Social Good Archives | My Social Media Network

Posted by Patrick

5 Social Media Trends We’re Excited to See in 2017

May 19, 2017Advertising, Business Tips, Content Marketing, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products, Uncategorized 0

TRENDS 2017 businessman work hard hand touch

2017 is here, and that means there are sure to be a whole slew of brand new technologies, trends and innovative ways in which marketers will be promoting their business this year. We’ve scoured the web to find out more in terms of what we’re to expect this year, and we’ve found some exciting new trends that we’d love to share with you so that you too are in the loop with the latest and greatest in digital marketing to date.

AI Lenses for Instagram and Facebook

Much like the Snapchat filters, Instagram and Facebook are now working on AI Lenses for profile pictures that are sure to rival the ever-popular filters on Snapchat, according to Sprout Social. Thanks to the popular Snapchat stories, this trend isn’t going away anytime soon, and we should be seeing much more of it overall social media platforms this year.

More Growth for Snapchat

Last year Snapchat experienced an enormous amount of growth to reach a total of 150 million daily users in 2016, with 41% of US adults aged 18-34 being users.

Automation Turns into Social Media Management

Businesses are starting to see the value in real-time posting and engagement for their social media platforms across the board. This is showing business owners and marketers alike that there is much more value in hiring a social media management firm to actively manage all social media accounts in more real-time than setting up everything with automation, so that it is basically on auto-pilot. Opportunities for reaching more people, getting in on what’s most current, trending and up to date, and being more responsive to followers in real-time is going to be essential in 2017.

Paid Content is King

2017 Trends

Navigating the ever-changing algorithms over Facebook and Instagram have forced marketers into boosting and promoting content in order to reach more people. This trend isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. If businesses want to reach more people, advertising their content over platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are going to be essential. It will also help to pair this effort with the expertise of a local search engine optimization firm to reach even more people over the Internet, and gain maximum exposure for not only your content, but your company website as well.

Social Media Expertise Demand at an All-Time High

Nine out of ten companies currently report that their employees lack the skill sets needed to effectively execute social media management and marketing in an overall effective way. This is going to push companies to start considering outsourcing their social media management to an experienced marketing firm. This will save companies time, and even money when it comes to managing their social media efforts in a manner that will not only drive sales, leads and ROI, but build a loyal following that is sure to stick with them for years to come.

Social media is constantly changing, which is also changing the way that businesses must market themselves. Gone will be the days of in-house marketing if companies truly want to get an edge above their competition and become power houses over social media and the Internet. For more information, or a detailed quote, call (619) 291-8181 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Patrick

3 New Year’s Marketing Resolutions for 2017

May 19, 2017Advertising, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Marketing Campaigns, Mobile, Pinterest, ROI in Social Media, SEO, Social Good, Social Media 0

We’re nearly two weeks into 2017, and that means it’s still time to start making and working on some new year’s resolutions that are really going to stick and turn your life around for the better this year. The same can be said for your small business. There are so many new technologies and programs available today when it comes to marketing and promoting yourself, that it may seem overwhelming to know where to start. But nevertheless, if you aren’t marketing your small business in 2017 in new and exciting ways, how do you expect your business to grow? That’s why we’ve come up with a handy dandy list of new year’s marketing resolutions for your small business in 2017.

Revamp Your Website

January is the perfect time to take a look at your website and decide which pages and graphics, messages, etc. need to be updated, and which things can completely go. Giving your website a fresh new look in 2017 is a great way to attract more leads and potential customers. Be sure to hire the right San Diego website design firm who will take the time and attention it takes to ensure that every detail of your website is psychologically designed in a way that will attract more viewers, and bring them into your storefront or office.

Search Engine Optimization

The Internet is changing all of the time, and if you’re not keeping up with SEO, you may not even be visible in the vast digital jungle that is the web. Be sure to hire a professional search engine optimization firm that will not only help you reach the top of Google search pages, but also optimize your SEO in San Diego so you’re targeting customers nearby. Local search optimization is just as, if not more, important than overall SEO–depending upon your business and industry.

