ARTICLE: Social Media Engagement Was Down in 2020. Here's Why - and What to Expect Moving Forward Into 2021

Came across this article and it was a brilliant job by the author to study the social media trends of 2020 and the explanation behind them. This article really puts 2020 into perspective as far as how people viewed and behaved on social media. Thus, gives us a clearer picture of what we should be on the lookout for in 2021.

Highly recommend this read!

Social Media Engagement Was Down in 2020. Here's Why - and What to Expect Moving Forward Into 2021

My 2021 predictions

We're almost to 2021. Finally! It's been a challenging year to say the least for a variety of reasons.

As we look ahead and peek into the crystal ball to forecast 2021, here are my predictions for 2021 in regards to social media and digital marketing:

Social media will continue to be a key tool for marketing

As social media continue to evolve - almost everyday - we, as marketers, have to make sure we're staying up on the latest trends in the industry.

This year, I've seen a lot of challenges in the brands I oversee in trying to reach audiences organically. But even some posts that I boost with advertising, also have difficulties. Most of those difficulties have to do with Facebook.

Facebook is still popular and obviously universally known. What is also known is the growing lack of trust users have in Facebook and the data it stores from users. Facebook is and often has been the center of legal battles as far as data protection and acquisition.

Facebook will still need to be part of your social media/digital strategies. However, you will need to be more open to other apps, especially ones that are video based.

Simple web design

Some great web designs including a lot of flash animations, videos, etc. While they look great, I don't think they add anything to the user experience on a website. To me, it looks cluttered. I forecast using simpler designs will work better in 2021. I believe using a simple website that answers the users question or addresses their desired reason for going to your page is far more valuable than being able to wow them with special effects, graphics, etc.

Videos will boom

If you're an avid user of YouTube like me, you have probably noticed the growing presence of 5- to 15-second advertisements on the platform. Research I've found revealed to me an average person's attention span, or desired attention span before being irritated a video plays at the front of a video they're trying to watch, is around 10 seconds.

With 5-second videos, you're not giving the user even enough time to be "angry" there is an ad. They're seeing the ad, which is what you're trying to do often with ads right? Create brand awareness.

If you're not willing to adopt digital into marketing strategy, good bye

Let's face it. We're a digital world. That was even more so the case in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. Look at all the technology that was born or greatly used in 2020: virtual meetings, apps that place delivery orders for food, more video functions on apps we've used for a long time (Twitter, Instagram).

And until we're permitted for more social gatherings, digital will be HUGE! It's how we're going to stay connected as we move into 2021 still working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once on the other side of the pandemic, we will realize a lot of things about how to stay connected. A lot of the habits we had before will likely be gone. The new reality will likely consist of more digital interaction.

Therefore, you need to be where the users are: on digital and on social.

Twitter Launches First Wave of Live Testing for its New Audio 'Spaces' Feature

Twitter revealed Dec. 17 it has started testing for a new feature called Spaces.

According to an article by SocialMediaToday.com, "As you can see in the above screenshots, Twitter's audio Spaces will enable users to create an audio-only meeting, which their connections can then join, either to listen in or to actively participate. The audio meet-ups will be highlighted via a purple icon on the creators' Fleets bubble, signifying when an audio discussion is in progress, and who's participating."

As explained by Twitter: "The human voice can bring a layer of connectivity to Twitter through emotion, nuance and empathy often lost in text. We see this with voice tweets and voice DMs. sometimes 280 isn't enough, and voice gives people another way to join the conversation."

With video in 2021, shorter will be better ... REALLY short

We're such a fast-moving society aren't we? Even in the midst of a pandemic? A couple key articles published in the last week will prove that and it's something to keep in mind heading into 2021.

HubSpot Academy, which offers free training and certification programs online, released a blog called The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing. The blog does a great job talking about how valuable videos will need to be in marketing 2021.

