Tips From Your Future Social Community Managers

By: Nicole Atencio, Amy Cabanas, Minji Choi, Matteo Fialdini, Kathrin Hanke, Tira Wilkerson, Jacqueline Williams
We are halfway through our immersion into Social Media Marketing For Business this semester. So far, we have covered content marketing, the impact of blogging on social, Hootsuite as a social manager’s tool, and in-depth discussions of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the Emerging Networks (Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Google+) for business use.
Here are our top takeaways from our social studies thus far:
There is a huge difference between “curating” and” creating” content. Curated content is information generated from other sources (like sharing Forbes or Mashable articles), whereas created content is derived from the creators own resources (like infographics, whitepapers, blog posts, shareable art).
Understand Jabs vs. Right Hooks by Gary V. Is a company trying to sell their product, or just making you aware of information you might be interested in? A “Jab” is content that makes customers laugh, think or play a game, but does not give a strong selling impression. “Right hooks” are content pieces that typically include call-to-actions (CTAs) that lead to actual purchasing.
Use the 4-1-1 Content Rule. This rule states that for every 4 informative content pieces you have, you should have 1 hard and 1 soft sell. The hard-sell provides a strong call-to- action (CTA), and the soft-sell subtly incorporates the brand in the message.
Be attentive. Look for events, causes and shows coming up in order to create content about something other than your business. Be mindful of your account, and make sure you are posting and commenting on a regular schedule. Not having any current activity will lead your followers/customers to believe you are not serious about your business.
Organic reach is estimated to be 2.6% for Facebook pages. With organic reach declining, it is important for businesses to use paid reach. Paid ads are not free, but allow the content to be targeted to non-followers.
Hootsuite is the best social tool you may have never heard of. Hootsuite is a great creation that can assist you in planning and scheduling the posting of your future posts for all your social media channels. Another great free tool is www.canva.com for creating beautiful social media images and graphics.
Align your brand’s social channels. Across the board, you want all your social media channels to incorporate the same logo, descriptions, and messaging, but with the flavor of the channel. The same goes for your personal pages – use the same headshot and handles whenever possible.
All businesses should be on LinkedIn. This social network provides you with credibility, a large network of professionals, sales opportunities, and a marketing platform for your business. There are a multitude of options for ads as well. Sponsored Updates will go to a wider audience than page followers, Dark Posts are ads seen on non-follower newsfeeds (but not in the company timeline) and Sponsored InMails allow you to send a targeted message that appears in a LinkedIn user’s inbox.
Everyone can be a publisher on LinkedIn Pulse. Pulse is a great opportunity to publish relevant articles or blog-like posts without necessarily having to own a separate blog. Pulse can be helpful in increasing LinkedIn followers and inbound site links.
Instagram is key in today’s market. It’s important to remember a few things before posting for your company. Don’t use stock photos – photos should be taken as native because you are going to reach the younger generations who are expecting that. Moreover, use descriptive hashtags in excess as the method to reach the most people looking to discover your brand or business category.
Understand the proper use of pictures. It’s important to make sure that you don’t use pictures from someone else without their permission. It’s best to take or create your own pictures to post on social media than using Google or other search engines.
Use Twitter hashtags. Hashtags tag tweets by topic and make it easier for others with similar interest to find your tweets. Also, hashtags help social media marketers promote and track social campaigns.
What else should we know? What do you wish your entry-level social and content employees were stronger at?
Up next: we’re putting this all together in a social strategy and analyzing for social ROI!

#MDMC16 Podcast: A Chat With Unidev

By: Chase Kohler 
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Among the top talent and sponsor at MDMC this year is none other than Unidev. Not only has the company shown constant support to UMSL Digital over the years, their brand manager Angela LaRocca also serves on the UMSL Digital advisory board. UMSL senior Chase Kohler returned to their Chesterfield HQ for a sequel ‘impromptu’ podcast- recorded only by laughter and a recorder. The interview touches base on how MDMC has become the biggest digital conference in the Midwest, and what attendee’s can look forward to. Unidev also talks about their big product debut, and VP Andrea Bemis gives inspiring comments on embracing the digital landscape.
A special thanks to Angela LaRocca, Andrea Bemis, and the entire Unidev team for their hospitality and laughs. Be sure to stop by there exhibit and the ‘Innovation’ panel at 2:55 P.M.



 
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You Only Have 60 Seconds: #MDMC16 Welcomes Startup benjamin!

By: Chase Kohler
benjaminlogo2With less than a month before the Midwest Digital Marketing conference, it’s only fair to feel the nerves as an explosion of information, passion, and disruption engulfs the greater St. Louis area. Much more than a traditional marketing conference, #MDMC will also showcase the latest in local innovation. In partnership with Arch Grants, Union Station will feature 20 of the hottest startups across St. Louis. Continue reading “You Only Have 60 Seconds: #MDMC16 Welcomes Startup benjamin!”

#MDMC16 Betsy Mack Blends Tomorrow’s Marketing Trends with Community Advocacy

betsy-mack

By: Elizabeth Snowden

betsy-mackTechnology Partner’s Director of Emerging Markets, Betsy Mack, is a networking ninja. A master of connection. As the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ former Major Gift Manager, and former Director of Marketing at her current company, Betsy has built a career on understanding community needs, aligning company goals, and building support. Continue reading “#MDMC16 Betsy Mack Blends Tomorrow’s Marketing Trends with Community Advocacy”

#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Travis Estes

By: Kathrin Hanke
travis-estes-250x270Let me introduce you to MDMC16 speaker Travis Estes, the Web and Social Media Manager of the GRAMMY Award winning St. Louis Symphony– the nation’s second-oldest orchestra. Travis Estes has more than 16 years experience as a marketing professional, working in the digital realm. He has developed digital presence for Black Cat/Phantom Fireworks, HFC, Strong Funds, and the museum tours of King Tut, Princess Diana and America I Am, as well as strategic planning for the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and the American Marketing Association. Continue reading “#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Travis Estes”

Why You Should Not Pass Over Email Marketing

email marketing

By: Frederick Eccher and Chris Dzurick
email marketingDespite email marketing being passed over as a relic by entrepreneurs chasing the next great technology, email marketing is still highly effective– and cost efficient to boot. Using your content as fuel to give users something of value and tying in some kind of social media integration, email marketing can serve as a type of glue to hold your other strategies together. Continue reading “Why You Should Not Pass Over Email Marketing”