Facebook introduced clickable hashtags into its posts

In June, Facebook introduced clickable hashtags into its posts. Though some seemed to laugh at the idea, advising Facebook to leave the hashtags to Twitter, the move signaled Facebook was beginning to compete with other social networks as a source of news and trending topics. With all this hype around the success of the Facebook hashtag, you'd think using hashtags could do a Facebook Page some good.
According to a recent study by EdgeRank Checker, however, hashtags don't appear to be increasing brands' reach or engagement on Facebook. EdgeRank Checker is an online tool that allows you to check your Facebook Page's EdgeRank, or how likely Facebook is to spread your Page's posts. The company is well versed in Facebook's ranking system and analyzed the posts of over 500 Pages throughout July to determine whether there was a correlation between reach and engagement and the use of hashtags. EdgeRank Checker studied over 35,000 posts, over 6,000 of which contained hashtags, and found no significant relation between the use of hashtags and an increase in reach or engagement. Instead, EdgeRank Checker found that in the vast majority of cases, Facebook posts containing hashtags actually reached fewer users and received less engagement. Why might this be happening, and what can Facebook do to make hashtags more helpful?

Posts With Hashtags See Lower Viral Reach than Posts Without

Hashtags on Facebook are now links, and clicking them brings users to a page of related posts, exposing them to Pages they do not follow. An increase in the number of people viewing posts by Pages they do not follow would likewise increase the viral reach of those Pages' posts. For this reason, it made sense to assume that hashtags would make it easier for people to virally find Pages' posts on Facebook. EdgeRank Checker's data, though, showed that the opposite was true:

Posts with hashtags saw less viral reach than posts without hashtags! While the median viral reach of posts with hashtags was only 0.8%, that of posts without hashtags was 1.3%. Even Pages with over 1 million fans, those that would theoretically see the greatest increase in viral reach, saw lower viral reach for posts with hashtags than for posts without:

In fact, almost no matter how many fans a Page had, posts containing hashtags saw lower viral reach:

Hashtags create additional ways for users to stumble upon a Page's post, so isn't it counterintuitive that hashtags seem to reduce a post's viral reach? Hashtags seem to work positively on Twitter: EdgeRank Checker found that tweets containing hashtags received roughly twice as many retweets per follower as tweets that didn't contain hashtags. For brands, over 70% of posts saw an increase in retweets due to the inclusion of hashtags. So why haven't hashtags seemed to work on Facebook?

Why Hashtags Don't Seem to Work on Facebook... Yet

From EdgeRank Checker's data, it's apparent that brands haven't yet figured out how to use hashtags to their advantage on Facebook. When it comes to hashtags, here's what Pages might be doing wrong.

Using Hashtags in an Annoying Way

Engagement is a huge contributing factor to viral reach. Engagement rates indicate what percent of a Page's fans interacted with the Page's posts, and includes "Liking," commenting on, and sharing posts. When fans engage with a Page's post, Facebook then exposes that post to the fans' friends and followers, thereby creating a possibility for viral reach. In other words, posts that many people "Like," comment on, and share are more likely to reach users that don't follow the Page, while posts that don't receive a lot of engagement are not likely to go anywhere on Facebook.
While researching the correlation between hashtag use and viral reach, EdgeRank Checker happened to find a slight decrease in engagement for posts with hashtags versus posts without: for the Pages it analyzed, the median engagement rate per fan for posts with hashtags was .22% versus .25% for posts without hashtags. A slight decrease was also present from organic reach for posts with hashtags to those without. These lower engagement rates, though slight, indicate that users are less likely to interact with posts that contain hashtags.
Why would users be less likely to "Like," comment on, or share a post containing hashtags? EdgeRank Checker made it obvious that it is not the post type that turns users off: photo posts perform the best on Facebook, and 70% of posts with hashtags were photos compared to 60% of posts without hashtags.

So, in some way, hashtags encouraged users to scroll through posts without interacting with them. But how? As EdgeRank Checker suggests, it might have been the case that brands used hashtags to promote contests or campaigns that users were not interested in. It could also be that Page managers fell under Instagram Hashtag Syndrome, an unfortunate condition in which a social media user is compelled to append every imaginable hashtag to his/her post. Facebook users, who are not yet used to seeing clickable hashtags in their News Feeds, might have felt the Page was doing something strange and/or trying too hard, and so scrolled through without interacting with the post.

