Showing posts with label Small Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small Business. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2025

YOUR Travel Business Social Media?


If your business is in the travel industry or benefits in any way from it, you need a strong social media presence..




As we're in peak vacation season, it may actually not be too late to reach vacationing families right now before the end of summer.

New data shows that vacationing consumers are likely going to check out social media about their destination. They're going to do other travel-related research online, too.

According to data from the Global Web Index, nearly 1 in 4 people (23 percent) going on vacation use social media to research products to buy ahead of their trip. That figure goes up for vacationers with children. A family on vacation heads to social media to do pre-trip research 31 percent of the time.

A further dive into the numbers shows how these vacations are using social media to find what they want. And it also shows what they're doing when they get online.



Social Media for the Travel Industry

Here's how you can get your social media presence in shipshape to appeal to vacationers:

Set Up a Page

It sounds simple and in most cases, it is. Make yourself a checklist of things you'll need to complete your profile and start posting things about your brand and the products you sell. According to the data, 27 percent of vacationing families visited a brand's social media page in the last month.

And 25 percent of families going on vacation "Liked" or followed a brand they clearly connected with on social media.



Consider an Ad Campaign

If your business is new to social media, you may want to consult a professional or expert before launching a social media ad campaign. It could end up being a costly venture that nets insignificant results if you're headed into uncharted waters.

But if you have a handle on something like a Facebook Ad campaign, vacationers aren't avoiding this content either. The Global Web Index data showed that 18 percent of the nearly 1,000 vacationing families clicked on sponsored content they saw on social media.

Guest Authored By Joshua Sophy. Joshua is the Assistant Editor for Small Business Trends and the Head of Content Partnerships. A journalist with 17 years of experience in traditional and online media, Joshua got his start in the newspaper business in Pennsylvania. His experience includes being a beat reporter covering daily news. He eventually founded his own local newspaper, the Pottsville Free Press, covering his hometown. Joshua supervises the day-to-day operations of Small Business Trends' busy editorial department including the editorial calendar and outgoing assignments. Follow Joshua on Twitter.





If your business is in the travel industry or benefits in any way from it, you need a strong social media presence..


    • Authored by:
      Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Scottsdale, AZ.. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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    Sunday, May 25, 2025

    Must Know Skills To Master Social Media?


    When most of us use social media, we're goofing off.

    But for a lucky subset of America, being on Facebook, X and the rest . . . is part of the job! Which begs the question: What exactly do you need to master, if you want a corporation or nonprofit to hire you as a social media wizard?




    The right way to find out is to cull through mountains of job ads, taking note of the exact skills being sought. That's what Zippia, a career-resources site, has done. The result: a fascinating new list of the 15 social-media skills or competencies that sit at the top of employers' lists.

    The most in-demand skill: knowing your way around Facebook Insights. More than $20 billion a year is spent on Facebook advertising -- which creates plenty of work for people who help run such initiatives. If "targeting," "optimization" and "cost-per-click" intrigue you, that's a good sign.




    Bear in mind: We've rapidly moved past the days when collecting a lot of "likes" or followers was enough to convince your bosses that a social-media presence on Facebook was a success. The Facebook dashboard for creating and tracking social-media campaigns is as intricate as a church organ. Success means being able to work it carefully -- and boldly.

    The second most-demanded skills relate to Twitter, which can be a lot more turbulent than the orderly world of Facebook advertising. Some companies achieve winning results with offbeat Twitter campaigns. What's universal, though, is a desire to monitor Twitter for signs of customer indignation ... and to have crisis-minded specialists on hand who can deal with unexpected disruption.

    Rounding out the list of the five most in-demand skills: Instagram, online presence and company website -- all of which are shown in blue in the graphic above. After that, the five skills in green, which call for expertise in platforms such as YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Tumbler. Beyond that, the skills in in orange, which related more to traditional marketing and public-relations duties, such as customer service, content strategy and press releases.



    Do employers across the United States all want the same basic skills? Intriguingly, the answer is no. Zippia's content marketing editor, David Luther, observes that "social media managers who live in the same region tend to list similar skills, though they differ from those who live in other regions. You can almost predict what part of the country a resume comes from."

    Zippia's data team split job ads into three regions: East Coast (led by the New York City region), Heartland (led by Chicago) and West Coast (led by Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. "Facebook Insights and Twitter are the top two skills across the board," Luther said, "but it seems like the heartland prefers to use social as a functional part of the (sales) funnel, the West Coast values social media for its own sake, and the East Coast is all about analytics."

