ARTICLE: How to boost your organic social media reach

This year is going to be challenging for a social media and/or digital marketing specialist, manager, etc. As trust fades and frustration grows amongst social media users, reaching those people will only make it more difficult. On top of that, platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, are pushing for more ad spend by account administrators. That means if you don't put some money behind your posts, it's not going to have the same reach it used to.

So how do you work around that?

I came across two articles of information that I think present great and valuable information.

Want more organic reach on Facebook? Expert Mari Smith shares how she’s boosted her reach to 65%

How do I increase my business’ organic social media reach?

ARTICLE: Apple, Amazon Move to Marginalize Parler

Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. halted support for Parler, dealing a major blow to a social-media service that has soared in popularity among conservatives and escalating a campaign by tech giants to regulate content they see as dangerous in the wake of the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Read the rest of the article from the Wall Street Journal here.

Pinterest joins in, unveils Story Pins tool

As to showcase the evolution and popularity of quick-hit videos on social media, Pinterest has also joined in on the party.

To summarize, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest are among the platforms that have changed their designs to give users the option of Story Pins.

In article by techcrunch.com, Pinterest’s head of content, creator and homefeed product David Temple told reporters that Pinterest’s approach is different in a few key ways.

“Story features on other platforms are designed to show you what people are doing,” Temple said. “Story Pins are designed to show you how people are trying new ideas and new products. That means the features and intent are dramatically different.”

Pinterest is a little different as far as content. The content that drives Pinterest is people looking for "inspiration." That includes gift ideas, recipes, vacation spots, products, etc.

A Hootsuite.com blog said, "Some 84% of weekly users use Pinterest to help decide what to buy. According to Pinterest, 55% of Pinners are specifically looking for products. And 83% of weekly users have made a purchase based on content they see from brands on Pinterest."

So if you're a business that sells services and/or products, Pinterest is worth a hard look.

Here are the step-by-step screens.

This is your home screen. Along the top is where you'll see the stories. You can add to your story at the top or by tapping on the plus in the center-bottom.

When you click/tap to create a story or pin, these will be your options. If you want to create a standard pin, which is like a Facebook post, you'll click/tap "pin." If you want a story pin, click/tap on "story pin."

Then you'll get this screen. You can create up to a 60-second story pin.

This is where you can edit your story pin, such as design. Then you'll click "Next."

This will be your final screen to make finishing touches. Once completed the "publish" button will change color and you're good to go!

ARTICLE: Instagram Tests New Stories Layout on Desktop

Instagram has really stepped up over the last several months to enhance the user experience on its platform. The trust in Facebook is fading. I see many other platforms growing, Instagram being on one of them.

Changes being made by Instagram, for that reason, are worthy of paying attention to.

Here is the article.

ARTICLE: Facebook Provides Tips on Maximizing Lead Generation via Facebook Posts and Ads

Putting more into your social media/digital marketing spending offers a broader chance to build your brand awareness.

Here is an article detailing tips from Facebook about lead generation.

ARTICLE: 8 marketing trends to watch for in 2021 as aftereffects of a volatile year linger

Marketingdive.com photo

From experience and through research, 2021 will present a lot of opportunities for marketers, especially digital ones. There will be challenges, too, as we adjust to a new social atmosphere, and possible new way of life.

Here is an article talking about trends to watch in 2021.

ARTICLE: Facebook Ads Trends for 2021 for Better Returns on Ad Spend

Social media will be and must be a key component to your overall marketing strategy in 2021. If you haven't already, you'll likely have to make it a higher priority and spend a few more bucks.

Here is an article to help you maximize your ad results on Facebook and Instagram.

ARTICLE: TikTok Faces New Legal Challenge Over Its Tracking of Underage User Data

TikTok's popularity is soaring, which is a sign of how important videos will be in 2021. But, the platform has had to endure government challenges, including a desired ban in the U.S. by President Trump.

Now TikTok has another problem on its hands.

Read more by clicking here.

ARTICLE: 8 Ways to Share Links on Instagram

For those that know me and/or have followed my work know I've been waiting for Instagram to have clickable links in posts on its platform.

In this article, here are some ways to share links on Instagram.

Plus, in this video, here are ways to optimize engagement on Instagram.

ARTICLE: How to Get More Views on YouTube: Strategy From a Top Creator

In 2021, I foresee videos becoming an even more important tool in social media and digital marketing strategies, as noted in My 2021 predictions.

Here is an article providing tips and strategies on how to best utilize YouTube.