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