to Twitter analytics, you’ll learn: The most important Twitter metrics to track Why you should track them 5 tools that will save time and speed up growth And, how the heck to even use Twitter Analytics Bonus: Get a free social media analytics report template that shows you the most important metrics to track for each network. What are Twitter analytics? Twitter Analytics ...

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23Nov By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

What is Social Listening, Why it Matters, and 10 Tools to Make it Easier

If you don’t have a social listening strategy in place, you’re missing out on some of the most valuable data available to help build your business. In fact, nearly two-thirds of marketers agree that social listening has increased in value in the last year. Social media listening tools allow you to build a solid understanding of exactly how customers and potential customers think about you by analyzing what they say on social channels. You can also learn what they think about the competition. This is incredible market research readily available in real-time—as long as you know how to access it. Bonus: Download a free guide to learn how to use social media listening to boost sales and conversions today. No tricks or boring tips—just simple, easy-to-follow instructions that really work. Wha...

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14Nov By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

How to Use TikTok for Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

At a glance, it might seem like TikTok is simply a platform for comedy sketches and dancing moms, but the business opportunities on TikTok are juicy. After all, TikTok has 1 billion monthly active users. It’s the place to see and be seen, which means ample opportunity for brands to engage with audiences in a whole new way. And with the launch of TikTok Shopping, the commercial potential here only continues to grow. Follow the lead of the big brands who are already optimizing the potential of TikTok, and tap into trending topics and hashtag challenges, experiment with TikTok live streams, or play around with editing tools and trending sounds to create high-energy short-form videos that represent your business. It can feel overwhelming, though, especially if you’re new to the platform. So co...

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28Oct By Greg SidesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

A Step by Step Guide

Getting verified on Facebook can be a daunting process, but you don’t have to go into it blind. These tips on how to verify a Facebook Business Page, personal Page, or profile will help you put your best foot forward when you apply for that blue verification badge. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches you how to turn Facebook traffic into sales in four simple steps using Hootsuite. What is Facebook verification? Facebook verification is the process of getting an account or Page verified to show other users that it represents your authentic presence on the platform. A blue checkmark badge appears next to a verified account’s name: Source: @newyorker on Facebook Verifying social media accounts began with Twitter in 2009 as a way to mark genuine accounts of public figures or notab...

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19Oct By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Create a Social Media Strategy in 9 Steps (Free Template)

A social media strategy is a summary of everything you plan to do and hope to achieve on social media. It guides your actions and lets you know whether you’re succeeding or failing. The more specific your plan is, the more effective it will be. Keep it concise. Don’t make it so lofty and broad that it’s unattainable or impossible to measure. In this post, we’ll walk you through an eight-step plan to create a winning social media marketing strategy of your own. Bonus: Get a free social media strategy template to quickly and easily plan your own strategy. Also use it to track results and present the plan to your boss, teammates, and clients. What is social media marketing? Social media marketing is the practice of using social media channels to sell or promote a brand, product or service. ...

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11Oct By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

72 Free Instagram Story Templates (And How to Use Them)

Want your brand’s Instagram Stories to look clean, polished and consistently stylish? Instagram Stories templates are the way to go. The truth is, most of your favorite brands probably already use them. But really, it’s no surprise they want to make their Stories look good: half a billion users interact with Instagram Stories daily, and 58% of people say their interest in a brand or product increased after seeing it in Stories. If you’re not using this Insta feature to put your best foot forward, you’re going to miss out. In this post, we’ll show you how to use Instagram Stories templates to wow your audience and showcase your best content. We’ve also included a designer pack of 72 customizable templates that will boost the look of your Stories right away. Download your free pack of 72 cu...

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20Sep By Joy HawkinsNo Comments

googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, Strategy

Do Images Impact Ranking on Google? [Case Study]

Posted Sep 20, 2021 by Joy Hawkins We have been doing a lot of testing around images in the last year at Sterling Sky.  You can read about the tests we did on geotagging photos and the cover photo you select in Google My Business.  For this test, we wanted to measure how the photos you use on your website impact your organic ranking on Google. TLDR; According to this case study: Larger/better quality photos are better for ranking Having a photo that matches what Google is looking for can have a positive impact on ranking.  Having a photo that doesn’t match can have a negative impact. How much images contribute to ranking likely varies based on the query or industry. The Case Study There was a pag...