Boost Your Social Media Efforts

It’s always a good idea to make sure your social media content is current and up-to-date. If you want to grow a social following, be sure you’re posting relevant content your followers want to see on a consistent basis. Third party articles from companies you’d like to strategically align with are helpful. You may also want to refresh your profile and background images. Be sure to post content that is behind the scenes, without being too personal, and to mix in a bit of fun with your business-related information. Custom graphics, infographics, links to your website, videos and blogs are essential for social media, and not just on Facebook. LinkedIn is great for B2B marketing, while Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube are growing fast. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with navigating the ever-changing social media world, we are here to help. We offer social media management services that are sure to save you time, while increasing your following and overall profits. We can even create ads for your own personal Facebook and Instagram campaigns.

In this new digital age, it’s essential for small and large businesses alike to jump on the social media bandwagon. Whether you enjoy social media or not, there are billions of people around the globe who do, and it’s taking over the way that marketing and advertising is conducted moving forward. Therefore, we are here for you, and would love a chance to help make 2017 the best year yet for your San Diego business. For more information, or a detailed quote, call (619) 291-8181 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Patrick

Small Businesses: 5 Tips to Improve Your Real-Time Engagement via Social Media

May 19, 2017Blogging, Business Tips, Content Marketing, Facebook, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products 0

real time engagement (Small) (2)

It’s always a good idea for your business, whether it’s big or small, to have more person-to-person contact with your audience on social media. This is the very best way to let them know what your company is all about, and to demonstrate to the masses that you are an active, authoritative voice within your selected industry.

It’s also a great way for you to demonstrate concern about what matters to your audience, so that the perception of your company is that of a caring and involved one. All these factors contribute to generating customer loyalty and appreciation for your particular brand name. For expert advice on this, contact the SEO San Diego specialists, and in the meantime, here are some ways you can increase your real-time engagement with audience members through the social media:

Develop a comprehensive customer engagement policy – invest in getting all employees and all departments within your company on the same page about the importance of social media interaction, especially that it needs to be more than a forum for making announcements or having one-way conversations. Customers have very high expectations today – typically one-hour response time – and when their concerns and needs aren’t addressed quickly, they will simply jump ship and continue browsing. Make sure you have the necessary resources to handle real-time customer engagement, whether that be with better-trained employees, or the appropriate tools for managing social media.

Generate meaningful conversations via Google+ – you can create Google+ Circles that your followers will find informative and relevant to their lives, and after having shared the Circle on Google+, you can place it on Twitter or other social media, and then on your blog post as well. The real value of this is that it lets your company connect with all those people in the Google+ Circle you created, which means you’re building an audience. You can also use Google+ Communities and Google+ Hangouts where they fit your company’s industry, and if there are none that fit, it would still be worth your while to create a brand-new one.

Stay involved using LinkedIn groups – LinkedIn Groups are similar to Google+ Communities in that they provide opportunities for you to join discussion groups relative to your company industry, and by participating as an authority, you can generate interest in your company’s services and products for anyone who might be interested.

Invite Pinterest followers to pin on your board – by inviting others to post pins on your Pinterest board, you are encouraging direct interaction with your company, and at the same time providing them with an opportunity to learn about your business and what you have to offer.

Be creative with Instagram hashtags – when you create a #hashtag in Instagram and encourage others to submit their photos, it’s a great way to show how personable you are, and it helps you to stand out from the crowd somewhat. By featuring some of these photos on your company’s Instagram account, you can enlarge your audience and show how directly involved you are with that community. It also demonstrates that your social media presence goes beyond just pushing information out, and that you’re willing to receive it as well.

