One of the first things you learn in life is that
nothing stays the same. As you grow up seasons change, different trends become
popular, governments sway from one side of the aisle to the other, and Van
Halen gets a new lead singer. Ok so maybe I wasn’t there for the forming of Van
Hagar, but you get the point. Everything changes. This is even truer in today’s
technology fueled society. Websites, gadgets, and gizmos are constantly being
improved upon and changed to fit consumers changing lifestyles and demands. The
same thing is happening with Social Media.
Since I got involved in the social media game a
couple of years ago a lot has changed. It wasn’t until I started looking back
that I noticed how much was actually different and what was still the same. For
those of us that spend a fair chunk of our free time checking out the latest
feeds on Facebook and Twitter change isn’t an issue. We are surprised by it for
a few minutes or maybe a couple of days, but then we move on. However, for
those of you that aren’t a slave to your Samsung Galaxy or any one of the
numerous Appleganda devices, change can be quite noticeable. If you have taken
an extended break from the social (media) scene, these changes can be a
roadblock on the path to picking back up. I feel for you so I’m leaving you
with just a little advice and a strong urge to shoot me any questions you might
have after reading this post.
Facebook – Don’t worry it’s still the number one
site in town. It hasn’t gone all “Myspace” on us yet. Sure, Google + is
throwing big numbers out there, but they still don’t have the type of use or
social traffic to compete yet. However, Facebook is losing some ground. Young
visitors don’t necessarily see it as the playground that it used to be. Also
with the new algorithms that Facebook has put in place your fans don’t always
see your content. It started out as a great (read: Free) way to connect to new
audiences and current customers. Now Facebook is all about the pay to play. If
you want to get exposure for your business page, you have to throw in a couple
dollars towards FB ads. Luckily you can be extremely selective with your
demographics.
Twitter – Twitter is probably the least changed.
Everything is still 140 characters or less. Teenies are still filling up news
feeds about Justin Bieber and One Direction. Not much besides a few vanity
changes. However, big things are in the works here. Twitter desperately wants
more of that Facebook money and has been testing out new profile prototypes.
Luckily you made it back now before any major changes happened. Also, Hashtags
are still here although it’s beginning to seem that perhaps their value is
depleting a great deal.
Pinterest – Pinterest is still alive more than ever.
Things have remained relatively the same except that they are now recognizing
business and have a validation process. Things are getting cleaner and
Pinterest is learning how to become better at what they do, and how to
capitalize on partnering with businesses. Lately they’ve been working with
Target to boost sales. Pinterest gets it. They are an ecommerce site in
disguise.
Snapchat – Apparently the all powerful Evan Spiegel
must have something great up his sleeve. He turned down deals with Facebook and
really in my opinion came off as a cocky tool in his conversations with “The
Zuck”. McDonald’s recently got involved with some Snap campaigns. It could be
cool for you to use with some of those high value customers out there. Right
now it could serve as a way to invigorate your old mailing list. Maybe some of
those weekly emails can be replaced with a few Snaps?
Everything else – Expect this category to explode
this year. As we find new ways to connect we will become even more social. Like
I have said many times: I expect that in the next year or so we will see many
more smaller niche social sites going after one or two demographics of people,
and catering to their wants and needs. I think we are exiting the era of mass
communication. We know that we can say
something to the entire planet, but we now know that there are ways to share
things with a select group of people. We have gotten past the “I just ate a
sandwich” tweet…..or at least I hope.
For all things horticulture and social please
contact me anytime here: mday55@gmail.com
Also find me on LinkedIn here: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mason-day/20/9aa/233
And you know you can always tweet at me here: www.twitter.com/mday55