To coincide with that article, I came across another article by SocialMediaToday.com called New Study Finds Response Rates to 6-Second Video Ads are Increasing, in Line with Consumption Trends.

These short ads are all over YouTube. The challenge, as you likely have guessed, is getting everything you need into six seconds. The beauty of having ads so short is you don't give people time to click out of them. By the time they do, the video, or in this case ad, is done. So crafting the message in a highly efficient way will be key!

Why do users go to your website?

In my webinar Understanding Google Analytics, website design, I went over the value and importance of creating a positive user experience on your website.

This statistic, to me, is one of the most important statistics regarding website functionality: 88 percent of users won't return to a website following a bad experience.

A part of that user experience is attributed to assessing what is the purpose of your website and what do you want people to get from it?

There are four categories users fall in when they are going to website (outside of third-party validation that you are a legit business. Remember, users often go to social media first, then to the website to validate you).

Those four categories are informational, navigational, commercial and transactional.

Let's take a look at each and what a user is typically doing in those respective categories.

Informational

• Want to know
• What, Why, How? Looking for information. Answers to a question.
• Example: "How many people live in the United States?"

Navigational

• Want to go
• Reach a specific page
• Example "United States Census Bureau"

Commercial

• Want to compare products/services
• Research before purchasing
• Example: "top snowblowers"

Transactional or Call-To-Action (CTA)

• Want to do
• Buy, reserve, book, contact
• Example: "places near me to buy snowblowers"

Again, understand what your website is and what you want users/visitors to take away from it.

Tips to improving organic reach on social media

This is great insight into what is becoming more difficult to reach audiences organically.

https://bconnectedllc.com/how-to-improve-your-organic-reach/

ARTICLE: Website design tips

Photo from Wix.com.

If you watched my seminar Understanding Google Analytics, website design, you heard me discuss in length the importance and value of providing a positive user experience for visitors to your website.

Remember some of the key figures?

• 57 percent of adult users won't recommend a business or service if it has a poorly designed website.
• 38 percent of users will stop engaging with a website if content or layout are unattractive.
• 88 percent of users won't return to a website following a bad experience.

That is why how your website is designed and laid out is VITAL for business.

In addition to tips I present in the above presentation, here is an article from Wix.com that outlines tips on how to best set up a website that can be attractive and user friendly for the website visitor. The article is from 2017, but still has some good ideas.

ARTICLE: Nine Social Media Sites To Watch For Marketing In 2021

Forbes has released an article highlighting potential trends, growing apps in social media in 2021.

Nine Social Media Sites To Watch For Marketing In 2021

ARTICLE: Facebook Organic and Paid Reach Strategy for Local Businesses

One of the biggest challenges in social media marketing/advertising right now is how to generate views/interest in your business and or posts organically, without money behind it.

Can it be done? In short, yes. But it can be difficult. Thankfully, I've found a lot of advertising on social media, such as boosting posts, is a relatively low cost. Not to mention, you can set the budget you want.

There is a terrific article from one of my favorite resources, Social Media Examiner, that addresses the aforementioned concerns, especially for small businesses that might be on a tight budget.

In the article, it'll go over how to discover a strategy to grow an engaged, local Facebook audience for your business. It goes over how to plan your post schedule, define a budget to test the performance of each post, and find specific conversion cost benchmarks to identify successful posts you can model with organic content. There are also get six ideas to help plan and diversify your Facebook post content.

Click here for the article.

Creating a buyer persona for your website

PhotoMIX Company from Pexels.

If you watched my presentation "Understanding Google Analytics" you will have heard me reference a term called buyer persona.

What is a buyer persona? A buyer persona is your potential customer, figuring in several identifiers, such as demographics and interests for example. Creating a buyer persona will help identify who visits your website and why they might be visiting your website.

With help from HubSpot Academy, click here for a template on how to create a buyer persona.

WEBINAR: Understanding Google Analytics, website design

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce hosted me for a webinar called “Understanding Google Analytics.”

