The Three Social Media Diamonds in the Digital Rough

Social media is one of the most effective platforms to spread content for individuals, celebrities, businesses, and journalists.  Twitter is the site I turn to whenever I hear about sports or national news related.  ESPN creates reports based on tweets from Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski, CNN creates reports based on tweets from politicians and government officials, and both large and small businesses/organizations now realize that social media is a platform to sell products, generate leads, and build their brands.  Social media can also be extremely helpful for websites/blogs that earn a revenue on boosting users and conversions.

There are three websites/blogs that, in my opinion, utilize social media platforms in successful ways:

1. Spotify

Spotify is a subscription-based music provider.  They provide content about new music being released and specifically how to sign up for a subscription for their services.  I believe they use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  I think they share their content better than others because they use influencers… like Def Leppard (below)… to promote their company/website.

I think the content they share is better than other music providers because they are constantly sharing deals for students or families.  The current campaign they have running posts 15-20 second videos from well-known artists.  I think I like this more because it provides clear information in a compact post.

2. Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report shares content specific to sports-related news and they mix in some pop culture.  I believe they share their content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.  I think I enjoy how they share their content more than other sports news outlets because they don’t spam you with the same information from multiple accounts like some others do (ESPN, SportsCenter, etc.).  In my opinion, they also convey humor better than ESPN and other news sources.

I think how this content is shared affects how I like, share, or click on it because I like connecting humor with sports.  I also think they share content that is interesting and not as “fluffy” as their competitors’ content.

3. The Dodo

The Dodo is a feel-good website/blog that posts heroic and heartwarming stories about animals of all kinds.  From adoption videos to a story about a dog saving his owner from a fire, The Dodo is successful in making people pause from their stressful lives and remember that there is good in this world.  I believe they mostly share on Facebook, however they might use Instagram and Twitter, as well.

I believe they are successful in their content because most people enjoy stories about animals.  Their content appeals to people’s emotions and that will sometimes cause them to like or share more than other content such as divisive political memes.  I think when The Dodo switches from a news article to a video, it provides diverse options for their followers.

In total, I’m not sure if there is any one specific way to share content.  I think all digital marketing is trial and error.  Even for the most experienced marketers, social media is a process.  In order to become successful, you need to be persistent and believe in the content you are sharing.

Email Marketing in a Digital World

What is email marketing?  According to Mailchimp, “email marketing helps you connect with your audience to promote your brand and increase sales.”

When I think about email marketing, the first thing I think of is campaign fundraising emails.  I’ve had previous political jobs and I am still politically active.  I subscribe to several political candidates who fill up my Gmail “Promotions” daily.  However, this is one of several types of marketing emails from marketers/businesses.  There are so many that most, if not all, are stigmatized as spam.  I think what makes the ones that I engage with interesting is if there is an influencer that I respect or a product that I have considered purchasing.  The easiest example of this is a fundraising email from Bryan Steil.  He is a candidate running for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.

This email appears to be sent by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.  The marketer who sent this email is hoping that his influence is enough to peak the interest of the email recipients.  I understand that influencers are mainly used in social media marketing, but I think this is an example of an email using an influencer to boost opens and possibly conversions.

Usually, I do not take action as a result of the marketing emails I receive, and this example was no exception.  I think the main reason that I don’t is because I am so immune to them that I always ignore them.  I thought that I was in the majority on this opinion, but it turns out I’m not.  According to Forbes,

email marketing is still an extremely cost-effective way to generate leads and make sales for businesses.

After learning more about this topic, I decided to interview three people around me to dive a little deeper.  I interviewed my father, Jon – a small business owner who struggles with technology, my girlfriend Brittani – an avid online shopper, and my friend, Garrett – a graduate student.  Their results were surprising to me:

How often do you receive emails from marketers/businesses?

Jon: I think I receive multiple emails a day from different businesses and marketers.

Brittani: I definitely receive more marketing emails than I would like.

Garrett: Too many to count.

Do you ever open on the emails that you receive?  If so, do you ever take action?

J: Yes I open about half of them, but I take action at a far less rate.

B: Yes I open a decent amount of them, and I do take action.

G: I rarely ever open marketing emails, and I never take action.

