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Friday 31 August 2012

Twitter’s Promoted Tweets Are Now Targeted Based on Your Interests

Twitter launched interest-targeting Thursday for promoted tweets. The move allows those with Promoted Tweets and Promoted Accounts to set a list of interests that those accounts and tweets specifically target.

“By targeting people’s topical interests, you will be able to connect with a greater number of users and deliver tailored messages to people who are more likely to engage with your Tweets,” Kevin Weil, Twitter’s director of product management, wrote in a post on the company’s advertising blog.

“When people discover offers and messages about the things they care about on Twitter, it’s good for both marketers and users,” he added.

Marketers can now target more than 350 different types of interest categories ranging from Sports to Style and Fashion. Interest categories can be even more targeting than just the larger umbrella. For instance, if you want to target users under the “Movies and Television” interest you can specify that you are particularly interested in users who like Horror Movies.

If you want to target the ultimate perfect group of users, you can also create custom segments with @usernames or particular events or initiatives that are relevant to what you’re trying to promote.

In the case of targeting an @username, the custom segment will target users that have similar interests to that account’s followers, not just followers of that account.

For instance, a local bar might create a custom segment to promote its new location including people who follow some of the local breweries in the area. While the message may not go out to all of the breweries’ followers, it will likely hit a targeted group of beer lovers from the area who may be interested in grabbing a pint in the new digs.

“We have been testing interest targeting with a select group of beta advertisers. Many have seen significantly increased audience reach; others have creatively defined custom audiences to reach a very specific set of users,” writes Weil.

“Across the board, they are seeing high engagement rates because they are reaching users who are interested in their content. Given these early results, we’re excited to make interest targeting available today to all of our advertising partners,”he adds.

All of Twitter’s Promoted Products are still auction-based, with winners determined by engagement rate and bids. Twitter also lowered the minimum bid for thoe auctions to just a penny on Thursday.

What do you think about interest-targted promotional tweets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Google+ features update

Google are ensuring they keep up with
the social media pack with their new personalised notification features.
Similar to the Facebook ‘hide
feature, Google+ users can now decide which circles they receive notifications
from. This is done through using the volume sliders in an attempt by Google to
improve the ‘signal-to-noise
ratio on the social network
’. Along with this, a feature has been added
enabling users to send emails out to certain circles when they update their
account. This helps to further share one’s information, especially among more
‘select circles’.

Google Product Manager Austin Chang
described the new ways Google+ users can share and discover information in a
recent blog
post
. Chang makes it clear that the purpose of the features is threefold; to
keep users updated with relevant content through the sliders, to enable the
ability to mute other users and to make it easier to share information with
select circles through the ‘Also send email’ box. The move has finally brought
the network in line with the current Facebook model and Google+ users have
largely accepted it, as well as positing certain other additions.
This marks another successive update
from Google who look to be fulfilling some of the potential of their network.
Whilst at this stage it seems to be mostly keeping up with Facebook, Google+
does have the potential to greatly expand. With Facebook keen to boost revenue
at present, due to their plummeting share prices, Google could be quietly
working on their network to give its users the features they require. This has
already seen the custom
URL’s
be added and more are hopefully soon to follow.

Friday 24 August 2012

Swedish Count launches elite social network

One of the pioneering figures of social media, the little known Swedish Count, Erik Wachtmesiter, is back to launch his latest creation, Best of All Worlds.

The new site, which is expected to launch on the 27th August, will be highly exclusive and cater to the more elite levels of society. Naturally the site is invite-only at the moment, claiming around 25,000 members through the 5,000 invitations Wachtmeister initially issued. It is expected to continue in this vain as the network revolves around this exclusivity and seeks to unite the wealthy community pinpointed by Wachtmeister, providing a service that can really support their needs.

Speaking about the network, Wachtmesiter has claimed that Best of All Worlds will “deliver clever filters, cut through the mess and get information that’s relevant and we can trust”. The ‘About’ section of the site continues this view by stating the purpose of the site to be; to ‘discover people, common passions, and compelling information… in worlds of shared interests and friends’. Subsequently, Best of All Worlds will most certainly appeal to high-end marketers delivering such products as ‘yachts, watches, wine and liquor’.

