Category Archives: social media

digital media, social media

What Does The New Facebook News Feed Mean To You? (an early look)

Earlier today Facebook announced upcoming changes to their news feed:

We’ve completely rebuilt each story to be much more vibrant and colorful and highlight the content that your friends are sharing. Photos, news articles, maps and events all look brighter and more beautiful.

Users will also be able to further customize their news feed experience:

To make sure you’re seeing all the stories you want to see, we’re introducing several new feeds to explore in addition to the same News Feed you have today:

– All Friends – a feed that shows you everything your friends are sharing

– Photos – a feed with nothing but photos from your friends and the Pages you like

– Music – a feed with posts about the music you listen to

– Following – a feed with the latest news from the Pages you like and the people you follow.

So what does this all mean for you?

Content reigns supreme.  

I know you’ve heard this story before. But now, more than ever, this is true. And for a couple of reasons too. 

  1. Photos. Facebook is going to have a news feed dedicated to photos. Your need to understand this if your personal page or brand page is looking to increase or maintain engagement. Sharing a link to a photo will not cut it anymore. You will now NEED to upload photos and share them this way. I also suggest using creative and compelling photos with a focus on great stories and superb quality.  Facebook will not change EdgeRank.  If your content is not shared, liked or commented on, you will find your content not being engaging. And if you’re a brand that means you’ll be spending more financial resources on ads than you should be.
  2. Engaging content. This includes content such as photos, videos, and even polls for instance. The only way to know what is engaging your friends or community is to read the numbers. What is your data saying? If you’re sharing content with friends, do your friends engage with your content or are you left wondering if anyone saw anything? If you manage a brand’s page take a look at your Facebook insights. What are they telling you? What types of content is being shared the most? Which content has high virality numbers?  

These are just a couple of reasons you need to pay attention to Facebook’s new news feed design. Over the next few days, more articles and thoughts are sure to be shared online and on social media. What are your thoughts on Facebook’s newly designed news feed? Share your comments.

 

digital media, social media

Windows Phone 8: Oreo Skies

Oreo is on a roll.  After their recent “win” with their Super Bowl blackout post Oreo is continuing to impress me. Their most recent success is their new app for users of Windows 8 OS on the Nokia Lumia device.

Introducing Oreo Skies.

As one of the few users of the Windows Phone 8 platform I am always searching for new apps. Sometimes I’m looking for apps that I’m used to on from Android or iOS platforms. At other times, I’m looking for new apps that I’ve never used. And that’s how I found Oreo Skies. Most of the time, I could care less for corporate sponsored apps. This time was different. It may be because I am a huge fan of science. Or maybe because I’m a father of a 7 year old who loves discovering things even more than I do.

Here’s what the Oreo Skies app does:

Celebrate the “kid within” by pointing your Lumia at the sky, no matter what time of day or night, and explore a map of stars and constellations where you can message with your friends via Facebook. If you post the most messages during a lunar cycle, you get to “own the moon” and post something for the entire Oreo Skies network to see. Tap shooting stars to unlock hidden messages and special offers.

While the Facebook integration is weak from a user experience standpoint it is still a very interesting app. What makes it compelling to me is that I can point my smartphone up into the sky and actually know the know the names of the constellations I’m looking at. Even when I’m inside or its a cloudy night I can still know the names of the heavenly bodies above.

Oreo Skies Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8

digital media, social media, twitter

thirdoceanTV | in conversation with Gregg Tilston of Flight Centre

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to my good friend Gregg. For those who don’t know, Gregg Tilston is the Global Social Media Leader at Flight Centre. Besides being a good friend, he’s a very smart guy when it comes to web marketing and social media.

In this episode, Gregg and host, Karim Kanji, discuss:
– The social media strategy and tactics he helps lead and promote at Flight Centre
– Earned media vs paid media on Facebook
– The importance of understanding engagement, measurement and metrics
– What Flight Centre is learning from social media security
– The value (or lack thereof) of social media influence rating tools such as Klout and Kred

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J4UQAMfYQU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Follow Gregg @greggtilston
Follow Karim @karimkanji
Follow thirdocean @wearethirdocean
Subscribe to our YouTube channel today.