In the webinar, I introduce you to Google’s tools that help website hosts, digital marketing specialists, etc. understand how users are finding websites and how they’re interacting with them.

In “Understanding Google Analytics,” you’ll learn several things:

• What is Google Analytics?
• How can it help you?
• What tools does it have?
• Why you should understand Google Analytics and its website tracking tools?
• Why do users go to a website?
• How do users scan a website?
• How do you create a positive experience on a website?

Did you know, according to sweor.com, 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience, such as slow loading or lack of information?

Here is the video presentation: https://youtu.be/tGK_19_Mzbk

Here is the slide-by-slide of the presentation.

Subscribe to my blog, where I post about social media and digital marketing resources, tips and news: https://nicholasdettmann.blogspot.com/

Be sure to watch my presentation on social media marketing: https://nicholasdettmann.blogspot.com/2020/11/webinar-how-to-make-social-media-work.html

Sources: Northwoods, entrepreneur.com, CXL Institute, webdesignerdepot.com, hotjar.com, sweor.com, Google.

How to Grow Your Business With TikTok

TikTok's popularity continues to grow at a high rate, despite the app's uncertain future. President Donald Trump wants the China-based app to be banned in the U.S., a wish that's being challenged in the courts.

Here is a good article from the World Economic Forum that outlines the TikTok saga in the U.S.: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/banning-apps-like-tiktok-slippery-slope/

With its future still unknown, it doesn't hurt to keep TikTok in mind when thinking of expanding your social media/digital marketing strategy, especially if your target is 25 and younger.

Here is a good article from Social Media Examiner to help with that: TikTok Content Marketing: How to Grow Your Business With TikTok

Is Facebook dead?

Over the weekend, I came across a very interesting article about the future of Facebook. Personally, I don't think it's dead and won't be for a very long time. However, this article does do a good job of showcasing how the social media climate is shifting.

It's a very good read. Click here to read the article Facebook Is Dead (It Just Doesn’t Know It Yet)

How to put together a social media strategy

Here is a template I followed when I assembled the social media strategies for Milwaukee Center for Independence and the West Bend Theatre Company.

For MCFI, the strategy increased social media following and awareness by 32 percent in one year. For West Bend Theatre Company, the strategy increased following and awareness by 53 percent in one year.

Here is the template.

Instagram Is Testing a new FAQ Option for Direct Interactions with Business Accounts

Instagram is testing a FAQ option for business accounts, which would give brands the capacity to provide quick, clickable Q and A options within their Direct feed when customers look to submit a message query.

Read the full article here from SocialMediaToday.

Create a Facebook Fundraiser on #GivingTuesday

What is Facebook doing for GivingTuesday?

https://www.facebook.com/help/332488213787105

5 Social Media Tips for Your Giving Tuesday Campaign

https://www.classy.org/blog/5-social-media-tips-for-your-givingtuesday-campaign/

ARTICLE: Snapchat launches Tik-Tok-like short video option; $1 million up for grabs

It's called Spotlight.

Snapchat has recognized the enormous growth TikTok has shown and it launched the tool called Spotlight as part of its application offering. Think of it as TikTok but now on Snapchat. Ah, but there's something Snapchat is doing to try entice users to its app.

According to several resources, Snapchat has ponied up $1 million for users who have the most viral videos. 

From Verge.com:

"To entice people to post snaps regularly, the company says it’ll divvy up $1 million between the most popular creators on the app per day through the end of 2020. This means if someone has a particularly viral video, they might earn a large chunk of the $1 million pot. It doesn’t matter whether that person has a massive number of subscribers; the amount people receive is primarily based on unique views compared to other snaps that day. Users can continue to earn from their video if it’s popular for multiple days at a time."

Videos can be up to 60 seconds long. Videos or snaps that appear in a user's Spotlight will be determined through algorithms and user activity.