If you need other digital marketing advice from a search engine optimization firm, or about San Diego website design, contact the talented professionals at San Diego’s premier digital marketing agency, MySMN. For more information, or a detailed quote call (619) 291-8181 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Patrick

Hottest Social Media Trends for Summer 2016

May 19, 2017Business Tips, Marketing Campaigns, Mobile, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products, Social Media for Hospitality, Social Media for Party Planners, Social Media for Restaurants, Social Media For Retail Businesses, Social Media predictions, Socially Connected, Strategic Planning, Strategy 0

Summer has arrived, and warm temps don’t mean that it’s time to take a break from your marketing campaign. Quite the opposite. As more and more folks take some much-needed time off from work, you can bet that they’ll be sharing their joy on social media. This is where you want to be as well. Here are the latest trends in the social media universe that you can leverage for your business marketing efforts this summer.

Not Your Grandma’s Video

We’ve been told for years that video is essential for marketing. Now with over a billion users worldwide, Live Stream YouTube has revolutionized video marketing to the masses. Yet, a new phenomenon is sweeping the planet and is pushing internet surfers and marketers alike to up their video game, so to speak: live video streaming. We’re no longer satisfied with simply watching recorded videos but crave the authentic live experience that is broadcast through Apps like Periscope and Meerkat – one of the hottest social media trends today. Periscope, owned by Twitter, is now broadcasting over 40 years worth of video daily. Before you start ambushing customers and live streaming, you may wish to strategize with some social media experts.

Snapchat for Business

Snapchat, as much as you want it to be, is no longer just for teenagers. However, if your customer base is on the younger side, this is a marketing channel to example closely. According to Snapchat stats, 71% of users are under the age of 34, and there are over 100 million active users of the App. This is an App that can be leveraged for video marketing and short messages to reach untapped markets, particularly if your target market fits these demographics.

Social Commerce

Consumers are becoming less and less patient, and would prefer not to click through three separate screens to buy your product if it’s appealing. Fortunately, many of the social media platforms have heard the call, and various commerce-focused features have been implemented to allow the consumer to hit that “Buy” button sooner, rather than later. Facebook and Pinterest introduced these features in 2015, Twitter has been testing a “buy” button, and Instagram is expected to follow suit shortly.

Influencer Marketing

What used to be called word-of-mouth marketing is now termed “influencer marketing.” Same thing. Not only has the name changed, but its importance has gone through the roof. In fact, Nielson estimates that over 90% of consumers trust recommendations of friends and family over an advertising message. So, not only do those Yelp reviews and social media comments about your company matter, but your immediate response to them and prompt resolution of issues matters just as much.

Mobile Rules

It’s no longer “a plus” that your website, blog, and social media buttons are mobile friendly. Today, this is a must if you wish to survive in business. In 2016, it’s estimated that 2 billion consumers worldwide own smartphones, and mobile traffic overtook desktop traffic over a year ago. As content on a website is generally linked to social media, be sure that all of your web properties are mobile-friendly.

Social media platforms and their popularity change frequently and often those changes don’t make sense on the surface. Yet, social media marketing and staying on top of social media trends, is an essential element of connecting with customers and reaching untapped markets. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about social media trends and how My Social Marketing Network’s specialized marketing services can help your business get noticed.

Posted by Patrick

Keeping Your Fingers on the Pulse: Ways to Stay Ahead of the Game and Predict Social Media Trends Like a Psychic

May 19, 2017Business Tips, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Marketing Campaigns, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products, Social Media for Hospitality, Social Media for Party Planners, Social Media for Restaurants, Social Media For Retail Businesses, Social Media predictions, Socially Connected, Strategic Planning, Strategy, Twitter, Yelp, YouTube 0

Keeping up with social media trends can be confusing, especially when they seem to change every few months. As Entrepreneur contributor Aaron Agius puts it, “the savvy use of social media” is one of the best methods for building your brand’s authority. Being aware of the latest trends on social media platforms is essential to any business hoping to remain competitive in their market.

