Do You “Like” The New Facebook Changes? Fan Pages, Movies, and More

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Facebook is once again making lots of changes, but in this case we at Garvey Communication believe “change is good.”  The biggest change is happening today when all Facebook Fan Pages will switch from the current page layout to a new layout that is similar to a personal profile page.  Although some fan pages have already switched over voluntarily, all pages will be automatically changed by Facebook on March 10.

Garvey Communication Fan Page Featuring New Layout

Garvey Communication Fan Page Featuring New Layout

What we like about the fan page changes:

  • The fan page can now post to other fan pages. It can also “like” posts as the fan page (versus the admin from a personal profile).
  • The fan page admin now receives an email alert when someone comments or likes a post on their fan page.
  • A newsfeed for your fan page is now available.
  • The ability to view new “likers” of your page is now in the notifications section.

The article 8 New Facebook Page Changes: What You Need to Know from the Social Media Examiner goes into great detail about the changes and includes many screen shots and instructions to help you make the necessary changes to your fan page.

The second big change is the way the “like” button on Facebook functions. This article, Facebook Like Button Gains Better Sharing Functionality, from Hubspot explains that now when users “like” something it will be shared on their wall and will appear in their friends newsfeed.

The last and most recent change is that Warner Bros. has announced the ability to rent and watch movies on Facebook. The first movie available is The Dark Knight.  I personally like watching movies on Netflix, but maybe this “experiment” will catch on.

That’s it for this week, if you have suggestions for future Social Media News posts, want to ask questions or share thoughts, please feel free to email me. Thanks! – Laura

P.S. This Facebook Infograph includes some interesting statistics about Facebook usage in the United States and is worth a look.  :)

The future in social media is sharing experiences-Brian Solis Video Interview

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Brian Solis is described on his website as being “globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media.” He is Founder and President of Future Works, an award-winning digital and social media agency in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. We at Garvey Communication love to hear what he has to say about social media and where the industry is headed so we wanted to share the wealth and post this video interview.

If you liked what you saw and want more watch this video of Brian talking about “social currency.”

If you have suggestions for future Social Media News posts, want to ask questions or share thoughts, please feel free to email me. Thanks! – Laura

Did J.C. Penney Wear An SEO “Black Hat?” The Story and How to Do It Right

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Everyone wants their website to be ranked first by Google, but how far would you go to make that happen?  J.C. Penney learned the hard way that you better follow Google’s rules or your website will be buried, literally.  The New York Times article, The Dirty Little Secret of Search, exposed how J.C. Penney’s website was using “black hat” methods to appear first in search results. Once this was brought to Google’s attention, J.C. Penney’s website dropped in search results from the number one result to page five or six depending on the search term.

So how do you legally improve your websites search rankings?  Google protects their search algorithms like your grandma protects the secret family recipe, so there is no magic answer.  However, Google does tell you where to find their Webmaster Guidelines and Webmaster Tools which serve as great places to start when you want to improve your search results.

If you have suggestions for future Social Media News posts, want to ask questions or share thoughts, please feel free to email me. Thanks! – Laura

Pajama Project Breaks Record

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L-R: Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli; Fr. Brennan, co-director at St. Francis Chapel; Don Anderson, owner of the Cruise Store; Aida Claudio, volunteer at St. Francis Chapel; and Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc.

L-R: Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli; Fr. Brennan, co-director at St. Francis Chapel; Don Anderson, owner of the Cruise Store; Aida Claudio, volunteer at St. Francis Chapel; and Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc.

The Pajama Project collected over 645 sets of pajamas this year, breaking the old record!

The pajamas will benefit homeless children and families at the Gray House and Friends of the Homeless.

Thank you to everyone who helped out and donated this past holiday season.

For more information about the collection please visit the St. Francis Facebook page.

3 Perspectives On How Social Today’s PR Graduates Must Be – Part 3

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Views from The Student, The Pro and The Professor

Last week we discussed how graduates will use social media to find a PR job. This week’s Social Media News, is the last of our three  part series, and asks what will surprise graduates about social media once they get on the job. GCAI tapped three people for their perspectives.

The Student: @stjackman
Stephanie Jackman, Intern at GCAI, completing a BA in Communication this year from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY
The Pro : @MFallon
Mary Fallon,  Media Director at GCAI and Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst graduate, Google AdWords Certified, PRSA member for 4 years, has led seminars on SEO and SMO PR at UMASS Amherst
The Professor: @FvrythingPR
Dr. Daradirek Ekachai,  Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI

3) What will surprise graduating college students about social media once they get on the job?

The Student:
Little is taught about social media in the classroom so the majority of experience I have, I’ve learned as I went along. I was surprised to find the amount of time and effort that goes into developing a social media strategy and how essential it has become to a company’s marketing needs. In order for a company’s social media initiatives to be carried out successfully, they must be well thought-out and organized.