    Guest Authored By George Anders. George writes about innovation, careers and unforgettable personality's. One of his Forbes Magazine cover stories has turned into a new book: "You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power Of A Useless Liberal Arts Education." Learn more at GeorgeAndersBooks. Follow George on Twitter.





    Today's solopreneurs are living and dying by their social presence.

    By sticking to this checklist, you can save yourself from scrambling for a social strategy and focus on what really matters:

    Growing your business..


      • Authored by:
        Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, Colorado. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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      Friday, May 23, 2025

      Employer Workplace Social Media Tips?


      Some workers want to use Facebook, X, and Snapchat all of the time. But what should an employer do? Urban Schrott of Eset Ireland has some advice..

      What is the impact of social media and the way it is used by businesses across the world?



      Social media use has skyrocketed for businesses all over the world, with many companies using it as a way of strengthening their brands and reaching out to new and existing customers.

      It’s clear that social media is likely to continue its popularity with businesses, although, in an age where information security has never been such a pressing issue, there are still questions that need to be addressed.

      Is social media really a threat to security?

      The threat posed to security by social media is nothing new. A report released by Cisco in 2013 claimed that mass audience sites, which include social media, pose a significant threat to information security.

      One obvious threat is the potential for blurring the line separating personal information and company data, particularly when a user is using a social media account for both personal and work purposes.

      This risk may be underestimated by workers, many of whom may believe their social media accounts are not carrying anything of interest for cyber-criminals, but they can still be used as a portal into a company’s wider network.



      So is social media a weak spot?

      Potentially. The use of phishing to compromise email accounts has been well documented, but they can take on a new dimension when combined with social media.

      For example, if cyber-criminals can compromise a LinkedIn account, they can potentially fool others on the network into thinking they are genuinely one of their co-workers, opening up the possibility of handing over sensitive information.

      But if they don’t get that far, there’s nothing to worry about?

      Not exactly. Social media output is a key component of a brand’s overall image. If a cyber-criminal manages to compromise one of these channels, it could prove damaging.

      For instance, in 2013, a hacker was able to gain access to the Twitter account of Burger King and then use it to display the McDonald’s logo, along with explicit obscenities. Similarly, it’s not exactly reassuring when someone like Mark Zuckerberg has his social networks compromised.



      What can be done to make things better?

      Setting up a rigid policy to protect company accounts is always a good a start.

      A code of conduct for employees, as part of a wider cybersecurity program, can include the implementation of strong passwords, with weak logins such as 123456 still all too common.

      Other potential points include monitoring engagement with brand mentions, offering guidance on how to spot malicious software, implementing two-factor authentication and ensuring that only brand-approved content is shared.

      Implementing a policy is particularly important for businesses operating more than one social media account, although it is equally important not to discourage employee participation, as this will hinder the benefits these platforms bring.



      Is it the employer’s responsibility to safeguard social media security?

      Employers should always try to educate their workforce on the potential dangers of social media as best they can, but employees themselves need to remain vigilant.

      For example, it’s important to be cautious of links embedded in email messages, even if they appear to be from a social network provider. Always ensure links come from trusted sources. If in doubt, connect to the site’s URL directly by typing it into your browser.

      Always keep track of what devices have access to your accounts, and utilize any available service that will notify you when a new login occurs.

      Furthermore, workers shouldn’t risk leaving themselves vulnerable by posting potentially sensitive information on social media.

      Guest Authored By Urban Schrott. Urban is an IT security and cybercrime analyst at ESET Ireland. For companies wary of social media in the workplace, ESET recommends its Cybersecurity Awareness Training.





      "We live in a world of information overload, but don’t let that information overwhelm you.

      Listen for everything – good and bad – and deal with each result strategically.."


        • Authored by:
          Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, Colorado. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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        Monday, May 19, 2025

        Social Media Influence And Big Dollars?


        The internet has given birth to a plethora of online sensations — from the Turkish chef who became a sensation as 'Salt Bae' just by seasoning meat.

        To Jeremy Meeks, the felon whose viral mugshot catapulted him into a modeling career..



        For many, social media can be a cruel and harsh place. Yet others, like non-celebrity "influencers" able to ride the wave of viral content to high follower counts and visibility, can easily make big money creating their own brand and promoting others.

        According to Influencer marketing agency Mediakix, Instagram's influencer market is worth $1 billion, and shows no signs of slowing down. The firm predicted recently that by 2029, that figure would double.