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20Sep By Kerri DonaldsonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Get Followers on TikTok for Free: 11 Top Tips

Want to know the secret to getting a lot of followers on TikTok? We don’t blame you! With 689 million global active users as of January 2021, everyone and their grandmothers are on TikTok. Having lots of followers can mean a direct line to your business’s target audience –a connection that most marketing strategists only dream of—so making sure your audience can find you is key. So, how do you make yourself “findable”? And better yet, “followable”? Spoiler alert: it’s not so straightforward. If it were, we’d all have gone viral by now. And don’t be fooled by apps that let you buy bots and fake followers. This will only feed your ego and do nothing for your brand awareness. The following tips will show you how to get more followers on TikTok the honest way. Bonus: Download the free 10-Day R...

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12Sep By Paul SuddonNo Comments

ai bot, ai chat, ai chatbot, best chatbot, chatbot, chatbot ai, chatbot app, chatbot online, chatbot website, churn-prediction, conversation with ai, creating chatbots, data, data-visualization, Marketing, robot chat, Strategy

Preventing Customer Churn with the Right Kind of Data Analysis | by Paul Suddon

When I was a young student and short on cash one Summer, I got a job with a lesser-known comparison line. My job was to take phone calls from the irate British public and convince them to change their telecoms package. You would think that this would be difficult, especially as they were normally coming from your main brand providers and all my company had to offer were companies that, up until that stage, I had never heard of, nor the customer. Well, it turns out that it wasn’t, when people want to leave a company, they really just want to leave.What surprised me though was that most of the callers had been with their provider for a long time and up until this stage had been happy with their service. And, their reasons for leaving were normally easily fixable on the part of the provider. ...

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10Sep By Greg SidesNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

18 iPhone Photography Tips You Need to Know

Even though we’re all carrying around phones with professional-quality cameras these days, not all of us know how to take professional-quality photos. Learning how to take professional photos with your iPhone is good for more than just expressing yourself better. Great photos can help you get noticed on social media — both humans and social media algorithms appreciate interesting visual content. Use these 18 iPhone photography tricks to elevate your game. Bonus: Download our free, customizable social media calendar template to easily plan and schedule all your content in advance. iPhone photography: Composition tips Composition refers to how the visual elements are arranged in your photo. One step towards taking professional iPhone photos is learning a few tips to improve your compositio...

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31Aug By Paige CooperNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, youtube

How to Add a Link to Instagram Stories (RIP Swipe Up Link)

Want to add a link to your Instagram Story? We have good news and bad news. (And then more good news!) The good news is that even though Instagram has retired its swipe-up feature, you can still add links to Stories using Instagram link stickers. The bad news is that, so far, you still need 10,000 subscribers or a verified account to get access to link stickers. Which leads us to the OTHER good news: we have a simple hack to add a link even if you don’t have access to link stickers, yet! Read on for all the steps. Download your free pack of 20 customizable Instagram Stories templates now. Save time and look professional while promoting your brand in style. Wait, what was the Instagram swipe up feature? The Instagram swipe up feature helped brands and influencers reach their audiences and...

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20Aug By Laura WongNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

How to Make Money as a Freelance Social Media Manager

Working as a freelance social media manager can provide a lot of freedom. Luckily, social media management can be done from anywhere, as long as you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection. If you already have some experience under your belt, it’s quick and easy to get started as a freelancer. (Keep reading to find out how to get started in just four steps.) Whether you’re an established social media manager interested in becoming a freelancer, or a business looking to hire one, we’ve outlined the rates, best practices, and key requirements of the role below. Bonus: Customize our free, professionally designed resume templates to land your dream social media job today.  Download them now. What is a freelance social media manager? A freelance social media manager is a social media marke...

