Google Maps News Feed
If you are a local business, I’m sure you know how important it is to appear on Google maps and to have a Google My Business account.
In 2021 it’s going to be even more important.
Google is adding a newsfeed to Google Maps. In the explore feed you’ll see not just the usual recommendations but posts from local businesses and Google users. They’re calling this ‘The community feed’.
You’ll be able to follow businesses on GMB from the feed and like posts.
In the past Google has failed over and over with their social networks. GMB and Google Maps could be the way they succeed.
https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/01/google-maps-takes-on-facebook-with-its-own-news-feed/
Google updates messaging tools
If a customer finds your business online, has a question but can’t find the answer, there’s a good chance they’ll leave without buying.
But what if they could send you a message to ask the question? Maybe you won’t lose them.
Google is updating their Google My Business messaging to make it easier for people to message you and for you to message back.
If you are a verified business owner you’ll be able to reply to comments directly from Google Maps.
If someone tries to phone and you don’t answer they’ll be prompted to send a message.
People who see your Google My Business posts will be able to message directly from that post.
This is huge for local business. It means you’ll need to post more on GMB to provoke these conversations
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/small-business/connect-and-understand-customers/
Instagram Live With 3 Guests (In India)
Podcasts and live shows that have more than 2 participants are often more interesting. The banter between show hosts and guests makes them entertaining. They can also facilitate conversations with multiple perspectives that you just don’t get in a one to one interview show.
This is something that is missing from Instagram live broadcasts.
Because you can’t use third-party software you are stuck with the single guest option.
But it looks like the guest limit is about to change.
Instagram is testing having up to 3 guests on your live stream in India.
Let’s hope they roll it out further soon.
https://www.techradar.com/news/instagram-live-now-supports-up-to-3-guests-its-for-india-feature
Instagram Reels Steals Another TikTok Feature
Duets on TikTok allow you to record a video that runs alongside the original.
It can be used for competitions, for challenges, for reaction videos and way more.
And Instagram is stealing it for Reels. Just like Duets, Remix will allow people to make their own video that runs alongside the original.
You’ll be able to choose if you want your content remixed. For businesses, this could be a great way to encourage UGC and get your audience engaged with your brand.
What will you use it for?
Private Instagram Live
One of the problems with Instagram live is that there is no practice mode. If you’ve never done a live broadcast there before you need to see how it works, find out where the buttons are and if you want to go live with a guest, find out how that works.
Soon you’ll be able to do a test run using private Instagram Live broadcasts. These won’t send out notifications to followers or appear in stories. But you can invite others to join.
It will be a handy way to rehearse your live before you show it to the world.
It could also be a good way to run exclusive Instagram Live events.
TikTok videos may get longer
Can you do everything you need to in 60 seconds on TikTok?
It can be hard, but the limit can also spark creativity.
TikTok are experimenting with allowing longer, 3-minute videos on the platform.
Will this work?
If the experience of Twitter changing it’s character length is anything to go by it could.
https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/22003880/tiktok-longer-videos-three-minutes-short-quibi-youtube
Is Reddit the place to be in 2021?
A lot of businesses are looking around for an alternative network for 2021. If that’s you, Reddit could be the place.
Reddit is a site where people get involved in discussions and conversations related to their niche. You can subscribe to the topics that you are interested in (or your customers live in).
What used to be a geeky network is growing rapidly. Perhaps it’s a new home for some businesses.
The site has seen a growth in daily active users of 44% over the previous year and has 52 million people who log in daily.
It could be worth investigating for your marketing in 2021.
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