        "The fastest growing influencer marketing platforms are Instagram, Instagram Stories, Facebook, and YouTube," Jeremy Shih, head of marketing at Mediakix, told CNBC recently. For now, there's no comparable market for Twitter and the live video application Periscope.

        Yet Periscope was a saving grace for Amanda Oleander, an artist based in California. In 2015, Oleander shot to fame on the platform by live streaming herself — eventually parlaying that into a six-figure income.



        "At age 25, I [wanted] to be my own boss," Oleander told CNBC in a recent interview. When she first signed up for Periscope, she had recently been laid off and never considered being an internet entrepreneur.



        After one week of being on Periscope, she became the most followed woman on the entire app.

        "It kind of happened overnight," she said..

        Live streaming herself painting exposed Oleander to a new class of clientele, with many viewers purchasing the illustrator's work, which costs an average of $5,000. Some of her clients include T-Mobile CEO John Legere, who owns two of her paintings — both of which he bought while tuned into one of Oleander's live painting sessions.

        The artist told CNBC that her audience feels connected to the pieces she creates live, which encourages them to purchase the art. For example, Legere waited two years for Oleander to complete a $20,000 painting.

        "I think people are attracted to that [rawness]," Oleander told CNBC. "A lot of the people who buy my pieces, they see the process," she said.



        How To Elevate Your Influencer Game

        Anna Rosenblatt, vice president of cultural strategy at advertising agency sparks & honey, recently told CNBC that to build a following, "live streaming works especially well for activities such as painting, gaming, and things people want to feel like they're there with you."

        Otherwise, "Instagram is a top platform for micro-influencers, people who may not have millions of followers, but tens of thousands," Rosenblatt said.

        As a result, micro-influencers are flourishing as brands increasingly unplug from people with far larger social media followings.

        In recent years, some influencers have been able to purchase followers, enhancing the appeal of accounts with smaller followings but more targeted (and real) audiences. Rosenblatt explained that not only do micro-influencers tend to have a greater engagement with their niche, but are a cheaper deal: On average, most charge less than $500 per post.



        Still, experts said the most successful micro-influencers are those who specialize in a small niche — such as art — versus a larger market like fashion. To encourage engagement with her fans, Oleander has meetups, giveaways, creates affordable prints for her viewers and even has a curated "peri-fam birthdays" list on her website.

        If you are an individual and you want to get an influencer deal, you have to build an engaged and large following in a specific topic," said Matt Britton, CEO of Crowdtap, a marketing tech platform that aligns influencers and brands.

        Britton told CNBC that the key between being an influencer and actually profiting from the industry is signing on to an influencer network, since "brands are not going to work with individuals directly," he said.

        There's a definite hierarchy, Shih at Mediakix explained, as large influencers — defined as accounts with more than 100,000 Instagram followers and/or at least 300,000 subscribers on YouTube — usually get explicit overtures from brands.



        "Influencer marketing companies and agencies, as well as networks, also work closely with brands to identify the right influencers for a given initiative/campaign," he said.

        Meanwhile, smaller fish in the social media pool can use marketing platforms, which allow influencers to apply for specific campaigns, to get their own deals.

        More importantly, once influencers get a deal, according to Rosenblatt, it's imperative that the brand deals align with their values, and that taste arbiters continue to stay true to themselves and exercise transparency.

        That way, the audience does not feel like the influencer sold out.

        "Credibility is key," Rosenblatt said. "We live in an era of trust over truth."

        Guest Authored By Denise Garcia. Denise is a Freelance Photographer and Journalist. Follow Denise on X.





        If you are an individual and you want to get an influencer deal, you have to build an engaged and large following in a specific topic..

        • Authoredby:Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, Colorado. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)

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        Wednesday, May 14, 2025

        The Solopreneur Social Media Checklist?


        90 percent of businesses say social media is crucial to their marketing. But the point is, are you doing yours right?



        In a world where (according to an Adweek study), over 90 percent of businesses say social media is crucial to their overall marketing strategies, solopreneurs arguably have the most to gain and lose via social networks.

        Sure, those platforms often have a reputation for being total time-sinks or wastelands of marketing ROI. But savvy solopreneurs understand how to use platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to spread the word about their businesses. In many cases, these same solopreneurs are growing those businesses and bottom lines without spending a dime.

        But, when you're using social media to pursue networking opportunities or seal the deal with new customers, how do you know whether you're using your time wisely or merely spinning your wheels?