The Pro:
I believe most students will be surprised to realize how much strategy goes into social media.  Social media isn’t just about creating and distributing posts; the content must be tied to an overall plan which has been created with the business’ goals in mind. Also, the strategic plan must be constantly evolving as social media does.

The Professor:
 I think students might be surprised that, being seen as a “digital native,” they could be regarded as a social media “expert” with full responsibility in the area “grown ups” are not familiar with. They will have to learn quickly on management (time and organization) issues.

3 Perspectives On How Social Today’s PR Graduates Must Be – Part 2

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Views from The Student, The Pro and The Professor

Last week we discussed the “must have” social media skills a graduating senior needs to impress PR employers.  This week’s Social Media News, is part 2 of our 3 part series, and addresses how those graduates will use social media to find a PR job. GCAI tapped three people for their perspectives.

The Student: @stjackman
Stephanie Jackman, Intern at GCAI, completing a BA in Communication this year from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY
The Pro : @MFallon
Mary Fallon,  Media Director at GCAI and Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst graduate, Google AdWords Certified, PRSA member for 4 years, has led seminars on SEO and SMO PR at UMASS Amherst
The Professor: @FvrythingPR
Dr. Daradirek Ekachai,  Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI

2) How can graduating college students use social media to find PR jobs?

The Student:
With graduation only months away, Twitter is one of the first resources I turn to when searching for career opportunities. Following Twitter handles geared towards entry-level job postings is easy to do, yet incredibly beneficial to my job search. By following thought leaders in the social media and PR industry I can engage in conversations, form relationships and show future employers I’m savvy in multiple social media platforms.

LinkedIn is another tool graduating seniors can use to enhance their job search. I’ve used LinkedIn to network with professors, find internship openings and participate in discussion forums. I think of LinkedIn as a virtual resume where each user has the ability to list past work experiences.

The Pro:
Students can use various social media platforms (including Facebook and Twitter) to follow companies they would like to work for and connect with people who work there. They can also post their resume on LinkedIn or upload a video version to YouTube. Overall, it’s important to show employers you have experience with social media, which means students should accurately complete their profiles and stay active on the platforms they are utilizing.

The Professor:
To me, it’s not so much how students can use social media to find PR jobs, but how they can use social media to get a PR job!

The obvious social media platform related to careers is LinkedIn, so that means that students must create and maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn. They can start growing their contacts and build their own network, start networking, and creating meaningful content to show future employers that they are capable and serious about their professional future.

Students also can use Twitter to follow professionals in their field, job sites, and companies that they want to work for.  It’s widely known that job recruiters search for job candidates, using social networking sites, and research candidates before the interviews. Students need to know how to use social media wisely, differentiate themselves from other job candidates in order to be a top contender in the job market.

3 Perspectives On How “Social” Today’s PR Graduates Must Be-Part 1

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Views from The Student, The Pro and The Professor

Obviously, Social Media has transformed Public Relations. Yet, are the PR factories (colleges and universities) cranking out graduates that are prepared to work in, or maybe even lead, this changed industry?  This week’s Social Media News is the first in a three part series that will answer that probing question.  GCAI tapped three people for their perspectives.

The Student: @stjackman
Stephanie Jackman, Intern at GCAI, completing a BA in Communication this year from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY

The Pro : @MFallon
Mary Fallon,  Media Director at GCAI and Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst graduate, Google AdWords Certified, PRSA member for 4 years, has led seminars on SEO and SMO PR at UMASS Amherst

The Professor: @FvrythingPR
Dr. Daradirek Ekachai,  Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI

1) What are the “must have” social media skills a graduating college student needs to standout to PR employers?

The Student:
Being savvy in the realm of social media is no longer an added bonus, but a job requirement for entry-level PR candidates. The skill that will showcase graduating seniors’ expertise in social media is their ability to be engaging on these various platforms.  Mastering the writing technique it takes to be successful on each social media platform is key. Students must be able to use their writing skills to not only write an eye-catching press release, but an engaging tweet and Facebook post.

The Pro:
My top three are: writing ability, responsiveness, and curiosity. Whether a PR professional is writing a 400 word press release or a 140 character tweet, both grammar and writing come into play. When working in the social media world everything is in “real time” and students need to be able to analyze and respond to issues as they arise. Lastly, a willingness to learn is vital.  Students who are curious about social media and are constantly researching new platforms and methods will be the most successful.

The Professor:
Students should not only possess social media skills, but they also should know how to use them strategically, personally and professionally. They need to understand the sociology and psychology of social communication through social networks and know how to apply them in social media tools. They should keep abreast in current and ever-changing new media trends and be informed of latest research reports.

I also believe that they need to practice social media (Facebook and Twitter, mostly) regularly (everyday preferably!). Social media should be second nature to them and they need to know how to create content, engage and maintain their social relationships with their friends and followers.

