So as to not replicate the plethora of blog posts covering social media predictions for 2012, I thought it would be worth listing the ten areas I’d like to see develop within the social media and digital comms industry over the next twelve months. In no particular order….
1. Twitter to be able to offer UK case studies for their advertising packages. To date the offering looks unsophisticated with limited results for brands outside of the entertainment industry
2. Brands to get a lot smarter with integrating their above-the-line and social strategies. What really …

Having been a little negative in the past about Facebook’s platform developments (some publicised, others, of course not), I have to say, things have really been hotting up over the past few week with a raft of new changes being introduced. Some of these changes have been in reaction (never a great place to be) to Google +’s introduction a few months back –  easier filtering of friends into specific categories (called ‘lists’) and targeting of messages.  Others, however are really starting to show the integral nature of Facebook’s ‘open …

Over 1 million UK users already for Google+ and despite not personally having huge social circles that really help demonstrate the correlation on everyday search results, the potential impact is still pretty staggering.  Already by optimizing your profile on Google+, as an individual, your digital footprint can be easily identified by Google. Recommended pages are increasingly visible, tailoring a search that is specific to you. Once those in your circles make the most of their accounts and Sparks are less US focused, then Google becomes less of a search engine …

Having been recruiting for various social media roles over the past couple of months I find it incredible the CV is still considered a credible descriptor of a person’s employment history. No more! I refuse to look at these pieces of paper which are crying out for a role in digital comms and yet show no passion for the medium these candidates want to work in day in, day out. No URL’s – nothing, just an email address.  So, to the humble Google search, then LinkedIn…Twitter. Ok obvious but it …

After revelations that Yell.com were ‘faking’ 1 in 8 of reviews on their review platform Trusted Places by incentivising staff to write them, it got me thinking about the importance of review sites and how users really rely on them to make informed decisions. The question is, when it comes to review sites have we ever really taken some stranger’s opinion as gospel – the answer is no. Whether it’s an online publication who is reviewing a product as part of a PR process or if it’s a review left …

Will I be using the new Facebook Messages – well of course (but I caveat that with the latter part of my post). To have all social comms centrally held in one place is without doubt very compelling – to be able to send SMS via Facebook could be useful, attaching external docs – yep that’s something I would use considering I’m planning a wedding. I use Facebook more than any other channel to communicate to my core group of friends so I can only see this as a positive …

Building on my last blog post the Social Media Policy – not just for the big players I felt it was worth sharing some pointers on what should be included if you are drafting this document on behalf of your business or client.
Not one for the bottom drawer
Remember that you want your policy to empower the reader to embrace social media rather than scare them off. This means ensuring that there is no complicated, technical jargon (if this needs to be included then make sure there is a glossary …

Don’t create channels of communication for the sake of it – it’s a drain on time and energy. It amazes me that some businesses and organisations still take the ‘we must be everywhere’ approach when this can actually lead them to be less efficient whilst building a confusing digital footprint. Think about how your audience uses different social networks and then decide whether, and in what way, you can really add value by being in those spaces.
Some things to think about:
Facebook as a newsfeed..?

If your intention is not to engage …

With Facebook Places now officially launched, sign ups to Foursquare have apparently increased due to the huge amount of comparison articles which have been published (no such thing as bad PR right?).  I couldn’t help noticing the influx of check-ins and questions on Twitter from individuals wanting to know whether they should sign up, all within 24 hours of Facebook’s announcement.  Until ‘Places’ actually kicks off in the UK, who knows what the backlash will be in terms of privacy, but I suspect this could be huge. This is because …

With 3.2 million UK users and a market value of over $2 billion, LinkedIn is no longer just a fishing pool for recruitment agencies and head-hunters. It is now a viable business networking and resource tools which works most effectively with the more connections you have. So, start connecting and make the most out of all the new functionalities which are available (new apps, group features, plug-ins).
Growing your network
Think about who you may have worked for in the past and who you have everyday contact with. The Outlook toolbar add …