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AN OVERVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS FOR BUSINESS AND BRAND SUCCESS

9/19/2023

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Social media algorithms can seem like a mystery, but they're crucial for your business's online success. Algorithms determine who sees your content and when. In this article, we'll break down the key aspects of social media algorithms and conclude with a Quick Quiz to test your understanding.
The Basics: What Are Social Media Algorithms?
Social media algorithms are sets of rules that decide which posts appear on a user's feed. They consider factors like engagement, relevance, and timeliness. Understanding these can give your business a significant edge on platforms like TikTok, Meta, and LinkedIn.
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Algorithm Activators: Engagement, Relevance, Timeliness
  • Engagement: Posts that receive more likes, comments, and shares are more likely to appear on your audience's feed. So, engage your audience with compelling content.
  • Relevance: Algorithms consider how relevant your content is to the user. Use hashtags and keywords wisely to make your posts more discoverable.
  • Timeliness: Newer posts are prioritized. Consistent posting can help keep your content at the top of your audience's feed.
Quick Quiz: Test Your Understanding
  1. What are the three key factors that social media algorithms consider?
  2. How can you make your posts more engaging?
  3. What is the importance of using relevant hashtags
Conclusion
Now that you're familiar with how social media algorithms work, it's time to optimize your strategy. Evaluate your current practices and see where you can improve.

If this article was helpful to you, please let us know in the comments section below.
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The TikTok Affect: How Storytelling and Sharing Fuels a Global Phenomenon

9/12/2023

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The Business Angle of TikTok: ROI You Can’t Ignore
Ever thought of TikTok as your global marketing haven? With over 2 billion downloads, the
TikTok provides a pool of engagement too vast to ignore. Plus, TikTok’s international user base offers an eclectic blend of demographics. In short, TikTok could be your 24/7 global advertising powerhouse.

TikTok isn’t just another social media platform; it’s the cornerstone of a global knowledge-sharing revolution that is fueled by a large collection of global citizens. Creators and common folks around the world are capturing audiences in mere seconds with compelling, narrative-driven videos. Here’s how they’re doing it:
  •  Authenticity: The platform is a space where raw, unfiltered storytelling transcends borders. Authenticity is the name of the game, inviting a diverse array of voices from all corners of the globe.
  •  Innovation: Creators are using innovative techniques like jump cuts, sound effects, and visual transitions to craft globally resonant narratives, making every second count.​
  • Community and Collaboration: Thanks to features like duets and stitches, TikTok has enabled creators to build narratives that are collaborative and globally inclusive, enriching the platform’s storytelling ecosystem.
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As we move towards 2024, TikTok is set to expand its influence even further. Beyond viral dances and catchy challenges, TikTok is a major player in the business and branding stage.
Seizing Opportunities & Navigating Challenges in TikTok
Hold up! While TikTok’s worldwide arena is filled with opportunities, there are pitfalls too. Challenges like Cultural Sensitivity and Algorithmic Bias can be potential roadblocks. Plus, every country has its own set of regulations. Be savvy, be smart, and play by the global rulebook to win the game. 
Strategies for TikTok: From Content to Cash Flow 
Dying to go all in on TikTok without taking a hit? Here are a few ways to do it:
  • Localized Targeting: Adapt to local trends, languages, and customs. Make your brand relatable on a global scale.
  • Partnership: Team up with influencers and celebrities. Their endorsement can introduce your brand to millions.
  • E-Commerce: Leverage the platform’s virality to boost sales. Integrate shopping options within the app to make transactions smooth for a global audience.​
Why these three?
 First off, Localized Targeting is your golden ticket to cultural relevancy.
It’s not just about translating your content; it’s about resonating with the core sensibilities
of each locality. When you adapt to local trends and customs, you’re not an outsider; you’re a
neighbor, a friend—someone they’ll listen to and engage with.

Secondly, the Partnership Power in TikTok Globalization is like having the Midas touch. Aligning
your brand with international influencers and celebrities doesn’t just raise awareness; it catapults you into the stratosphere of credibility and trust. We’re talking instant exposure to
millions, if not billions, of attentive eyes, ears, and wallets.

And let’s not sleep on E-Commerce on TikTok. People love convenience, and when you bring the storefront to where they’re already hanging out, you’re easing their journey from ‘just browsing’ to ‘shut up and take my money. Integrating e-commerce streamlines the buying process, making it almost too easy for global audiences to part with their cash for your goods or services. 

