COM0015 – Blog #4: Out of The Box

Image Credit: Crowdfire

As you know by now, Social Media is ever evolving and new and exciting applications and/or platforms are constantly popping up. There are several unexpected applications that I’ve found in the field of online marketing and social media. For example …

• Crowdfire: This app sends me stats every week about my Twitter followers – who is a new follower, who has un-followed me.
• Followers+: I have this installed on my iPhone and it is another monitoring app. I can see who unfollowed me on my Twitter and Instagram accounts. I find I use this moreso to keep my accounts cleaned up (for example, if someone unfollows me I will most likely unfollow them as well).
• Buffer for iPhone: I was already a huge fan of Buffer as an online platform, but most recently I started to use Buffer as an app and I find that it’s fantastic. It makes scheduling content just as easy and accessible. You can even schedule your Instagram posts with this service.

I feel in social media though, we are always on the lookout for the next latest, greatest product. A service to make our social media lives easier and more organized. I am still holding out on getting my perfect tool eventually. I don’t even know what that would entail, but what I do know is when I find it – I’ll know.

Image Credit: Just Retweet

COM0015 – Blog #3 professional Networking Now And In The Future

Image Credit: au2a

Before going into battle, it is important to have a game plan. My present strategy for developing my professional networking online and in person is as follows:

Online:

• Consistently updating Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Instagram with content.
• Allowing my personality to show.
• Connecting with & following influencers.
• Monitoring similar accounts to see what they’re doing.

In Person:

• Meeting up with those of a similar brand.
• Reaching out to influencers and creating a connection.
• Attending meet-ups.

Over the next 6-12 months, to continue to develop my networks, I plan on attending local blogger/vlogger meet-ups. As well in the spring, there is a social media conference in Toronto that I would like to attend. Also, continuing with research and keeping up with online trends. As well as connecting with those who are influencers in the community and learning from them. Bottom line is that networking is crucial in any industry and is a definite must!

COM0015 Post #2 – Strong & Weak Organizations

The two organizations I’ve chosen is: The Alzheimer Society of Toronto And The Centre for Mindfulness.

Image Credit: Alzheimer Society Toronto

First off – the Alzheimer Society of Toronto is an example of impressive social media strategy. Their Twitter is consistent, it promotes their events, it educates, and it also interacts with followers. They tweet several times a day with information in line with their brand and never sway from that. Their Facebook page is also consistent with content. What I found unique about ALZTO is that they do have a YouTube account as well, but it’s not as updated as their other platforms – partially because I’m assuming not everyone wants to post online that they suffer with this horrible disease. Their LinkedIn page is dormant, but I’m not surprised. I feel as though LinkedIn has yet to make its way to mainstream social media and is only starting to gain traction now. Their main forms of social media for their brand are Facebook and Twitter, and they are 100% capitalizing on that.

 

 

Image Credit: Centre for Mindfulness Studies

On the opposite end, The Centre for Mindfulness Studies could use some work and could benefit for a social media strategy. Their Twitter is not consistent and doesn’t educate people. While Mindfulness is still on the rise, not many people are properly educated about it and the benefits. This is a huge opportunity on social media – not only to educate but also to promote and create a discussion! Same with their Facebook page. This is really where they can capitalize on discussion about mindfulness. I would suggest first – create a steady stream of content on both their Facebook and Twitter pages – focusing on informing, educating and promoting them. Until you have those 2 core social media platforms on lock down, then you can branch out onto Google+, LinkedIn, etc. There’s no point in putting those up on their site unless it’s all in line with other platforms.

 

 

COM0015 – Blog #1: Tool & Sources

One of the things I love about social media, is how it’s ever-evolving! I feel as thought there’s always new tools popping up that will not only benefit you while using social media, but also make it easier and efficient.

Currently, my two favourite social media trend listening/monitoring tools are Facebook Insight and Buffer. Buffer has very affordable plans that I find give you direct analytics/results, and when you are managing several accounts all in one place, it’s easier to say organized here (without having to log in and log out of several different accounts).