As you can see, TikTok has had an enormous impact on social media. Only launched in China four years ago, more than 4 billion users around the world use the app. Instagram did the same thing launching reels just a few months ago. And look what Twitter unveiled in the last several weeks: Fleets.

Here's how it works:

First. Record a video on Snapchat. When finished, click on the blue arrow.

You will then see the below screen. Click on Spotlight.

Here is the full article from Verge.com.

How Snapchat Spotlight works: The TikTok-like feature explained

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Understanding Google Analytics - PREVIEW

Just finished up putting together the Google Analytics webinar I'll be presenting Dec. 3 for the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up ends THIS FRIDAY! Only a few spots remain.

https://nicholasdettmann.blogspot.com/2020/11/webinar-digital-marketing-in-covid-19.html

After this webinar, you will look at websites much differently!

Here's a peek into what we'll talk about:

Understanding the activity on your website allows you to see how users are interacting with your website.

• Are users finding what they're looking for?
• How are they finding your website?
• What pages do they visit on your website?
• What are your website demographics?
• How long are users staying on your website?
• What pages are users exiting out of? Why?

88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience.

"People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do it." - Simon Sinek, motivational speaker

More 2021 predictions for Facebook

With the way 2020 has gone, we're all looking forward to 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us about new ways to look at things around us and how to best proceed moving forward. As I mentioned in my presentation How To Make Social Media Work For You, digital and social media marketing will be a more important tool to, if you haven't already, bring into your overall marketing strategy.

Oberlo has released its 2021 predictions, specifically for Facebook:

• Facebook Live back in favor
• The AR ecosystem on Facebook
• Facebook video marketing to grow
• Private, interest-driven communities
• Include online shopping experiences
• Facebook News Feed ads format remains king
• Chatbots potential
• More support for small businesses
• User-generated content
• Hashtags usage to improve reach

Here is the full article.

How to successfully advertise on Facebook

Good morning.

So, you're trying to reach new customers online via social media. It's easier than you think.

Boosting a post or an event is a relatively inexpensive way to do it and it's easy to set up. There are several advantages to boosting posts. One of them is the previously inexpensive costs. But, you can also set the demographics of the audience, the geography, the type of feedback you want (such as engagement with a post, a website click, etc.) and more.

Here is what it looks like if you go to a post you'd like to boost:

You have several displays here.

Goal. You can either let Facebook automatically set your goal or you can pick one manually.

Button. If you choose manual goal set, you can designate the "ad button" you want. This is what people will click if they see the ad and are interested.

Audience. You can set your audience that you are trying to reach, including age, gender, location and more. On the right, you'll see what your estimated results would be.

Here you can set the duration you'd like your ad to run and set your budget. You can also decide if you just want the ad on Facebook or if you want to do Instagram if your page is connected to an Instagram account.

Social Media Examiner: Facebook Ads for Local Businesses: A Framework for More Revenue

Instagram reveals major changes to its platform

 Instagram has announced several major changes to its platform, according to TheVerge.com.

The platform is siding more with keyword searches within its platform rather than hashtag-only. What that means is this. In the previous IG model, content could only be found with the help of hashtags. While hashtags will still be usable on Instagram, implementing keyword searches will change how content is found, engaged with and shared on Instagram.

I think this is an interesting because it'll make caption writing more important than ever before. There will be a greater emphasis and need to write crisp and effective captions with keywords that fit brands.

I sat in on a podcast hosted by Social Media Examiner and they discussed several of Instagram's changes. I asked why the change was made and it appears the change was made because Instagram wanted to shifted its focus a bit in order to remain competitive. In addition, hashtags searches are losing some effectiveness. From what I've seen I don't see it as I've seen good reach and engagement with hashtags. But I do like the idea of crafting content text to fit into SEO and keywords. I think that'll reward well-written captions.

It was advised that this shift will take time to evolve.

Other changes

Instagram has more long-term gone away with "recent posts" via hashtags and just sticking with "top posts." This presents a bit of a challenge, but I can see why change was made.