What makes them interesting or worth your time to open/read and take action?

J: Sales interest me, as well as anything I think might potentially be able to help my business.

B: The biggest thing I look for are stores and brands that I like.  If either or having sales, I usually shop on their websites.

G: I don’t really open or act on any marketing emails.

I was surprised by how much Brittani interacted with marketing emails.  I was also surprised that my dad used them, even though he isn’t very tech-savvy.  I was not surprised that Garrett did not interact with them.  He and I are very similar, so it would make sense that both of us are not interested in email marketing.

As future digital marketers, it is important that we understand CAN-SPAM and why it is important to our industry.  CAN-SPAM is a law that establishes rules for commercial email messages and marketing practices.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, if you violate the following rules you could be subject to penalties up to $41,484:

• Don’t use false or misleading header information.
• Don’t use deceptive subject lines.
• Identify the message as an ad.
• Tell recipients where you’re located.
• Tell recipients how to opt out of receiving future email from you.
• Honor opt-out requests promptly.
• Monitor what others are doing on your behalf.

CAN-SPAM is very important to remember.  If you are ever tasked with email marketing for any kind of business or organization, it is vital that you remember and adhere to these rules.

Fantasy Studs and Duds: NFL Week 3 2018

NFL’s Week 2 had many ups and downs.  Ryan Fitzpatrick kept the magic alive while taking down last year’s Super Bowl Champion Eagles.  The Chiefs were led to victory by Patrick Mahomes who threw six touchdowns.  Lastly, we saw several kickers miss game-winning field goals which led to a few roster cuts.  Week 3 is sure to see just as much drama.  That drama makes it difficult to navigate through fantasy rosters, but no longer!

Below is a fantasy guide that will win you Week 3 and possibly your entire league.

Studs

Andrew Luck – QB, Indianapolis Colts: Luck has thrown 2 touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season.  He has shown that he can use all the Colts’ weapons at his disposal.  I know the Eagles defense is a tough opponent, but last week the Buccaneers walloped them pretty handily.

Phillip Lindsay – RB, Denver Broncos: Lindsay has quickly won the role as Denver’s backfield leader according to Sports Illustrated.  After 2018’s two weeks, the rookie has seen 32 total touches.  Volume is always a good bet.

Jarvis Landry – WR, Cleveland Browns: I know, it’s the Browns.  But because the Browns traded Gordon this week, Landry is bound to see even more targets this week against the Jets.  For now, he is questionable, but he is participated in practice in a limited capacity.  Landry will see success this week.

Trey Burton – TE, Chicago Bears: Yuck, I have to cheer to the Bears?  I get it, “Da Bears still suck,” but their tight end certainly does not.  Last week Burton scored his first touchdown of the season and with a friendly match up again the Browns he will look to build on that success.

Minnesota Vikings Defense/Special Teams: The Vikings have one of the top defenses this year and they are playing the Buffalo Bills, one of the worst offenses.  This match up is ideal for all fantasy teams that own them.

Duds

Philip Rivers – QB, Los Angeles Chargers: Rivers has had a strong start in his 2018 campaign.  However, he faces the Rams Defense who haven’t allowed a single passing touchdown this year according to NFL.com.  Look to avoid Rivers in this L.A. showdown.

Jamaal Williams – RB, Green Bay Packers: Williams hasn’t produced as a strong fantasy starter yet.  With Aaron Jones coming back, he’s bound to decrease in value even more.

Kenny Stills – WR, Miami Dolphins: Stills had a great first game and a dismal second.  With no sure bet on how successful his quarterback will be, I would avoid having Stills in your line up.

Jack Doyle – TE, Indianapolis Colts: Doyle is questionable for this week.  However, he has already been surpassed as the starting TE by Eric Ebron (who has scored a touchdown each week).  Avoid the worry of injury and sit him this week.

Washington Redskins Defense/Special Teams: The Redskins are facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.  For the past two week they have scored more than 20 points.  Look for Rodgers to light up the Redskins in Week 3.

These are all predictions based on years of knowledge playing fantasy football.  If you follow these ideas with caution, you should have no problem winning your fantasy game in Week 3.  Keep these players in mind throughout the season and you might possibly win the entire league.