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9Aug By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Determine Influencer Rates in 2021

You might know your favorite Instagram influencers’s preferred brand of dog food, the messy details of their last breakup or what’s in their medicine cabinet. But there’s one piece of information that rarely makes it into an Instagram story: how much that influencer is being paid. The global influencer market is a $13.8 billion global industry. But what cut of that is your average, non-Kylie Jenner influencer getting per post? Creating branded content involves time, labour, skill, and production costs. And those things aren’t paid for with products and freebies. And paying the right price pays off. But what is the right price? Read on to find the best formula for calculating rates, the ballpark cost of different types of posts, and other factors that might affect influencer pricing for you...

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2Aug By Carrie HillNo Comments

googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, Marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services, Strategy

Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Email Marketing for SMBs

Posted Aug 2, 2021 by Carrie Hill Your Small Business Competitors Suck at Email Marketing. …or they do it completely wrong. …or they don’t even do it. And this means with a little bit of planning and effort, you can get some big wins with this tactic. Why Email Marketing for SMBs? I have long been a proponent of any amount of time a small business can spend growing and cultivating an exceptional email marketing presence and leveraging that content across multiple channels and opportunities. The issue for small businesses has always been time, consistency, and content. Image via AlphaInvestors.com & Oberlo The truth is, a list of 70 past customers, or a list of 10,000 leads and customers are bot...

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28Jul By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

The Complete Guide to Using Instagram Stories for Business in 2021

More than 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day. And those Instagram users have a keen eye for new products and trends. 58% say they’ve become more interested in a product or brand after seeing it in Stories. And half say they’ve actually visited a website to buy a product or service after seeing it in Stories. So perhaps it’s no surprise that 4 million businesses advertise on Stories every month. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to use Instagram Stories for business. Download your free pack of 20 customizable Instagram Stories templates now. Save time and look professional while promoting your brand in style. How to use Instagram Stories Instagram Stories are vertical, full-screen photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. They appear a...

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7Jul By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

Everything You Need to Know

Gone are the days of single-channel marketing. Instead, marketers now have access to multiple contact points across various channels. And customers expect businesses to use all of them to offer the best experience. SMS marketing can be an effective complement to social marketing, allowing you to reach customers—and potential customers—in real-time with targeted and effective messaging. Let’s look at what SMS marketing is and how you can incorporate it into your marketing strategy. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is SMS marketing? SMS marketing is the practice of sending marketing messages by text message. It’s a form of opt-in marketing that requires contacts to subscribe. This differentiates it from s...

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27Jun By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

The Complete Guide for Business

Facebook Messenger is one of the most important messaging apps brands use to connect with customers worldwide. Every month, businesses exchange more than 20 billion messages with people on Messenger. Messaging is now a preferred way to talk to a business when it comes to customer service. Some 64% of people across age groups say they’d rather message a business than call or email. But text messaging apps aren’t just support tools. Many businesses have used Facebook Messenger marketing to drive results across the customer journey—from building awareness to securing sales. In this guide, we cover how to use Facebook Messenger for all your business needs. Plus, we include tips and best practices for your next Facebook Messenger marketing campaign. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches yo...

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17Jun By Karin OlafsonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, pinterest, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

A Quick and Simple Guide for Every Network

Whichever social media platforms your brand uses as part of its social media strategy, knowing how to use hashtags will help boost your brand’s social media reach and engagement. But if you’re sticking with #ThrowbackThursday posts on Twitter, unsure of how else to use hashtags, stay right here. Your brand can do a lot more. This post breaks down the basics of effectively using hashtags on social media and why you should use them. You’ll also learn: how to find hashtags that will work best for your brand why using only popular hashtags isn’t the right approach essential tips for using hashtags on every social media platform out there Let’s get started. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. What is a hashtag? A ...

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5Jun By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Create Beautiful Instagram Carousel Posts (Free Templates)

Instagram carousel posts are one of the most engaging formats on social media right now. Hootsuite’s own social media team finds that, on average, their carousel posts get 1.4x more reach and 3.1x more engagement than regular posts on Instagram. The temptation to swipe left, it seems, is hard to resist—especially when there’s a persuasive cover slide. Give your followers the chance to stop doomscrolling and start swoonscrolling with thumb-stopping carousel posts. Bonus: Get 5 free, customizable Instagram carousel templates and start creating beautifully designed content for your feed now. What is an Instagram carousel post? An Instagram carousel is a post with multiple photos or videos that can be viewed by swiping or clicking left. Up to 10 images or videos can be added and shared a...

