social media

Important facts about the weaponization of social media

Angela Manning Business , ,
Important facts about the weaponization of social media

If you’re curious about how hate groups, terrorist organizations and politics groups have successfully weaponized social media, simply continue reading for some information on this from James Scott ICIT.

Important facts about the weaponization of social media:

  1. Terrorist organizations frequently use social media platforms in order to try and recruit impressionable individuals to their organizations

As an example, you may or may not be aware that Isis which is an extremist Islamic terrorist organization uses Facebook accounts in order to influence impressionable individuals such as youths to join their ranks. In fact, Isis is known for getting some of their soldiers and recruiters to set up Facebook accounts so that they’ll be able to message befriend individuals who seem interested in their cause.

While other soldiers are encouraged to post photographs in uniforms, wielding powerful semi-automatic weapons. In order to impress potential recruits, who may be attracted to the power that comes with wielding a gun and joining a notorious terrorist organization.

  1. Individuals and groups frequently use social media to employ scare tactics

Individuals who use social media to bully others such as minorities are unfortunately commonplace in today’s day and age. Worse yet, hate groups such as white supremacist groups and terrorist groups also have taken to using social media in order to employ scare tactics. As an example, terrorist groups around the world are known for executing prisoners of war and uploading photos and videos of the executions which they carry out, for the world to watch in horror.

As another example, hate groups such as white supremacist groups are also known for posting, videos and photographs from their rallies on their social media accounts in order to entice hatred against different ethnic groups and their supporters.

  1. Terrorist and hate groups spread propaganda through the prolific use of social media platforms

Terrorist and hate groups can also use social media accounts in order to spread posts which contain their extremist beliefs and goals. Worse yet such groups can also spread false facts and claims which their followers may blindly accept as truths. As an example, groups who utilize social media to influence potential recruits or potential sympathizers, may also encourage their followers to retweet or re-post false news stories which paint their side of the story as the truth.

  1. Political groups can also use social media platforms to influence internet users

Unfortunately terrorist groups and hate groups aren’t the only groups who try to harness the power and influence of social media in order to win over new fans. Political groups are also notorious for using social media in order to drum up support for their parties by trying to slander their opponents with unfounded lies, which internet uses may believe.

As shockingly many individuals believe everything which they read on social media. Instead of getting their news stories from more reputable sources such as well established news sites, which offer unbiased articles which simply state facts instead of doctored opinions.

So while the inventors of social media platforms may have never intended for their websites to be weaponized, social media sites are often used by the dregs of society.

How to Make Your Business More Likeable

Angela Manning Business , , , ,
How to Make Your Business More Likeable

Brand loyalty and brand recognition are arguably the hardest parts of constructing a business image. That means starting from scratch and reaching out to customers that have yet to form an emotional connection with your brand. After all, brands that allow an emotional connection to form with their customers are twice as likely to keep them.

Easier said than done, because not every brand and company has an image that is ingrained in to our daily life, and those that do have cultivated and nurtured that image for a long time.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for a new brand to instantly connect to its customers. There are plenty of example of brands that have done just that, and have made it seem as if they were here since forever. It’s possible for every brand to achieve this while following a few tips and tricks.

Social media

Being active on social media is a must. Hiring a social media specialist is definitely worth it, and if your budget allows it, then definitely hire one, because social media is highly important in gaining a foothold in the market. Companies that are active on social media platforms consistently perform better than companies that do not, especially smaller ones.

Be constantly available

Not only on social media, but through live voice and video chat. This means to be available to people either for customer support or simply to bring them up to speed on the latest development of your brand and company. This can either be done through the website of the company or through a service an app. Customers always like it more when a company has a direct interest in what they have to say, especially if a human face is the one showing an interest.

Personify your brand

Be always in control of what your brand is where it’s shown, and then present it in the best light possible. The most important thing is to never forget the distinct identity your brand has, and to always know what your customers need from it.

Consistency

As it is with many aspects of life, it’s the same with branding – consistency is key. That means to only be constantly available, but to keep your word as a brand and your quality standards to a high level. Communicating this consistency is an important factor as well, and there are plenty of channels for that.