GCAI’s 2011 Tips and Trends To Take Note Of

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Hey GCAI fans! Since Laura is away, this week’s Social Media News will be brought to you by myself. My name is Stephanie and I am GCAI’s  winter intern. In honor of the new year, John, Mary and I found a few of our favorite social media articles that will be sure to jump start your social media strategy in 2011. Enjoy!

Influencer Scoring – Separating Worry From Want-To-Bes

I think understanding individual influence in social space is going to be a very big issue in 2011.  Almost every day, we are uncovering posts about one of our clients – both negative and positive.  Currently, we are using redundant monitoring platforms to  discover the posts and then manually assessing and scoring the commenter’s influence. Services like Klout are doing the same calculations algorithmically – which does highlight “the way of the future.”  Blogger John F. Moore’s interview with Matt Thomson, VP of Platform at Klout is a good place to start to understand where influence scoring is and where it is going.  – John Garvey (@Jgarvey)

http://bit.ly/aAuSME

Massachusetts Twitter Usage

Massachusetts is one of the top 3 states with usage that is 69% higher than the national average which is also the greatest increase among all US states. In terms of growth, Massachusetts was 2nd with a 24% increase. I think this reinforces the fact that Twitter is an important tool that businesses can utilize, especially in areas where usage is high or steadily increasing. A few tips if you are just beginning to use Twitter: listen before engaging in order to get a feel for the Twitter community, keep tweets to 120 characters which allows them to be retweeted, and restrain from pitching. –Mary Fallon (@MFallon)

http://bit.ly/hh8v2i

Are videos and mobile applications included in the next step of your social media strategy?

This article from ReadWriteWeb.com is an excellent resource in terms of emerging social media trends in 2011. In 2010, iPhone and iPad applications were downloaded over 7 billion times and e-mail access on the iPhone is continuing to rise while access on the computer declines. In 2011, many interactions and experiences will be shared through mobile devices. Additionally, consumer engagement with video continues to grow. Consumers can look forward to relying on video to get information and learn about companies in a way they wouldn’t normally experience with tweets and status updates. I view this as the next, more interactive step in consumer engagement. –Stephanie Jackman (@stjackman)

http://rww.to/eENvbO

Do you have any of your own social media trends for 2011? Please feel free to email me. Thanks! – Stephanie

GCAI Staff Member Gains Google AdWords Certification

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Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAI) recently attained Google AdWords Individual Certification. Google AdWords allows advertisers to create text, image, and video ads to run on Google, its partner “search network” and/or its content network sites.

Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAI) recently attained Google AdWords Individual Certification. Google AdWords allows advertisers to create text, image, and video ads to run on Google, its partner “search network” and/or its content network sites.

Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAI) recently attained Google AdWords Individual Certification.  Fallon passed two exams to gain certification including an advanced-level exam on search advertising covering best practices for managing AdWords campaigns.

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year, AdWords continues to be Google’s flagship advertising product.  Google AdWords allows advertisers to create text, image, and video ads to run on Google, its partner “search network” and/or its content network sites.  The advertiser is able to limit spending by setting daily budgets and can specify the geographic location, ranging from local to international distribution.  All of these controls make for an incredibly targeted marketing campaign.

A resident of Springfield, Fallon is a graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. She is also a guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on the subject of SEO and SMO PR.  Fallon is a member of The Valley Press Club, The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and serves on the board of directors for The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. She also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County through their Community-Based Mentoring program.

How Does a Googlebot Crawl Your Website? Trends vs. Insights? What Was “Googled” the Most in 2010?

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Google’s Hidden Gems in This Week’s Social Media News

Most people are aware of Google Analytics and how it can help you monitor your website’s activity, but have you ever used Google Webmaster Tools?  I am by no means a “webmaster,” but the tools offered are easy to use and it gives you a behind the scenes look at what a Googlebot sees when it crawls your page.   Disclaimer: You will need to own the site in order to verify it and have access to all this great information.

Google Trends is an interesting tool for the general public to see what the world is searching for, but it doesn’t give many details that businesses can use. Enter Google Insights for Search, which is like a supped up version of Google Trends.  Insights can compare search volume patterns across specific regions, categories, time frames and properties. Although it’s still in beta it looks like a great tool that I know GCAI is going to use in the future.

Last, but not least, Google has finished its annual Zeitgeist 2010: Year in Review video that shows what the world searched for in 2010.  It’s a fun three minute break from work.  If you have more time to kill check out Google Zeitgeist 2010 which is an interactive graphic that allows users to find out details about what was searched for most in 2010. Did your top searches make the list?

If you have suggestions for future Social Media News articles, want to ask questions or share thoughts, please feel free to email me. Thanks! – Laura

P.S. Happy holidays and to celebrate check out The Digital Story Of The Nativity.