social media marketing Archives - mcsquare marketing limited

9 Steps To Secure Your LinkedIn Business Relationships

We all worry about backing up our PC or Mac but what about your LinkedIn data?

What if for any reason you lose access to your account?

Imagine all those years of building up your network of amazing connections and all the articles and posts you spent hours creating. All gone!!!

So here’s my #mc2valuebomb to save you that stress!

BACK UP YOUR LINKEDIN DATA TODAY!

It’s actually easy to do too. So follow these 9 steps to secure your LinkedIn business relationships and have peace of mind that all your hard work will be saved! + I have also given you some more ways to enhance your online credibility even further!

1. Go to your “Privacy and Settings” section

2. Go to the “Privacy” tab and find the bit saying “How LinkedIn Uses your Data”

3. Here you can just click on “Getting a copy of your data”

4. You can choose to download everything or specific aspects eg just contacts. Choosing everything will take longer, but don’t worry it won’t literally be buffering and downloading.

5. You actually get sent a Zip file with your data to the email address you have registered.

6. Now “Extract all files” and save each one in a folder on your server, pc or Mac

7. You can now consider adding your contacts information to your CRM system, but remember don’t just send emails to everyone and spam them. Think GDPR too!

8. Look through your articles and posts and maybe Re purpose articles / posts / content on other channels, as long as its still relevant and gives up to date information.

9. You could turn your written content into short video clips, vlogs or stories

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Please feel free to add your comment and tag someone you think could also benefit from knowing about this. Oh and feel free to share this article if you wish. Thank you

Fascinating Social Media Facts: Did you know…?

The Addiction is Real!
Social media is not even a decade old and it has completely disrupted the way we live, work and socialise! We’ve put together some CRAZY social media facts! Who knows where we are headed?!

Have a look!

What do you think of these social media facts?

Let us know in the comments down what social media platform you are addicted to and which channels are you using for your business.
Get your FREE SOCIAL MEDIA HEALTH here :

www.mcquare.co.uk/hospitality

KISS and get Engaged!

When it comes to getting your message across on social media first impressions and time are crucial. Remember, people reading your posts, tweets and updates are probably doing so while they are on their break, in between TV programmes or chilling out. They probably have very limited “TST”- Thumb Scrolling Time!

So how do we help them and get their attention? Think KISS and I’m not talking Heavy Rock band or using your lips! I mean make sure you “Keep It Short and Simple”.

So here’s my short lesson on Kissing! – think of it as if you are on your first date maybe.

Grab their attention with a great image that stands out. (Make sure you look good)
Then get a short Punchy Headline or Title. (Maybe even your chat up line?)
Now for the main body of text. Get straight to the point and explain briefly what it is you are trying to say in as little words as possible. Don’t give it all away in the post (Be careful here and don’t bore the person but definitely don’t go for the smooch straight away!)
Decide what you want the reader to do and add a clear CALL TO ACTION eg Understand how here (You know what they like so suggest where you can go for your next date)
Now add a link to your blog, landing page or source of the full article (give them the full address of where you will meet and your telephone number – again just in case they forgot it!)

Einstein’s KISS Formula: KISS = (H x 6) + (T x 50) + CTA2²

For reference: H = Headline | T = Text | CTA = Call To Action

So when it comes to social media and potentially other marketing or promotional activities, just KISS and who knows, you may get ENGAGED with your audience! Enjoy!!!

Have you seen or read any good examples of KISSing? Please do feel free to share them with us on our Facebook page or add links in the comments below.

How to go VIRAL? Pokemon Go!

On July 6th a digital phenomenon hit the US, Australia and New Zealand. It was the resurgence of what was once a hugely popular card game back in the nineties – Pokémon. Only this time, it had returned in the form of the mobile augmented reality game Pokémon Go. Just over a week later, the game had doubled Nintendo’s market value to £23.5 billion, putting it back on the map. Now available in 35 countries, not only has the game managed to successfully attract millennials – a target market reluctant to play ball with direct advertising – but it has also re-captured the hearts of its original fans. So how has the team behind Pokémon Go managed to do this in such a short space of time and what lessons can we learn?

While no one could have predicted the speed in which word spread about the game, it wasn’t just luck. There are a number of factors that have helped with its success so far.

1 – Know your Audience
The right players were onboard from the very start. The game was jointly developed by Niantic, the Pokémon Company and Nintendo. It just so happens that Google is a major shareholder of Niantic which will have helped to take augmented reality to the next level with the integration of Google Maps. Nintendo is also part owner of Niantic, which will have helped with the publishing of the game. In addition, both Google and Apple collect 30 per cent of in-app purchases so they are fully committed to the current and future success of the game.