As you can see below the message that's on Instagram regarding "recent posts."

According to TheVerge.com, the change was implemented before the election. IG has decided to keep it in place for now.

Where the trouble lies is developing content that can be reached on a more viral-like scale. With "recent posts" you're seeing recent posts. But, with recent posts, it often gets cluttered. So I can see why the change was made.

Within the last several months, Instagram's layout has changed quite significantly. The platform has added a shop option, as well as reels and just the overall layout is different.

As you see below, the stories are along the top like they have been. Where you can add your content, that has been moved to the top alongside your notifications icon and your messages icon.

When you click on the create button at the top, you'll be presented these options:

Let's explore the shop. As seen below, it can be found on the bottom of the app. Just in time for the holiday season, this feature is an online shopping experience and it's recommended those with items/services for sale get a shop going. Here's how.

Next, let's take a look at Reels. This function operates very similarly to TikTok. Allows for you to shoot and edit 15-second or 30-second clips and remain in a timeline more long-term whereas the stories tool is only available for 24 hours. You can control the visuals, editing, music and effects.

Overall I really like these changes. And for those looking to up their Instagram game, I highly encourage you to explore these new tools and the new layout!

Social media marketing resource articles

Here are some good resource articles about social media marketing in 2021

5 Smart Tools to Boost Your Digital Marketing in 2021

9 Social Media Video Ideas to Modernize Your Corporate Communications

 

Snapchat Shares New Insights into What Users are Discussing Around the Change of Seasons [Infopgraphic]

How to Start Strong in 2021

 

Adjusting to the Next Normal of Social Advertising

 

2021 predictions

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Digital Marketing in COVID-19 Era - How to Take Advantage of Google Analytics

Date: December 3, 2020

Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CST

Cost: free for West Bend Area Chamber members; $15 for non-members

Register Now

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce will host Nicholas Dettmann, an award-winning and certified digital marketing specialist for Milwaukee Center for Independence and the West Bend Theatre Company.

Nicholas will introduce you and take you through Google Analytics. He will show you the information that is made available via Google that can help you better understand your website traffic and activity. Understanding your users' behaviors on your website presents you information that can better address and meet your goals.

He will also introduce you to Google's other tools, which include Search Console that help you understand how users are finding your website.

Predictions for social media marketing in 2021

One thing 2020 has taught us is we have to adapt to change. In 2021, being able to successfully market your brand, business and/or organization will be influenced by how you do it on social media.

According to the website digitalmarketing.org, 3.96 billion people use social media today, which accounts for roughly half (51%) of the global population. On average, global internet users spend 144 minutes on social media sites every day.

Of the world’s eligible population (users 14 and older), 65% has a presence on social media. 

In the United States, people spend more than 2 hours per day on social media each day. 

The total number of global social media users has surged by more than 10% over the past 12 months, the article said, which is likely attributed to users being more isolated than ever before. In addition, social media welcomes more than 1 million new users every single day.

Something else to keep in mind: 80% of global internet users access social media through mobile devices.

What should we consider about social media marketing in 2021?

When putting together your 2021 strategy, we have to be aware of what our consumers want and social media is going to be a key tool to get out that messaging.

In 2021, here are some tips, courtesy of SproutSocial:

• Focus on having consistent tone, voice and messaging.
• Provide teams or your social media specialist(s) a focus and a mission.
• Review your brand. What stays? What goes? People have different expectations because of what's gone in the world with the pandemic, social/racial injustice and the election.
• 79% of customers expect companies to respond to messaging/comments on social media within 24 hours.
• Listen to your audience. Apply social listening.
• 42% of consumers say they start buying from competitors if brands don't stay true to their word.
• This really came to fruition after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis: 55% of consumers expect brands to take a stance that goes beyond making a generic corporate statement.
• Be transparent.
• Meet the needs of your audience.
• Build a community. Put a personality on your business.

