In this weeks roundup; Copybloggers decision to close blog comments, Facebook image sizing guide for the new newsfeed and how to choose the right social networks for your business.
Why We’re Removing Comments on Copyblogger
You may remember I recently wrote about blog commenting. Comments can be a great way to meet other bloggers and to build a community around your blog. This week Copyblogger announced that they were removing the option to comment on their blog. It’s a move that has provoked a lot of conversation.
Here’s the post where they announced their decision and discussed why they are doing it.
Why the ROI of community doesn’t actually matter
As marketers we tend to get caught up in the term ROI (return on investment). Is what we are doing actually resulting in a positive effect on our business?
I really enjoyed this article from The Next Web that discusses the value of community and the power that having a community around your brand can have.
The Illustrated History of Twitter
Twitter turned 8 last week. That’s 8 years that we’ve been sending 140 character messages to the web. I like most people I know started tweeting in 2009 and now look what’s happened!
This short video tells a brief history of the network. You can also find your first tweet here.
Facebook is not failing marketers, some are just failing at social marketing
I’ve been reading a lot of angry articles recently about the fall in reach on our Facebook pages. Of course I understand the anger. Businesses have put a lot of time and effort in to their Facebook marketing and it’s disappointing to see reach drop.
One positive is that we have been forced to think a lot harder about our Facebook marketing. Now more than ever we need to ensure we are posting content that fits our audience. Facebook isn’t somewhere where people want to see a big image/ad from you it’s a place for communication. When we forget to communicate with our audience we fail.
This article from Jan Rezab is a refreshing read even if you don’t like what it says. The comment thread is an interesting read too.
One Document that Can Tell You If You’re on the Right Social Networks
One of the biggest downsides of social media marketing is that it takes time. One of the biggest mistakes we make is that we spread ourselves too thin. We don’t have to use all the social networks. Choosing the ones where you customers live online means you will be spending your time more wisely.
This post has some good basic info that will help you choose the right networks for your business.
9 Small Business Twitter Marketing Examples to Study
I’m often surprised how many small businesses have no interest in Twitter. For me it is still one of the most powerful networks. It gives you the opportunity to prospect for customers and meet influential people who will spread your message.
This article from Social Media Examiner looks at some small businesses who have excelled on Twitter.
Guide to Facebook News Feed image sizes
I’m sure you noticed, Facebook subtly changed the way that our newsfeeds look. It’s not hugely different but a few key things have changed, for one the way images display.
This new image sizing guide is really useful.
And from Spiderworking.com this week
Tell Your Business Story with Storywheel – Cool Tool
This weeks cool tool is kinda funky. It allows you to take your Instagram images, create a slideshow of them and add a narration over the top. It’s way cooler than it sounds. Find out more here.
How To Embed Tweets On A WordPress Blog [Tutorial]
Over the last few weeks I’ve been showing you various ways you can tell stories with your Tweets. In this last video tutorial I show you a shortcut to embedding tweets into your WordPress blog.
Putting Your Staff At The Centre Of Your Social Media Storytelling
In my final post of the month on Social Media Storytelling I focus on one of the most important aspects of your story, the protagonists. Here’s some examples of how businesses are featuring their staff and customers as part of their digital marketing.
That’s all from me. I’d love to hear your thoughts, particularly on the move from Copyblogger so do leave a comment below.
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