2 – Be part of their life
Pokémon Go has successfully weaved itself into everyday life. The game uses Google Maps to integrate the real world with its virtual universe, so players have to catch Pikachu and other Pokémon creatures from their phones in real life locations such as pubs and restaurants. While AR has already been widely adopted by brands such as Aldi and House of Fraser, none have succeeded in taking it to this level.

3 – Create demand
Thirdly, by starting in the US, it created a huge buzz around the game. Naturally, the UK wanted a piece of the action, and so rather miraculously, a hack was ‘leaked’ which enabled players to download the game by changing their phone settings. After just two weeks in the US and a few days in the UK, it already had around 21 million daily active users in the US, surpassing Candy Crush’s peak audience of 20 million users.

4 – Plan to monetise
Fourthly, the game generates countless opportunities for local businesses and brands. The team behind the game has been clever not to alienate other sectors and instead, are working collaboratively on various in-game purchases and sponsorship deals. A number of businesses have bought the in-game ‘Lure’ item (which at a cost, brings Pokémon to a specific location for 30 minutes), to drive footfall. Another example is Japan’s McDonald’s which is to become the game’s first sponsor, with 3,000 plus restaurants becoming “gyms” or battlegrounds for Pokémon collectors.

5 – Build a Social Media Tribe
And the icing on the cake is that Pokémon Go is turning into the ultimate social AR game, globally. Last weekend in Mumbai nearly 2,000 people attended the Midnight Pokewalk, with a further 7,800 interested. This Saturday is the Pokémon Go Massive Lure Party in Trafalgar Square, which already has 4,000 signed up and an additional 10,000 interested. Social media is not only a platform for creating buzz, sharing tips and promoting live events, but it’s playing an integral part in closing the gap even further between the game and reality.

Like with anything that takes off too quickly though, problems with volume arise. In this case, it resulted in a total server collapse. There’s also talks that the ‘three footprint tracking bug’ (which means tracking doesn’t work like it did at the start) was a deliberate move to reduce some of the load on the servers. However, whilst this may have impacted the experience to some extent for existing players, it doesn’t appear to have made much of a dent in the game’s popularity.

So whether you’re a keen player yourself, or you’ve been privy to a few distracted teenagers (or adults) walking into lampposts and the like, the game will reach you some way or another.

Have they got to you yet and what are your thoughts on Pokemon Go?

Visit www.pokemongo.com to find out more or just download straight to your phone

More, More, More – Social Media Masterclass

MORE, MORE, MORE
More Social, More Engagement, More Business!

The Event – 14th July 2016
In today’s business world social media marketing is one of the most efficient ways to market and grow your business. Many companies are already benefiting hugely from this growing channel and it has most definitely become an integral aspect of any successful brand’s marketing mix. The aim of this conference on the 14th July 2016 is to help business stay on the leading edge of our social sphere. Your experience will include the sharing of invaluable social media knowledge and experience that will ensure your company or organisation stands out from your competitors online and helps increase your ROI.

Who is it for?
• Business professionals already using social media to increase their online presence and credibility but wanting better results
• Businesses that want to step up their social media activities
• Businesses wanting to start using social media and looking for an insight into the most up to date direction to take.
• Business owners and/or their marketing teams.

Avoid disappointment and BOOK your place today.

Why attend?
If your company is already using social media for your business then you will know how quick things change in the social world. Also you may be questioning whether you are achieving the results you had hoped for. Well you have found the right place as we have some great solutions. In addition our expert speakers will be providing you an insight into the latest ways you should now be using social media to generate more business opportunities and leads!

Our Keynote speaker and event organiser, Michael Cuschieri from mc square marketing has recently attended the Social Media Marketing World Summit in San Diego, the largest gathering of social media who’s who in the world. Together with over 3200 delegates (only 41 from the United Kingdom!) he listened and soaked up the expert knowledge from these thought leaders, which will impact your future social media success in business. He will now be sharing his top insights that were presented from over 100 speakers at this event, including Michael Stelzner, Guy Kawasaki, Mark Schaefer, Kim Garst, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mari Smith, Ian Cleary, Andrea Vahl, Rick Mulready, Jay Baer, Joel Comm, Shaun McBride, to name a few.

Your day is going to be actioned packed with some leading speakers in their field, each focusing on one aspect that you truly need to be embracing to stay ahead of your competitors. You will leave with practical and quick win ideas that have been proven to give success. Easy to use and refer to guides on how to implement your learning. Presentations will not be just death by PowerPoint, but interactive and you will also have the opportunity to speak to speakers during the day.