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25May By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

The Complete List of Social Media Holidays (2021 Edition)

Organic reach is pretty hard to find for brands in 2021, with the rare exception of social media holidays. When coupled with the right hashtag, these holidays provide businesses with an occasion to reach a like-minded crowd. Who makes social media holidays up? Some days are the byproducts of marketing campaigns. Some were declared by official organizations such as the United Nations. Others seem to have been manifested by the sheer absurdity of the Internet. Some days have multiple holidays, such as May 7, which happens to be National Beer Day in the United States and World Health Day. Some days are about serious issues, other days are National Just Because Day (August 27). Some are strictly social media holidays, while many are holidays off social media, too. Not every social media holida...

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13May By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

7 Ways for Social Marketers to Avoid Social Media Burnout

The fuse of a social media manager burns at both ends. Most people experience social media burnout and workplace fatigue at some point. But social media managers often feel the burn of both at the same time. For social media professionals, self-care tips smack a little differently. How do you unplug when being plugged in is your job? Can you actually downward dog your way out of a downward spiral? Where do you schedule a “digital detox” into the daily grind? i'd be interested to know if the events of the past few years, especially 2020-present, have any other social media managers considering changing careers. i don't know how much longer i can do this. — amy b (@arb) January 7, 2021 The need to address social media burnout is urgent as pressures mount, conditions worsen, and the number ...

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11May By Colan NielsenNo Comments

GMB, googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, Strategy, Tips

How Does Google My Business Handle Solo Practitioner Listings?

Posted May 11, 2021 by Colan Nielsen In our April LocalU event, I covered Shades Of Grey: Controversial Local SEO Tactics that Drive Results. I covered tactics ranging from keyword stuffing to review snippets in the organic search results. There were several tactics that didn’t make the final cut. One of those tactics was if solo practitioners should have two listings on Google My Business. Google recommends that solo practitioners have 1 listing that combines the name of the practice with the name of the practitioner.  For example, “Allstate Insurance: Bob Smith”.  However, it’s not actually a violation of the guidelines for solo practitioners to have a separate listing for themself as well as a s...

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3May By Karin OlafsonNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

20 of the Best Instagram Apps for Brands

If you’re already using Instagram for business, you’re probably aware of the countless benefits of using this social media platform as a marketing tool. Yes, Instagram itself provides marketers tons of useful functionality. But sometimes you need a little extra help to take things to the next level. That’s where Instagram apps come in. Here, we’ve compiled the best Instagram apps for: Photo editing. These are apps that help you edit, resize and add filters to your photos. Layout and design. These apps help your brand add interesting elements like collages and graphics. Video tools. These apps elevate how your brand captures, designs, and edits videos. Audience engagement, analytics, and data. Use Instagram apps to track how your brand is engaging with your audience and monitor your conten...

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27Apr By Colan NielsenNo Comments

GMB, googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, New Feature, pagerank, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, Strategy, Tips

Do Google My Business Identity Attributes Impact Ranking? SterlingSky.ca

Posted Apr 27, 2021 by Colan Nielsen Last October, Joy covered 4 Google My Business Fileds That Impact Ranking on a Whiteboard Friday. The four fields Joy covered were: Business Name Categories Website Reviews Up until recently, those were the only features inside the GMB dashboard that had a direct impact on ranking. As of this month, we discovered a fifth feature that has a direct impact on ranking in the 3-pack and Google Maps – Identity Attributes. Key Takeaway: GMB Identity Attributes have a strong impact on ranking for keywords related to the attribute. What are Identity Attributes? If you log in to your GMB dashboard, navigate to the “Info” tab, and select the edit button beside “From the ...

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9Apr By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, youtube

Everything You Need to Know About LinkedIn Video

Since the launch of LinkedIn native video in 2017, LinkedIn has proven that it’s more than just a platform for long-form B2B content. In one year, LinkedIn video posts generated more than 300 million impressions on the platform. They also earn an average of three times the engagement of text posts. Plus, early findings from LinkedIn’s beta program show that LinkedIn native videos are five times more likely than other content to start a conversation among LinkedIn members. Impressive engagement stats aside, video marketing has been shown to boost revenue across social platforms. According to Aberdeen Group, brands that use video marketing grow their revenue 49 percent faster than companies that don’t. Ready to get on board yet? This guide will cover everything you need to know about LinkedI...