So, in a nutshell, if you’re not leveraging these strategies, you’re not just missing the boat; you’re practically sinking your own Ship!
Get In On TikTok Globalization
Enough talking, time for some action! If this deep dive into TikTok has you all fired up, don’t just sit there – jump in! Whether you’re a business owner or an entrepreneurial go-getter, the global stage is set for you. Don’t miss out on tapping into this international phenomenon.
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Download The Biz Tech Toolkit HERE for a 3-step process to start your digital dynasty. ​
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Maximizing Your Sales with Social Media: How to Leverage TikTok, Meta, and YouTube for Marketing Success

8/29/2023

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In today's marketing landscape, businesses of all sizes and industries leverage the power of short-form video, on social media, to capture the attention of current and untapped customers. We define short-form video as vertical videos 60 seconds or less in length. In this article, we will explore how short-form videos on TikTok, Meta, and YouTube can help businesses and brands increase their Reach, Relevance, and Revenue. ​
This topic only covers Meta, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts because of the way posts are served to consumers which goes something like this:
  1.  The algorithm serves you up a video from a page you are not connected to
  2.  You click the video to watch it
  3. The social media platform delivers the video in a user experience separate from your feed
  4. The user starts scrolling through videos and gets introduced to different brands and topics 
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These platforms offer you enhanced video creation tools and algorithm-driven content delivery system which helps you reach people on social media at scale. There are also tools like filters, music options, hashtags, location tags, effects, and other editing tools that help marketers groom their content for consumer engagement.
TikTok, Mets Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Meta Stories are all powerful tools that can help you promote your products or services to a broad audience.
  • YouTube Shorts is a media placement with a mass appeal to audiences of all ages and interests. YouTube Shorts supports vertical videos up to 60 seconds long and reach on posts is obtained organically. People and brands post clips that promote products, showcase services, and talk through tips and tricks.
  • TikTok is a priority platform among younger generations and has become increasingly popular for older generations too. As a result, small businesses, nonprofits, and big brands have recognized the potential to scale and sell to TikTok's massive user base. 
  • Meta Stories is the most diverse vertical placement IMO in Stories. You can add links and incorporate user-generated content-type features to Facebook and Instagram posts. It’s the perfect placement for driving people to landing pages, gathering feedback, telling a sequential story and so much more.  
  • Meta Reels: Maximize business sales irrespective of size, Its integration with Instagram makes it easier for brands to repurpose their existing Instagram Reels for their Facebook audience. By utilizing these tools effectively, businesses can expand their customer base while also increasing engagement rates across multiple social media channels.
Short-form video content has become increasingly popular due to its ease of consumption and engaging nature. With each of these placements businesses and brands can create compelling content that captures viewers' attention within seconds and drives conversions on specific calls to action using integrated tools available on the platforms.
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How To Sell Products On Social Media With Shoppable Ads

8/24/2023

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Here are the facts fam: +80% of Social Media Users leverage the apps to make purchase decisions meaning millions of people are willing and waiting to drop dollars on products, services, and content. Now more than ever, businesses and brands have the power to position themselves for profit. Shoppable Ads will help you get there. I’m giving you game on how to leverage Shoppable Ads as a strategy for sales. ​
How Shoppable Ads work
Shoppable Ads automatically add products from a brand’s website to organic posts and paid ads. They live on media platforms and give users a way to buy products on sites like Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest. This makes the path to purchase seamless for customers.
How Shoppable Ads sync to websites
When we look at eCommerce website builders that support Shoppable Ads, the top website builders are: 
  • Ecwid (quality paid plans starting at $19)
  • SquareUp (quality paid plans starting at $29)
  • Squarespace (quality paid plans starting at $16)
  • Wix (quality paid plans starting at $26 )
  • Shopify (quality paid plans starting at $39 )
The number of products on your website and the features you require will determine the best platform to use.
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I’ll keep it 💯 with you: Setting up Shoppable Ads, the right way, is a technical process but the reward is worth the setup. If you’re looking for someone to help connect your website to Shoppable Ads, send us a message and we’ll follow up with the next steps to get started.
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An Overview of Zoho Cloud Software

