IGTV & What It Means For Content Creators
For content creators, the biggest news of the day is the announcement of Instagram’s latest development: the launch of IGTV, a video content stream within the app. IGTV is specifically tailored to be more mobile friendly than YouTube, providing content directly from major creators currently on Instagram.
The news was delivered via Instagram’s business page, with the company saying IGTV will bring audiences “closer to the creatives they love”. IGTV has been created around the insights that audiences are increasingly straying from traditional forms of video consumption, towards consumption of online video content via mobile devices. A direct quote from the business page says:
“We're evolving with the times; these days, people are watching less TV and more digital video. By 2021, mobile video will account for 78% of total mobile data traffic. And we've learned that younger audiences are spending more time with amateur content creators and less time with professionals.”
One of the most distinctive features of IGTV is the dimensions of the content (9:16), meaning videos will be made to fit phone screens rather than traditional desktop dimensions (used by YouTube). Snapchat Discover (the closest comparison for IGTV) currently provides videos in a mobile friendly format, however the service hasn’t received the popularity originally anticipated, with several shows being cancelled due to lack of viewer interest.
IGTV will allow content up to 60 minutes long, a major development from the current 60 second video limit on the Instagram app. The app also starts playing content from the moment you open the app, and boasts it’s simplicity with regards to browsing and finding content.
There is currently no ad service within the IGTV app yet, although the brand has indicated that this will be a likely development as the app gains momentum. In the meantime, brands can have a presence on the app simply through content creation. As users become more resistant to traditional advertising, they are increasingly expecting engaging, relevant content from the brands they follow; IGTV being the newest platform for brands to experiment with long form content.
If you’d like to learn more about content creation or how we can connect your brand to your target market, contact us at [email protected].
10 reasons why businesses need a Social Media Manager
We all know why social media is important for business. But do you think you need a social media manager for your business?
One thing we hear regularly from our clients is that while social media is a must-do and a huge part of their marketing strategy, it's more often than not the last thing on their daily to-do list. And we can understand why, when you're running a business you've got a million things on your mind, without even thinking about social media strategy, target audiences, analytics, content creation, community management - the list goes on. And yep, that all falls under the umbrella of the 'social media manager'.
But while you're ticking off your daily tasks to keep your business running, you may be neglecting the one thing that has the potential to take your business to the next level - social media.
Why is professional social media management important?
Firstly, the person managing your social media accounts is effectively the ‘voice’ of your business. If you wouldn’t put that person in front of 1000 people to promote your business on your behalf, you shouldn’t put them in charge of your social media voice - which potentially reaches a far greater audience on a daily basis.
Secondly, strategy, quality, consistency, engagement and innovation are the keys to social media success. Without these key points, your social media efforts will be in vain. By outsourcing the ongoing management of your social media channels to a dedicated strategist, you can ensure your business is not only utilising social media in a strategic manner designed to produce real results for your brand, but they're producing high quality content and distributing it a consistent, targeted manner, aimed at increasing engagement and reach for your business. (Or in other words, getting you 'seen and heard' online!)
Here are 10 reasons why businesses need a Social Media Manager:
- To develop a social media strategy. Without a great social media strategy in place, your efforts may be in vain. Your social media manager will set out a strategy for you that is geared towards achieving success online.
- To create amazing content. In 2017, your social media manager is no longer just that, (or at least at Melbourne Social Co they're not!) They are photographers, writers, stylists, publicists, community managers - you name it, the list goes on. And as part of our role, we will create and source amazing content for your brand. Because let's face it, in the crowded social media market place, you need amazing content to stand out from the crowd.
- To boost SEO (search engine optimisation): A Social Media Manager understands search engines (or knows someone who does!) and can create content that is optimised for this purpose.
- To communicate in a unified voice: A Social Media Manager will get to know your brand, define your audience and create a unified social media message to appeal to your target market.
- To manage the online community: The Social Media Manager acts as a 'brand ambassador' by listening to your customers on social media and responding in a timely manner. Social Media Managers can also be excellent PR agents, by reaching out to news outlets and bloggers who can help your business grow.
- To save time: Social Media Management takes time. Having people contribute to the process without a defined schedule or strategy won't help your marketing efforts and is often an afterthought. A Social Media Manager is dedicated to managing the digital marketing of your business - it's his/her job.
- To handle social media automation/scheduling: A Social Media Manager knows how to get the most out of social media by using a variety of tools and techniques. These methods can help grow the business and save money in the process. Do you know what is the best time of day to post particular content online? Your Social Media Manager does and can schedule posts accordingly.
- To have someone with business knowledge: Social Media Managers not only know social media, they also understand all facets of your business. They know what's important and which trends to follow because they interact with the various departments. They can confidently act as the 'voice' of your business as they are on top of what's going on.
- To track campaigns: A Social Media Manager can measure and track campaigns to see what works and what doesn't, and then adjust as necessary.
- To stay abreast of trends and technology: People who know the basics of social media may not be as informed as a person who works in social media marketing day in and day out. Just because you post on Instagram daily and love to use Pinterest doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to strategically manage your businesses online profiles.
So, now you know why a Social Media Manager is important, what should you do?
If you're looking to outsource your social media management, we can help.
We'd love to chat to you about your digital marketing needs, so that we can put together a custom full-service solution for you.