Hashtags Are Ahead of Facebook's Time

The fact that Pages are not experiencing increased viral reach also indicates that people just aren't clicking on Facebook hashtags. Until Facebook gives fans a reason to click on hashtags, or until Facebook integrates hashtags as a factor when ranking trending topics, it's not likely that hashtags will increase the viral reach Pages experience through their posts. Twitter, for example, makes hashtags useful through its trends section, which monitors the hashtags on the rise on Twitter. Google+, too, monitors trending hashtags through its What's Hot page. Besides this, Google+ automatically appends relevant hashtags to users' posts on the network, a feature added in May.
Facebook began implementing a feature similar to Twitter's trends or Google+'s What's Hot page called Trending Topics that links users to hot, current topics while they use Facebook from their mobile browsers. This feature doesn't seem to be influenced by hashtag use, though, and besides this it hasn't yet spread to Facebook for desktop or the network's mobile app. Until it allows hashtags to influence its Trending Topics monitors hashtags in a way similar to Twitter and Google+, Facebook won't make hashtags useful or interesting to its users.

The Success of Hashtags Depends on Strategy

If Facebook wants to ensure that hashtags don't flop on its network, it needs to guide brands on how to use them well. What best practices for hashtags can brands follow to increase engagement with posts? This is a question Facebook needs to answer, explicitly, for Pages.
On top of this, Facebook should look to increase the use of and the utility of hashtags on its service. On Google+, Twitter, and Instagram, clicking hashtags brings you to inspiring images, topics of interest, and the latest news. Until Facebook employs innovative ways for its users to access and view hashtags, users won't be interested in clicking on them. Auto-generating hashtags, a la Google+, might be one way to make hashtags relevant and therefore worth clicking. When it comes to presenting the information collected through hashtags, though, I imagine Instagram-like photo grids, a hashtag-infused Trending Topics section, conversations by thought leaders that can be followed through hashtags – these are the things Facebook needs to implement in order to create a hashtag culture on its network.

What do you think Facebook can do to promote a hashtag culture? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!


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Paul A Smith

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12 good reasons for using social media

Though social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have become common platforms for businesses to market their products and communicate with consumers, there are still many common questions that can be heared on a daily basis.

If you are a business owner and find yourself scratching your head when it comes to social media, read on for answers to some of your frequently asked questions!

1. What are the benefits linked to social media?

Social media has changed the way businesses communicate with consumers. It’s no longer necessary for a consumer to pick up the phone to learn about your products or services.

Potential clients can now find all the information they need with just the click of a mouse.
 Creating a social media presence for your business allows you to connect with consumers in a more personal way than traditional media allowed for.
 It also allows you to meet them on their terms and in the location they feel most comfortable spending time.

2. Why should I have a Twitter account? 

Twitter allows potential customers to get a better understanding of who you are, what your business is all about and how you might best serve their needs given their particular circumstance.
It also enables your business to follow and connect with a very specific target audience.
Using sites such as Twellow or WeFollow, you can connect with Twitter users that share common interests.

Tweeting about your business, sharing interesting facts, answering common questions and offering helpful insight will build loyalty and trust.
Plus, tweeting on a consistent basis will help you find your brand voice and tweeting rhythm; two very important components to a successful Twitter strategy.

3. What is the difference between a Facebook profile and a business page?

A Facebook “Profile” also known as your personal “Timeline,” is the standard Facebook experience, representing one person, his or her interests, and his or her connections with other Facebook users.

A Facebook “Page” on the other hand, may be used to brand a product or represent a company, community, or special interest group. Facebook offers many free ways to help a company interact with the users that choose to connect with or “like” them.

4. Do I need a Facebook business page?

There was a time when I would have unequivocally answered yes to this question. However, marketing your business on Facebook has evolved. Depending on your company structure (are you a solopreneur or a local business) it might make more sense for you to connect on a personal level and build awareness through your personal profile.

There are limits to how your personal profile can be used though, and it’s important to understand what Facebook’s terms of service are prior to making this decision.

The pros of a fan page are search engine visibility and the ability to build meaningful relationships with people truly interested in your product or service.

5. How is YouTube important to my business?

YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google and the top site for video content. With over 2 billion monthly views and 1 billion unique users, YouTube has the ability to put your content in front of the right people. In fact, recent statistics prove the power of video as viewers consume more than 4 billion hours of video each month.

Whether you sell cupcakes and it is your latest creation or you are a landscaping company offering a tutorial on lawn care, YouTube can bring a whole new look and feel to your online persona. Figure out how you can share your business in new and unique ways.

6. Why should I have a blog?

A blog is an incredibly important aspect of social media marketing. It offers you a platform to publish your thoughts, give advice, and share the knowledge you have accumulated over the years.

It is also a perfect way to extend the social media conversation and brand yourself as an expert within your field. While nothing beats a face-to-face meeting, blogs make it possible for you to increase your reach and connect with people you might never have had the opportunity to meet through traditional marketing mediums.