Another potential selling point of the network is Wachtmeisters aim to allow users increased control over their data. In a move which appears to try and draw people away from LinkedIn and Facebook, Best of All Worlds offers the user ‘five modes to switch between’. These modes are entitled private, professional, family, social and party. After the user has picked their preferred mode, each one then provides its own set of photos, links, recommendations and suggestions. The idea is that this will enable like-minded people to connect in a ‘trusted environment’ and be able to discuss what really interests them. The categories of these discussions include ‘business, food and wine, health or a better world’, but this is expected to soon expand.

A Small World

Back in 2004 Erik Wachtmesiter launched his first social network A Small World. Sharing many similarities with his latest creation, A Small World is an ‘invitation-only website that catered to a wealthy crowd where users could meet other world travellers, make business connections and find services’. After selling a significant stake of the business in 2009 and quitting his post, it seems Wachtmeister is fully focused on Best of All Worlds now. It appears that the Count has picked and streamlined the most successful elements of A Small World and can utilise the near 800,000 user base to promote his new venture. Reports have viewed this as an attempt to ‘poach’ users and this was extended when the two sites shared their mobile app launch on the 27th July. According to Wachtmeister this was a “total coincidence”, but these events do suggest the Count should be careful In the future.

The potential competition between the two sites will be interesting to observe in the coming months and also whether Best of All Worlds can tempt the so-called ‘jet-setters and well-heeled away from Facebook Inc. and LinkedIn’. This should indicate whether the demand is actually present among these elite groups.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Facebook trials advertising in news feed


Advertising within a users’ news feed is nothing new from Facebook but recent steps taken by the site will see ‘sponsored stories’ appear on the feed with the user having not previously ‘liked’ the particular brand. The move signifies a bid by the social networking site to generate increased revenue from advertising by helping brands gain more exposure, all in the midst of the sites falling share prices.
Although still in the trial stages, this news does suggest a certain disregard for the user. However, Facebook have stressed that they will not overwhelm users with ads and wish to only sponsor social ads which will, ‘make it easier for advertisers to reach new audiences so they can be more social’. Facebook continued to state that there are ‘limits in place to ensure people’s news feeds are not filled with advertising’ and only relevant ads will be shown, i.e. those linked to the users’ ‘likes’. The plan is also in keeping with Facebook’s usual policy of ‘trial and introduction’, in which users can voice their opinions to help the site understand the results of the trial.
If this were to go ahead it has been suggested that the current approaches of brands on Facebook may become ‘defunct’. At present, the focus of the brands is to gain a ‘like’ from users so they can then proceed to market and connect with them. The Drumnotes that with this news, a brand could reach its target audience with a huge budget with no need for a following. Yet brands won’t be too worried as it is still about engaging the user and sparking an interaction, not a mere view or ‘like’. We cannot get ahead of ourselves anyway as Facebook look into trialling the idea.
During these trials it is likely to come up against some resolute opposition from users who wish to protect the privacy of their news feeds. The news feed was once a place to just see family and friends’ activity, as well as any other interests. The major brands have gained exposure in this area through their ‘trusted’ nature and successful campaigns which interact with users. If any brands were able to find a place in a users’ news feed, through association, it does seem to have gone a bit far.
The plan indicates the way Facebook may go in the coming months. The sites relationship with major brands will be key in recouping their losses in their share prices, so it is sensible to ‘expect more moves to make brands increasingly visible’. Let’s just hope that Facebook carry this out in taste and maintain the stance they have been so quick to voice.

Monday 20 August 2012

Pinterest Finally Comes To Android, iPad

Pinterest is still a relatively new kid on the block. Up to this point, the site launched new features by talking about them on its Facebook wall and then waiting for the comments to start rolling in.
Consistently among the first comments after each Facebook post? A Pinterest Android app. The requests are so common that it has become a Pinterest in-office joke with each launch: How long will it take for someone to ask for an Android app?
Well, the wait for Android fans ended on Tuesday. Pinterest officially launched an app for Android as well as iPad, and also launched an updated version of its iPhone app.
Announced at a summer party at Pinterest’s new San Francisco headquarters, the Android app represents a complete redesign of the app from the ground up, this time designed specifically for Android.
The app has been in the works for some time, and was even rumored to be coming late last month at Google’s I/O developers conference.
In May, Pinterest raised $100 million in a round of funding that values the company at $1.5 billion. Originally an invite-only service, on Aug. 8 Pinterest went public for everyone without an invitation.
Pinterest for Android is available now from Google Play. Pinterest for iPad and the updated iPhone app are also available now from the App Store.
Are any of you excited about Pinterest finally making its way to Android and iPad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Thursday 16 August 2012

3 Most Wanted Tips For Effective Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is the very effective tool for marketing your products. There is no other alternative marketing strategy for social media marketing. Hence social media marketing is indispensable for any online business. Social media marketing needs a different approach when compared to the other online marketing strategies. For a social media marketing campaign to be successful, it is very much important to understand the tactics that work better. This article is all about the effective social media marketing tips.