Image Credit: Buffer.com

As far as my two favourite (or best) sources of news and updates of interest to you, I have specific lists created in my Twitter accounts of relevant people to follow for everyday news. As far as social media news, I have a handful of YouTubers that I follow who seem to be up on the trends and latest know-hows when it comes to social media, new tools, and new trends. Instead of focusing in on one particular site (or vide0), I prefer to graze over a whole bunch so I get not only a more rounded picture, but also different opinions and more options.

 

COM0014: Blog 7 – Personal Reflection

Storytelling has been such a big part of my life – specifically for the last 10 years. Between going to school for Broadcasting & Film (my program had an emphasis on storytelling) and then entering the broadcasting industry, I guess you can say that storytelling is my job! What I learned in this course is how to translate that storytelling into digital content. How to convey those stories and messages through written words, and sharing them. Guiding myself through the pyramid method, for example, I learned how to properly structure a story for digital content.

I want to share entertaining stores, I want to share news and information, I want my audience to walk away from my content feeling like they learned something interesting or something they didn’t know before. Sometimes it may better their lives (if it’s a health and wellness article for example), a local news tidbit, and sometimes it may just be fluff (like the latest Kardashian story for example). As long as they walk away feeling something, then I’ll know that I did my job properly. The ultimate goal is evoking some sort of emotion while entertaining through my content, and if I can do that, then I’ll be happy.

xo Amanda

COM0014: Blog 6 – Do People Know Your Story?

Challenges come up in life everyday – that’s what makes us stronger. Overcoming these challenges. I once read (not to get all religious), that ‘God only gives you what you can carry.’ God, the universe, whatever it is – you’ve given specific challenges because of a reason. Perhaps you’re strong enough, or maybe you need to learn a lesson from this – either way, you have to deal with it and most importantly, you will survive.

One of the biggest challenges I have on a daily basis, which I’m sure many can relate to, is being consistent. Not only being consistent with my own personally branding, but being consistent with life in general – work, social media, health, fitness, etc. I have a tendency to get side tracked (however, somehow everything seems to get done) but I find when you actually plan to be consistent, it gives you a bit more control (or at least the feeling of it).

One of the tools that is going to help me overcome this challenge, is my agenda. It’s where I have my on-going (and ever growing) to do list, it’s where everything is scheduled, it’s where there is calmness to the chaos. When I don’t keep an eye on my agenda, that’s when everything get’s out of place.

What are some of your suggestions to stay consistent?

xo Amanda

COM0014: Blog 5 – Personal Brand

Whether or not you intend to have one, everyone has a personal brand. For me personally, my personal brand is what pushes me through the crowd in my industry and sets me apart. I believe that my interest in healthy eating, as well as strong focus on music and entertainment news [consistently] sets me apart from my competitors. Not many personalities pre-schedule tweets with little “bites” of entertainment news throughout the day.

Here's a list of what's coming & going on #Netflix this month http://t.co/NSuJhD6t7F pic.twitter.com/O6OhYE1B5Q

— Amanda Logan (@AmandaLogan) October 1, 2015

To make myself stand out lately, I’ve been focusing in on my personal website and blog. It’s something important to me to maintain and promote because it’s another medium where listeners can not only connect with me, but get to know me as well. I’ve also been busy pre-planning January for a fresh launch, scheduling posts, so there will be fresh and consistent content going up. I also do a thing called “#MorningMotivation” & I’ve been debating about creating images myself with inspirational quotes instead of getting some off the internet. Then, they can also be used as another post on the site.

First thing you should do this morning! 😉 #MorningMotivation pic.twitter.com/yvjlzkWAEE

— Amanda Logan (@AmandaLogan) December 2, 2015

My colleagues would say that my best trait professionally/work wise is my social media. I really have a niche for it and find a lot of interesting and compelling information to share with our audience, who then find it interesting, who then share it with their friends, thus creating more promotion. I think that personally, my colleagues would say that my best trait is that I am laid back, but I know how to hustle and I’m there to always help out if help is needed.

Last, but not least – I’m proud of where I am and the journey it took to get here. It wasn’t easy, but perseverance kept me going. I’ve gone places and made achievements personally and professionally that not many have.