        Fear not. The following checklist is a guide for solopreneurs looking to pinpoint their social strategy and use their time on these platforms wisely, to build their investment in their business.



        1. Pick A Primary Channel

        Simply put, you need to decide on a single social channel that's going to command most of your attention. That's not to say you can't focus on both Facebook and Instagram, for example, but trying to be in multiple places at once will inevitably burn you out.

        For many solopreneurs in the B2B space, Facebook is the number one channel to focus your efforts. There's a good chance that your clients and customers are already connected to the platform in some way, shape or form, especially considering that users spend an average of 50 minutes on Facebook per day.

        Niche businesses, however, are booming on Instagram, especially those within B2C industries such as fashion and beauty. Growing and monetizing Instagram followers is arguably easier than ever; meanwhile, Instagram has one of the highest average order values via ecommerce, at $65 per order.

        When in doubt, you can pick your primary channel by answering one simple question: "Where are my clients and customers hanging out?" If there's a clear answer, then you know where to start.



        2. Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin

        Despite popular belief, you don't need to be active on each and every social site. In fact, there are no "must-have" networks for solopreneurs, truth be told.

        But, think about it: There's absolutely no way you can effectively manage a presence simultaneously on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn by yourself. If you try, you'll neglect at least half of your social sites.

        Solopreneurs have two options when it comes to attacking the various social channels available.
        • Pick a primary channel coupled with one or two secondary channels (for example, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn).
        • Focus on a primary channel while using a social automation solution to help push content and maintain a presence on secondary channels
        For example, apps such as Buffer and Sprout Social allow solopreneurs to curate and queue content to their social network of choice without lifting a finger. While such solutions do require a monetary investment, they allow your brand to be in multiple places at once, so to speak.

        3. Never Stop Networking

        The old adage, "Always be prospecting," rings incredibly true for today's solopreneurs on social media. There are seemingly endless opportunities to connect with new clients, win over customers and share your business's content all at once.

        Private Facebook groups based around your industry represent potential gold mines of new business. Likewise, sites such as LinkedIn put you on the same level as CEOs and industry bigwigs.

        4. Position Yourself As An Influencer

        Oftentimes, making yourself heard via social media means playing the role of a bigwig yourself. By positioning yourself as an influencer, you grow your authority within your niche and make yourself more attractive to potential clients and customers.



        Some smart yet simple positioning strategies on social media include:
        • Thoughtfully responding to questions and comments on industry-related Facebook or LinkedIn groups
        • Republishing your own content to the various social channels, including LinkedIn's own publishing platform
        • Regularly commenting on the updates of major players in your industry, showing that you've got the chops to be a bigger player yourself
        Any combination of these strategies not only puts your name out there, but also publicly displays your commitment to your industry.

        5. Look For Opportunities To Curate Social Proof

        Especially if you're a new solopreneur, social media represents a great place to curate social proof on behalf of your business.

        Ever leave a comment that got tons of positive feedback? Created pieces of content that just about went viral? Have clients who've given you a digital "thumbs up" or a public "thank you" via social?



        If so, you can use such social proof as a way to seal the deal with future clients and customers.

        By highlighting your positive social experiences either on site or throughout your marketing materials, you can break down the trust barrier for any skeptics who may not think you're the real deal.

        6. Professional Imagery Goes A Long Way

        This point is crucial but so easy to ignore: Something as simple as your professional headshot can make all the difference when it comes to networking via social media.

        If you want to be taken seriously, present yourself accordingly. Bathroom selfies and party pics aren't going to cut it if you really want to make an impression on your audience.



        7. Don't Let Your Profiles Gather Cobwebs

        Finally, don't let your social presence fall to the wayside. Period. Consistency is key to gaining followers and traction via social: The more you post, the more you will grow an audience that's hungry for what you have to say.

        On the flip side, if a certain channel is netting you absolutely no engagement, don't be afraid to cut it loose for the sake of your time and energy.

        Today's solopreneurs are living and dying by their social presence. By sticking to this checklist, you can save yourself from scrambling for a social strategy and focus on what really matters: growing your business.

        Guest Authored By Nathan Chan. Nathan is the publisher of Foundr Magazine, a digital magazine for young, aspiring and novice stage entrepreneurs. He has had the pleasure of interviewing rock star business leaders to find out what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Follow Nathan on Twitter.





        “Today's solopreneurs are living and dying by their social presence.

        By sticking to this checklist, you can save yourself from scrambling for a social strategy and focus on what really matters:

        Growing your business..”


          • Authored by:
            Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, Colorado. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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