1. Creating unique profiles in Social Networks

Social networking sites like myspace and facebook have great importance in business promotion. This part of social media marketing can get lots of traffic to your website along with building credibility among people worldwide. The social networks are now crowded with the online marketers and hence it is important to highlight your profile in the crowd. Though there are lots of customization options available in the social networking sites itself, it is always good to get some professional help for advanced customization. These social media marketing professionals will be able to provide you will very unique profiles which will get noticed by the social media crowd immediately.

2. Don’t try to sell anything in the Social Networks

Many social media marketers just advertise their products through their social media profiles. This is a wrong move. Social networks are for connecting to people and not for advertising the products, Hence your main motive in the social networks should be to connect to as many people as possible. The traffic to your website and the credibility to your services/ products will eventually increase as your networks grow.

3. Don’t leave any social media profiles unattended

Active participation is a basic necessity of any social media marketing campaign. Just creating some profiles in a handful of social media sites doesn’t do any good. You should post some content to the social media profiles frequently and make them look lively. Always remember the fact that Google crawls the profiles that are frequently updated. Moreover, the visitors of your profile will love to see many updates. You should also involve in activities like participating in polls, posting in forums, making comments and connecting with the people of similar interest.

Social Media marketing is a time consuming process and for the moment of truth it is really worth the time you spend. If you don’t have enough time for social media marketing in your tight schedule, there are professional social media marketers who are ready to help you. To the added advantage, these professional social media marketers can analyze your website and create the best marketing strategy. By paying them a nominal fee, you can just sit back and relax, watching your network grow along with the web traffic and business.

Friday 10 August 2012

YouTube’s Built-In Video Editor Gets Easier



YouTube first introduced its editing tool for YouTube video around this time last year, and now editing videos on YouTube is even easier.

Thursday, the company rolled out an updated and simplified interface for editing clips. The editor now has a quick-view for all of the available filters, and as you’re editing your video you can check out a real-time interactive preview of any enhancements you’ve made.

YouTube’s video editor offers many of the same features you might find in traditional editors such as the ability to add a soundtrack or transitions between clips. Unlike most other editors, however, you are still limited to just one video track rather than several — and you are unable to control how long transitions last between clips.

Until your video reaches 10,000 views, you can revert back to the original unedited version at any time. After you pass the 10,000 mark, you can still access your original upload and save it under a new name, but your edited version will be stuck the way it is.

The updated YouTube video editor is gradually rolling out to all YouTube users. You can check out the new features by clicking the Video Manager button followed by Edit and then Enhancements.

http://mashable.com/2012/08/09/youtube-editing-2/

Sunday 5 August 2012

20 Ways to Build Your Online Reputation in 10 Minutes a Day

Joining a network like Twitter or Facebook isn't enough to build an on-line reputation; you have to participate in it as well. That's obvious, but this is one area that worries some people, who think they need to spend all day on these networks to build their reputation. That doesn't have to be the case. There are people who are constantly updating Facebook and Twitter, but you don't have to be one of them.

Instead, note this quotation attributed to Benjamin Franklin:

"It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it."

This is usually quoted as a warning about the one bad deed, but you can also think about the many good deeds. For most businesses, building an on-line reputation is a series of many small good deeds. So it is a commitment, but not a large commitment.

Let's look at 20 easy, practical ways to participate in various on-line communities. Each of these takes less than ten minutes to do, so they only take discipline, not a big time commitment.

LinkedIn

  1. Expand your LinkedIn network by connecting with somebody new (somebody you know who you're not currently connected to on LinkedIn).

  2. Look through your LinkedIn connections, and write a recommendation for somebody you know. Be sincere, specific and brief.

  3. LinkedIn groups are for members with common interests. Join a relevant group and contribute to a discussion. Be positive in your comments and build on existing comments in the discussion, especially if you're new to the group.

  4. Browse the "Answers" section on LinkedIn, and answer a question in your area of expertise. LinkedIn shows these questions and answers to people beyond your direct connections, so this is a good way to demonstrate your expertise to more people.