Becoming a Social Media Marketing Psychic

Unless you’re a social media marketing consultant, psychic (or both), you probably aren’t keeping up with the hottest trends across the various platforms. If you’re a business owner or marketer, your top priority is likely your own business and industry daily logistics – so how do you stay ahead of the game and still have time to focus on the many other aspects of running your business? One way is to learn how to predict the social media trends before they happen (or predict which ones will continue to be hot). While this may seem like an impossible task, it really can be as simple as paying attention to what has worked recently and developing your marketing strategy from there.

One of the predictions mentioned at Inc.com – regarding which social media platforms would prove to be viable for marketers in 2015 – was based on the success of certain platforms in the prior year. No one could deny that Facebook continued to be a leading choice for both users and marketers in 2015. LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube were the next obvious contenders, based on the percentage of marketers who used them in 2014. Instagram has already surpassed Twitter in terms of growth and popularity since the marketing research from 2014, as it grew to over 400 million users in 2015. The next big social media platform gaining momentum in 2016 in Snapchat, which is currently rivaling Facebook with 4 billion video views on any given day from 200 million active users.

Looking at Social Media Trends for 2015

Clearly, one of the best indications of the social media trends that will be hot in 2016 is the direction in which marketing practices developed in 2015 across popular platforms. Just as SEO practices experienced significant change in 2015, Facebook also implemented changes that affected marketers. The rules for posting marketing content changed considerably, and this will continue to change the way marketers do business on Facebook in 2016.

Social Media Week contributor Nicole Brown agrees that looking at the past is the secret to success in the future. Social marketing trends in lead generation that worked well in the latter part of 2015 are likely to be just as effective throughout 2016.

Keeping Track of Trending Topics

Another way to remain ahead of the game is to follow the trending topics on social media sites. This is not only a wise practice for journalists; it’s also a great way for marketers to learn what subject matter is of most interest to current platform users. Once you know which topics are trending, you can integrate that information with your marketing campaigns – from your social media posts to your email marketing ads.

As it happens, you don’t really need to be a psychic to remain competitive in your marketing efforts. However, you may need to take a look at the most recent social media trends to predict which ones will be viable in the future. If you don’t feel equipped to do this, or simply don’t have the time, you may want to consult a professional whose job is navigating social media platforms for marketers and small business owners.

Posted by Patrick

Say Hello to the Digital Tip

May 19, 2017Blogging, Content Marketing, ROI in Social Media, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products 0

Gone are the days of spending money on newspapers and magazines to get the most interesting, thought-provoking material. Society has shifted from paper publications to the digital world and cloud databases, and we’re finding new sources for our daily news and entertainment. Now that we’re getting our reading materials online, the need for writers has shifted from magazines and newspapers to blogs and social media content creators. We’re even seeing a rise in social media sites designed for sharing personal videos. Do these creatives make money for the entertainment they’re providing? Sometimes yes, but many times they don’t. Thanks to the folks at ChangeTip, content creators are now able to receive compensation from others who like their posts via a digital tip. Vintage Stylized Photo Of Coffee Cup, Diary And Coins On Table I

ChangeTip is a new program that allows users to tip anyone online through bitcoin. Say you stumble upon a blog, a social media post, or a video that you like; with ChangeTip you can choose to either “love” it when a “like” just doesn’t do justice, or you can choose to tip it, and leave a digital tip for the person who posted the content. Digital tips received through bitcoin can be spent at a variety of online and local retailers, or wherever bitcoin is accepted.

The word tips on black keyboard with green key

ChangeTip has made tipping online easy and fun. You can tip in any currency you choose, because ChangeTip is global. There’s also the option of posting Monikers, or pictures of an object, with value assigned to them. For instance, a cookie could mean $2.50, and a glass of wine could mean $5. The possibilities are vast. The process of tipping is easy as well. Users simply mention @changetip in a comment, as well as their phrase or Moniker for the tip, and the person tagged in the comment will receive the bitcoins.

An example of this would be: “Wow, great post @Tanya! This cookie is for you! @changetip.”

Another way to leave a tip could be: “This was such an interesting read @Daniel. Keep it up! $1 @changetip.”