A simple thought to consider heading into 2021: Who do you want to be going forward?

WEBINAR: How To Make Social Media Work For You

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Nicholas Dettmann, an award-winning and certified digital marketing specialist for Milwaukee Center for Independence and the West Bend Theatre Company, for a webinar "How To Make Social Media Work For You."

 

Nicholas, who had successfully promoted two live, in-person sold out theater productions with the West Bend Theatre Company solely through social media marketing during a pandemic, will introduce you to the complicated and overwhelming world that is social media. Many social media platforms exist. Everyone knows Facebook, but what are the others? How can the other platforms help you accomplish your digital marketing goals? Is Facebook still relevant? How do you measure success?

 

Nicholas will also introduce you to social media tips, such as someone posts a negative comment about your business, how do you respond?

Be sure to sign up for his second session about Google Analytics on Dec. 3.

 

Sources: Social Media Today, Buffer, Pew Research, Northwoods, The Manifest, Sprout Social, Rival IQ, Spredfast, Hubspot, CopyPress, searchenginejournal.com 

Click here for the video of the presentation.

Click here for the slide-by-slide presentation.

Click here for my presentation about Understanding Google Analtyics and website design.

Greenfield’s Michael Borden wins Touring 4 class race SCCA event at Road America to earn Super Sweep Award

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/motor/2020/10/11/greenfields-michael-borden-wins-touring-4-class-race-scca-event-road-america-earn-super-sweep-award/5964584002/

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Published: Oct. 11, 2020

Greenfield’s Michael Borden wins Touring 4 class race SCCA event at Road America to earn Super Sweep Award

Nicholas Dettmann

Special to the Journal Sentinel

ELKHART LAKE - Greenfield’s Michael Borden proved he has a reliable and fast race car Sunday during the 57th running of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America.

His golf cart, though, is a different story.

Borden won the Touring 4 class race, which was the final piece to completing the Super Sweep Award. To accomplish the feat, a driver must win one of nine key National races, win a divisional points championship, win the nationwide point standings and the Runoffs all in a single class.

“It’s crazy. I’m kind of stunned by that,” the 33-year-old said. “That was not even part of the picture when I started this season. The main goal was to win the Runoffs.”

Borden won the June Sprints at Road America, the U.S. Majors Tour Northern Conference championship, the SCCA Super Tour class championship and the Runoffs – all in the same class (T4) – to achieve the sweep.

“It’s just unbelievable,” Borden said. “All the hard effort, work I’ve put in over the last few years have paid off. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

After successfully completing technical inspection, about three-plus hours after his race was completed, Borden got onto his golf cart and pressed on the gas pedal.

Nothing.

He tried to start it a few times.

Nothing.

He turned the key and pumped the gas pedal.

Nothing.

The battery died and he had to get a jump from a nearby team.

Once the golf cart was started, Borden was off to finally and officially celebrate his victory. That’s about the lone hiccup Borden has had this season, a year most people would rather forget.

In 2020, Borden entered 13 races and won all 13 of them, including picking up eight Super Tour victories.

Not bad for someone who only got involved with on-track racing about four years ago.

His racing journey started when he combined his two interests: gaming and racing. He loves playing racing video games. He got involved in the iRacing platform and Borden said he was immediately hooked.

“It was challenging and fun,” Borden said.

While he enjoyed the thrill of competing against others from around the world, Borden soon realized he didn’t have the time to devote to iRacing like others he was competing against. So, he thought it’d be a better idea to do real racing.

Four years later, he’s wearing a blue hat with the Road America logo on the front and “National Champion” etched on the side.

“I knew I had potential and I could put pressure on some of these guys,” Borden said. “But to get a national championship is pretty crazy.”

Borden’s goal is to be invited to the Mazda Shootout, which is a development program. He hopes his 2020 season is a strong enough résumé to get the invitation.

