Step Ahead Celebrates Social Media Week Via … Social Media
January 31, 2011 by Lyn Mettler
Filed under social media
Did you know that a week dedicated to all things Social Media Week is coming up?? We did (we know, you’re surprised 
)
So of course we’re celebrating it Step Ahead style with a week of social media fun all via social media.
Feb. 7-11, we’ll be dedicating each day to a different social media theme, such as “The Kings of Social Media: Facebook & Twitter,” “The Underused: LinkedIn & Social Bookmarking” and “Where We’re Headed: Location, Group Buying and Mobile” and encouraging conversation around those topics. All our themes will be focused around how to use social media for business, what we do every day for our clients.
The entire Step Ahead team will also be weighing in on the topic of the day via our blog and we’ll be posting a YouTube video from one staff member each day offering their thoughts and tips on the topic.
But we don’t want this to be a one-way conversation! We want to hear your questions, comments and best practices. That’s why we’ll also be hosting a Social Media Brown Bag lunch via Twitter on Feb. 8 from noon-1 p.m. Join us on Twitter, using the hashtag #SMBrownBag, to discuss social media for business. Bring your questions and answer ours! We hope everyone will learn something new.
Saving Money But Wasting My Time
January 26, 2011 by Bailey
Filed under All, social media
I will totally understand if at the end of this blog post most people think I’m crazy and decide to never read my thoughts again but I’m over the group-buying craze. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good deal and the four-letter word that gets my heart a-pacing is SALE not LOVE, but I’m oversaturated at this point with good deals so much that I don’t know which ones really are good deals.
A colleague of mine mentioned the LivingSocial and Amazon deal and how it surpassed any Groupon deal out there and how phenomenal that is. While I think that’s an awesome accomplishment for LivingSocial, my immediate response was “eh, I don’t want to write my blog about that today.” After seeing my “annoyed face,” my colleague said, “You should write about why you are over group buying.” Bingo!
I get Groupon, LivingSocial, Swirl, Gilt Group and HauteLook emails daily, which are followed by email deals from specific stores like Gap, Urban Outfitters, Saks Fifth Avenue and 100 others. Then I log into Facebook where many of the retailers I have “friended” are now running specials of 30% off for just mentioning the Facebook post. I probably spend 1-2 hours in the morning or at night just looking at deals.
I have purchased a few Groupons and clothing from Swirl but the vast majority of the time I just delete them. When I saw the Gap/Groupon I was stoked, but then decided I didn’t want to fight the crowds for a pair of jeans. Glad I didn’t because a week or two later they were on sale for only a few bucks over the Groupon price. I guess my only point is should I really be wasting so much time each day to just save $5 at the local bagel store or should I just eat breakfast at home?
5 Tricks to Boost Your Facebook Interactions
January 25, 2011 by Laura Angermeier
Filed under All, social media
Many small- and medium-size businesses are getting on the Facebook train in 2011, and although you may have some Facebook experience from using your personal account, a business page can be quite a different animal.
Business pages have interaction, impression and feedback percentages, which, if high, can help your page spread more quickly throughout Facebook, which is really the point, right?
Now, if you have no idea how to boost your Facebook interactions, just start with these 5 simple tricks:
Clicking “Like”:
Let’s face it, people are lazy, and most will click the “Like” button way before they actually type anything in the comments box. “Likes” and comments both count as interactions, so why not try to get your audience to do the easier of the two. The best way to increase the number of “Likes” you get on a post is to flat out ask for them. Many of our posts begin with “Click Like if you…”. Try it today, and you’ll be surprised how well it works.
Photos/Videos:
People love photos and videos, they catch your eye much more than just a plain text post. If you don’t have any company photos you can use, try istockphoto.com for paid photos or search the free photo database at sxc.hu. Creating fun videos on a Flip cam is easy, very low cost and a great way to connect with your friends.
Timing:
Figuring out when to post is important. Who is your audience, where do they live and finally when are they on Facebook? Studies have shown that 3 p.m. on Wednesday is one of the best times to post on Facebook. Try your best post at this time, and if it’s not successful, try another time tomorrow. You can track the number of impressions each post receives through Facebook Insights, so do some trial and error and you’ll eventually find the perfect timing.
Contests:
Contests and giveaways are a great way to increase new friends and interactions among current friends. Get the most from your contest, and promote days and weeks ahead of time, if possible. Incorporate the “Like” posts here, by asking friends to click “Like” if they want to win. There are promotional guidelines set up by Facebook, so make sure to follow these rules when running a contest or giveaway on Facebook, but you can still follow the rules and have a successful outcome.
Ask for comments:
Just as you can ask your Facebook friends to click “Like” to increase interactions, you can ask for feedback as well. If you start the post off for your Facebook friends, you’re much more likely to get a better response. Try posts that start with “Fill in the blank” or ask poll questions, such as, “What’s your favorite geo-location tool: Foursquare, Gowalla or Facebook Places?” Giving your audience a little push will help increase the number of comments you get.