Oh we’ll have a bit of fun too! Table Tennis, Pool, Table Soccer will be available throughout the day at breaks thanks to our amazing venue Rileys Sport Bar. While our masterclass sessions will be held in a private meeting area all delegates will also have access to the venue’s wonderful leisure facilities.

What’s on offer?
So what will you get from this amazing event:
• Pre Event networking via exclusive Facebook Group for speakers and delegates
• A warm welcome from our event team and speakers
• Tea, coffee and pastries on arrival
• 5 Masterclass sessions delivered by expert speakers in their areas of expertise
• Tea & coffee and biscuits throughout breaks
• Lunch
• Plenty of networking opportunities with other professional businesses and speakers
• Drinks & Nibbles at the end of the day courtesy of mc square marketing
• Workbook to compliment sessions and write your amazing tips and advice you will be hearing
• At least 1 new golden nugget of advice to help your business
• Access to presenters’ materials post event (where available)
• List of delegates attending and their social media details
• Potential business opportunities through networking
• Free gift

Sound like there’s a lot on offer? Yes there is, but we just love sharing our knowledge, so book on today.

Outline Sessions

Session 1: Social media Overview, Statistics and HOT NEWS and TIPS from Social Media Marketing World 2106 San Diego #SMMW16

Session 2: YouTube Video advertising and how you can do it cost effectively with tips and tricks from Amy McManus

Session 3: Snapchat is not just for kids! Find out how top brands and businesses are already using and why you need to get on board from Dan Knowlton

Session 4: Websites and the importance of how you should use your website to capitalise on the traffic being driven from your social channels and how you can measure success from Keno Ogbo

Session 5: Facebook adverts. You need to PAY to PLAY! How to use Facebook Ads to help generate TARGETED Leads and enquiries into your sales funnel from Michael Cuschieri

Session 6: Live Video – How to use it for your business, what equipment you need, how to do it and when. Speaker TBC

Please are limited so book your seat NOW!

Cost & Times
Delegate rates for our 1 day More, More, More Social Media Masterclass Sessions London is ONLY £145 (+ VAT), though Early Bird prices can apply, currently at £97 if booked before the 24th June 2016

Discount
Get 10% off course bookings if your organisation is a registered charity or if you have 2 or more staff attending we can offer a discount (not applicable to Early Bird pricing).

Times
Thursday 14th July 2016
09.00 – Doors open for registration
09.05 – Open networking
09.45 – Masterclass Sessions commence
16.30 – End of Masterclass Sessions
16.35 – Drinks and nibbles + Networking

The Venue
Rileys Sports Bar, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TE
Nearest stations Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus
Telephone: 020 7930 0393

Future workshops
Social media Strategy – Developing a strategic approach to maximise the business opportunities available from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (Intermediary Level) ½ day – Register your interest here

Getting Started – Introduction on how to use Facebook and Twitter for your business (Beginners level) ½ day – Register your interest here

In-house courses
If you require, we can arrange to have this event or other bespoke social media workshops delivered either at your location or any chosen preferred venue. Please ask for more details here or call our office to discuss.

Further enquiries
Twitter: @mcsquareltd | Facebook: mc square marketing
Phone: 020 8367 5659
Email: [email protected]
www.mcsquare.co.uk

What’s hot in Social Media Marketing? #SMMW16

Social Media Marketing World 2016
San Diego

WOW – yet another amazing SMMW conference hearing from the experts and meeting like-minded professionals in the digital and social media industry.

Following a long flight to San Diego courtesy or Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airways the learning soon began with pre conference workshops on Sunday afternoon. I chose to attend a session on “How to create videos on your mobile device that your audience will watch and share”. Some great tips on how to capture better filming, use of light and depth of focus. Introduced me to the Filmic app which helps you shoot better films too. Now need to practice!

The official conference then kicked off in true social media style with a networking event on the USS Midway with over 3000 (only 42 from the UK!!!) delegates enjoying the food, drink, entertainment, including flight simulators and tours of the ship itself. For those not used to networking the Networking Bingo Card game was a great way and opportunity to meet lots of new people and sharing experience and knowledge.

The conference then kicked off the following morning with Mike Stelzner from Social Media Examiner sharing his findings from a recent survey they carried out. Some of these I have highlighted in my overview paper for you to download. Next we hit the road running with the streams of workshop sessions, 10 running at any one time!!!! This is where decisions had to be made as to which to attend. My plan was to focus on what I believed would benefit our clients to ensure we continue to add value and get them results.