This post was first published on thirdocean.com/blog

digital media, social media, twitter

itbusiness – The ever-changing social media landscape

Social media is all over the news these days. Whether we’re talking about startups and tools, brands, issues such as privacy and security or how big brands and events are using social media, we can expect to hear something new or interesting every day. Just consider some of these examples:

Tools

Last month we were introduced to Vine. Twitter purchased Vine last year which is a six-second looping video creation tool and consumption platform. It’s all the rage right now. But what will be the shiny new object we all flock to next week?

Brands

One of the most popular international brands using social media (and integrated media) these days is Red Bull. Its culture of “pushing the limits of human endeavour and experience” makes for great content on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.

Privacy and security

Privacy has taken a back seat in the social media discourse these days. That’s only because the hacking and unauthorized use of Twitter accounts of Jeep, Burger King, HMV and the City of Vaughan, Ont. has brought the issue of security to the forefront.

Events

Recent events such as the 2013 U.S. Presidential Inauguration, the 2013 Super Bowl and Beyonce half time show, the Grammys, and Oscars have all heavily used social media tools and tactics to amplify the conversation and experience.

Over the coming weeks and months I will be highlighting specific social media trends and case studies. I encourage you to participate in this column by reaching out to me on Twitter @karimkanji and also by including the hashtag #ITBSocial.

The preceding article was first published on the new itbusiness.ca website.

digital media, social media

Top Ten Reasons To Attend #PCTO13 This Weekend in Toronto

PodCamp Toronto 2013 is almost upon us. For myself, PodCamp, or PCTO has a special place in my heart. This will be my fifth year attending. The first year I went to learn how I could help a non-profit use social media to increase their reach and fundraising. The second year I presented on Community Management from my learnings leading a national tech-news website’s successful foray in to Toronto.

This year I’m attending because of 10 simple reasons.

1.) Learning. There is always something new to learn even if you think you know everything. And if were like me 5 years ago, there will also be something for you too.

2.) Friends. Over the past five years I have met many people who are now partners, associates and friends. PCTO is a great place to meet everyone in one place.

3.) Networking. Many of Toronto’s (as well as visitors from miles away) top digital influencers and marketing professionals will be in attendance. What beter way to grow my knowledge than by hanging around with these people.

4.) New talent. As a partner with thirdocean I am always looking for young, bright and enthusiastic people who are looking to make their mark in this world. If you’re one of these, make sure to seek me out and say hello.

5.) Speaking. Although I’m not scheduled to speak at PCTO this year, I am keeping my options open. If someone wants me on their panel or needs someone to interview, I am available. Hit me up on Twitter.

6.) Clients. Whether I can learn something that can help out a current client or meet someone who ends up being a client, PCTO is a great place to be. People will be attending to learn. And if I can help someone out, then all the better.

7.) Podcasting. Although I have hosted podcasts and shows on YouTube for more than 2 years, I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. One of my manin goals is to meet someone who can help me go from “zero to hero” in the world of podcasting.

8.) Carolyn Van. She’s my business partner and on a panel. So I have to go and support her. Or heckle her. Depends on how I feel. 🙂

9.) The Sessions. How could I not put the sessions here. I’m sure there will be sessions during this weekend that sound so outrageous that they deserve to be attended. Like this one. What does “GTFO” mean, anyways?

10.) I’m kinda helping out. I wasn’t with the organizing committee from day one. But I recently hopped on board to lend a hand. Why? I really enjoy PCTO and it has a special place in my heart.

These are my Top Ten Reasons To Attend #PCTO13. What is your reason that you’re attending?

digital media, social media

3 Music Streaming Services To Discover New Tunes

I love listening to music at home, in the car, in my ear buds, at home and even at live concerts. And of course I love social media. Which is why I helped organize MusicConnectTO a few years back:

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/16837473 w=500&h=281]

Today, let me share with you my 3 favourite music streaming services and why I like them. In no particular order:

Mediazoic

Mediazoic was founded by my friend and cousin-in-law, Greg Nisbet. Mediazoic’s internet radio system allows individuals and organizations to create, customize and deejay their own internet radio stations as they create playlists, have complete control over the look and content of their station(s), and distribute a graphic “tuner” pointing to their station(s) anywhere on the web. The best thing about these stations is that tend to change every week and almost every time I have no clue who I’m going to listen to. It’s one of the best music discovery sites out there.

My favourite Mediazoic station is New Canadian Music (click on link for a link to the player)

New Canadian Music

Songza

Songza is my station of choice if I’m with a group of people with different music tastes. There are professional curated playlists and even one’s put together by fand and friends. My favourite feature is picking music based on the day of the week, time of day and what I’m doing. Hat tip to Karim Awad from big time design for pointing out this website out to me.

