Not only does this scream “I’m insecure”, but it’s also super tacky. It’s an open invitation to turn your brand advocates into brand haters. It’s always good to keep a pulse on what your competition is doing, but instead of bashing them, learn from them. Then do the same thing, but different and much better.
Cynthia Wagner Social Media was developed from Cynthia Wagner Public Relations. I am based in Burbank, California, and I love my town! I am a firm dedicated to helping businesses and organizations become socially visible. There is a balance necessary with Social Media and being Social-networking. These both need to co-exist and this is my specialty.
Cynthia Wagner Social Media has two approaches. We can assist you in your Social Media and networking strategies. Sometimes there is a little understanding needed and off you go! The other approach is that we can do your Social Media for you and plan your networking events! Pretty Simple! We make it as simple as possible since Social Media isn’t.
We assist in creating your Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, blogs, WordPress, Flickr, LinkedIn, Seminars, Webinars, YouTube and more. Also specializing in on-line directory pages and on-line coupon ads.
Clients
Starlight Bowl, City of Burbank
This concert venue is operated by The City of Burbank. During the summer the Starlight Bowl opens up for Saturday and/or Sunday evening concerts. Since 2009, Cynthia Wagner has been assisting with the marketing, social media and print publication ads.
Milt & Edie's Drycleaners
Milt is really focused on the experience. Drycleaning is his business, however there are choices. Milt creates a fun place to visit with cookies, coffee, popcorn and hot dog Fridays, all free. Milt hired us to assist with PR and social media. When we were brought in there were only 45 Facebook likes. The contests were our creative and keeping his audience captive was part of our scope. We have also created events and PR stories for Milt & Edie's Drycleaners & Tailoring Center.
Fun and Fit Gymnastics Centers - Burbank, Santa Clarita and Simi Valley
Fun and Fit had three Centers which operates under the policy to help children feel good about themselves. To help raise the level of fitness and self-esteem in our students. To help students believe they can accomplish whatever they put their mind and effort to. Cynthia Wagner has been assisting Fun and Fit Gymnastics Centers since 2008 starting with an interactive website, Demo Team performances, PR, and all of their social media.
Pedersen's Band & Orchestra
Pedersen's Band and Orchestra is a truly fun place with great owners-John and Nedra. They have been in the music business forever and have passed their knowledge and love of the business to their children. Pedersen's Band and Orchestra sells and rents wind and string instruments, however they are also an instrumental (of any type) repair shop, a sheet music shop and they offer music classes. We were specifically contracted to assist with their website, a new online rental form and teaching Pedersen's how to do their own social media.
Blog
Shorten your links when you can
Bit.ly is your friend, twitter people. Not only does it prevent annoying long links, it helps you track click-thru rates. Also, when you post a link to facebook, you can delete the entire link once the preview has appeared.
Review your analytics regularly
We all know that social media ROI is the golden ticket, and while we’re still defining what that looks like, it’s important to take a close look at what content your followers are sharing, what they’re liking and what they’re not engaging with. This allows your social media plan to be a living working document that you can shape as you move forward to best cater to your audience.
Do not ignore comments on any social media site
The beauty of social media is that you can truly engage with your followers and fans. It’s an excellent tool for customer service as well. Make your life easy by using apps that will automatically let you know if someone has tweeted you a question, or commented on a facebook post.
Don’t forget you are human
So many companies are afraid of social media because you MUST be transparent in order to be successful. No one connects with a company full of robots. If you make a mistake, don’t feel like you have to delete it right away, but be sure that you own up to it. Sometimes your followers will advocate and clear up the problem for you. If so, send them a cupcake. Everyone loves cupcakes.
From my favorite bake site, Betsylife.com
I have said this before, don’t take yourself too seriously
This is not heart surgery, people. This is social media. Be relatable, be fun. Show behind-the-scenes information and photos from your office. Starting from scratch? Let your social media followers see how you’ve grown as a company. Take them on the journey with you. People love to be a part of something, to think that they’ve helped nurture something from the beginning. Have a new office? Show before and after pics. Just hired a new employee? Post a pic and introduce them.
My associate Nicole in Paris!
Pros And Cons Of Social Media Contests
We know that contests are great for increasing engagement and also great for things like gathering emails.
In this article, I’d like to share the pros and cons of hosting each type of contest. Don’t forget—the results of your contest will rely heavily on the amount of promotion you put into it.
Photo/Video/Essay Upload Contest
A photo or video upload contest is a user-generated type of contest in which the participant actually has to do some work in order to be accepted as a contest entrant. This can be a contest that asks your fans to upload a photo of them wearing your brand. It could be a mock commercial in which your fan is the director. Or it can be an essay contest about why this entrant deserves that fabulous trip around the world.
PROS:
1. These Are The Most Engaging Types Of Contest Out There
2. They Have The Most Potential To Go Viral
3. They’re A Great Way To Gather User-Generated Content Around Your Brand
CONS:
1. It Requires Work From The Contestant, So The Entry Numbers Will Be Smaller
2. Judging Might Be Hard
Pin It To Win It Contest
The Pin It To Win It contest, like the Photo/Video contest, requires the user to do some work in order to be entered to win. Like the Photo/Video contest, the engagement is high, as is the pass along value.
PROS:
1. You’re Tapping Into A Growing And Engaged Audience
2. Your Content Will Stay Pinned Forever
3. You Are, Essentially, Growing Your Pinterest Audience
CONS:
1. It Requires Work From The Contestant, So The Entry Numbers Will Be Smaller
2. Judging Might Be Hard
Sweepstakes
A sweepstakes requires the least amount of work from your fans and new fans. Usually all it requires is a name and email and you are good to go.
PROS:
1. You’re Growing Your Email List Fast
2. A Sweepstakes Offers Tons Of Sharing Potential
CONS:
1. There’s Not A Lot Of Engagement
Don’t use social media for hard sales
Social media builds your community, serves as a platform for brand evangelists, and acts as today’s most dynamic word of mouth marketing tool. It’s a place for you to show your current and potential customers how passionate you are about your brand. Passion is contagious, and social media is your catalyst.
Ideas to Make Social Media Posts Captivating
1. Use Keywords in the Headline
2. Use Adjectives in the Headline
3. Find a Compelling Image
4. Don’t Talk about Your Products
5. Solve Prospects’ Business Problems
6. Share Customer Stories
7. Use Video
8. Experiment with Different Formats
9. Remember to use other Social Networks
A Fake Following and Reputation
Since the dawn of Twitter and Facebook there has been a high level of importance set on the number of followers or likes a person or business has. When you have an enormous number of people following you it makes you appear more credible, well known, and cooler than another person or business who doesn’t. But, if you are not yet well know, credible, and cool then you might decide to purchase fake followers or likes so that you appear to be. The irony that comes with the purchasing of this fake following is priceless for many reasons.
1. It is easy to spot.
2. It takes time to build a quality following.
3. Fake followers look unsurprisingly fake.
4. Your credibility will be tarnished.
5. You gain absolutely NOTHING!
The purpose of being on a social network is to be……social and build relationship capital.