The topics we chose were also in line with what I believed were the key MKT’s – Must Know Takeaways from the whole of the conference:

– Live Video is the answer to success
– Snapchat is here
– You have to Pay to Play – Social Advertising
– Content Marketing is still alive

Throughout the conference we were lucky to hear from some amazing experts including Mari Smith, Gary Vaynerchuk, Kim Garst, Mark Schaefer, Jon Loomer, Rick Mulready, Ian Cleary…. To name just a few. We were also delighted to have managed to get one of the Keynote Speakers, Mark Schaefer do a LIVE BLAB with us back to the UK and my business coach Denyse Whilier. Once again thank you Mark for your valuable time and contribution. If you missed this, look out for our video recording due to be uploaded soon or go and see him live in Dublin in May – Book here

So if you asked me what my 4 MKTs were, they would be:

1 – LIVE VIDEO
This was by far the biggest message that was consistently projected or touched upon in most sessions. Last year it was about “Native Videos” on Facebook this year it was about the power of using “Live Video” to engage with your following or to use it to grow your “tribe”. It’s about “Video in real time, at the right time”

As Kim Garst put it “LIVE VIDEO plays a big part in the know like trust factor”. It’s all about building relationships and showing your real self and not worrying about the actual broadcast itself but the content and messages you are sharing.

Whilst Facebook Live is probably the biggest player in this arena so far, we are also seeing growth in use of BLAB too and of course Periscope is still alive and kicking, unlike our little Meerkat who has left the social playing field. Look out too for YouTube who are already trialling their “Live streaming” offer.

2 – SNAPCHAT
Well until the conference I was not 1 of the 100 million users already snapping away on this social media channel!

With the number of daily video views going from 2 Billion to 8 Billion in less than a year, we need to jump on this opportunity. The time is right to join now and start building your following. As Gary Vaynerchuk said “you need to go to where the attention is at its highest” and Snapchat is where it is for him at the moment. Other big brands are using this channel through having key influencers like SHonduras, ShaunAyala and celebrities like DJKhaled endorse or promote their products.

Whilst 77% of users are 18+ it’s not just for millennials and one thing we should not forget is that they will also grow to potentially become your future customers. We are also living in the moment and want to know what is happening now and Snapchat gives us a network for story telling on mobile device. Short quick visuals, video and messages that are live for only 24 hours

3 – SOCIAL ADVERTISING
Have you noticed that organic traffic on and to your website from Facebook, is down?

This could be due to Content over load, Bad content, Poor tracking or simply Facebook Algorithms. This is because we are now in a PAY TO PLAY arena.

Again here the focus was on Facebook advertising and video advertising and little mention of Twitter. The message was also about not just placing ads or boosting posts but about how to integrate it into your sales funnel process and trigger for Re targeting marketing. No surprise either, that Facebook Video Ads are also performing and delivering results for clients. Being clear on the objective of your advert and including great relevant video content that adds value to the viewer is key.

4 – CONTENT MARKETING
Mark Schaefer, Michael Stelzner and Mitch Joel discussed at length whether there was a future for Content Marketing and Mark rightly stated that we have to adapt, so what was marketing content 2 years ago is dead, but it has now been replaced with different type of content marketing or channels to put your content on.

I totally agree with the team and what was also highlighted was that it’s not just about the numbers but also having the right people in that audience you are talking to. With organic reach falling it is also clear that our audiences are shrinking so engaging with key influencers is growing in importance, together with having a clear content marketing plan in the first place. Then you can decide on the appropriate channels to communicate through.

Mark Shaefer’s final keynote session to close the conference was likewise focused on both ROI of Social media and content marketing. I particularly liked his comment saying that “Content is the starting line not the finishing line” and can totally relate to the fact that “85% of people say reading content that other people share helps them understand and process brand information and events”. We really do value our friends’ opinions and continue to base buying decisions on this.

His final point to close the conference was all about what do we need to do to stand out in this noisy world?

He put it simply to “Be more human! It will create the awareness and gain loyalty”

A fantastic way to end 3 full on days of learning from the experts and now our goal is to put this into action for our social media management clients. You too can find out more about the key learnings by downloading my detailed white paper, full of notes from the sessions attended at the conference. Simply click here for access.

We will also be sharing more of our MKTs, top tips and ideas on our “Einstein’s Formulas to Success” group on Facebook so come along and join Einstein’s tribe. We’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and tips to help with marketing your business or organisation with guest speakers appearing and sharing their knowledge too. Join here

We met back up with people from last year’s conference and made some more new amazing friends too. Even met up with a fellow BNI member from Vermont, friends from Australia, Toronto, New Jersey, New Zealand, to name a few and a people from the UK too.