7. How much time should I spend on my social media activities?

It depends on the results you are looking to achieve. My typical response is 15-20 minutes in the morning and then the same amount of time in the afternoon.

Spend your time in the morning setting up your day. Find articles from your favorite bloggers to retweet or share across any of your social networks — respond and thank retweets and shares, and schedule your posts throughout the day. Then come back at the end of the day to answer questions and thank those that have shared your content.

8. What are a few top tips to help me successfully use social media?

Share content, be passionate about your business and let that shine through across your social sites. Connect with influencers, be consistent in your efforts and never ever engage in negative or disparaging conversations.

Keep your tone light, positive and uplifting. You have a much better chance of attracting the right consumers with a positive outlook than a negative one.

9. What are some of the mistakes I am bound to make when using social media?

Not initially understanding the importance of social media, not double-checking content before it’s posted (edit for errors), forgetting to post and letting days or weeks go without a tweet or post from your business, not creating a social media calendar containing your content strategy and not having measurable goals in place before getting started.

10. How do I use LinkedIn?

While Facebook, Twitter and other social sites boost visibility and awareness, LinkedIn has a unique business focus.

Creating a LinkedIn profile where business professionals and consumers can find details about your work history, talents and skills will build credibility and inspire transparent conversations.

11. How do I manage my time and efforts?

Using tools to help manage your time spent on social will enable you to find balance between using social media to build your online presence and performing other important duties required of you on a daily basis.

A few of my favourite social media management tools that will save you time are:

• Hootsuite
• Buffer
• Sprout Social
• Social Oomph

12. Which social media networks should I spend my time on?

Social media marketing has revolutionized the way we do business, but that doesn’t mean you need to be on every single one of them
. First you need to research your market and determine where your target market spends their time.
If they use Facebook then stick with Facebook until you’ve mastered it.
Then branch out.

 Taking on too many social networks all at once will leave you overwhelmed, frustrated and ready to call it quits long before you see results.

What question about social media do you hear the most? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!

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Paul A Smith

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Google + Start Breaking Down Language Barriers

Google has announced they will implement a translation function into Google+ posts, allowing you to easily translate those which aren’t in your native tongue.

 The same functionality was available via a Chrome extension, but will now be part of the social media service itself.
Googler Ed Chi announced the update via a (where else?) Google+ post, along with the above picture, highlighting the change.

 From his post:

The Google Translate team is always working to make information more accessible to individuals around the world. In Google+ this means bringing people together regardless of their written language, and breaking down language barriers that can limit the exchange of ideas.
Ed Chi

This is another change it what seems to be a rapid-fire acceleration of the Google+ service.

 After announcing 41 changes at I/O, the Google+ team went on to revamp the Android app a few times.

This was all congruent to the overhaul for photos, bringing a bevy of changes like autoawesome and the touching up of pictures.

The translation function will be rolling out incrementally, so look for it in your stream.

*Have you had the chance to use it yet?


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Paul A Smith

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What is the purpose of all the marketing and advertising you do?

 If you’re in business to earn money, as we all are, the answer to that question better be “to generate leads and make sales.”

 In order to do that, you must be able to convince people to take action in some way. 

The call-to-action, or CTA, is the technique you use to get someone to do something.

Your Marketing Efforts Should Be Focused Around  A Great Call-To-Action!

The call-to-action is your opportunity to drive traffic to your website, get people to subscribe to your newsletter, sell a product or service, or move someone to do anything that helps accomplish your business goals. 

An effective CTA is one of the most important tools you will use for lead generation and sales conversions. 

Every form of marketing and advertising you do should include a call-to-action. The purchasing process often involves several steps. 

Your website, ads, social media updates, e-mails, videos, etc. should all include a CTA that encourages people to take the next step.

Here are a few awesome tips for creating a call-to-action that will help you motivate people to act and turn browsers into buyers one step at a time.

1. Create Desire.

Convincing people they want or need what you are offering is one of the best ways to get them to take action. 

Think about who your potential customers are and what they want to achieve, a problem they want to solve, or how what you’re offering can make their lives easier.

Present them with a product or service and explain how it helps them get what they want, or solves their problem.

 Before a person will take action they have to recognize how they will benefit by doing so. 

Make sure people realize how your offer will help them or improve their situation and encourage them to take the next step toward that goal.

 As an example, let’s dissect one of my highest converting advertisements.

> Who are my potential customers (target market?) -  I’m targeting moms with this ad, more specifically, moms with traditional jobs.

> What are some common desires people in my target market have? – Many moms would enjoy spending more time with their children.