Or, say you pick the phrase “best thing I’ve read all day” to hold tip value, you could leave a tip by writing; “Wow nice job @Sam, best thing I’ve read all day. @changetip.”

ChangeTip believes in using bitcoin to send and receive money. They also believe that creatives such as writers, designers and artists deserve to be compensated a little extra for their efforts, just as we would for a hair dresser, bartender or server. Why not tip for the content we enjoy reading?

If you want some assistance creating tip worthy content, we’d love to discuss your unique digital marketing goals with you. Contact Us today!

Posted by Patrick

What we Learned From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

May 19, 2017Social Good, Uncategorized 0

What We Learned From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

In 2013 the ALS Association, an organization dedicated to providing care options and assistance to those battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease, raised $2.7 million between the period July 29 through August 27. A year later the organization raised $94.3 million for the same period, attributed to what has become known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge, which to date has raised over $114 million toward the cause, has become a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised awareness and attention to ALS but it has also caused organizations to re-evaluate how the power of suggestion and social networks can drive attention to your product or service and create a massive call-to-action. Here is some more information about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and how its success may apply to your situation as you work to increase your impact online.

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was created innocently enough in July 2014 as a challenge between two friends that happened to choose ALS as their charitable beneficiary. The power of networks connected one of the original challengers, Chris Kennedy of Sarasota, Florida, to challenge his wife’s cousin whose husband, Anthony Senerchia, suffered from the disease. What began as a small challenge between friends and family members that was shared via social media became a national and international viral sensation. Digital Marketing Doodle Elements Set

There have been as many detractors regarding the Ice Bucket Challenge as there have been supporters. Many of those who have been critical of the campaign believe that those who participate in the challenge bring attention to themselves as oppose to the cause for which they are broadcasting awareness for. Regardless of the criticism, it cannot be disputed that this type of peer-to-peer marketing brought in measurable results and challenges our norms with regards to messaging and fundraising.

What the Ice Bucket Challenge Teaches Us About the Sharing Economy

If you use social media as a forum for reaching customers and to communicate information about yourself, products or services, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge should provide you with plenty of takeaways for your sales and marketing campaigns. The challenge showed the power of social networks and peer-to-peer connections, which were essential to the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge and the amount of money and attention it raised.

The sharing economy, or peer-to-peer marketing is more likely to appeal to those younger consumers, the very ones that you as a business owner or service provides want to attract. Being able to think outside of the box and utilize the power of tools such as social media in a creative and inventive way is something we all should learn from the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Posted by Patrick

Give into the Holiday Spirit with Social Media

May 19, 2017Blogging, Social Good, Social Media

#GivingTuesday and Social Media

The holidays are finally here, and with it comes the season of giving. While many focus on giving material things, some things that can be gifted are simply matters of time and effort. Giving Tuesday is celebrated as a time of focusing on giving back, and comes after one of the most highly anticipated shopping days of the year: Black Friday. While Black Friday is a great opportunity to stock up on gifts for loved ones, sometimes all someone needs is someone to care.

There are many foundations that could benefit from some donated time, or extra items that can be reused by someone in need. Social media has played a key role in allowing to give back, and to help make the season brighter for those who need it.

The typhoon in the Philippines, for example, was a great example of how social media could be used to help bring aid to those who were most in need of it. Survivors who were able to send out tweets, and Facebook posts which stated their location and how dire their situation was in order to allow aid to find them, and focus efforts on areas that were most in need. They were also able to use social media to let loved ones know they were okay, and communicate with family outside the country.

According to MavSocial, celebrities were able to offer up donations to aid the Typhoon relief fund.

“Popstar Rihanna proves that she isn’t just a party going fashionista by donating $100,000. Not only has Rihanna donated, David Beckham, pop star Robbie Williams, super model Elle Macpherson and Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker all have pledged funds.”

Social Media is truly revolutionary, and has allowed for a larger reach when it comes time for donations, and awareness of projects dedicated to helping those who most need it.