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28Mar By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, pinterest, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter

23 Pinterest Statistics That Matter to Marketers in 2021

Pinterest statistics are an essential component of marketing strategies both on and off the platform. At a glimpse, they help marketers understand Pinterest audiences and identify trending content. Social media statistics are widely shared in marketing circles online. But not every stat is relevant, reliable and up to date. We’ve rounded up the Pinterest stats that matter based on the latest data pulled straight from the source. Bonus: Download a free guide that teaches you how to make money on Pinterest in six easy steps using the tools you already have. General Pinterest stats See how Pinterest stats measure up against other social media networks and beyond. 1. Pinterest is the 14th largest social network in the world As of January 2021, Pinterest ranks as the 14th largest platform i...

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16Mar By Leah GolobNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

How to Use Facebook Stories for Business: The Complete Guide

From swapping faces on Snapchat to sharing water cooler moments on LinkedIn, Stories have made their mark on most, if not all, of today’s leading social platforms. Facebook Stories is no exception. The visual, immersive appeal of Stories has won over a wide range of demographics, including those who continue to use Facebook as one of their go-to social media channels. The platform remains a powerhouse when it comes to building and maintaining relationships, with no signs of slowing down. Approximately 500 million people are using Facebook Stories daily. It’s pretty clear that despite the ephemeral nature of Stories, they provide lasting impact. And, they’ve been shown to be just as good at driving brand lift as Facebook feeds and Instagram Stories. After viewing a business’ Story, 58% of p...

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10Mar By Joy HawkinsNo Comments

googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services, Strategy

Should I Pay Annually for the Local Data Aggregators? 3 Things We Learned.

Posted Mar 9, 2021 by Joy Hawkins There are several reputable companies that offer services with an annual fee that are designed to keep your online local directory listings up-to-date.  One way of doing this is to focus specifically on the major local data aggregators that push information out to tons of different websites. We did an experiment to see what happens if you sign up for one of the annual data provider services and cancel it a year later.  Not renewing caused wrong information to come back. When we did the experiment, the listing on Acxiom (which is no longer an active aggregator) did revert back to the wrong name after we chose not to renew the package annually.  When I ran this by ...

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4Mar By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter

Does Saying “Link in Bio” Affect Your Instagram Post Performance? (Experiment)

Rumors have been swirling around the internet water cooler lately: Are posts that include the words “link in bio” in the caption less favored by the Instagram algorithm? As much as we love some juicy gossip here at Hootsuite HQ, we love cold, hard, social media facts even more. So we decided to do a little experiment, put this theory to the test and find out the truth, once and for all. Read on to unpack our experiment and learn whether “link in bio” is a momentum killer or not. Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a lifestyle photographer used to grow from 0 to 600,000 followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear. Hypothesis: Including “link in bio” in your caption decreases Instagram post performance The fact that Instagram doesn’t allow clickabl...

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20Feb By Stacey McLachlanNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy

7 Ways to Design Your Instagram Grid Layout Like a Pro

Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from endlessly scrolling through your feed — and endlessly scroll through someone’s individual Instagram page instead. Welcome to The Grid. Lined up neat rows of three, each Instagram post suddenly is part of a bigger picture. A peek into a user’s soul… or at least their content strategy. And Instagram power users know just how to work this viewpoint to their advantage, with artfully planned posts that, together, create a gorgeous Instagram grid layout. If you haven’t thought about what your own rows of squares add up to, it’s about time. Here’s all you need to know about building an attention-grabbing Instagram grid to grow your following and engagement. Bonus: Get 5 free, customizable Instagram carousel templates and start creating beautifully designe...