Reaching out

Reaching out can take many forms. It’s the basis of online advertising, whether it’s a standard marketing strategy, gmail advertising, social media marketing, or simply traditional marketing methods, it doesn’t matter. It’s important to make the extra mile and connect with customers to find out more about their preferences, needs, and wants.

After your business grows and becomes liked and respected, of course your sales numbers will grow, but that means that no matter the growth, efforts have to be genuine. Only then, the customers will come to a realisation that your brand is worthwhile, and they will find themselves loyal customers that will elevate your brand head and shoulders above the rest.

Social Media Marketing: A Beginner’s Walkthrough

Angela Manning Business , , ,
Social Media Marketing: A Beginner’s Walkthrough

As a society, we’re on a social media platform of some kind, all the time. It’s become second-nature to most people, and it’s not surprising then that businesses of all types have taken the plunge into social media marketing. No matter what you do, there’s an obvious benefit to getting your product exposure from the huge numbers of people using social media platforms. But if you haven’t got into social media marketing yet, it can seem like an uphill battle at this point. Where should you start? The good news is, because the way we interact with content is changing, it’s a great time to get into the game. And these simple steps can help you get started today!

Strategize First

Before you can delve into social media marketing, you need to first understand where your target audience will most likely see your posts –– and when they’ll see them, too. Creating a great social media campaign will go to waste if you don’t identify what platform your audience views most.

Play it Niche

It can be tempting to want to try and share your business with all seven billion people on the planet. However, the best way to advertise yourself on social media is to find your niche supporters, and cater to them. Whether your company sells inoculation loops or barbecue-flavored chips, there’s a market waiting for your posts. You just need to find them.

Write Good Content –– Consistently

One good Facebook post or tweet isn’t likely to transform your company’s social media image overnight. Instead, it takes many cogent and timely pieces to create an effective brand on social media. This is where the hard work comes in, but stay diligent; it’s worth the effort. And remember, creativity is always welcome. 

Never Stop Learning

Track the metrics on your social media campaigns. Which ones are working and which ones aren’t? Don’t be satisfied with having only reached a portion of your target audience. The brilliant aspect of social media is the potential to connect us with people anywhere at anytime. That’s why a good social media marketing strategy is always introspective, and constantly looking to improve. If your content stagnates, you’re headed in the wrong direction.

Reap the Benefits

The last, and best part of any good social media marketing campaign is converting the leads you generated on social media into clients and customers. A good social media marketing strategy can drive solid leads to your website in droves. From there, it’s just a matter of closing the deal!

Top Tips for Marketing Your New Counseling Business

Angela Manning Business , , , , , , ,
Top Tips for Marketing Your New Counseling Business

Source

It can take a lot of time, energy, and soul-searching to find that perfect career path to take in life. For many people, the field of counseling is one that is extremely attractive and rewarding. There’s also the fact that it’s going through a stage of serious growth, 19% growth between now and 2024 to be exact. These numbers are straight from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics.

With more and more companies and insurance policies now covering counseling services, it seems that more people are looking to make use of these family, marriage, and mental health counselors and therapists.

You’ve Got the Educational Background but Not the Marketing Skills

If you’re just earned your online masters in counseling from a school such as Regis College and you’ve decided that the private/public sectors aren’t for you, then you may instead be considering opening your own practice. While your online counseling degree programs prepared you from a knowledge standpoint, it would not have taught you how to market your own business.

Not to worry though, just because you haven’t been formally trained in marketing, it doesn’t mean you can put some standard tips to good use that will help get your name out there and start bringing in the clients. Here’s a look at some tips that you can use to get your business off to a good start.

Set Up Free Wellness Seminars

There are so many different ways to advertise a business, but the problem with advertising is that everyone else is doing it too. This means you need to have a unique, eye-catching, and memorable campaign that sets you apart from your competition.

