Social media is constantly changing. Each network has its own strategy and features, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news. Never fear! We’ve got your monthly update, all in one place, so you can be prepared for what’s next in social media!
Here’s what you need to know about what’s next in social media from February 2014:
Facebook Shows Who Posts
If you have multiple users on your business’ Facebook page, you’re now in luck – Facebook’s new feature allows page admins to see which admin wrote posts! It’s easier than ever to know who has been participating the most, who posted last and other benefits depending on how your business uses your page. Don’t worry though; this feature is only visible to other admins, so none of your fans and followers will be able to see the individual admins.
Read more on AllFacebook >
Twitter Adds Ads to Search
Twitter will soon be taking a page out of Google’s book by including Promoted Accounts, a form of Twitter advertising, in Twitter search results. Recent research by the network indicates that users are 72% more likely to make a purchase from a brand they follow, and this new feature will attempt to foster those relationships with brands while users are searching on a topic.
Find out more from Fast Company >
Pinterest’s New Chrome Extension
Pinterest has updated its “Pin It” button for Chrome users. When the extension is enabled in Chrome, users can hover over an image and the “Pin It” button will appear, where you can save it to your Pinterest boards in a matter of a few clicks. Notably, this new function will also include the image’s URL in the description, which makes it easier to see where the image originally came from!
Learn more on The Next Web >
Instagram Helps Brands
Instagram has released a handbook to help brands connect with their customers and make images work as a marketing tool. The book profiles several big-name companies that have succeeded in using Instagram, including Disney, Chobani and Patagonia. The book is not yet available to the general public, but Instagram has also shared some of the tips on its new blog series to help those in the meantime!
Read the tips on Instagram’s blog >
Google+ Links Analytics
Google has announced that it is has integrated another of its products into the Google+ network with the new Analytics Google+ card. If you have linked your business’ Google+ page with your business’ website or blog, the card will appear in your Google+ dashboard. Without having to log into your Google Analytics account, you’ll be able to see a quick snapshot of your website’s visits, unique visitors and pageviews right from your Google+ account.
Learn more on Search Engine Watch >
Key Takeaways
Social networks are attempting to add more value to businesses to act more like marketing tools. Google+’s new analytics card makes it easier for you to monitor both your success on Google+ as well as your website or blog traffic. Instagram’s handbook and other helpful business materials are emphasizing the use of Instagram as a marketing channel rather than just a social network by explaining how it can help you achieve a good return on investment.
Social networks are trying to provide tools for businesses to help them operate more smoothly. With the new feature that allows admins to see who posted, Facebook is recognizing that many businesses employ several people who have access to the page and that this type of feature will help them stay organized. Pinterest’s new Chrome extension incorporates Pinterest into virtually any web page for Chrome users, which makes it easier to post and use Pinterest.
Similar to search more traditional search advertising, social networks are targeting users based on search terms. Twitter’s new search results featuring Promoted Accounts shows that brands are thinking smarter about how people user Twitter and other social networks and attempting to reach them in a more natural way. If you’re searching on a given term, you’re more likely to need products or services or information related to that term.
Image via Fast Company
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