It has come a long way, and the power and resources available at the click of a mouse is undeniable. Foundations, charity efforts, and causes now have a new platform to reach out to.

Let us help you to harness the power of social media, and allow your business to grow. Give your business the gift of social media marketing and make your holiday season brighter.

Posted by Patrick

Purpose of Pinterest Secret Boards

May 19, 2017Business Tips, Pinterest, Social Good, Strategic Planning 0

This past holiday season, Pinterest released its “secret boards”. With these secret baods, users can create up to 3 boards that are only viewable to themselves and its collaborators with given access. What’s the purpose of Pinterest secret boards when company’s social media platforms primary concern is going viral and generating tons of traffic? Pinterest secret boards are not only a brilliant function for personal users but businesses alike if used with the right approach.

For personal users, the purpose of Pinterest secret boards can include acting as a planner for any important events that require the element of surprise. Parties, gift giving, and travel needs extensive planning and may need to be under wraps before being suggested or coordinated. You can build actual structure to your event by building up your idea through Pinterest secret boards before revealing your plans to all your Pinterest followers.

Businesses can utilize Pinterest secret boards for a successful launch of a product. Privacy and timing is crucial in order for a brand new product or service launch to receive maximum exposure. The secret board can serve as a drawing board for the team to communicate and pin essential ideas before their product or service goes public. Also being a part of a secret niche can improve coalition within the team. The secret board can be used to pin a business’s core value, future goals, past mistakes, and improve communication within the team.

Stay up to date with current social media trends and innovations with the MySMN blog. MySMN has the all the right tools, experience, and team to connect your business and leverage your power online.

Posted by Patrick

Common Mistakes In Social Media Marketing

May 19, 2017ROI in Social Media, Social Good, Strategic Planning 0

We are all rookies at some point when it comes to social media and here are common mistakes in social media marketing that you should avoid. Some of you have new businesses and others are trying to save or elevate their existing business. No reader wants you to beat your chest like a gorilla and talk about how great you and your services are. Facebook posts will not be your lifesaver, and purchasing fake Twitter followers will not put money in your pocket or get your business recognition. Most things in life take hard work and dedication; social media marketing is no different. You have to be persistent and put in time and effort.

Here is a list of some of the common mistakes in social media marketing:

Mistake #1: Deleting “negative” comments

This isn’t your personal life on the Internet and not everyone is going to agree with what you do, and what you say, but deleting comments is ignoring an important part of your business. You want to hear and see these comments so you can better your brand and services. Rather than posting a question to get people to leave a comment or respond to, post something that is engaging to your audience while giving them something to think about and share with others. Leave content that people can relate to while building their trust. If someone has something “bad” to say, take that as constructive criticism and become a better business by altering or tweaking systems. Business plans can easily be adjusted in order to avoid common mistakes in social media marketing.

Mistake #2: Mindlessly Posting

Not having enough time in the day to write blogs, create a YouTube video, post on Facebook, respond to emails, or whatever else you try to cram in an 8 hour day is something we all deal with; but auto posting the same content on all of your social media platforms is lazy and mindless. There is no magic button that will give you the exposure you want and post messages on several different social media sites; you have to do it yourself. Don’t create several pages (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Blog, Website, Pinterest, Instagram) if you don’t have time to manage all of them. The President never gives the same speech twice, just as you wouldn’t give the same presentation twice at a board meeting, so do not auto blast. Instead, put time and effort into the pages you do create to avoid mindless posts and other common mistakes in social media marketing.

Mistake #3: Reputation is EVERYTHING

You can add these to the list of common mistakes in social media marketing, but with your reputation always remember this: buying and selling client’s email addresses is not okay. This will kill your reputation because your clients trust that you will not sell their email addresses, unless you ask for permission to do so and the same goes for purchasing them. If you do not have permission to email an individual, why ruin your reputation by emailing them what they consider to be spam?

If you need help in reaching more inboxes or getting higher in the search, My SMN is available and can help you with your goals.

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#GivingTuesday and Social Media

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