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10Feb By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, twitter, youtube

Tips and Tools to Do it Right

Social media customer service is the practice of using social tools to resolve customer questions or concerns. Social customer support is highly effective because it allows customers to reach your team on the platforms they already use. Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide with pro tips on how to grow your social media presence. Social media customer service stats Why should you incorporate social media customer service solutions into your business plan? It’s simple: People want brands to offer social media customer support. 1 billion messages are exchanged between people and businesses every month on Facebook Messenger. 70% of people expect to message businesses more in the future for customer service questions. 64% of people would rather message than call a busines...

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2Feb By Colan NielsenNo Comments

GMB, googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, Strategy

[Quiz Result] Are Appointment-Only Businesses Allowed a GMB Listing?

Posted Feb 2, 2021 by Colan Nielsen We had 817 people answer this question in our 2020 Local SEO Blackbelt Quiz. The correct answer is yes. Here’s how the answers broke down. Google My Business currently doesn’t have an option for hours to allow businesses to indicate they are available by appointment only.  If a business is appointment-only, Google states that it shouldn’t provide hours on their listing. For example, the home-based massage therapist can set themselves up as a storefront as long as they don’t set business hours because they don’t want people walking up without making an appointment.  If the customers are coming to the massage therapist’s house they would want to keep the address v...

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31Jan By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

Important User Stats for Marketers

Instagram demographics give marketers a way to get to know the people behind the numbers. And with more than one billion people on the social network across the globe, there’s a lot of people to get to know. Demographic insights should inform your Instagram marketing strategy, especially if you’re new to the platform. You can also use demographics to compare your current Instagram audience to audiences you’d like to reach, whether through organic marketing or Instagram ads. Learn about age, location, gender, and other Instagram demographics so you can tailor your strategy and content for the right audience. Download the complete Digital 2021 report—which includes online behavior data from 220 countries—to learn where to focus your social marketing efforts and how to better target your aud...

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19Jan By Colan NielsenNo Comments

googe optimize, google optimization, google seo, Marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services, Strategy, Tips

Should a Small Business Have a Blog in 2021?

Posted Jan 19, 2021 by Colan Nielsen Should a small business have a blog? This is a question that we get asked all the time by both business owners and marketing agencies. Carrie Hill posed this question to the Twitterverse in November.   Here’s a controversial topic – Local SEOs – should local businesses that have a fixed, geographic area they serve, blog (given they write content approx. 1x a month.) We’re discussing at the @LocalSearchLink https://t.co/knZVRfsKlh#localseo #localuPlease vote/share! — Carrie Hill 🗺️🎙️ (@CarrieHill) November 16, 2020  What is the Value of a Blog for Local SEO (A Discussion)? A lengthy and insightful discussion was started at the Loca...

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19Jan By Katie SehlNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, reddit, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

“Water Cooler” Moments in a Remote Work World?

LinkedIn Stories is the career network’s latest pitch to reach a younger demographic. The feature could help your company reach that audience, too. Released in September, stories may be new to LinkedIn, but they’re not new to social media. First popularized by Snapchat, disappearing posts have been replicated as Instagram and Facebook Stories, YouTube Stories—and most recently, Twitter Fleets. Short-form social video ismore popular than ever. Instagram Stories counts 500 million daily active users worldwide. More than 10 million people in the U.S. log on to TikTok everyday. Microsoft, LinkedIn’s parent company, even attempted to acquire TikTok last year. But will the off-the-cuff format click with young professionals on LinkedIn? According to a post by LinkedIn’s senior product manager Gil...

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7Jan By Christina NewberryNo Comments

facebook, facebook marketing, instagram, linkedin, snapchat, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing, Strategy, tiktok, twitter, youtube

44 Instagram Statistics That Matter to Marketers in 2021

2020 was a year of new developments at Instagram, with some interesting new Instagram statistics emerging along the way. Now much more than a photo-sharing platform, Instagram has launched a ton of features to help businesses market and sell directly from the app. As you plan your Instagram marketing strategy for 2021, it’s important to know the latest facts about this very popular social network. To make sure you’re working with the right information, we’ve compiled all the most important Instagram stats you need to be aware of this year. Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a lifestyle photographer used to grow from 0 to 600,000 followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear. Fast stats for instagram 1. Instagram turned 10 years old in 2020 Instagr...

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