8/20/2023

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Cloud software is a needed tech tool for businesses and brands because they help manage the company's operations, automate processes, and equip you with professional tools that serve customers and employees. One of the most diverse Cloud Software solutions for small businesses and large enterprises is Zoho and its features rival the likes of  Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Zoho has also been used by large organizations like Delta Airlines, Amazon, and Loreal. Keep reading to get the  game on 11 ways Zoho can work for you and your team:
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Marketing
  • Social Media: Build your content calendar, publish posts, and measure success with a single tool.
  • Emails: Create campaigns with an easy-to-use tool designed to help streamline communications, automatically organize your lists, and build 1st party audiences. 
  • Marketing Plus: Access a collection of tech tools that allow you to do a vast number of marketing functions in one ecosystem including the two above. ​
Collaboration
  • Email and Documents: Better control communication with customers, suppliers, & co-workers.
  • IT Helpdesk: Create tickets,  automate thenext steps, and give access rights to customers and internal teams with ease.
  • Project Management: Develop processes that help plan, track, and implement business projects.​​
Sales
  • Bookings: Meeting scheduler that helps send reminders and allows for prepayment. 
  • Affiliate Programs: Revenue share your website’s eCommerce sales with people who promote your product or service with this pay as you go service.
  • Customer Relationship (CRM): Manages customer relationships by tracking every step their experience.
Operations
  • Finance: Access apps and APIs that help to manage invoices and payments, budgeting, reporting, and so much more.
  • Human Resources: Manage your workforce’s performance, trainings, hours, wages.

At the current moment, I am testing Thrive,  Zoho’s affliliate and loyalty program tech tool (see HERE).  Have you ever considered or tried a Zoho product? How does it compare to other platforms in the marketplace? Let us know in the comments.
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Mastering The Media Mix for beginers

3/13/2023

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A crucial first step businesses and brands must take for advertising and marketing success is to have a great Media Mix. Your Media Mix is a combination of Owned, Earned & Paid strategies that put your business and brand in front of customers and clients.

In this article, we're going to take a look at each Media Mix Tactic and end the conversation with an Easy Exercise that will help you define & understand the Media Mix for your business and brand. 
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Owned Media: Operational and organic platforms such as your website and social media pages where you promote content for free. Owned media are things like your social media pages, email list and website. 

Earned Media: Occurs when people give out refferals & create UGC (User Generated Content) for your business and brand  at no cost to you. people sharing your social media post, doing an online product review, telling a friend to visit your business are forms of Earned Media. 
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Paid Media: Includes all ads that you pay a fee to reach. Print, digital, TV advertising and sponsorships. With this tactic you are paying a person or platform money to reach and specific group of people. It's also the best way to reach lots of people with a campaign.  
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When developing your Media Mix, you should: 
  1. Identifying the current mix you have and
  2. Improve the Media Mix for your business and brand​

Now that you have the full scoop on how a Media Mix works, evaluate your Owned, Earned and Paid strategies to see how you can optimize it for improvement. 

If this article was helpful to you, please add a thank you in the comments section. 

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Sell Online with Shoppable Ads

2/6/2022

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You want to know the secret to maximizing sales as a product and service based business who does sales online? Make it easy for customers and clients to buy, book a service or take a strategic action using a Shoppable Ad Strategy.  Business owners and operators, like yourself, can create a serious solution that simplifies the shopping & service journey of customers, clients and communities across industries which helps you achieve objectives & goals.  

Technology tools in the Shoppable Ads space are many with the most prominent being Facebook + Instagram (aka Meta) which is accessible to businesses of all sizes. It and other biz tech tools are changing the way buyers make purchases. Businesses and nonprofits who embrace Shoppable Ads will prosper. 

When you integrate shoppable ads you lead buyers through the journey. Shortening the consumer experience and making it as easy as possible for them to purchase within moments of discovery. Many of the attention-grabbing ads are images or videos that blend in and look just like posts and stories. The key difference is when someone clicks on the ad, they are directed to an Instant Storefront where they can see product details and view other products and services that are available for immediate purchases.

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Setting up and sharing Shoppable Ads for your Facebook & Instagram accounts is simple.  
  1. Integrate your website's inventory on Instagram
  2. Create content for Facebook or Instagram to post
  3. Add Shoppable tags to your post.  


Website Builders like Square, Shopify, Wix, Ecwid, Squarespace & a slew of others have FB & IG Shoppable Ads so you can start building your Strategy today!