Grooveshark

Grooveshark is my old-faithful. I’ve been using this service to listen to my favourite new and old music since as long as I can remember. I have the ability to search for music, create my own personal playlists and listen four hours without hearing the same song. Grooveshark is the only place online where I have found that I can listen to all my favourite Neil Young songs for a whole day without ever hearing the same song twice!

What are your favourite music streaming services?

digital media, social media

Sports & Social Media with Anthony Zanfini

Over at thirdocean.com is the original version of the following post.

I have known Anthony Zanfini since 2010 when he was a guest on a panel I hosted as part of the short-lived but very successful Social Media Show (SMS). We finally got back together again after more than 2 years. And this time, he came into the thirdoceanTV studios.

Anthony has had the opportunity to work with top Canadian brands in online travel (Expedia.ca), confectionary (TicTac), women’s magazines (Canadian Living), insurance (Intact Insurance) and sports/apparel (Nike).

In this episode we chat with Anthony about:
– What him and his team at Ambit are doing with Nike Hockey in Canada.
– The role of social media in leagues such as the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
– How teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays are using social media though campaign such as Tweeting Tuesdays.
– What trends to look out for in 2013.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmgx620vQGc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Connect with Anthony on Twitter at @AnthonyZanfini.

You can connect with me on Twitter at @karimkanji.

You can also connect with thirdocean online at thirdocean.com and on Twitter at @wearethirdocean.

And finally, if you want to watch all our shows feel free to subscribe to our YouTube channel at http://sqz.co/Zc47WyL

digital media, social media

6 Tips for Making a Great Vine Video

I’ve already blogged about Vine twice so far. Once about my thoughts on the new app. The other time about Vine’s first superstar.

It is officially my favourite mobile app. I’ve used it a little bit personally. (I wish I could use it more. I use Vine on my iPad because I don’t have an iPhone.) And I’ve spent some time checking out some really good Vines.

Anyways, here are 6 tips (because we only have 6 seconds) to make a great Vineo (sounds good):

1.) Plan before you record. Two things here: You only have 6 seconds so there’s not much time to waste. Second, you have the ability to be creative with Vine’s stop motion recording feature so really think about all the cool things you can do. Here’s one simple example: http://vine.co/v/b1E7TQuO6q9
2.) Tell a great story. It may only be 6 seconds. Yet, ask any comedian: a punch line is delivered in less time than that.
3.) Effective tagging. Vine has categories that you can use to search for Vines. If used properly you should notice more people liking and commenting on your submissions. Remember #2: Tell a great story. If you use tags inappropriately or your content sucks no one will like or comment on it.
4.) Publish to Twitter and Facebook. Not everyone is on Vine so share with your friends and family. Even if they are not on Vine they may still give you valuable feedback on Twitter and Facebook.
5.) Camera Position matters. I screwed up on my first Vine. Hold your iPhone vertical. Not horizontal.
6.) Be yourself. Don’t try and imitate other people. Be yourself.

What tips would you add to this list?

digital media, social media, twitter

Does Vine have it’s first Vine-Superstar?

I say yes. And his name is Adam Goldberg.

Many of you might know Adam from movies such as Saving Private Ryan and A Beautiful Mind.  Adam also happens to be an accomplished musician, designer and director.

And now, he’s using Vine as a creative outlet and to showcase his creative talents. (If you’re curious about Vine check out the blog post I wrote on my company website.)

Which is a good thing. He’s not making videos of cookies being eaten or cats playing with dogs. Not that I have anything against dogs. It’s those darn cats I can’t stand…

And Adam will not be alone for much longer. The Vine platform and format is simple to use. For anyone.

All you need is 6 seconds. A 6 second movie. About anything you want. Think about it. How many people wish they could create a viral video on YouTube? Many. But it’s not really the viral video people are interested in making unless they use the platform for business – “Hey Karim, can you make me a viral video?”

People are interested in the creativity of these videos. However, the masses have been stopped as a result of a continuous raising of the bar. With Vine, the barrier to entry is fixed. And it’s low. Only 6 seconds. Imagine what you can come up with in 6 seconds. Now all you have to do is grab your smartphone* and away you go.

What will you create in 6 seconds?

* = currently Vine is only on the iOS platform.