> How does my offer make life easier for my target market? – It allows them the freedom of working from home.

> Does my offer solve any problems common to a new opportunity? – There are no costly products to stock.

> Time for the call-to-action. – You’ve explained the benefits and created desire, now encourage them to take the next step. In this case, the next step is to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

2. Give Instructions.

People have a tendency to follow directions, so clearly tell them what it is you want them to do.

 Don’t assume that people already know what action you expect them to take, because often they don’t. 

Specifically tell visitors what they’re supposed to do and, chances are, they will.

Here are some simple call-to-action examples.

> Compare prices here!

> Call now for a free quote!

> Make a donation today!

> Start your free trial now!

> Subscribe to free updates!

> Like us on Facebook!

3. Sweeten The Deal.

Incentives are a great way to convince people to act on your offer. People are far more likely to complete your CTA if they get something of value by doing so. Entice people with  things like free shipping, free gifts, discounts, e-books, downloads, etc.

4. Create A Sense Of Urgency.

You want people to act on your offer quickly. 

People get excited about a great deal, and they don’t like to pass up a chance to receive added value. 

If you can convince them that they are better off acting immediately, then you have a better chance of them completing your call-to-action. 

Use phrases that make people feel they will somehow miss out if they don’t take action right away.

These call-to-action types can be used anytime, but are especially powerful during the holiday season.

> Order now and receive your item by Christmas, GUARANTEED!

> Act now! Offer available Black Friday only!

> Cyber Monday special, 1 day only! Register now to receive your free gift!

5. K.I.S.S.

Keep It Short & Simple!! Competition in marketing and advertising is fierce. 

You have a very limited amount of time to capture a person’s attention. 

You want to keep your call-to-action short, (a good guideline to follow is 150 characters or less) while still providing enough information about your offer. People are generally in a hurry and may ignore your CTA if it will take them too long to read or act upon.

The same rules apply to any forms associated with your CTA. 

If you’re trying to get someone to opt-in to your e-mail list, for example, keep your form short. 

Only ask for the essential information. 

 People are less likely to fill out a long, complicated form.

Prospects don’t want to have to work hard to purchase your product. 

The easier you can make the purchasing process, the more success you will have.  Keeping your call-to-action simple and making it easy to complete will dramatically increase your conversion rate.

  

About The Author

Michael is an internet marketing strategist, specializing in inbound marketing. He is the founder of Classic Marketing Strategy, a website dedicated to helping entrepreneurs thrive in a crazy online world. You can find Michael on Twitter @IAmTeamClassic

See You On The Beaches Of The World.............................

Paul A Smith

Work With Me


PS:Don't give up your current business opportunity. The Team Building Project IS AN ADDITION, NOT A REPLACEMENT! Come see why over 36,000 network marketers worldwide have joined, absolutely FREE! http://www.TeamBuildingProject.com/44079

MyFunLiFE The Big Picture!

When people first join MyFunLIFE  they are very excited about the concept of building multiple global income streams, and more important, being part of a global team of people working together to achieve long-term financial success.

Once the excitement of all the great possibilities of building a network marketing business of your own wears off, then it is time to really get educated about what success in this business really means, and really takes. It takes a driving desire and an education and while it is simple, it is not as easy as most new people trying to recruit you make it sound.

The time you invest in the Team Building will pay off for you in the future. It is not something that will pay you like a paycheck will. In other words, we cannot take a look back after the first month in business and make a decision right then based on how much we have spent in time and money, and how much we have earned in profit. Right now it seems like it is just effort going out and no money coming in.

How many months does it take to sell a house after listing it? How long does it take a book writer to get published and get their books on the shelf after it is written? Success in a network marketing career means moving beyond the employee mindset of expecting a paycheck at the end of the week based on hours contributed. That is not how it works.

Take wine for example. We take it for granted that we can walk into any store and buy a bottle of wine from all parts of the world, but it did not grow on the store shelf. Someone took the time to learn about growing grapes, preparing the soil and picking the right varieties for the local climate, then tending to the plants for three to seven years before they ever had a single grape. In addition, they had to learn to bottle and age it. Becoming a successful wine maker is a process and takes time!

Successful network marketing or multi-level marketing is similar to growing grapes. People need to take some time to understand they are investing in their future. They need to nurture not only themselves, but also others. Much like a grape-vine growing needs constant attention and care, someone looking to build a network marketing business need to learn, tend to and cultivate their MLM business daily for a reward in the future.