Please contact us for more information: [email protected]
4 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand
Regardless of whether you’re a business owner, employee or on the hunt for new work, developing a professional personal brand on and offline is a great way to establish authority and credibility within your industry.
So how can you build your personal brand, in order to showcase the best 'you' possible? Here are 4 places to start.
1. Audit your online presence:
Do a quick google search on your name. Are you happy for a potential client or employer to see those search results?
One of the simplest and easiest ways to start creating a professional personal brand is to audit your online presence. That means going through all your social media channels and removing any unprofessional images or content so you can put your best foot forward! Yes - that means deleting those party pics from your high school days. Make sure you use a professional profile picture and only post content you’d be happy for a client or potential employer to view.
(If you're not quite ready to remove your historical happy snaps, you can always set these particular social media profiles to private. Just be careful when accepting friend requests from co-workers or industry peers.)
2. Create a LinkedIn profile:
After you’ve audited your existing online presence, the next step is to create a LinkedIn profile - if you don’t already have one. LinkedIn is a great way to showcase your experience and skills, search for jobs, seek new business opportunities and network with likeminded industry professionals.
It’s important that you create a standout profile that will draw the attention of potential clients, customers or employers. Here’s how!
3. Secure a personal website:
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, why not create your very own personal website? Having a personal website is one of the best ways to increase your name ranking on Google and provide a professional hub where you can present your experience, skills and expertise in your field. Don't worry, your website doesn’t have to be extensive, it just needs to showcase your resume, some great blog posts, an 'about' section and contact information.
4. Add some value:
In order to separate yourself from your competitors and present yourself as an authority in your industry, it’s always important to provide value to those you connect with. A good way to do this could be by writing a blog on your personal website, adding some great tips and tricks to your social media posts, or offering to help out a new connection to make a lasting impression.
Do you need help showcasing your personal brand online? Here at Melbourne Social Co we are experts at getting your brand “out there!”
Contact us now for more information.
e: [email protected] – P: 1300 386 165
The Lowdown on Search Engine Optimisation
Chances are you’ve heard of the term Search Engine Optimisation (or as it’s commonly referred to – SEO) however you may be a little confused about what it actually is, why you need it and how to implement an SEO strategy for your business.
But never fear! If you are having some trouble understanding Search Engine Optimisation read on below as we break down some of the basics so you can improve your website or blog today.
SEO Basics:
What is it?
SEO refers to the process of implementing strategies to optimise your online content to make it easier for people to find your website when they search on Google. As there are many websites competing with yours to be ranked high on Google's pages, it’s vital to use key techniques to increase your visibility online and make your website stand out from the rest. These techniques focus on the concept of creating high quality and authentic online content, with the help of keywords, social media accounts, new and engaging content, original images and more.
Why do I need it?
SEO is vital for any business that wants to increase their visibility on Google, resulting in increased traffic and overall sales. Whether you are a new business or an established company, it’s essential to start implementing these strategies today.
How can I do it?
In order to increase your website visibility on search engines there are a variety of key tactics you can implement. However it’s important to know that Search Engine Optimisation takes time and your main goal should be to produce amazing and unique online content that consumers love and engage with, in conjunction with essential SEO techniques. If you combine these two concepts, not only will your ranking continue to grow, but you'll be engaging potential customers/fans as well, encouraging them to keep coming back to your site.
Here are some great SEO tips to get you started:
- Identify and use relative keywords throughout your website content
- Distribute your website content through a variety of online channels including social media, blogs and email marketing
- Create quality, authentic content that engages your fans and consumers
- Add a blog onto your website so you can integrate quality content, keywords and unique images
- Use unique and original images across all your online channels
- Ensure your site is mobile friendly
Do you need some help implementing the above strategies and more to increase your website’s Search Engine Optimisation? Melbourne Social Co can help you! Contact us today.
Why is Social Media important for small business?
Because your customers are already using it.
Consider these statistics of Australian Social Media users from August 2014:
Social Media Statistics Australia – August 2014 - source socialmedianews.com.au
1. Facebook – 13,400,000 users (steady)
2. YouTube – 13,000,000 UAVs
3. WordPress.com – 6,100,000
4. Tumblr – 4,600,000
5. LinkedIn – 3,900,000
6. Blogspot – 3,050,000
7. Twitter – 2,791,300 Active Australian Users (see calculation)
8. Instagram – 2,060,000 Active Australian Users (see calculation)
9. TripAdvisor – 1,550,000
10. Yelp – 1,300,000
11. Snapchat - 1,070,000 Active Australian Users (see calculation).
12. Tinder – 1,000,000 Australian users
13. Flickr – 740,000
14. Pinterest – 380,000
15. Reddit – 160,000
The chances are that much of your target market is already using social media. If you want to reach clients and prospects, you need to be where they are – by using social media you’ll increase the odds that your marketing message will get through to a significant number of them.
It will help you connect with your customers/clients.
Most marketing channels are one-way in nature – a business sends out its marketing message, and the consumer receives it. With Social Media, you can actually have a conversation with your audience. Social Media helps to create a community of fans and followers that see you as more than just a business entity.
They’ll view you as someone they trust, and people use the services of those they trust.
Not sure where to start in the crazy world of Social Media? Melbourne Social Co offer a range of packages for businesses looking to begin, expand on or capitalise on the ‘noise’ their brand is making in the digital world.
Contact us for more information - [email protected]