Now go write some posts for the week, and incorporate some of these tips. We’re sure you’ll see a spike in your interaction numbers. Do you have any tips for getting more “Likes” or comments on pages?
Most Common Social Media Mistakes
January 20, 2011 by Lyn Mettler
Filed under social media, TwitterMoms.com post
Everyone makes mistakes, but I’d prefer to learn from someone else’s whenever possible!
So I’ve compiled a list of the mistakes I’ve made and some of the most frequent mistakes that I see others make when it comes to social media.
So take a read to my latest SocialMoms.com post and see if you can’t avoid these yourself and please share other common mistakes you see people make!
Cocktails, Networking and Nachos, oh the Nachos!
January 20, 2011 by Bailey
Filed under All, social media
Last night was the meet and greet re-launch of Social Media Club Charleston. Liberty Tap Room was kind enough to host the event and there was an enormous turnout. Around 80 people stopped in to see what the club was about and everyone made an effort to get to know as many people as possible.
All the usual suspects were there like the Step Ahead Inc. gang (@ebailey126, @hollyannfisher and @jessiebturner), Adam Burke(@adamnicholasb) from Rawle Murdy and Jennie B. Fiechtl (@jennibfiechtl). The best part, though, was the large group of people who had heard of the event from a friend, colleague or on the news and just wanted to learn more about social media.
This first meeting was a simple networking event and opportunity for the new committee to get a sense of what Charleston as a whole wants to learn about social media. The bar was slinging happy hour drinks, business cards were exchanging hands and delicious nachos were inhaled!
Social Media Club Charleston will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. The committee has thought of some great speakers and subjects to cover, and don’t worry, there will be other networking events this year! Connect with the “club” on Facebook and be sure to check out their website!
Step Ahead to Manage Social Media for Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
January 20, 2011 by Laura Angermeier
Filed under Press Releases
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, one of the most popular family resorts in the country, has hired Charleston-based Step Ahead, Inc. to manage its social media marketing. Step Ahead, which specializes in social media management, Internet marketing and traditional public relations, has developed a niche in the hospitality/tourism industry with a range of hotel, attraction and resort clients.January Social Media Star: Andy Paras
January 19, 2011 by Laura Angermeier
Filed under All, Social Media Star
At its core, Twitter is a tool that lets you get your message out to many people in a very short amount of time. Andy Paras, the morning crime reporter for the Charleston Post & Courier, understands exactly how powerful social media can be, and how to harness its powers for good.
After Andy realized he had more to write about than the space in the paper allowed, he started a blog. This small step into social media led eventually to Twitter and Facebook. If you’re on Twitter in the Charleston area, then I’m sure you appreciate his up-to-date traffic and news updates. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic and hearing the very end of the traffic update on the radio!
Read more from Andy and find out how to successfully interact with your local community using social media:
What is your job/company/profession/title?
Morning crime reporter for The Post and Courier, staff writer
What was the first social media technology you used?
I started writing a local news blog in 2006 while covering Colleton County for The Post and Courier. At the end of the day I always seemed to have more information left in my notebook than we had space for in the newspaper. A blog gave me limitless space and a new way to interact with readers.
What is your favorite social media tool?
Twitter. I like knowing about news as soon as it happens and I like sharing news as soon as I know it.
How have you used social media for your business/company and how has it benefited?
When I first started the crime beat for the Post and Courier in 2009 I would spend a lot of time sitting around in the early mornings listening to police scanners and monitoring traffic. I was still experimenting with Twitter and started tweeting some of the wrecks and other breaking news I was hearing about. The reaction was immediate – especially among people who were tired of sitting in traffic – so I started tweeting more real-time news and later expanded that into a Facebook page as well.
A lot of people ask what I get out of “giving away” information. I’m not just giving it. I’m fortunate to be part of a strong Twitter community in and around Charleston that keeps me informed about the things they see and hear. I run those leads down, add a little context and post stories on postandcourier.com within minutes. We post the links on Twitter and Facebook. I hear from a lot from people who say they wouldn’t even read the newspaper if it weren’t for the links.
How much time would you say you spend a day engaging social media?
A lot, mostly because breaking news never stops. I receive tips and questions all hours of the day from a self-perpetuating community of news hounds who care about what’s going on in their community. Do I think you have to spend a lot of time to make social media work for you? Not at all.
How do you incorporate it into your day so it’s not a time waster?
Twitter and Facebook have become to me what e-mail is to most people. They’re both a large part of how I communicate, both at work and in my personal time. Having a smart phone has definitely made me more efficient. It helps to have multiple alerts set up so you’re not always checking websites for new developments.