If you are just starting out in MyFunLIFE and have just planted some seeds by talking to some friends and family about the exciting opportunity that you are part of and think that once they sign up your money troubles are over, think again. Just like plants, people need to be nourished too. Some will understand immediately, and some will take more time. Patience is just as important to the health of your business as growing it is, in fact, it is part of growing a successful MLM business. It keeps the rest of your business healthy.

You possess everything inside of you already that you need to be successful. Discover the deep seated reasons why you need to achieve financial success, commit to learning what successful business builders do and commit to taking action.

See You On The Beaches Of The World.............................

Paul A Smith

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PS:You Don't have give up your current business opportunity.The Team Building Project IS AN ADDITION, NOT A REPLACEMENT Come see why over 36,000 network marketers worldwide have joined, absolutely FREE!

10 Surefire Ways To Keep Yourself Motivated

 

When you work from your home, it can be difficult to keep up the energy necessary to keep on doing what you need to accomplish. 

You may be all too aware of your comfortable bed beckoning to you from the next room, or develop a sudden urge to clean your house.

 How do you keep your motivation up and keep on going, without your working at home experience turning into a misery

 1. Schedule structured breaks.  

After you complete a task or set of tasks that has taken an hour or two, go ahead and go do the dishes or start a load of laundry. 

You will get up and get your blood pumping a little harder, and feel as though you've accomplished something around the house as well.

 If you make this into an efficient routine, you'll feel like a dynamo! 

2. Pump up the jams

Turn on your favorite music and let it wake up those brain cells and get your feet tapping. 

One of the advantages of working at home is that you don't have to worry about what your coworkers might think about your choice of music or the volume at which you listen to it.

3. Open the doors to your house and let the fresh air and sunshine in. 

This is another advantage that you have. 

Since you don't have to work in a stuffy office with florescent lighting, why pretend that you do? Make your environment pleasant, and let breezes and sunlight lift your mood and boost your productivity. 

4. Work Outdoors

If you have wireless internet, and working on the computer is part of your job, purchase a laptop computer and take your office outside altogether. 

There is nothing like working at a table with a big umbrella outdoors. 

Take your phone with you. Put on some sunscreen.

 Be careful not to tell too many people about your office arrangement, because they will be jealous! 

5. Give yourself rewards

Give yourself rewards for staying focused for specific amounts of time.

 For example, after you have completed a couple of hours of work, go and make yourself a tall glass of iced tea and sit down on the couch for five minutes, away from the computer or your workshop. 

6.  Call Some Friends

 Since working from your home can be very isolating, make sure that you keep up with your friends. 

You have the ultimate in scheduling flexibility. 

Call up some of your friends who work in offices and ask them to lunch. 

You don't have to worry about when you lunch break is, so you can gladly accommodate their needs. 

Focusing on the perks that you gain from working at home can be very rewarding. You may also want to join a professional organization so that you continue to meet new people and make new friends and contacts. 

7. Take your work away for a while

Take your work away from home for a while, if possible

. If you use a mobile phone and a laptop, the world can be your office.

 Go to a local coffee shop with WiFi and sip a latte while you are working.

 Feel how very cosmopolitan you are. 

This also gives you a reason to wash and style your hair in the morning. 

8. Share your goals

Tell your spouse or a close friend about the goals that you are setting for yourself each day.

 Then you can report back to them that you met or exceeded them. 

If they are supportive folks, you'll get some of those pats on the back that we all love to have every now and then. 

9. Don't be a bad boss. 

Give yourself a break when you need it.

 Don't work through the weekend just because you can. 

Don't sit in bed with your laptop working on layouts or reports late into the night just because the work is there. 

Follow a normal routine and you'll feel fresh to work again the next day. 

Don't forget to schedule an occasional long weekend and vacations if you are self-employed. 

10. Keep track of your accomplishments.  

Chances are, few others will, so it will be primarily up to you to self-evaluate and give yourself good feedback for a job well done. 

Think about giving yourself long-term rewards. 

Just as employees might receive an employee of the month reward at a conventional job, you should give yourself the same opportunity. 

Set goals for the week, month and year, and reward yourself accordingly for accomplishing them. 

For example, go to a nice restaurant at the end of a productive week.

 Treat yourself to a pedicure or custom car detailing after a month of meeting goals. 

After a year, go on vacation for a week or two. 

If you take good care of yourself, and set the appropriate boundaries between your work life and your home life,

 it will be easy to remain motivated.

 Also, focusing on the benefits of working at home helps as well. 

Be sure to utilize those benefits and not shut yourself up in a closet-like office for most of the day. 

Enjoy the sun, the long lunches, the mobility and flexibility that working at home can offer. 

What more can you ask for?

See You On The Beaches Of The World.............................

Paul A Smith

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