COM0014: Blog 4 – B2C Case Study

One thing I’ve discovered about B2C businesses is that they are hungry. Hungry for sales and hungry for your business. Spence Diamonds is one of those businesses who are always constantly trying to make that sale by connecting with the audience (especially emotionally). They’re known for their radio ads, but they also tug at heart strings on their social media.

I’d imagine that the engagement ring industry is highly competitive, so Spence utilizes their social media account not promoting sales, but promoting moments.

“Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.” – Robert Browning #wedding #weddingphotography #spencediamonds pic.twitter.com/VvI4OfKC8B

— Spence Diamonds (@ShopSpence) November 21, 2015

Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one – John Keats #spencediamonds #engagementring pic.twitter.com/8sgbJILJu5

— Spence Diamonds (@ShopSpence) November 29, 2015

You’d think the captive audience of social media would be perfect to promote that one-day sale you have happening, but with Spence it’s the opposite. Essentially, their target customer (men, ages 20-35) who are going to purchase an engagement ring have already decided that they’re going to go so, but the question stands – what kind of ring does she want? She follows Spence on Twitter and sees all the happy pictures and beautiful rings and she points one out to her fiancée to be. I think this approach is not only creative, but smart. Spence is thinking outside the box is utilizing social media in a way that traditional jewelry stores don’t.

Tip Tuesday: Give your diamonds a softly lined box or pouch to sleep in at night. #SpenceDiamonds #ShopSpence pic.twitter.com/nF58IRpIqS

— Spence Diamonds (@ShopSpence) October 27, 2015

What do you think about Spence Diamonds social media approach? Do you prefer this method or the traditional, “just tell me the deals” way?

– Amanda

COM0014 – Blog Post #3: Who Is Your Audience?

Knowing your audience is so important to me in my job & career – in fact everything is catered around it. What topics will I cover, what music is played, who I am speaking to … it all boils down to knowing my audience.

After researching, I discovered that females ages 18-45 are my main demographic. These ladies are educated, fabulous, are in a relationship or married and have 1 child [so far] who is young. They’re interested in music, pop culture, fun facts, “throwback posts” and interesting “life tips.” She likes to cook, be healthy & essentially be the best she can be – always wanted to improve on herself.

The most effective way I have to connecting with my audience is through social media – specifically Facebook, my website, Instagram & Twitter (in that order). The older end of the demographic tends to use Facebook more, as it has been around longer and she is used to it. My website is also important for communicating and being consistent with content/posts – we are creatures of habit. Instagram is something still new to the older female, as well as Twitter. Those 2 platforms are used to target the younger end of the demographics, as
they are both actively used.

For my website, the strategies being used is a blog calendar for organizing, scheduling and creating content. As far as social media goes, I have a separate content template that I used so I can keep track of what content went in what hour the day before, etc so fresh content is constantly rotating as well as specific things are being promoted effectively (ie: blog posts, upcoming events, etc)

How do you connect with your audience? What platforms have you found most effective with communicating with your audience?

xo Amanda

COM0014 – Storytelling & Communication Styles

Storytelling is my life. Every night, I go to work and talk for a living. I share stories, news & information with millions. Storytelling is probably one of the most important things I do every single day.

So how does digital communication, communication styles and the introverted triangle have to
do with what I do?

Well, just like writing – whether it’s print or online/blogging – the same rules apply for word of mouth. You’ll have to get the most important information out first – “hook” the audience. Then details emerge. This translates with blogging as well. What is that snippet teaser you’re going to write about before you hit that “more” tab? What will make your readers want to click it?

You always want to know how you’re going to end the story as well. What information do you want to convey? How will the story come back around to close it off properly? One suggestion I have is to point form your story first. It gives you an opportunity to think the story through & make sure you’re including all the details.

Don’t forget to proofread your story. Does it make sense? Is it clear & concise? We all have that habit of accidentally
missing a key on the keyboard (oh, that’s just me & my crummy laptop one? Ok, got it – hehe). When you make simple mistakes, it takes away your credibility. Writing in the active voice is also encouraged – when you speak, do you refer to yourself in a third person? Or in the past? No, you tell the story as it is.

Last but not least – my own personal rule – is to always be yourself. Be real. That’s where the magic comes from when you tell a story.