Is there a social media technique that you think is underutilized that you would like people to know about?
I follow my local followers. I like to know what they’re thinking, what’s important to them and I like to engage them. I’ve come up with a lot of stories that way. That’s more valuable to me than trying to boost my “status.” Also, keep your business and personal accounts separate.
Where can people find you online and via social media?
Postandcourier.com
Twitter.com/andyparas
Twitter.com/postandcourier
Facebook.com/parasatwork
Facebook.com/ThePostandCourier
Social Media News of the Day: January 18, 2011
January 18, 2011 by Bailey
Filed under All, social media
What is Quora?
Every online publication I’m signed up for has been sending me information on Quora. Supposedly it’s all the buzz, but I honestly don’t quite get it. It’s a question and answer service but has industry leaders answering the questions, making it much higher quality than its competitors.
While some think it will grow to be the next Google, others are not sure it will get any bigger than its current status.
Whose tried it and what are your thoughts?
New Way to Use Crowdsourcing
Crowdbands is a startup that’s allowing the fans to take over the management of their favorite bands. For $25 a year, fans can help choose which songs make the album, what the album should be called, who in the lineup isn’t working and even pick the set-list for live performances.
They’re kicking off with the girl group The Donnas but plans on working with other unsigned artists. What’s even better for those who sign up with Crowdbands is that you’ll receive the band’s CD, band exclusives and priority ticket options!
This startup intrigues me because music is one of those forms of entertainment that people take really personally. True music lovers find a connection with the bands and music they enjoy, and this gives them the opportunity to share those thoughts with the band they love.
PR is about the Relationships
January 18, 2011 by Holly Fisher
Filed under All, PR
When I worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, public relations professionals would occasionally ask me to meet for lunch or coffee. I truly didn’t mind meeting with them to put a face with the press release. I also felt it would give me the opportunity to better explain our newsroom and our publication so the PR folks could better target their messages, rather than blanketing the entire newsroom with the same release or coverage request.
Now I’m on the other side of the desk, asking editors out on coffee dates so we can get to know each other. I find the majority are willing to sit down and chat, and I take the same approach I did as an editor myself – get to know more about the publication so we can better target our pitches.
I’ve also found developing these relationships is critical. I’ll admit when I worked in the newsroom, I would be more likely to take a call or respond to an e-mail from a PR professional I knew than from one I didn’t know. I had developed a relationship with that person and felt more confident that his or her pitch would be on target.
Understanding newsroom operations, such as who covers which beat, is even more important in today’s media world. Newsroom staffing has been cut … and cut … and cut, so fewer reporters are doing the same amount of work and they are stretched to their limits. Now is not a good time to send the same release to the entire editorial staff.
Be thoughtful in your approach, figuring out who on the staff writes on which issues and subjects. Then approach that reporter with an actual news story or a useful source. The can-you-do-a-story-on-my-client-just-because strategy will get you nowhere and will hurt your credibility.
Pay attention to what’s happening in the news and how it might impact your clients. Can they serve as thoughtful sources for a larger story? Do they have a unique story to tell? Find that news angle first and then approach the appropriate reporter. The reporter will appreciate your efforts and you’ll establish yourself as a PR person with some sense – and that can really set you apart.
Do you agree with this approach? Are you a PR professional who has modified your tactics from blanketed news releases to targeted pitching? As a journalist, what do you prefer?
Facebook or Finals?
January 17, 2011 by Bailey
Filed under All, social media
This is a wonderful guest blog by our intern Lucy McNerney, enjoy.
A new semester is in full swing at the College of Charleston. Fall 2010 classes came to a close in December. Students are now able to break away from the confines of the Addlestone Library and begin again this Spring.
I recently updated an amateur video on my personal blog. The “independently-directed” video interviewed several students inquiring about their Facebook usage within the timeframe of final exams.
The idea to shoot the “film” sprang from a friend named Hallie who claimed that her social networking time cramped her ability to study. Hallie said in early December that she would deactivate her Facebook account until the end of the semester when she finished her last exam. I found her discipline jaw-dropping.
I attempted to deactivate my Facebook account last year ahead of finals, but the sacrifice lasted a few short hours before I uploaded a new photo album. A recent article was published on Mashable.com, addressing the idea that “we are too obsessed with Facebook.” (Read the statistics in this article! Now that’s something to Tweet about!)
Between constant status updates, tagging (or de-tagging) pictures, competitive interactive games, the marketplace and corporate and personal advertising, Facebook has become a perceived necessity.
The video “Facebook or Finals” illustrates the overwhelming urge to constantly be logged on to our electronic utopia despite the academic success of our college careers suffering for it. Is it a fear of missing something, or as some interviewed students mention, is it a way to escape from the “real world”? When the real world is becoming a digital one, there’s really no way out, is there?