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Helpful Hacks to Build Your Own Website DIY Style

12/6/2021

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#TBH, I’ve built my fair share of personal and professional websites using many website builders and have a grasp on tech tools that lead the DIY Website category. If you’re a business owner or operator who wants to create a websites with no experience, your going to want to keep reading cause I’m going to: 
  1. Explain why you should and how to DIY a website effectively
  2. Educate you on my top Website Builders for people who have little to no website design or development experience​
 DIY websites reclaim your money and time with an added bonus of helping you better understand the online world. ​​​​
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As a business owner or operator you can develop and design the website of your dream with confidence by choosing and using the right Technology Tools. The best DIY Website Builders have super simple drag and drop features that make developing and designing a website easy to do. Let's dig deeper as I share my top DIY Website Builders and how they can work for you.
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Square (now known as Block) is a website building tool that can grow your business with its mix of e Commerce and Business Operation features. Square's back end technology can support many business types and work especially well for:
  1. Online and Offline Retailers like fashion brands, digital product developers, home and accessories companies
  2. Restaurants who want to take advantage of online ordering or instore technology tools
  3. Consultants who work with clients remotely and need customers and clients to book free and paid appointments online
  4. Beauty,  Grooming and Wellness Business who makes money via appointments and want to sell physical products as an addon. 
​What I love most about Square is its ability to connect important apps to your website. This can help you sell products and schedule appointments directly on channels like Facebook and Instagram with Shoppable Ads and posts, provide accurate accounting and bookkeeping, track food orders, employee hours and so much more. It’s the perfect tool for businesses of all sizes. 

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Weebly's website builder is perfect for individuals on a budget and an effective DIY website product for:
  1. Nonprofits and Service Providers who want to showcase their mission and market products and services
  2. Churches that leverage multiple media channels to amplify their message 
Weebly simplifies creating a website and auto optimizes for a mobile web experience. Additionally, its blogging feature is easy and accessible to use. Weebly is the official website builder for this site. 
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Snapchat Releases Trends: A Databaes To Research Top Topics On the App

8/17/2021

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Guess what Mavens?!?! Snapchat announced the launch of Trends, an online tool to help businesses and brands better understand consumer's organic activity and sentiments on the platform.  With a consumer base of nearly 300 million people, Snapchat boasts that Trends "offers a brand new source of insight into the Snapchat Generation and an opportunity to learn more about the Snapchat community and the topics they care about."  See more details below.  
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Snapchat, a Millennial and Gen Z focused platform highlighted 5 Ways Trends can help marketers in an impactful way: 
  1. Product market research: Look at keywords based on your business' or organization's industry, product features or benefits and niche. 
  2. Creative messaging and copywriting: Incorporate trending and consumer relevant copy and graphics  into your branded assets.  
  3. Building user profiles and personas: Search trends to help understand how and when to reach customers. 
  4.  Researching key moments: Prepare for seasonal pushes like holidays, back-to-school, cultural events and so much more. 
  5. Competitive Research: See how industry and competitor  terms match up in a head to head preview of user engagement. 
 
You can read the full announcement for Trends on the Snapchat Blog HERE.   Maven's let us know if you've checked out the tool HERE and give us your thoughts in the comments.  I've definitely got some playing around to do.  Later Maven's -Dee
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Ecwid eCommerce Integration with Facebook and Instagram

1/29/2020

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​Last week I spilled  tea on how Instagramers are flooding to the platform in search of products and services they can purchase (here) from businesses. I also discussed how eCommerce platforms like Ecwid, can streamline that process with Instagram Shopper feature.   In this post, I am going to take a deeper dive into why Ecwid is perfect eCommerce tool for your business.  
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Ecwid to Facebook & Instagram Workflow

Why Ecwid
Ecwid can fully integrate products and services into Instagram Shopper and Facebook Catalog system which makes the purchase process easy for your customers and clients. 

​How to Integrate
The first step to integrate Instagram Shopper and Facebook Catalog features on your social media pages is to purchase
Ecwid's Venture Plan for $15 a month. 

What You'll Get
Ecwid's Venture Plan boasts a ton of additional features outside of Instagram Shopper and Facebook Catalog including: 
  • The ability to add up to 100 products to your store
  • Option to sell digital goods
  • In-store and Mobile selling (manage inventory from anywhere)
  • Discount codes for customers
And so much more. 

If you want to purchase Ecwid as an eCommerce tool for your business, click here to purchase. Next week, I'm gonna walk you through the process of how to  integrate Instagram Shopper and Facebook Catalog on to your  Ecwid eCommerce website. 
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