Twitter

  1. Promote somebody else on Twitter - an award they have won, an event they are running, a book they have written, a sale they are offering, and so on.

  2. Check Twitter right now, find something you like (for example, a link to an interesting Web site or blog post), and re-tweet it to your network. This helps the original tweeter, because you're sharing her insights with your network; and it helps you, because you become known among your followers as a source of valuable information.

  3. Find an interesting article, blog post or Web site, and send it to your Twitter followers.

  4. Thank somebody publicly on Twitter. Include their Twitter name (e.g. @gihanperera) so they see it, but the main purpose is to tell your followers why you're grateful to that person.

Facebook

  1. Look through your friends' recent status updates, find one you like, and click the "Like" link next to that update. It's a simple way to give a small note of encouragement to a friend, customer or colleague. It also helps them spread the word, because this appears in your status update, which means your other friends see it.

  2. Look through your friends' recent status updates, find something you can comment on, and add a comment. Facebook is primarily for connecting with family and friends, so you don't have to write anything clever or profound. Just something simple and sincere will do.

  3. Search for interesting groups or business pages on Facebook, join one that looks relevant, and contribute to a discussion.

  4. Connect with somebody new on Facebook (somebody you know personally, but isn't already a Facebook friend).

Reviews

  1. Write a review on Amazon.com for a book you read and liked. You don't have to write a long review - just a few paragraphs will do. This not only boosts your own Internet presence, it also helps the author promote their book, and helps other customers learn more about the book before buying it.

  2. What are your favourite apps on your smart phone? Pick one, and write a positive review for it in the iTunes App Store or the Android Market.

  3. If you enjoy listening to a particular podcast regularly, take a few minutes to write a positive review for it in the iTunes Store. This helps the podcast author, because it makes them feel valued, it boosts their ranking in iTunes, and it encourages other comments as well.

  4. Many podcasts also have an accompanying Web site, so visit that site and leave a positive comment there as well.

Commenting

  1. Find a blog post you enjoyed reading, and write a positive comment on that post. Bloggers love comments on their blog, so they will appreciate you taking the time to write a comment.

  2. Find a video you like on YouTube, and add a comment. YouTube has a handy option to automatically notify your Twitter and Facebook followers every time you comment, so use that for greater leverage.

  3. Comment in an on-line discussion group you've joined. If possible, add to the discussion in your comment, rather than just saying, "I love it!" or "Thank you". If you can't think of anything new, simply explain why you liked it (how you applied the idea, what insights you got from it, and so on).

  4. Think of two people in your network who don't yet know each other - but should - and introduce them to each other. All you have to do is send an e-mail to both, explaining briefly what each other does and why you think they should connect. They now have each other's e-mail address, so leave it to them to follow up if they wish.

That gives you 20 ideas you can use immediately to build your on-line reputation - and that's just a small sample of what you can do. I've limited this list to general ideas anybody could use, but of course you might find more specific things as well, based on the on-line communities you participate in.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7214870

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Google Acquires Social Media Management Platform Wildfire


Google has acquired social media management platform Wildfire Interactive for an undisclosed amount, the tech giant announced Tuesday.

Wildfire, which launched four years ago by Victoria Ransom and Alain Chuard (pictured) was funded in part by Facebook, counts Amazon, Verizon Wireless, Virgin, Gilt Groupe and Spotify among its clients. It helps them manage their content, ads, promotions and more across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest.

Wildfire is the latest in a string of acquisitions of B2B social media firms. In May, Oracle paid $300 million for Vitrue, a cloud-based firm that handles social media communications for McDonald’s, American Express and Gillette, among others. Oracle followed that acquisition by snapping up social media monitoring firm Collective Intellect in early June. That same month, Salesforce.com paid $745 million for Buddy Media, and Syncapse bought a smaller social media firm, Clickable. It was long rumored that Facebook was interested in buying Wildfire.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but AllThingsD‘s Peter Kafka‘s sources tell him its around $250 million — a third of the price Salesforce paid for Buddy Media, which Google was reportedly once interested in purchasing.

In a blog post, Google’s Jason Miller said that Wildfire would be integrated into its suite of website and ad management tools, including Google Analytics, Admeld and DoubleClick. It’s Google’s way of ensuring that advertisers continue to come to Google to purchase and manage their display advertising campaigns, whether they’re looking to do it on Google or on another social network.