Why not aim to become an expert in your town/city? This can be done by setting up wellness seminars that are open to the public to attend. The seminar can be free to all and you can make it an interactive experience so that attendees can ask questions and get a real feel for you. Of course, there will be a cost you’ll need to put out for renting the space, but the idea is that you will be able to garner a host of new clients through this seminar.

Be sure to put together a small information packet about what you discussed and include a business card or your contact information.

Set Up a Website

Another tip is to set up your own website. If this is outside your realm of expertise you can always hire a web developer to do it for you. The website should be engaging and informative to bring traffic to it.

Become a Blogger

To increase traffic on your website, you’ll want to start blogging. You can even bring in guest bloggers that add substance to the website and talk about subjects that are of interest to your readers. To get your name out there further, you can offer guest blogging services to other websites.

Stick with It

Marketing your new counseling business will take time, energy, and a lot of work, but if you stick with it, you’ll find that you will start to build a steady flow of new clients.

7 Tips to Double the Engagements for Your Videos

Angela Manning Business , , , ,
7 Tips to Double the Engagements for Your Videos

Every people who browse the net every day usually watch videos and clips. Facebook videos and Youtube videos are those two that gather a lot of audience and can sometimes make the videos go viral. You might have all the ideas how to get viewers, thousands or even millions of them. First thing you have to take note though is that, you don’t want to focus more on how a video can go viral but instead how can you have someone keep coming back and watch more of your videos, that’s engagement over virality. Let me give you 5 tips to double the engagements for your videos and should help you out in getting them to go back and watch more of your videos.

How to Double the Engagements of you Videos

#1. Create an Emotional Connection

The ones watching your videos are people, not robots. You have to make sure that you create that connection that you feel your viewers will get hook into. It always works if you say things or give examples based on your experience because they will have an idea that someone had experienced it, they might have had or they might experience it in the future.

#2. Keep it Interesting

Human being as an average has a minimal attention span which is only around 8 seconds based in the study done in 2015. This being said, if a video gets boring in the first 10 seconds, say goodbye to your viewers. The first few seconds are really important, learning to master the art of video recording is necessary. This should give your viewers an idea what they should expect and should give them a reason why they should stay and continue watching.

#3. The effect of Lighting

How do you feel when you see a dark video that shows nothing less than blurred human figures or other objects? Surely, you will ignore it. That is why most of the photographers use lighting effect while making videos and clicking pictures. Whether you are shooting in daylight or night, lighting effects can add magic to your video. Even if you are using the low quality camera under $500 but with lighting, you can make the video much better and people will enjoy watching your videos. However, do not overuse this effect as well as all other special effects.

#4. Make it Short

As mentioned above, we, human beings only have an 8-second attention span as an average, which means the longer the video is, the lower the retention, the lower the engagement. According to the study made, a video which is under a minute can receive 80% retention from the viewers. On the other hand, 2 – 3 minute-videos can only receive 60% and 50% retention for videos that are 5 to 10 minutes long. This means, the shorter, the better.

#5. Editing and Jump Cuts

Before you finalize your video making concept, add one more thing that is jump cut method. If you have made your video with a number of short clips then using jump cut method will help you to make one cohesive video. This will not just save your time while recording but also you don’t need to learn long scripts. This will also keep the pace of the video moving along quickly and keep the viewers engaged. For jump-cut video, prepare your script beforehand and then break it up into easy and simple lines.

#6. Identify your viewers

Ask yourself, “Who are my focused viewers?” then you would be able to identify what type of videos to create. Usually people watch videos because they want to learn something or for fun and entertainment. Sometimes, people watch videos because they want to see the comparison of the products before buying. They want to know what is best based on the video reviews. If that’s something that you can cater, then go ahead and spread the word what is best for them.

#7. Context’s Content

When uploading videos, consider the visible thumbnail and the video’s description. Also, consider the placement of the video, something the viewers can easily see and will play it. Put everything in context. Don’t just upload it without considering the context. Everything must be in place. This will surely boost your business productivity to the next level.

Just a simple reminder, keep it short and interesting to double the engagements of your videos. We hope these tips of increasing the engagements of your videos will help you out.