Email LinkedIn Twitter

Build your blog, brick by brick | Blog World Expo

Did you know that 33% of Americans follow brands on Facebook and Twitter?

Blog World Expo 2012That number has doubled in the past 2 years. It’s clear that a company’s online presence is more important than ever. Brands that transcend social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter see a strong following on blogs. This happens because blogs offer more thoughtful and carefully curated content. Building a successful blog isn’t an easy task, and followers will only join if there’s a benefit for them. There are, however, ways for bloggers to improve their sites. The key is is look from inside out. At the Blog World & New Media Expo, a talked called “Building an Authority Brand” touched upon the must-do’s for serious bloggers.  We’ve recapped some of the hot topics at this exclusive event:

It pays to understand the blogger culture

  • Bloggers feel they aren’t treated as professionally as media. Be aware of this, and be respectful.
  • Not all women bloggers are mommy bloggers. It’s almost a derogatory term these days.
  • Don’t think campaign. Focus on relationships when reaching out to fellow bloggers. Having mutual respect for bloggers will enhance your community. So, give a little, and you will benefit in return.
  • Bloggers deserve respect, especially when pitching. There’s no lack of ideas about what to write so keep that in mind when pitching.

Interactivity is key

  • When you find a great blog, comment on the posts you like. Comments are “blogger crack.” If they comment back on one of your posts, thank them, and keep the commenting going.
  • When you get a “no” to the right idea, it’s a no to your approach. You don’t yet get what they need. Switch up the approach to enhance activity on your page.
  • Keep a spreadsheet of bloggers with details about their blogs and any follow-up activity. Note things like: Where did they come from? Why are they on your list? This might help you reach out to and understand prospective followers.

There are plenty of budding blogs and blogger tools to learn from

Thanks for the insight, @CENTURY21, @tamadear, and @rzazueta!

Nurturing Your Network With New Media | American Society of Picture Professionals

If “a picture says a thousand words,” shouldn’t you share it with a digital audience?

Nurturing Your Network with New Media | American Society of Picture Professionals

Photos courtesy of Carlton SooHoo of Panospin Studios

Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr:  There are many new media platforms that you can use to share your work on the Internet.  How can you use new media to benefit your business?  Which platform should you use?  Can new media really help with art-oriented initiatives?

Boston University’s Photographic Resource Center and American Society of Picture Professionals asked Designated Editor President Suzanne McDonald to present how to use new media to grow and strengthen your photography business.

During this seminar, Suzanne taught the audience how to develop and maintain contacts, find influencers, what the best digital tools are and how to successfully integrate digital platforms for increased visibility.

Nurturing Your Network with New Media | American Society of Picture Professionals Seminar Presentation from Designated Editor

The following are key takeaways that you, as a photographer, can use in the digital world:

  • Start investing in a platform where you can control the content (owned media):  Create a website, write a blog, create a Twitter account
  • Generate strong content: Hook and learn about your audience, integrate key/buzzwords, update often,
  • Continuously add new content: The more content you have, the more feedback and analytics
  • Use titles and descriptions in all posts
  • Establish conversations: Circulate a newsletter, use social media, enable comments
  • WordPress and Wikis are two sites for creating a digital presence

  4 stages to new media effectiveness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tools for optimizing content and growing your network

  • Google Alerts – Drive blogs/content
  • Wildfire – Find influencers/audience

Influencer tools

Social media campaigning

  • Create brand personality
  • Place your content in the channel(s) you share with influencers
  • Monitor, engage, integrate
  • Target and type your audience; then create Facebook ads directed at them, if you are looking for really good marketing an example is SPM Communications, a PR firm in Dallas, Texas.
  • Host events

Social media optimization and measurement

  • Look at your connections and conversations, and measure results
    • Measurement/comparison tools:  Curalate, Bit.ly, Klout, Twitter Counter
  • Calculate your ROI, are you getting desired results from your effort?
  • Maximize ROI: Focus keywords/vocab, connect with influencers, discuss new topics
  • Change your strategy: Engage more? Use more photos? Curate new content? Be timely.

The world of new media can seem daunting, but think of it as an art form that needs to be mastered: You have a blank canvas and a lot of ideas going on; sort through your options, be observant, smart and respond to your stimuli and audience.  Try it out: Strategize but have fun and be creative!

Nurturing Your Network with New Media | American Society of Picture Professionals

Photos courtesy of Carlton SooHoo of Panospin Studios