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On Twitter Tips: Using Hashtags for Your Small Business
I've written several Twitter guides, including two on the effective use of hashtags that offer a nice complement to the advice provided here. Folks who are interested in learning more may want to check them out:
For the full set of resources, see Twitter Guidance for Rookies (and Others).
Courtney
On LinkedIn Removes its Best Feature
FWIW, I don't agree that this was LI's "best feature," nor do I share your dismay at this change. I used the feature a few times and thought it was okay, but I wasn't a huge fan. Because it really wasn't integrated into an individual user's experience, people had to make an effort to engage there - and I would venture to say most didn't. I also saw a lot of people gaming the feature, which detracted from its appeal.
I suspect LI has plenty of data and analytics to support their decision, as well as their recommendation that people use the group and poll features instead. I agree that groups have their challenges, but poor quality in them is generally the result of poor management. And the limitations you ascribe to polls can be managed as well. I've seen them used very effectively countless times.
I also disagree about the effectiveness of the Events feature. I never once saw it drive traffic in any appreciable way. Like the Answers feature, it wasn't sufficiently integrated into the user experience. I'd love to see an Events tab get added to groups, which could reduce a lot of the noise that currently occurs in them. The Q&A feature is effectively already built into them via Discussions.
One of the challenges with any of these platforms is "feature glut," so I think making a conscious effort to scale back is a good thing. Too many choices is too overwhelming, and we need to see more emphasis on quality vs. quantity. Everyone has their favorites and no change will be universally welcome, but I generally trust that LI is making a strong effort to optimize the platform in ways that make the most sense for a majority of their users.
On Social and Digital Tech Trends: 9 Take-Aways for YOU
Folks might also be interested in my follow-up post, Digital Era Adaptation in 2013: A Long and Winding Road.
On Social and Digital Tech Trends: 9 Take-Aways for YOU
Thanks for publishing my first post of 2013, SMT. It really seems to be resonating with folks. I look forward to hearing the insights of your readers.
On Top Twitter Abbreviations You Need to Know
I just followed the hashtag and it looks like #DPRS = Dennis Prager Radio Show. His handle is @DennisPrager.
If you check out my post, (referenced earlier) you'll find a link to a site that presumably tracks hashtags, but in generaly their usage is very unstandardized and somewhat haphazard.
On How Frequently Should a Brand Tweet?
I shared the results of a mini-study last fall that takes a different approach but corroborates these findings. Here's a link:
http://www.sminorgs.net/2012/08/the-tweets-per-day-sweet-spot-key-research-findings.html
Courtney Shelton Hunt - Founder, Social Media in Organizations Community (SMinOrgs)
On How to Create a LinkedIn Company page
I wrote a post almost a year ago about how LI Company Pages are an "undervalued gem." My tips build on the foundation suggested by Rohit. They might be a little out of date given the recent changes, but the underlying principles are still valid. Here's a link:
Courtney Shelton Hunt - Social Media in Organizations Community (SMinOrgs)
On Pin to Win: The Ultimate Short Guide to Pinterest for Business
I just pinned this to our Pinterest Resources board. : )
http://pinterest.com/sminorgs/pinterest-resources/
We've written several pieces about the professional value of Pinterest, starting with this one:
We also have a daily feature called "We're SMOPin!" in which we share a pin of the day via Twitter, FB, and G+. It's been very popular.
Courtney Shelton Hunt - Founder, Social Media in Organizations Community (SMinOrgs)
On Social Media Education and Training: Where We Are, Where We’re Going
Niadin, Jamie, and Elana: belated thanks for your thoughtful comments as well. I'm not sure how, but I must have missed them after my piece was originally posted on Social Media Today last year. I promise, I have much better cyber manners than that! : )
On Social Media Education and Training: Where We Are, Where We’re Going
Thanks, Vena.
There are several organizations and academic institutions that offer certificate programs. If you send me your email address, I would be happy to send you the benchmarking spreadsheet I created in 2011. It's somewhat out of date, but to my knowledge there haven't been significant changes since then.
Courtney
On How to Use LinkedIn Powerfully: 10 Tips to Know
@Robin - Indefatigable, huh? I'll take that as a compliment! : ) - Courtney
On Create a LinkedIn Company Page: Step-by-Step Instructions
I wrote the following piece about LI Company Pages in December 2011, which offers a nice complement to these tips:
http://www.sminorgs.net/2011/12/linkedin-company-pages-an-undervalued-gem-for-organizations-of-all-types.html
Given the changes LI has made, some of the details are out of date, so I invite you to add a link to your tips to help people obtain a more current set of suggestions. Thanks, Tara!
Courtney