If he does, he’ll compete against several invited drivers from around the country. Those drivers compete in on-track skills as well as public relations skills with a winner selected for a $100,000 scholarship and the opportunity to compete in the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup Series, which tours with the NTT Data IndyCar Series.

“I knew it was a lofty goal,” Borden said. “I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but I knew I had to try. I’m now one step closer, it’s a great feeling.”

A couple more from the archives

 https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-03-15-0403150060-story.html

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-04-24-0404240386-story.html

Dug out of the archives

 Sometimes I just like to randomly search my name on Google and see what comes up. Last night, I found some old articles I wrote ...

Post-Register (Idaho Falls, Idaho): 2007 PR All-Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Blake Skidmore, West Jefferson

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.postregister.com/preps/basketball/boys/pr-all-area-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year-blake/article_0b72a9e4-3f0d-57db-b82d-f34856487bf6.amp.html

News-Dispatch (Michigan City, Indiana): Platinum Gymnastics Building a New Facility

https://www.lpheralddispatch.com/sports/article_d1841067-3b29-54d5-b38e-08e23a8e0013.html

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Haasch will tackle any kind of weather to fish

http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/117114568.html

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Caught in the cold

http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/panthers/38195774.html

Houston Chronicle (Houston, Texas): Aeros scramble, tie Admirals 3-3

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chron.com/sports/amp/Aeros-scramble-tie-Admirals-3-3-1493287.php

Star Tribune (Casper, Wyoming): Sumo guy makes film debut

https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/sumo-guy-makes-film-debut/article_4a74514c-6d80-5bbb-8d21-706499e6c229.html

Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City, Utah): Fish is inspired in leading Owlz to win over Chukars

https://www.deseret.com/2007/9/10/20040401/fish-is-inspired-in-leading-owlz-to-win-over-chukars

Hardware added

This is the kind of mail I love to get.

https://nicholasdettmann.blogspot.com/2020/05/exciting-announcement.html

Here was the winning entry video: https://youtu.be/0blrd1_yaIw

Racing media contest announces winners

I learned today that I'm the recipient of three awards from the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association and its annual Media Contest.

• First place: Online deadline news report, "Kenseth moves Majeski for Slinger score" - Speedsport.com.
• Second place: Magazine event report, "It's Back!" - Full Throttle Magazine (story was about racing's return to the Milwaukee Mile with the ARCA Midwest Tour)
• Second place: Online feature, "The school paper that changed Chase Briscoe's life" - Speedsport.com.

I'm thankful and excited to add these honors to my portfolio. It brings my writing awards tally to 40, including 16 first-place honors.

Thank you AARWBA!

More about Communicator Awards

The other day, I learned I received an Award of Distinction in the 26th annual Communicator Awards. See that announcement here.

Here is a little more information about the awards program and a corresponding press release.

THE 26th ANNUAL COMMUNICATOR AWARDSANNOUNCES WINNERS

About the Communicator Awards

Exciting announcement

I learned this evening that I received an Award of Distinction in the 26th annual Communicator Awards contest!

Here is what the Communicator Awards are (via its website):

"The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program recognizing big ideas in marketing and communications. Founded nearly three decades ago, The Communicator Awards receives over 6,000 entries from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards of its kind in the world.

"The Communicator Awards honors work that transcends innovation and craft – work that made a lasting impact, providing an equal chance of winning to all entrants regardless of company or agency size and project budget. If your work moved people, we want to give it a chance to take home a Communicator."

Awards are presented in two categories: Award of Excellence and Award of Distinction.

"The Award of Excellence, our highest honor, is given to those entrants whose ability to communicate positions them as the best in the field. The Award of Distinction is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement."

My entry was for a video feature I did about the partnership between Milwaukee Center for Independence and Friedens Community Ministries' Food Pantry. Watch the video here.

Milwaukee Center for Independence

MCFI, Friedens work together to help community

Individual-Non-Profit

Check out the award winners: https://www.communicatorawards.com/winners/list/?event=1035&category=45&award=9&_p=2