Engage: Social Media Blog

Recently, there has been discussion about the potential purchase of Tumblr. Although it may not happen, there are reports that Yahoo hopes the social network will bring a younger demographic and “make it relevant and a major player on the web.” According to some, Facebook may make a potential offer as well. 

Business initiatives aside, it’s interesting to consider how Tumblr would be affected by a purchase. Some avid Tumblr users are concerned that Yahoo would alter the social network negatively. Moreover, the “uncool” connotation associated with Yahoo isn’t inspiring confidence among users.

Even as a hypothetical, the mention of Facebook evokes many passionate responses. Facebook successfully acquired Instagram and with it a much needed younger demographic. Since then, Instagram hasn’t changed in the way people were dreading (mostly in terms of advertising). As always, privacy issues are one of the main concerns, but mostly Instagram has remained genuine user created content. Hopefully the same strategy would be applied to Tumblr, as opposed to replicating the advertising model Facebook now uses which some users find intrusive.

As social networks progress, their history and the data around them becomes more and more valuable. In current conversations about social media marketing, businesses understand that the focus of their efforts can be maximized through influencer and advocacy programs. By working with these unique groups of social users, businesses can demonstrate consumer interest in their products through high levels of engagement and then amplify that message.

The worth of social media has been proven by the growth and dedication of its users. Although all social network users don’t follow the same set of rules, the fact remains that these platforms are an influential and effective form of media. From pop culture to politics, the expanse of people who actively take to social media to express themselves is impressive to say the least.

Content has always been king, but when it comes to branded content businesses must consider the pros and cons of sponsored vs. owned. While owned content requires more time and commitment in order to be truly successful, sponsored content has a few drawbacks one of which is loyalty – an important aspect of any social media marketing strategy.

Businesses are aware of the power social media posses and in today’s landscape the conversation is focused on creative methods to drive specialized engagement with a target audience. The number of fans and followers on a certain site is important in order to develop a community; however, organizations are also aware that providing blanket generalized information will not show results. In order to see the potential of social media realized, brands must use a combination of creative marketing tactics, data, and genuine appeal to connect to consumers.

Valentine’s Day is the time of year when we share our appreciation for the people we care about. Despite having the best intentions, sometimes these actions are a bit last minute. Luckily for those down to the wire and out of ideas mobile technology and the web can come to the rescue.

Last night’s Super Bowl gave viewers a lot to talk about on social media. The 49ers almost made a huge comeback to beat the Ravens, hyped up commercials were discussed, Beyonce performed an electric half time show, and there was a blackout. 

Social networks are a crucial tool for businesses to build brand awareness and interact with their consumers – without this availability businesses lose points with their audience. Facebook in particular has made a number of improvements to prove value for businesses to spend time and money on their platform in order for them to see tangiible results. 

As the Super Bowl approaches fans are gearing up for the exciting day. On the other hand, many companies are preparing to analyze the effectiveness of Super Bowl commercials that have been planned for quite some time. As we saw last year, the trend of preemptively releasing Superbowl commercials has only grown in 2013 and many more companies are exposing customers to their commercials early. 

On Tuesday the 15^th Facebook announced its latest development in an event that was shrouded in mystery. The “graph search” allows users the ability to search within Facebook for specific information their friends like.